The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-02-12

have done without you. Now bast
the mutton, please. You must sta
here and have your trunk sent for.
+ II shall have to 90 back to pack N
things" hazarded Sylvia.
!, 20, very WE'LL said Mrs. Chambers
) looking angry again. That's Away
the way. However, il you must 60
suppose you must. Now peel the pota
toes"
; Three-quarters OF an hour later tn
dinner was done, and almost stimuli
taneously there came a ring at tn
: front door.
There's Alphonse,' said Mrs. Cham
bers. Il suppose he has left his Ike!
at the Office again. Really, men arr
very trying! Now, you bring in tht
dinner In exactly five minutes, while
get the table laid. Alphonse comes
home ravenous, and he won't wait"
Sylvia did some hard thinking dur
ing those five minutes. This introduc
ton to the Chambers family had al
ready ceased to be entertaining, but
anyway 1t was possible that Mrs
Chambers was little eccentric and
that her husband would make things
right. And she did want that position
badly. Since Mrs. Chambers had made
no mention Of the salary perhaps her
husband did have a little to say upon
certain details of her occupation.
Then new thought came to Sylvia.
Mrs. Chambers was, perhaps, Of a
jealous nature. Perhaps that was why
Mr.. Chambers had left her to select
the secretary. And she had been
chosen because she was not pretty.
Sylvia smiled. She had never been
vain, but Harry we'll, it was a
strange situation.
Five minutes precisely after Mrs.
Chambers had departed Sylvia, carry.
ing a tray loaded with dishes, plates
and large platter on which the leg
OF mutton reposed in pond of gravy,
made her appearance in the dining
room. Happily for her hostess's peace
OF mind and carpet Sylvia was too we'll
loaded with her burden to look up
until she had placed it upon the serv.
ing table. Then she perceived, seated
at the table, Mr.. and Mrs. Chambers,
and-Harry Cowle.
She stared at him for an instant in
wild incredulity-then turned and
made for the door. Harry had just
time to catch her as her hand was
upon the handle
Sylvia he cried triumphantly,
and strained her to his heart.
Harry" shouted Mr.. Chambers.
What is the matter? Have you gone
crazy?"
No answered Harry still holding
Sylvia tightly, mot now l have been
insane, almost, trying to locate Miss
Latham, since she ran away from US
three weeks ago. had decoy ad-
vertlsement in the Sunday papers, for
secretary, but not single answer
rewarded my efforts. Sylvia, dearest,
look at me. It's all right now. Fa.
Their says he wants you as much as I
DO. He can't find his papers and every.
things going to rack and ruin, and he
guesses you'll have to come into the
family to straighten out his affairs.
Yes, Mrs. Chambers, of course, have
met Sylvia before. Why-see here,
Miss Latham and have
been engaged for months"
We'll, you certainly win enjoy your
meals II you marry cook" said Mrs.
Chambers witheringly.
Cook? She's splendid cook" said
Harry. That is-eh? What do you
mean by that, Mrs. Chambers? Sylvia
sn't cook. Sylvia dearest, you aren't
cook are you?'
i thought was a private secre-
ary,' said Sylvia, in tears. But it
seems that I'm cook now. o, let me
20, Harry"
Didn't you answer my advertise
nent for cook?" demanded Mrs.
chambers of the girl But before Syl.
1T could reply Alphonse Chambers
'rought his fist down with jar that
ct the glasses dancing upon the table.
i see it now' he yelled. Harry
hey must have mixed the advertise.
nents at the newspaper Office. That's
'hy | got five hundred applications
or secretarys position yesterday.
,es, got this lady's too, but it was so
ague | thought it was in answer TO
irs. Chambers advertisement for a
ook."
What" shouted Harry. Then
hats why mother has been wrestling
nth the servant problem al. yester.
ay and today There were twenty
'aiting to see her when l left home"
Mrs. Chambers got up from the
able, walked to Sylvia, and drew her
ito her arms.
I'm sorry, my DEAR she whispered. y
aressing her. Il think you will make :
splendid wife for Harry. Come and
It down and We'll forget this little
understanding
"uh!" munched Mr.. Chambers.
From the taste of this mutton feel
athar sorry II ua, y,,;e,ol.,