The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-03-11

AS the season wore on Mrs Filings
new ledger showed indications OF
dropping. The roses dimmed in her
cheeks and her laughter was less
ready. She spent much time away
from home, and appeared in many
changes of fashionable finery, but her
moods were unceHa ain, and she
seemed often low-spt ted
Mrs. Filings observed the change
with increasing concern. why, she's
getting as peaked and mournful as
that other poor girl" she considered.
Il wonder what's the matter"
The matter was entirely simple.
Belle Doan had not appreciated the
blessings Of her previous years until
now. Her high spirits and flashing
temper had cut her adrift from the
man who, once insignificant in her
sight. now loomed tormentingly i'm
portant and desirable. Her sole con-
ISOLATION was that Bliss Thatcher was
OF the faithful kind and would wait
for her. Fate might bring them to-
gether some day.
But time passed, and the girls dis.
tress and unhappiness grew. She re-
fused invitations and avoided her new
friends. She even sought employment
to keep her mind occupied. 81 think
I'll go away" she decided one day.
I never imagined life could seem so
dreary."
She sighed and began to pack her
trunk. AS she emptied drawer of
the dressing table. folded paper
came into view. Curiously Belle be-
gan to read the written pages, her
eyes dilating and her breath coming
quickly as she proceeded
OH" she quavered. THAT other
girl-the artist-she wrote this and
left it here for-why it's a copy Of
letter. 1t was her secret, and | have
read IT,"
i have found life hard and bitter"
the message ran, but know now
could have stood it all If you had not
failed me. Arthur thought you would
wait for me-that your love would last
forever. But while | have been dream.
ing those dreams that could never
come true, you have found some one
else to take my place in your heart.
1t does not seem fair-yet l know l
am to blame. l am alone in my de-
feat, but, Arthur, want you to know
that loved you better than | knew,
and that ashamed and repentant, |
was coming back to you to ask your
forgiveness. My poor little talents
were never worth the sacrifice | made
and now, with the light of your love
gone when need it most. life stretch
es out before me SO black and SO
empty that am afraid"
Tears were streaming down Bellies
cheeks as she bent about the unfin-
ished message. Had it ever been
sent? Was this the reason of the final
tragedy? Thinking of the girl who
had desired-too late-to reclaim a
scorned love, and of the man who had
grown impatient waiting, Belle was
plunged into sudden panic. What II
Bliss Thatcher had forgotten her?
What If she were already too late!
Oh. what would her life be without
love-Bliss Thatchers love?
Broken and repentant in spirit now
that her heart had been revealed to
her, she wrote hasty but tender note
to the man she had disdained. Two
days later, rosy, smiling young
creature danced into Mrs. Tillings'
presence
"Oh, Mrs. Things" cried Belle
Doan, I'm going to leave you--I'm go.
Ing back home! I've been waiting
FOR good news and 1t just came.
can't tell you everything" her face
grew grave and her voice softened-
It's my secret-and another's; but
has happened that | shall
be grateful for all my life. And it
happened while | was living in your
lnlucky room!"
Really-how strange!" exclaimed |
he landlady. well, It's time the !
spell was broken, and I'm glad you're
he one who's done it, my dear"
Copyright 1914, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndcate)