The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-01-04
(ynthia's
\/harm
By Maria A. Crawford
By Maria A. Crawford
Isis it really youo,"

1S-lS IL really you.
Cynthia was taken off her guard,
She found herself stammering like a
school girl at her unexpected encoun-
ter with Tom ThOrne. 1t is not an
easy task, even for woman of the
world. to receive graciOuSly a man
who has failed to return her love.
Three years before, at her coming0ut
party. young as she was, she had sud
denly realized that Thorne himself
and his indifferently bestowed atten.
tons meant more to her than anybody
or anything else in her life. Stimuli
taneOusly with her knowledge of con
ditions had come his announced de-
termination to travel for several years.
He had worked hard for long time
he told her in his thoroughly imper
soma way when he had asked her to
sit out a dance and he had decided TO
play for while. There were certain
conditions-he had said-which made
long trip imperative.
Il daresay," he had laughed as he
told her goodbye. that | shall run
across you on your honeymoon some
where in Europe. | WISH" he had
added seriously, that something
would fire your ambition. Cynthia.
have watched you since you we're a
little girl and your mental calibre is
too fine to be wasted In an ordinary
life. talking and dancing with these
little fellows who caper to the sound
Of society's music. Goodbye and good
luck to you!"
A few months later when her father
died, a note had reached her from
Thorne, dated in Egypt. assuring her
of his sympathy for her and Of his
sense OF personal loss. When her af
fairs had been adjusted she went
abroad for two years and then, return
ing home and finding the weather Sc
we're. sh, decided to spend the winter
with party of friends in The south
A few days after her arrival on ac
cepting an invitation to dinner. he
was surprised to find Thornc there.
Cynthia" he had echoed, lis il
really you? What long, long time
since ! went to your party to offe1
my homage at the court of new
queen! Life has certainly been gen
erOus to you" he said. noting her ma
ture beauty.
"Oh no." she Interrupted. Life tool
all had two years ago"
you have never married then!"
Cynthia saw a sudden light In bill
dark eyes as he bent almost eagerl!
toward her.
NO." she answered quietly. Thel
dinner was announced.
Before the dinner was over Thorn
reflected that Cynthia had made tn
most Of her Possibilities. He had new
Or heard . woman talk 20 entertain
ingly. She easily dominated the con
versation: in quiet unassuming way
she tactfully steered the talk int
interesting hAnnels-art-curren
events-travel and matters OF genera
interest. The men. he knew. we're sc
cretly thankful that for once they hal
not been forced to discuss or to I'D
ton to gossip and to the small tall
that Il too prevalent Cynthia was {
type Of the possible new woman. pro
gressivs without svffragette tenden
cies. She was wholesome. she wa
sane. she was sincere.
Thorne became conscious Of the fac
that . woman was questioning him.
You have known Cynthia Wayn'
for = long time. haven't you!" sh,
asked curiously.
"Yes. ever since she was . littl'
girl In short dresses"
How interesting! It's funny hov
she has remained single when Ill tn
men 60 mad over her. I suppos
abe sat on your knee and showed 70,
her dolls In those old days!" question
I'd the woman archly. You reall,
look awfully young to have been cas-
in the elder brother role to Z beauty,
went on the facetious one not grant
Ing him time to answer.
Cynthia" called his loQuaciou
nelghbor. Il bet Mr.. Thorns was Il
love with you. Thats why hs wen
abroad for several years. He admit
that he assumed IN elderly attitud,
too soon to awaken your ssntimsnta
love-"
The woman laughed shrflly an,
Thorne, seeing Cynthia's face grov
white, felt . savage desire to chok,
the woman Of too many words.
NO." Cynthia's eyes rested On hi
for q second. II really wish that b,
had been in love with me-"
Something gripped at the man
heart and . clamorous. primitive In
pulse to take his own In the face o
every odd made his retort quick an,
intense.
1t isn't too late yet, is 1t. Cynthia:
He found himself little later wall
ing in tho rose garden with the gir1
A soft yellow moon hung in the south
ern sky and lighted up the fragran
paths, sweet with flowers and tn
breath of magnolias. A nightingale