The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-12-01

'ly Of gould order efficI gown today as
s--.. /" she refec.ed bitterly. But
there might be complications. I'll
wait. Brill may change his mind by
night If not-well, Jeans dressmaker
would trust me-"
This idea was SO comforting, withal
SO stimulating, that Roses mood
changed She grew suddenly light
hearted. gay, and feverishly restless.
Her little apartment seemed too con-
filming to her; so, late in the after
noon, she ran in to call on her neigh
Dor, young matron who was absurd
ly devoted to year old daughter.
This wee parsonage proved such a
diversion that the clock struck six
before the visitor was aware of the
hour
And not thing ready for dinner!"
said Rose in alarm. And here comes
Mr.. Hessler-oh! he mustn't see me-"
She slipped behind the portiere of
the reception room as the key turned
in the lock and the master Of the
house entered. She heard his hearty
greeting as he walked into the living
room at the other end of the hall. It
was her intention to step out instant
ly; but the fringed edge of the por-
there had caught upon button on
her sleeve and detained her.
Excitement down town." she heard
Mr.. Hessler saying. Another cashier
gone wrong | was surprised! Yes,
they arrested him-caught him with
the goods-Brownell Mack company"
"Why-thats where" began Mrs.
Hessler.
Her husband interrupted. Sure! |
wonder II the little woman next door
knows yet"
Rose had stumbled over the thresh-
old of he apartment half fainting.
Brill was Brownell Mack company's
cashier! Her first impulse had been
to rush back and ask Mr.. Hessler If he
knew what he was saying-to demand
more information. Then she had crept
away like a stricken creature, trying
to realize the horror Of the situation.
Brill had been caught
with the goods" Like a lightning
flash came the recollection of her
words to him that morning: You
can beg, borrow, or steal the money
y must have it," 1t was her own
1t. She had driven Brill into crime.
I'D the law had claimed him.
Up and down the spaces of her lone
ly apartment Rose paced, wringing her
hands in impotent misery. At tim
she told herself it could not be tn
then the sickening certainty gripl
her. Brill had not appeared; the Grh,
ner hour had passed; no word b, :
been sent to her. At last, in ne,
GUS panic, she put on her hat y
hurried down town. She must XII. ~
the worst. ~, ..,j,x 'M
AS she stumbled up the stef0 SCI
Brownell Mack company's officeso mi
saw that there were lights burnes,
within. and men moving about. .niz,
official stopped her at the gate. SINS
had never been there before and 81 a,
was unknown.
rs Mr.. Sibert here-yet?" she
asked family. Then, scarcely know
ing what she was doing, she pushed
her way into the office. A mans face
peered at her from behind little
wicket gate. and voice called her
name.
Rose! What are you doing heref"
Her husband was walking toward
her; and, with low cry, Rose flung
herself into his arms and chung to
him, shaking convulsively.
Brill! Brill, what have you done!
l heard-oh, they shant take you
away! It's all my fault"
Rose, Rose, be quiet. I'm all
right | telephoned to the drug store.
Didn't you get my message?'
Gained her She swayed back, and re-
garded him with beseeching eyes.
Isn't it true. Bill?" she whis-
pered. aware now Of the presence of
others. Wasn't it you? l didn't get |
any word; but | heard thought
wasn't somebody arrested? The |
CASHIER
Yes. But-why, you poor girl!
Don't you know I'm only the assistant
cashier here? Oh, Rose!"
Their glances met, and Rose looked
away flushing deeply. Brill patted
her hand tenderly. He had read her
mind as if it had been an open book.
Sit down a minute, and I'll 60 home
with you," he said. Il only stayed to
look over the books. I'll tell you all
about 1t later"
Rose watched him in a fascinated
way as he moved to and fro amid the
unfamiliar Surroundings. She felt as
II they both had just passed close to
some terrible danger The sense of
shame that mingled with her relief
made her very humble.
She chung to her husbands arm 40
they walked up the darkened street
ITS been an awful day for me.