The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-05

Oh inc many STOSS-DtTD. utCStts HE
anger at the new boarder sEoHeI that
he really cared for Mrs. Cross.
Il tell you, no gentleman would 81
at table and contradict lady as that
fellow did this evening" said Martin,
with great warmth.
That's right" we said.
"He is a conceited ninny," said Mar
tin. putting his pipe with create VIC
lence.
We agreed with him.
As have intimated, the debate as
to the tactfulness of women was but
the first of many battles in which all
the rhetorical and logical weapons
were welded with tremendous vio-
lence.
II Mrs. Cross advanced PROPOSE
ton. Mr.. Darby would be sure to take
exception to 1t. either in whole or
part, and instanter the duel would be-
gin. It would continue throughout
the dinner hour and would be resumed
with undated fury after We had gone
into the parlor. Usually the men
would excuse themselves and 60 up
to Martins room to smoke, and say
mean things about Darby.
| Miss Beatty. the music student, and
the two other young women Of our
strange household would also escape.
and usually Mr.. Darby and Mrs. Cross
would be left together to continue the
struggle indefinitely. OF course, these
debates ended as all debates must
end, with each debater still uncon-
vinced and defiant.
The only satisfaction we derived
from witnessing these daily conflicts
was In the knowledge that Darby had
met his match in Mrs. Cross. She was
just as well read and just as resource
full and quick-witted as he was, and
sometimes she dealt a homo thrust
that delighted all Of US and even
aroused Martin from his quiet melan-
choly.
Poor Martin! How he hated that
man Darby!
One night we were sitting In his
room engaged in our usual occupation,
that is, we were denouncing Darby.
Think of it," said Martin. THAT
internal scoundrel is simply badgering
the life out of Mrs. Cross. He seems
to take fiendish delight in contra
dieting everything she says. AS q
self-respecting woman she dare not
allow him to walk over her rough
shod, and he has not the gallantry to
acknowledge himself in the wrong.
and you see the result. They are sit
ting down in the parlor at this min
ute engaged in some argument that
will last half the night"
"Why don't you 60 down there and
rescue herr" asked Seabury. "She
would be glad to have any one come
in and put an end to the dispute"
Il wish could" said Martin.
"Why not?" asked. Just wander
into the parlor and ask Mrs. Cross tc
play something. I'll tell you. Martin
It's your duty to protect her from thai
man."
do you think so?" he asked seri
. ously.
Most assuredly."
Z well, I believe l will 60 down fol
a little while"
!. He went out OF the room. and In les'
than q minute he was back again
very pale and holding to the door
knob.
whats the natter" we asked.
II didn't go in. he said. in whisper
II looked in first. It was quiet II
there. walked in-and-and-he hal
his arm around herr"
What" exclaimed Seabury.
ITS a fact. They were both on tn
sofa and he had his arm aroun'
her"
"Why, I thought she despised him,
said Seabury. They're always In al
gument."
v That's the way some people EMO
themselves" l suggested. We'll tel
! Miss Beatty what Martin saw an
d have her find out all about It,"
o Miss Beatty at once confronted Mrs
Cross with the convicting evidence
Il 1T is true" said Mrs. Cross. Il RI
d gard Mr.. Darby as the most brillian
It man l have met since my first hu'
}. band died. He ia q strong man
man of intellectual power and dee
IS convictions"
a Mr.. Darby told Miss Beatty that n
II had always wanted to marry a woma
r of brains. and not mere dolt. Tn
o landlady was his kind Of wife.
And 30 they were married after
d courtship marked by numerous Hero
Q and entertaining controversies.
n And Martin-our dear. old Martil
n who had worshiped her from afar a
t. these years-was quite unconsidere'
Y, Poor Martin.
c. (Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. Coz