The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-05-03
an ABRUPT PROPOSAL
By MARY 0. kRNoTT.

Honeymoon House was aslow with
pink candle light and the warmth OF
friendship. Laughter mingled with the
clink of punch cups as the Twelve
guests arose to toast their genial nos
tess, and to wish her bon voyage on
her prospective trip to the continent.
There was a tremor in her voice as
Mrs. Thomas responded to the kindly
wishes Of her guests. Honeymoon
House had in turn harbored four OF
the couples during the embarkation
onto the sea of matrimony. Being
childless herself Mrs. Smith took es'
pecial interest in young people who
were making their own way in life.
James Sutcliffe arose. ITO the next
couple who occupy Honeymoon
Housed" he said.
There was hearty response and
burst of merriment as all eyes CEN
tered on the speaker. Out of the laugh
ter the hosts voice arose.
Its Up to you and Reta-you are
tho only eligibles for the position"
he toasted with eyes that embraced q
discounted couple.
A blank look came into Reta FL
iiot's face as she glanced at Mr.
Thomas.
"You know very well. Ted. that
Jimmy Sutcliffe and l are far too busy
in our individual pursuits to entertain
the thought of matrimony." She
smiled half wistfully at big Jim. "Ycu
see, Jlm's pleasure and mine. In
Honeymoon House, preceded that Of
any Of you. An interior decorator and
an architect are apt to look upon the
output Of their brains as something
Infinitely beautiful. Jim and l love
every nook and Granny in this house,
bit 1t is not necessity that we mar
ry-in order to enjoy It."
A shadow fitted into the eyes Of
the hostess.
II am sorry, In view Of your fond
ness for the place, to tell you that
this may be your farewell visit to
Honeymoon House." she said.
! Mrs. Thomas continued without
awaiting the protests which she knew
were on every lip.
"Yes-it is a fact. The first couple
to marry before my trip abroad is to
have It for q wedding present"
"What?" exclaimed Sutcliffe. "You
are going to give 1t away?"
Mrs. Thomas nodded.
"For keeps?" questioned Reta.
The hostess nodded more emphati.
cally.
Eyes. To tell yon the TRUTH am
q bit tired of journeying into the
mountains every year. ! have decid'
ed to give it to some of my friends
who will appreciate its beauty. and
! who will take good care Of It. know
at least three possible tenants. They
will no doubt all Jump at the offer"
An ominous silence fell upon the
group. Honeymoon House held mem
cries Of many happy yesterdays that
were to be no part Of the tomorrows
Unconsciously, Reta and Jim had
sought each others eyes. A look Of
pain drew them into closer under
standing.
"Reta and I are responsible for al
Ito beauty" thought Jim.
TT Is ours" thought Reta, and q
I tear felt strangely near her lashes
Edith Thomas has no right to give
It away" She cast a resentful glance
at her hostess.
, Mrs. Thomas caught the glance ant
Ito meaning. She laughingly retorted;
! II know what Is in your mind. Reta
, but you have as good chance Of win
! ming the house as anyone"
Reta's voice was not altogether
. steady as she answered.: "Tha
: wouldn't do Jimmy any good, and hi
loves the house as much as do"
The hosts voice. half laughing ant
4 half earnest, Joined the discussion.
} Under the trying circumstances
T. why not make this a marriage Of con
q venience. The house is. fortunately
J. Of rambling temperament jim
: might occupy the east ramble ant
: Reta the west Also the room intend
I ed for nursery could be converte,
t into q second dining-room. That H.,
Q he continued in raillery. "providinl
4 you cannot agree to dine together"
D "Ted!" admonished Mrs. Thomas
Cant you see that you are embar
p RAISING our guests?"
o From out the merriment Jim's voic
finally found itself. No one observe,
the strained muscles about his moutl
nor the hardness Of his tone as he ad
dressed Reta.
. "Well-Reta-how does Ted's ide
|" |" strike you?"
:" A breathless silence followed Jim
abrupt proposal. A stirring Of syn
patty swept over the feminine eli
ment
!. Reta cast an indignant glance q
!, Jim. Rising swiftly she left the roof
]. without backward s,ance.
: The hosts face fell as he watche
= the retreating figure. He turne