The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-06-30
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS,
EDITHA hAISSESATRAIN
Il FRANK n. MELON.


Editha Loring- Jones, daughter of a
baronet Of England, had guessed,
though snow-bound by hyperconven.
tial chaperone, the love that plain
John Paul-proudly an American
bore her.
It was true that Mrs. Orangeia
Whelpley. the chaperone, relict Of the
late Maj. Whelpley. who had obtained
his final discharge at Calcutta from
the hand Of the worlds greatest com.
mercial general. had been strictly
charged by Miss Editha's father to see
that no upstart Yankee had aught to
do with the young lady's affections.
Young people are meant for young
peoples company. and so Editha's
heart went out to plain John Paul.
Plain? Well. he had won degree
at college, and, as the leading law.
yer Of the little western town Of Open
vale, had been sent to the state sen.
ate, so that many Of his letters were
properly addressed to Hon. John
Paul" But he cared little for titles.
being willing to dispense with even
the ordinary "Mr."
AS even the strictest chaperone
can't make one prisoner, 1t happen
ed on an August day that when John
Paul ran his new 20 horsepower car
to the edge Of the platform of Open.
vale depot, Miss Editha Loring-Jones,
dainty in all the feminine "ixings,"
came with outstretched hand to bid
i him farewell.
Its going to seem mighty lonesome
out here after you're gone" he an
nounced, mournfully. when the first
greeting was over.
AT least, we can say goodbye with
out that horrd Mrs. Whelpley strain.
Ing her ears to catch our last words,
as If one could talk of nothing but
love, love. love-"
why, where is Mrs. Whelpley?"
She's got aboard the train. She's
horribly afraid Of being left, so she's
taken the tickets for both Of us and
secured our seats. I've no doubt she's
III fidgets. but she won't care to leave,
although the train stops here ten min
utes."
Let's sit in the auto while we make
our adieux," John suggested.
Editha complied.
Our time is short" he said, glazing
at his watch. "But n speak hastily,
] have time to tell you something you
may care to hear, though l hardly
dare hope you will"
If l should miss that train" she
interrupted, nervously.
Hang the train" exclaimed the
young lawyer, savagely. Listen to
mel" There was a new note Of COM
mand in his voice, and Editha appear
ed resigned. Like most girls, she ia
vored mastery men.
'In few minutes, Editha, the
train may" May she wondered
be whirling you eastward. Until
you came enjoyed the wild. free life
of my country. | partook Of all Its
pleasures with a Joy that saw no fu.
ture when should love and the girl l
loved should be beyond my possession.
This is changed now. For, Editha."
his voice trembled as only the voice
Of a very strong man can tremble un-
der the suppression of strong emotion
you must know that love you!"
He paused to note the effect of his
words.
"Yes?" she whispered,
He glanced at the frantic face of
Mrs. Whelpley peering from the car
window, Editha could not see 1t. She
did not appear anxious to look in that
direction.
The conductor struck the starting
gong beside the door of the depot res
taurant.
IAN aboard" he cried.
You were about to say?" Editha
asked. eagerly.
That want you to miss that
train!"
Why. what would do! haven't
80 much as penny to my person!"
she exclaimed.
II will take you as you are" he per
sisted. 4 don't want your money!"
"Oh. didn't mean that What
meant was that I've no way Of pro-
viding for myself, II l miss the train."
she explained. with roguish smile.
"Yes. you have" he insisted, stub
bornly.
And that"
"ls to marry mel"
Editha Jumped from the auto with
q low cry Of alarm. The train was al.
ready in motion. and she had an excel
lent view of Mrs. Whelpley, the very
picture of disappointed chaperone.
looking from the rear end OF the last
car.
Editha had missed the train, but
John Paul was at her side. Turning
toward him, she said: We'll. l did
my best!"
And the two rode of In the auto
to solve the problem in the most de-
sirable way.
Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. Coz
They were viewing the animals In