The Lakeland evening telegram., 1914-08-15

some player in cheap theater, an
Italian, of course. When she discov-
cred that she had a voice she paid
| him to 60 away. The Alpenstock af-
fair was only one Of numerous ones.
She has entangled more young men
than"
20 dear! I hate to hear this talk" "
said little Miss Jones. Wasn't there
something said about some jewels or
something?'
20, you mean that diamond tiara
young Alpenstock gave her! Yes, his
father made no end of fuss about it,
according to the society sections Of
the Sunday papers; but the creature
refused to give 1t up, and SO he simply
had to let her keep 1t to avoid scan
dal"
well" said Mrs. Tearle, they said
something about singing tonight, so
let us go in and see If they are ready"
We'll, what do you think" gasped
Mrs Believes. That Miss Went
worth is actually down for song"
Poor little thing" said Miss Jones
softly. Don't let US fail to applaud
her, my dear 1t wouldn't be nice to
hurt her feelings. should say she
could sing about as well as a cat"
Despite this representation, how
ever, Miss Wentworth acquitted her
self really quite well Even the most
prejudiced were forced to admit that
she. had passable soprano voice
nothing to boast about, of course, but
still, not bad. They congratulated her
with distant enthusiasm, but Miss
Wentworth, after quietly acknowledg.
ing their paudits. retired to a distant
corner
About the middle OF the concert q
carriage drove up to the hotel There
was a rush to the windows to get a
glimpse of the newcomers Mrs. Bel
loves was the first to break the news.
It's Cyrus Alpenstock" she gasped.
And his wife! And his son, Claude.
Now Is the opportunity to find out
just what happened in that wretched
scandal. How tagged poor Mr.. Alpen-
stock looks! No wonder, after all
that he has been through"
The Alpenstocks were evidently
fatigued from their journey, for they
retired to their room, and the hotel
knew them not during the remainder
Of the evening. The next morning
they went away in their automobile
for an all-day trip. The group upon
the piazza was lamenting their alb
sence.
Started at six, before anybody was
up, to see the country" said Mrs. Bel
loves. Isn't that queer! But of
course, when one Is millionaire, he |
can do what he likes. BY the way, has
anybody seen that Wentworth person
about this morning?"
Nobody seemed to have seen her,
and the group always interested In
the dolngs OF the other guests, ques-
toned one another. When lunch came, |
and she was still absent, the curiosity |
became overwhelming.
DO you suppose she has skipped |
out without paying her bill?" sug-
gested Mrs. Higginson.
She brought goodsized trunk
with her" answered Mrs. Believes.
1T might have contained bricks"
suggested little Miss Jones. Although,
of course, 1t isn't exactly right to
think such things. Still, there was
something queer about her, wasn't
there?"
It's my belief" said Mrs, Believes
with conviction, that we have seen
the last Of that person Anybody
could tell that there was something
wrong about her What was she? A
school teacher masqueradlng as a lady,
l should say"
But they were destined to see Miss
wentworth again, and that very eve
ming, for she came back In the Alpen-
stocks car about six o'clock And the
group on the piazza, seeing the young
man help her to the steps, stared in
bewilderment
1t was Mrs. Believes who broke the
ice.
How do you do, Mr.. Alpenstock!"
she said, advancing with outstretched
hand. Don't you remember me? l
met you here three summers ago"
Cant say do" growled the mil
lionaire, but I'm glad TO know you.
your nameT'
"Er-Mrs James Believes" faltered
the lady.
My dear, this is Mrs. James Bel
----------------