The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-06-27

CduSc ouS WdAlOu W uCSlu ilo WAS1
her parents had left off-with a com.
Portable income.
When Walter reached the door he
was astonished at the vision that he
saw before him. 1t looked like Nancy,
but 1t was an idealized Nancy, the
Nancy of whom he had dreamed dur
ing those lonely years in Nevada.
"Why!-this isn't Nancy!" he
gasped, staring at the beautiful young
girl who stood smiling at him.
mo, I'm Elizabeth" answered the
girl, blushing at his frank stare of
admiration. Nancy is out this eve
ming. Won't you come in, Mr.. Jane
SOM"
The news of Walters arrival had al
ready spread through the village and
reached the Dayton home. 1t was
well for him that he had not heard the
scathing remarks that Nancy had
made about him.
When he took his leave an hour
later, the young man realized that,
whatever his love for NaLcy might
have been, the image that he carried
in his heart had now striking re-
semblance to Elizabeth.
And he was bound In honor to ask
Nancy to be his wife. That was the
irony of it, When he called the next
evening and met her his heart sank.
How could he ever have loved Nancy,
this woman with the affected air and
the peevish lines about her mouth?
Though his welcome was not an ef-
fusive one, Nancy was hospitable. In
virtue of old associations. Her talk
was vivacious, and all about the balls
and parties to which she had Leen.
She spoke of her beaux, with a sly
glance at Walter, and lamented the
tediousness Of life in a small town.
1t was not until he was about to
leave that Walter summoned up cour-
age to say what was uppermost in his
mind.
Nancy, do you remember what
told you last time we parted?" he
asked.
Nancy's heart beat quickly, but it
was not with love. She had not had
a proposal for six months, and she
was longing for another scalp to hang
at her girdle.
10, Mr. Jameson. What was it,"
she inquired archly.
THAT was coming back to marry
YOU" he answered
Nancy's shrill laugh pierced the air.
We'll, you certainly have carried out
the first part of your determination,
about coming back" she answered.
But as for the second-why, l think
you have another guess coming Mr..
Jameson"
Walters face turned crimson. After
all, it is not exactly pleasant to have
ones offer Of marriage laughed to
scorn, even though one has made 1t
out of sense of duty.
He looked into Nancy's hooking
face and said good-by. But that was
not his last visit to the Dayton home.
On the contrary, he called frequently
after that-only it was to see Miss
And sometimes words were
said which brought the color into her
fair face and look of unutterable
happiness into her eyes.
OF course, Nancy was not slow to
see what was transpiring. She taunt-
ed Elizabeth in her sisterly manner.
well, Elizabeth, II you want my
CASTOR beau, Of course it's all right"
she said. Only he'll always be
pauper, and if were you would
send him right about face without de-
lay"
That Walter had asked Nancy to
marry him since his return Elizabeth
did not know The words stung her.
Walter was not slow to notice the
change in her manner the next time
he called.
Elizabeth, what have l done to Of
fend you?" he pleaded.
You haven't offended me, Mr.. Jane
son. replied the girl. "Only-people
are saying"
What, dear?" asked Walter taking
her hand in his.
"That-that you are making love
to me because you can't get Nancy"