The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-04-30
MASTER OF ALL ARTS
BY GRETCHEN SMITH.

club were principally feminine affairs,
for the simple reason that in Glenville
there were few eligible young men.
Therefore, when Ada Marston's hand
some big brother came home during
the holidays, after a three years so
1ourn In Nevada, she took him to
library benefit dance and introduced
him to her friends with an 'I'll-give-
you-a-prize" expression.
The other young men present were
familiar factors. so Edwin Marston was
the hero of the hour; but with the per
versity which many an older and
wiser hero had shown on similar oc-
casions, he passed by the cream of
! Chenille society with mere perfume
tory politeness, and devoted himself
to pretty Judith McKerney-a girl who
for some inexplicable reason, people
did not invite.
| why don't they invite herr" Ed
win bluntly demanded Of his sister
next morning.
| Ada looked up from the book she
was reading with frown Of perpex-
ity between her smooth brows.
! don't know-exactly; but they
never do"
| What's wrong with herr"
Nothing; she's all right, suppose
only"
He waited for her to finish, and
| when she did not, he said:
! Il don't see why you girls don't ask
her to join the Kosmos club. She's
the most attractive one of the whole
bunch | met last night"
Ada did not answer, but pursed up
her small mouth as If she deplored his
| taste; and their mother who had en-
! tered the room in time to hear the last
| remark, came to the rescue Il believe
Judith McKerney is really very nice
| girl, She was very clever in school;
but her people have never stood well
here-a shiftless, neerdo-well set.
Judith Is sometimes invited to large
affairs like the library benefit dance,
but not often to the more exclusive
ones.'
well, think it's shame! She's
bright, jolly girl. with the normal
craving for an innocent good time "
Edwin leaned forward and regarded
his mother and sister with accusing
eyes. In most places it's peoples
own fault IL they don't strike out and
have good time; but it isn't here,
where conditions are so peculiar. Talk
about the caste system Of India-it
isn't circumstance to Glenville's.
And It's up to those who are in the
lead to take the initiative"
Neither answered, and he added:
I'll wager neither Of you can name
a single thing that's really to her dis
credit"
Ada bridled. Nothing actually to
her discredit, perhaps. But she says
and does indiscreet things-however
suppose that's the way she's been
brought up"
Edwin's firm young mouth settled
into determined line. That's the
way with you women in speaking of
another. You say: I'd like to invite
her-but- She's all right-only-' II
you'd condemn her outright there |
might be chance for refutation."
With this parting shot he left the |
room.
Thereafter. partly from perversity,
but chiefly because he found Judith |
really very attractive, Edwin devoted |
himself to her, and In terms of his col
lege vocabulary, gave her rush."
while all Glenville stared and won
dered. Ada frankly disapproved. but
her absorption in her own interests at
this time kept her from realizing the
serious turn her brothers affairs had
taken.
The Kosmos club was to entertain
the Louisines. literary club of the
neighborfng town Of Windmere. at a
reception. and the members were
striving to make the event a memora.
Bile success. Ada, as chairman Of the
executive committee took much Of the
burden on her own shoulders and
worked early and late
Only think. Ed" she exclaimed tho
morning before the reception, as they
sat at breakfast. the president of the
Louisine club Is going to bring her
cousin. who is author Of The Printed
Path It's one Of the best sellers of
the year and I'm crazy to meet the
author. We reviewed the book at the
club, and thought 1t wonderful that as
young woman as she is said to be
could write a book Of such depth" Ada
hranched OF into description Of the
for the reception, and the
they had had in securing
towers.
Their mother listened with interest
and neither noticed Edwin's abstrac-
hon. As soon as the meal was over
he left the house. He felt he could
not bear questions this morning.
Outside. the streets lay white and
sparkling under newly fallen snow. |
With hands thrust deep in overcoat
pockets and head bowed In thought
Edwin strobe along.
There's no use denying It I'm
"a RI hfft" ha admitted opd roo.,.oa 4