The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-04-11

As FATE HAD DECREED
BY ELLA WARRINGTON DAVIES.


why did you, who seem to be a wo-
man of education, choose such mental
employment as nursing?"
There was sneer under the smooth
tones of Mrs. Orme's voice that made
Julia Dayton bite her lips to keep
| from answering hastily. Finally she
replied quietly: "I.nursed my father
and my mother through serious i'll.
ness. and when necessity arose
chose the career Of q professional
nurse because l believed that I was
we'll fitted for it,
And you chose wisely" said Doc.
tor Orme. who had entered his sister.
in.law's room unannounced.
Miss Dayton made no reply, but
went about her work preparing some
thing for her charges comfort, trying
to appear unconscious that two pair Of
eyes were watching her closely. Mrs.
Orme watched her because she felt
curious. and was beginning to notice
what q charming woman she was.
Doctor Orme watched her for both Of
these reasons, and for the added one
that. while they had fought together
to keep life in the body of his sister.
in.law. a vain. proud woman, he had
become deeply attached to the nurse.
He knew nothing Of her. but could
not doubt that she was good, gener.
Gus, and refined. She never talked
about herself, but conversed on any
other subject with an ease and knowl.
edge which delighted him. Mrs. Orme
was not pleasant woman to nurse:
she was fretful and naughty and as
soon as she had recovered enough
to be waited upon by non.profession.
al nurse, Miss Dayton announced that
she would leave. as soon as her place
could be filed. She felt that she had
already stayed too long under that
root, because she had suffered much
on account Of the arrogance OF her
patient. Also she felt that should she
remain longer and be constantly In
the company of Doctor Orme. who
made the house his home, she would
lose her heart to him. She could not
hope that she. an unknown nurse,
might secure the love of this man,
wealthy. talented, and already famous
in his profession. Yet Julia Dayton
was mistaken, He had already yielded
to the charm OF her presence. and rec.
ognizing the true woman beneath the
cold professional manner she assumed.
he was assured she was Q worthy
mate for him. and determined to ask
her to share his future. When he
learned that she was about to leave.
he wrote to her. as she avoided being
with him. and confessing his love-
asked her to marry him.
Put your answer on the table near
the window In the sick room this
afternoon" he wrote In conclusion.
and pray that it may be the kind OF
answer which my heart desires"
When Julia received this letter the
tender feelings she had 80 resolutely
crushed back-escaped from their
bonds. and her heart filled with Joy:
she acknowledged to herself that she
loved him. Accordingly, she wrote
him q letter telling him her life story.
Her childhood and youth had been
spent In q home of wealth and luxury.
Il accept your offer, not because you
will restore me to my former place
In society. and relieve me from . life
Of toil-but because I have learned
:" love and respect you"
This letter she placed on the table
20 requested. As soon AZ she had
left the rom. Mrs. Orme. who had
been watching her. slipped out Of
bed and went to the table.
THE sly MINK" she exclaimed. II
thought all along that she was trying
to ensnare him. Not II l can help
It."
She was about to break the seal Of
the letter when she heard footsteps ap.
preaching. and slipping the missive
hastily into a book. she hurried back
to bed. Doctor Orme entered. glanced
at the table. seemed disappointed and
went out again. A soon as he had
left, Mrs. Orme rang for Julia, who
also glanced at the table. and saw
that her letter was gone.
HAS Doctor Orme been here recent.
ly?" she queried.
"Yes." replied Mrs. Orme. adding
sweetly-"I see you are very anxious
to leave. Miss Dayton. As Celeste,
my maid. can wait upon me now. you
may go at once"
Very we'll she rejoined. II will |
leave my address for" she was about !
to say Doctor ormc. but substituted
for you, in case .ou should require
my services asaia."
With Julia once safely out of the
house Mrs Ormo's frivolous mind be-
came occupied with other matters, and
the letter concealed in the book was
entircly f,.-gtt,A by her. The beck
In question g1s rttlrned 10 the library
shelf. s,ill holding the precious mis-
siye wh.-h pos sscd the power of
CHANGING tho Vhala rs1rr,nt Of n ,,or,,