The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-11-24

MN tnere were q dozen healthy apple |
trees just coming into blossom There
was only one way Of transplanting
such at this advanced season of vege-
tation. The dirt about them must be
disturbed as little as possible.
why. Lane" spoke Mr.. Gordon,
coming upon Richard in his yard the
next day. what in the world are you
up to-"
Richard blushed like a shy school.
boy caught at mischief as he explained.
he had two men helping. and q horse
and nat wagon. He worked the hard
est OF them all. The transplanting was
a success. Then for two days he was
almost a constant visitor at the Cor
don home, watching and watering the
new apple tree.
Nettie came home at night. On the
train she and Constance had met some
friends. Incidentally the great ice
storm was referred to. She learned
of the destruction of her favorite tree.
Those referring to the incident had not
learned of the replacement. Nettie
was weak and nervous. She was in
that unstrung mood where the slight.
est incident distressed her, and she
shed tears Of disappointment.
Nettie was enough of an invalid to
spend the next morning in bed. The
home nursing, the kindly mother care,
however, began to revive the worn
/ gniritc in thn A. ch0
ready to 60 down stairs she CHANGED
to glance from the window. A cry of
delight broke from her lips, bringing
her mother into the room.
"Oh, mother!" exclaimed Nettie with
sparkling eyes, some one has told an
untruth about the apple tree being de.
stroyed in storm. Oh, the sweet,
sweet blossoms, just coming out, and
their exquisite perfume-I could kiss
them, every one!"
1T is a new tree. Nettie." said her
mother, and Mrs Gordon went on to
explain. She noted that Nettie's face
glowed with pleasure and gratitude.
The mother liked Richard Lane. and
smiled as she remarked:
Il suppose Mr.. Lane would give his
whole orchard for one of those kisses
you speak about, Nettie," and her
daughter turned her happy, blushing
face away so she could not read her
confusion.
1t was the following day that Rich
ard strolled timorously in the direc
ton of the Gordon home. He met Lew
Barnes just leaving the gateway, fius
, tered and excited.
) Speak a good word for me ne.
!, you, Dick, like the royal I'd at that
, are?" he shot out at Richqs had to
fly. RS
, query.
y "Oh. you know!" laugh
and swung on his way. IS FAST
Yes, with a sinking he
fancied he did, indeed, kntss'
about to turn back, wher-The Rus
Nettie seated in a lawn ,erman left
the new apple tree. to trust
"Oh, Mr.. Lane" she. ing here
brightly, you must come ,,o 90
me thank you for this delit,.
and she waved spray
floral beauty.
She led him into a chat in hTED
entertaining way. She told l. -,
she appreciated his wonderful thought
fitness, his arduous work to give he
pleasure. Nettie looked SO appealin
in her helpless invalidism, 30 interes
ing in the confiding, friendly way l
which she treated him! Oh, SO niue
grace and dainty beauty was not fo
him-his heart sank, then he becam
grave of face and voice.
Nettie stared at Richard in puzzle
wonder and he began to tell what
splendid fellow Levi Barnes was. H
was honest and earnest in his prais'
but his heart seemed breaking all tn
time. Then a sudden light illumine
her mind. Her glance softened, sh
gazed at this noble, self-sacrif1cin
man with an expression in her eye
that thrilled him.
Dr. 1T is about his asking Constance
marry him." she said. "Oh, that
settled. He needs no pleader wit
e. sister,"
Or "Constance!" gasped Richard. an
is he turned white and tremble
III Then"
3! He did not finish the sentence.
ID vast wave of hope overwhelmed hir
as They were interrupted by Mrs. 60
~ don.
be Come again soon, won't you
m spoke Nettie. Her eyes flashed tt
lie earnest welcome of that invitation.
IS 1.-THE best, the truest, the mobiles
1t. man | ever knew!" cried Nettie
ee Richard Lane passed through the ga
70 den gate.
She threw herself into her mother
m. | H., boppv toars pushed fort