The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-11-19

was only one way Of transplanting
such at this advanced season of vege-
tation. The dirt about them must b
disturbed az little as possible.
why. Lane" spoke Mr.. Gordon.
coming upon Richard in his yard the
next day, what in the world are you
up tor"
Richard blushed like q 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
q success. Then for two days he was
almost q 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
spirits later IN the day. As she got
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 a storm. Oh. the sweet,
sweet blossoms, just coming out, and
their exquisite perfume-I could kiss
them, every one!"
1T is 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 Levi
Barnes just leaving the gateway, flus-
tered and excited.
Speak a good word for me, will
you, Dick, like the royal friend you
are?" he shot out at Richard, ON the
fly.
.. What about?" was the puzzled
: query.
"Oh, you know" laughed Barnes
, and swung on his way.
Yes, with sinking heart Richard
fancied he did, indeed, know. He was
about to turn back, when he noticed
Nettie seated in a lawn chair under
the new apple tree.
oh, Mr.. Lane" she cried Ou
brightly, you must come in and lei
me thank you for this delicious treat.
and she waved a spray Of budding
floral beauty.
She led him into chat in her pretty
entertaining way. She told him how
she appreciated his wonderful thought
fulness, his arduous work to give hel
pleasure. Nettie looked so appealing
in her helpless invalidism, so interest
inc in the confiding. friendly way II
which she treated him! Oh, SO mucl
grace and dainty beauty was not TO
him-his heart sank, then he became
grave of face and voice.
Nettie stared at Richard in puzzle'
wonder and he began to tell what
splendid fellow Levi Barnes was. HI
was honest and earnest in his praise
but his heart seemed breaking all tn
time. Then a sudden light illumine'
her mind. Her glance softened. sh
gazed at this noble, self-sacrificinI
man with an expression In her eye
n that thrilled him.
1T is about his asking Constance t
marry him." she said. "Oh, that
3. settled. He needs no pleader witt
r sister"
- OOuStduCc. 6ooPOu AsASAoANS ~>,
d he turned white and trembled
!! Then"
d He did not finish the sentence
IS vast wave Of hope overwhelmed hin
b They were interrupted by Mrs. Col
e don.
n Come again soon, won't you!
e spoke Nettie. Her eyes flashed tn
g. earnest welcome of that invitation.
t. 1.-THE best. the truest. the mobiles
% man l ever knew" cried Nettie a
O. Richard Lane passed through the gal
den gate.
q. She threw herself into her mother
t. arms. Her happy tears gushed fortf
"Oh, mother, dear mother!" sh
;" whispered fervently-"I love him!
Ie love him!"
a downright, 1914. by w. G. Chapman