The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-05-08
WOOING OF THE MAJOR
BY c. E. BARKER.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The major was one of the most
methodical of men. Promptly at nine
| o'clock he came down fresh and pink
| from breakfast, read his mail in the
comfortable seclusion Of the writing
room, dictated the answers to his let
tiers to the hotel stenographer, lit a
fresh cigar at the cigar stand, and
then dull business cares were brushed
aside and he repaired with eprightly
steps to the bar.
One day in the midst Of the letters,
Miss Mitchell looked up for an instant
at lady who was passing through
the lobby.
what an exquisite bunch Of vio-
let's" she said.
VERY pretty" replied the major,
following her glance, and then they
went on with their work.
The next morning a neighboring
florists boy placed fine bunch of
English beauties in the little bud vase
on Miss Mitchell's desk, and morning
after morning this was repeated.
After the morning dictation during
one of the little chats which the major
had come to allow himself, Miss
Mitchell, one day expressed very adj
verse opinion about the men who
drank and we're fast"
This speech had marked effect
upon the major.
The very next day, after his bust
ness routine, the major left forward
ing address with the clerk on duty and
registered out
A month-two months passed, and
still the major had not returned to his
old corner in the Windsor bar. The
only mark of his long residence at the
hotel was the little bunch Of fresh vio-
lets which daily adorned Miss Mitch
ellis desk.
One day, as unheralded as had been
his departure, the major returned to
the Windsor. His complexion was
whittier and his eyes were clearer, 9th
erwise he was the same old major,
| careless, lively and jovial.
He dictated his letters to Miss
| Mitchell as usual the next morning,
! but it was observed and marked with
much special notice that he did not
follow his old habit of turning toward
the bar Immediately thereafter. In
stead of this, he stepped into a big
automobile that stood at the door, and
was away in trice.
AT least once he asked Miss Mitchell
to ride with him, but she met the pro-
! posal with a cheerful mo, thank you"
that left no room for doubt about her
decision.
A morning came on which he at
tended to his correspondence with
more than usual care. In addition to
the regular grind of business he wrote
some long delayed missives to old col
lege Misunderstanding brilliant, uncon-
ventional letters they were, full Of the
boyish spirit which the major still
| hclu, uOt lttllulh6 uio dShuoNi-
edged thirty-eight years. When he had
quite finished, he drew from his
pocket an important looking paper.
miss Mitchell, / have a very par
ticular matter l wish to speak about
No, you needn't take my words
down on paper-l'm not debating. The
fact isl am-thinking Dwell, CIV
ing you the chance Of debating some
to me, If you think proper"
"Why-what do you mean, Mr.. Eds
bourne" she asked, her large, heavy
dashed eyes looking the utmost wonder.
ITS a very simple matter, Miss
Mitchell-at least | used to think 1t
was when observed the symptoms in
other folks. But-dont look at me
like that-you might pretend you are
taking notes; some one will see and
wonder what we are talking about"
ooh, If it's nything-improper you
mustn't say It, Mr.. Ebsbourne." She
was plainly agtated.
Not the very least improper, little
one, but the most natural thing that
ever occurred to me in all my wild,
harum-scarum life. Now, listen calmly;
II what say is not pleasing you, l will
stop, and we will not talk about it any
more. l love you. | can't help loving
you, any more than could help breath
ing or living II didn't breathe"
"Why-Mr. Ebsbourne," she replied,
II don't think l care for you In any
way like that"
Il didn't expect you to, little one.
But you can give me a little hope,
can't you? You don't dislike me, do
you?"
Il think you are very kind"
That's enough-that's enough
Don't need to say another word. I'll
go now and let you get used to the
idea of having a lover"
Thank you," was all Miss Mitchell
could think of to say.
The sequel was none of the majors
planning. He only knew that he was
speeding down the river road one
afternoon, when young horse driven
by market gardener took fright and
plunged about, backing the heavy
wagon directly across his way at the
moment when he supposed the driver
was going to be able to manage his
team without further difficulty.