The Lakeland evening telegram., 1913-02-12


"oh, joy!s she said Hear the
news! haven't been working for
nothing I'm head Of the glove de-
partment, if you please eighteen a
week for two months, ana after khat
twenty Give lis kiss, Popsy-
wopsy!"
Everybody rejolced properly. but
somehow Ford felt sober. she did
not need him- or anybody she earn
ed nearly as much as he 1t gave him
a sense Of failure, his courage fell.
1T would have helped to talk the thing
out-but that was not Ford Hudson's
way-it accounted for his half-morbid
ideas about marriage and other
things.
In day or two really breathless
thing happened, and was spread
.recklessly over the front page Of the
evening paper news being very scarce.
Under romantic circumstances an old
relative of Frank Barker's had left
him some money-a great deal Of
money for young. mechanic more
than would be good for most men Of
his makeup. Ford saw the paper
downtown, and was generously glad
Of the other mans luck. And then he
remembered Evie OF course now
would marry Evie; he could give her
everything. Ford tried to be glad for
Evie, but he walked home slowly, and
entered his own gate, bit quiet and
depressed. Up the walk to the Jordan
cottage Frank Barker was springing
with a joyful step. Ford heard Evie's
voice welcoming him at the door, and
went into his empty house; he sat
alone until it grew quite dark, and
then went early to bed. It was Sat
urday, and he could sleep as late as.
he pleased
He awakened late Sunday morning,
and rose listlessly He was ashamed
Of his weakness. He had determined
on course and must take 1t Without
regret. Besides, even If he had wooed
Eyie with all his will, probably she
would not have had him. 1t was Ger,
tainly too late now Frank BarkeTs
very step the night before had told
him that Ford got his own break
fast put the dishes aside for Mrs
Peters. and went out into his bit OF.
dowergarden which he kept up be-
cause 1t had been hts mothers pride
and because he liked it himself. He
was glad the house was between him
and Ewes home. He pulled q few
weeds from the pansy bed. considered
the grass which needed cutting, and
then sat down under the one maple
tree on the bench. Unthinkingly, he
stopped over, his elbows on his
knees his face resting ii his hands.
He did not see Popsy Jordan's saucy
face look round the corner, and then
disappear II
What is it?" It was Evie's voice,
and he jumped to his feet, to see her.
before him in her little blue cotton
house dress He stared 4 moment,
then reached out his hand. She
laughed.
What for?"
Won't you let me wish you happi-
ness-Evfe?" She gave him a queer,
sober, almost plying lock out Of her
sweet dark eyes.
"Of course-bu just why?-and
why now? Popsy said you were
sick or sorry, or something, and I
came to Sc if" Then Ford said
when he meant not to say.
Il 0ughtn't to be sorry to have you
marry Frank-only-T-I love you
myself-and simply can't stand Il
for you" She laughed a little I'M
steady laugh and held out both her
hands.
"Then-you may wish me happiness
but not with-Frank. Frank ID very
nice, but he isn't" He waited for
her to finish. holding her hands very
close She finished with her eyes
bravely meeting his.
Frank is not-youi" Then he kiss
ed her without delay. and withous
shame, and Popsy saw him. she
pointed a brown forefinger at them.
'Tn tell mother on you!" Frank
laughed happily, and snatched the lit
tie girl by one hand.
no, you won't! I'm going to tell
mother myselfl'
Eyie looked at him blissfully. and
he asked her question.
win you-walt for me?'' she CON
sidered, her eyes aglow.
'Tll wait year-and work while
walt. / won't wait ten years. and
grow old and lonely while you slave
to grow stupid and well-off. | can
earn money to furnish a little house
in year You can buy lot and
build something in a year, don't
care what. so it's-with you!" Popsy
looked at them. her wise little head
on one side. She began to dance
about. clinging to Ford's hand.
"Oh, know | know! You are go
ing to get-married" Frank Barker
came up just In time to hear the
child. His face set a little. as 10
looked inquirngly at Ford Then he
held his hand out manfaly
I ho3fnxva wcw~,+sA