The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-03-04
CONSOLATION PRIZE
By KATHERINE HOPSON.

The race is to the fit. Because his
sprained ankle debars him from the
skating party, l am invited to remain
as the consolation prize. Otherwise,
should hardly have chance to
speak to the noted lion" Gail Bent
ley's tone was bitter as she voiced her
thoughts aloud before her dressing
table.
Bitterness was not usually a quail
ity Of her nature, but she was still
smarting from her sister Edith's laugh
ing remark.
Mr.. Reynold is safe with you" she
had said. Il wouldn't trust him to an
afternoons tete-a-tete with any one
else"
Yes, he's safe enough. Any girls
admirer would be-" Gail studied her
reflection grimly. In spite OF her dis
paragement it was really a pretty
face that locked back in the mirror
sensitive and high bred, with delicate
features and big serious eyes. That
was the trouble, the whole face was
too serious-it was devoid Of girlish-
ness and vivacity
The queer part Of 1t is, Gail really
looks like Edith" people were wont to
declare, but she Is SO sober, and her
sister Ia all sparkle and charm" 1t
was this which had attracted Bertram
Reynold, q noted portrait painter, who
was guest OF honor at Mrs. Gre
doris house party. From the first
he had paid marked attention to her
beautiful niece, Edith. and had asked
permission to paint her as the CEN
trail figure in q new picture he was
working on. He had made several
sketches of her in different poses and
all was going successfully until two
days ago. when Reynold met with an
accident while hunting. and sprained
his ankle. thus being debarred from
the skating party, which was to be
the GROWING event Of the week.
Such a pity, too," Gail heard her
Aunt Myra remark to Mrs. Kelley as
they entered the formers little sitting
room across the hall. Just when
things were getting interesting. Edith
Is such picture in he" skating cos
tune and new mink furS; and skins
over the ice like bird. or course she
must go-shes the life Of the party.
So I've asked Gail to stay and help me
entertain Mr.. Reynold this afternoon.
She will not hinder Edith's chances. "
Tears rose In Calls eyes. is that
what every one thinks Of me-merely
a foil for Edith"
IT'S true she is picture Gail ad-
mitted later as the skating party
started of in the big sleigh. Kdith's
piQuant face was aglow under the
scarlet Tam. The fur scarf was
thrown carelessly about her shout.
ders revealing glimpse Of her snowy
neck.
This brought to Gail pang Of real
ization of how her own sensitive
throat always kept her from doing
those graceful. careless things like
other people. Il always have to bun.
die up like an old woman!"
As the sleigh disappeared from view.
she turned with sigh from the hall
window to enter the library. Mr. Rey.
mold was comfortably ensconced In q
big Morris chair, with Aunt Myra sit.
ting near. crocheting and chatting
pleasantly. Gail was glad she was
there, and entered the room feeling q
little less shy and constrained
How shall l entertain him all the
afternoon" she wondered; but soon
found there was no occasion to worry
about that, for Mr.. Reynold did the en-
pertaining. He was telling about his
student days in New York and Paris
Gail found herself listening as to a
fascinating romance. Even when a
caner came to see her aunt on bust
ness and she left the room, Gail still
felt interested and at ease-like other
girls.
She was wearing a dress of warm
gray, with wide crimson girdle and
touches of the same at the neck. Be
hind her were some heavy portieres
OF a deeper shade Of red.
Suddenly, in the midst of what he
was saying Reynold broke off with:
Would you let me sketch you, Miss
Bentley-as you are sitting now?"
In wonderment that any one should
ask such a thing, she gave consent;
and still chatting, Reynold turned tG
his easel and began to work.
AS his interest grew, he became con
fidential, and told her some Of the
hopes and plans for future work, and
Gail forgot to be constrained and
shy.
Mrs. Creder returned. and on see
.k4w - d..