The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-04-11
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.ss..i -. JEl.iE HUE
BY FLORA DELL.

Agnes Martin stood looking at q
dainty waist displayed on a form in
the shop WINDOW. IL was dainty and
fine. and with the delicate fold of the
blue silk at the throat appeared to her
I'll. perfection of workmanship. She
could only spare a few minutes; the
big clock affixed to a pole at the curb.
stone told her that in fifteen minutes
she would be expected to report for
duty. and take up her work as a tiny
cog In the wheel Of the enormous ma.
chinery in the printing establishment
Of Hoffer & Hoffer.
She took lingering. parting look
and then hurried on; a heavy damp
ness in the air lent depressing effect
and served to add to the low ebb Of
her spirits. II she could only have q
pretty waist once and dress up like
other girls! A sign at nearby thea
ter caught her eye. but without think,
ing further Of forbidden pleasures, she
hurried on to her destination. Remov.
ing her wraps in the stuffy dressing
room. she moved quickly to her place
at the machinery. where each day. in
tiresome m0nOt0ny, she contributed
her small portion Of the making Of q
big magazine.
Four o'clock came and Agnes
paused few moments to brush the
damp hair from her forehead and re.
lax from her strained position. Just
then the head of the department
called to her: Agnes Martin. some
one wants to speak to you down
stairs
Who could it be? Smoothing out her
plain but clean shirtwaist, she hurried
down.
Hello. Cousin Agnes"
It was big Cousin Bob from the
west: she had not seen him for i've
years-had almost forgotten she had
a cousin it was as though he had
dropped from the clouds.
We'll, little girl. you haven't forgot.
ten me. have you? have persuaded
them to let you off; get your hat and
we will have supper somewhere down.
town together"
Agnes hurried. after an embarrassed
expression OF thanks her heart beat.
ing high with the unexpected pleasure.
and she soon returned dressed for the
street. Her suit was plain and neat,
but inexpensive. He gave her q
sweeping, critical glance a. they
passed out.
Cant we go to the theater some
where after supper? You could phone
home-I mean to the boarding house,"
he stammered. remembering that she
had been an orphan for several years.
"Oh, Bob. I couldn't 60 this way"
she faltered. looking down at her plain
clothes.
We'll, there Is no need to-arenv
there any stores?"
Her heart began to thump painfully
they were very near the store where
she had admired the pretty waist. He
halted before the window. This looks
rather nice; let's 60 In here" he said.
Trembling, but happily expectant
she followed him.
"Show 10 some waists" he said To
the saleslady, something really fancy,
like that one In the window"
Agnes grew alternately hot and cold
a. q duplicate Of the coveted waist
was spread before her and proved to
be just her size.
Nov, you want some white gloves
and some kind Of q pretty hat" She
could not help smiling at his keen
sense Of fitness.
Finally. the purchases made to his
satisfaction, he hurried her off to the
rest room to prepare for the evenings
frolic.
Agnes hurried away. Dear old Bob!
So he had never forgotten his little
cousin and had come back like real
fairy price.
When she reappeared. her admirins
cousin gave a long. low whistle.
We'll. well. Agnes, you certainly do
look charming"
She smiled happily.
And now for some supper and .
good show"
They entered brilliantly lighted
cafe. It was Agnes first experience.
II seemed like a wonderful enchanted
palace. The excitement brought rich
color to her cheeks and sparkle to
her eyes. He talked on and on. 10
the happy whirl of her excitement. she
gathered that he had been quite sue
cessful-was going TO locate in the
east-in fact. this yas just the begin
ming of their good times together.
The orchestra started TO play
soft. sweet melody at tue further end
of the room Agnes smiled amuscdly
and the bri,h, lisat In h. eyes deep
ened. 1t was playing * .cn Dreams
Come True"
III