The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-01-08

ward his bad leg EI%SZs N
he'd boiler like q " " III
Loom 49, IN !
The girl laughed MhA7 NN//
in spite of herself, NA \ WI III
then looked grave w u =
, again ~ W
1t might be aid in passing that
this was what the twain called 1.-THE
| Ways and Means Committee" in full
session. You see it was this way:
The lad and the girl with all the
| ardor and folly of youth desired only
, enc thing-each other. They talked
, by day and dreamed by night of a
love-lit cottage where they could re-
main always hand in hand encom-
passed by all the joys of love. They
were a likely pair too, high-bred, well
assorted, full of life and vigor and
hope and courage.
But, alas, there was the inevitable
stern parent-n this case the uncle
and guardian of the girl Doctor Kirk.
And Ethel was only seventeen. And
she and Archie simply could not wait
four years.
So it was that the WAYS and means
committee sat in frequent session.
"Hurrah," he cried. I've got it. He
shall ask me 10 marry YOU"
Shall ring for the keeper" re-
sponded the girl. "Cr have you only
been drinking"
Look here" replied Archie. "Aint
the doctor shining around mother all
the time? Hasn't he got his greedy
eyes on mas quarter of a million?
Well, guess
But
mo butts now he broke in. II
must get it Oft my mind or III bust"
He marched bravely into the house
followed by Ethel and storm of pro-
test.
Doctor Kirk, he said solemuIy, aft.
err he had invaded that worthys library
and seated himself under the ques-
tioning hostility of the shaggy brows.
II have observed for long time your
attentions to my mother"
The doctor grew purple, but the
boy went on unconcerredly: And I
will say frankly | have observed it
with pleasure for I always respected
and esteemed you sir"
We'll, sill"
This ahrup+ interjection nearly
foored the young man, but he never
fiinched
well. sir" Ike replied "There is a
circumstance which thought you
should know before the affair goes
any further. according 10 the terms
of my fathei's will, If my mother
marries before | am OF age, or am
marriel IA SET, the entire property,
her share is well as my oNa reverts
TO me. Ard trought you should know
it, Not that want TO throw straw
IN Your way. Quite the reverse, | as
sure you But I; II am the only man of
The family and as these property mat
tiers should always be understood be-
tween gentlemen thought it only
right to speak to you. | am not, of
course, her contidant in sucf matters,
but am aware she respects you high
ly and-and was afraid-well I
thought it better to set things right
now"
You young rascal roared the doc
tor, poking Archie with his cane. you
see too much. You don't mean to say
your mother is becoming interested in
me-"
II fear SO, sir" replied Archie
gravely.
The doctor swelled up like a huge
| turkey cock and chuckled:
"Loollee here" he said. turning sud
denly on Archie, you've been shin.
ing about my Ethel ever since
can remember. Why don't you bring
things to head Great Scott. young
man, when was young we used to
marry early and get good start"
I'm afraid she wouldn't have me-
replied the conspirator shamelessly.
"Tush, tush," rejoined the doctor
Faint heart ne'er won fair lady, sir
I'll bet she'd jump at the chance
You've got pretty fortune coming
and you're well-favored youne
buck"
Il feared also that you would Cd
pose her marriage so young" remarked
Archie meekly.
Not at all, not at all" replied the
doctor. Ridiculous, this tax agains,
youthful marriages. It's the time TT
marry"
Within an hour Archie led tn.
blushing and still unbelieving Ethe
into the dreaded lions den and the,
knelt to receive the blessing of he,
guardian.