The Lakeland evening telegram., 1913-03-07
LITTLE SUMNER AFFAIR
ey ADELE JOHNSON.

DO Won mean 10 tell me, Gertrula.
,hat you d not care for me? That
,cu lla,c letn triiiing."
"Y,s. ii yon want 10 put it that wa.
,Tr Horny croydon. II was purely 4
lft!c summer affair. supposed yoa
understood the game. Now that tie
season is ended. it's called off. | thil k
there's lots of pleasure in such littla
affairs don't you? I'm going back 10
my dear old noisy city. Really. I'm
tired Of the quiet of the country.
These hills seem to stifie me. I'm off
for the world of light and music, the
theater and good times. Three cheers
for Broadway
Gertrude, you are trying to tease
me. Come. dear. If I know anything
about girls. you do love me. You
have given me every reason to think
SO. Why, just last week you told me
you loved these hills: that you hated
the restless life; that you had found
your real self here that you had felt
a peace Of soul and happiness that
were past understanding.
Yes, yes, but-but girl has
right to change her mind. And as
for your understanding girls-ha! ha'
my dear friend. you may know your
country product, but not US of the
city. I'm in earnest. Henry. I'm a
creature Of moods. ! crave adven-
ture. excitement, travel-oh, every
thing! The stir and hustle appeal to
me now. My home is calling. calling
for me. Come drink to my health.
All, you must go? Goodby. Mr.. Croy-
den. Come, shake hands"
Excuse me. Miss Arlington. I've
washed my hands. You are q cruel
woman, Gertrude Arlington. cannot
believe such as you are the handiworh
of God. You and all your clan should
20 through life labeled Poison Good
evening"
When Gertrude recovered her senses
she gasped. "Oh, that he should
think of me in that way, who love.
love him. l. who would consider it
the greatest privilege to share his
life, to do the most mcnial work for
him; the only man have ever loved.
But | had to force him to think mo
hard and cruel or he would never
have gone back to her Her! What
Is she to me? Why should l let her
ruin my happiness?
She drew from her pocket the letter
she had received that morning, the
contents OF which had caused her .
struggle:
"My Dear Miss Arlington:
81 trust you will pardon me for writ.
ing to you. almost perfect stranger
to me. Six times have written to
you, only to destroy the letters and
dcspise myself. | have heard that
you are as good and kind as you are
beautiful. and feel sure you will
understand
Henry Croydcn and | were school
mates and childhood lovers. He has
been attentive to me all these years.
Indeed, our friends considered us en-.
gagged. although no formal declaration
had been made love him, and I
think l could make him happy. He
has been the only bright spot In my
otherwise colorless life. was sure
Of his love until you came to spend
the summer in our village. Before
that was the only girl he cared for.
miss Arlington, you have money
and friends. You are young and at
tractive l am an orphan, to whom
the prospects of a home means
heaven. Perhaps should be silent
and give no sign Of the pain within
me. That is considered a woman's
duty. fear | am weak-weak. l
hope you may never suffer what !
have during this summer Oh, can
you understand Yours sincerely.
MARY GOODWIN"
Gertrude Arlington slowly tore the
letter to shreds. A beautiful smile
lighted her face. AS she went to her
room to pack her trunks she mur.
INJURED, Yes, Mary Goodwin, under.
stand"