The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-03-13
AN ABRUPT PROPOSAL
By MARY D. ARNOT1.

pink candle light aid the warmth of
friendship. Laughter mingled with the
clink OF punch cups as the twelve
guests arose TO toast their genial hos
tess. and TO wish her bon voyage on
her prospective trip to the continent
There was a tremor in her voice as
Mrs. homas responded to the kindly
wishes of her guests Honeymoon
House had in turn ha,bored four of
the couples during the rmbarkation
onto the sea of matrinluly. Being
childless herself Mrs. Smith Xxx es.
pecial interest in young peopie who
were making their own way in life.
James Sutcliffe arose. ITO the next
couple who occupy Honeymoon
House!" he said.
There was hearty response and a
burst of merriment as all eyes cen
tered on the speaker. Out of the laugh
ter the hosts voice arose.
It's up to you and Reta-you are
the only eligibles for the position,
he toasted with eyes that embraced a
discounted couple.
A blank look came into Reta RI.
lots face a. she glanced at Mr
Thomas.
you know very we'll, Ted. that
Jimmy Sutcliffe and are far too busy
in our individual pursuits to entertain
the thought of matrimony." She
smiled half wistfully at big Jim. "You
see, Jim's pleasure and mine. in
Honeymoon House. preceded that OF
any Of you. An interior decorator ard
an architect are apt to look upon tho
output Of their brains as something
ir finitely beautiful. Jim and | love
every nook and Granny in this house.
but 1t is not Il 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 10
=, ,, =, >,
money ''iooh iiou''' She sald'
Mis' ihoi''aa COM i'n'd "',lout
a"'i'''s 'n' p'o''f'" "hich en- hHe"
were on every ~,
y - ''iF' ne iirS' coul'"
70 i'a''H % 'oI ZIP aoroiu Is 20
i'd'o A. 'ol d '''''i'is present
"What??" exc ,ilGp! Satellite. "You
are So'iE 20 A.' II away
NlS' Hoiii h''@#.'d'
f"T L''!" dch"u R'ta.
ne noses At4s'9 more enlphali-
eAllV.
res 20 t'l 52a the truth 1@
bit urea o. i5'fAe}ing INTO NJ"
mountains 'f' nave DECD
20 70 ElVe " =" s.se oi my m, LOS
Nilo VIII apFt'tii'f u h"a0'|' @"I
MO WIZ ''''' E'"s. @df' - IL. h''"
A. i'aS' 'Ar'e r w. tenants. 'ry
WI ne d"'h' ~ 'Hii'' = 'n' o"'f
IN oN,nu. a,pea I'll upou the
group Hone moon House he'd mem.
olos of many happy Yesterdays that
were TO be no part ct the tumorrows.
CncOnsriouSll Rei1 and jim had
sought each others eyes look OF
pain drew them into closer under
standing
'Reta and ! are responsible for all
its beauty" thought Jim.
1T IL ours" thought Rcta. and q
tear felt strangely near her lashes,
Edith Thomas has no right to give
it away" She cast a rcsentful glance
ut her hostess.
Mrs. Thomas caught the glance and
it's meaning. She laughingly retorted:
Il know what is in your mind, Reta,
but you have as good chance Of win
ming the houy. as anyone"
Reta's voice vas not altogether
steady as she answered: That
wouldn't do Jimmy any good. and he
loves the house rs much as | do
The hosts Voice, half laughing and
half earnest, Joined the discussion.
Under the trying circumstances
why not make this a marriage OF con.
,enicnce The house is fortunately.
of rambling temperament. Jim
might occupy The east ramhlc and
Reta the west. Also the room intend.