The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-03

lady. Her winsome ways attracted
Robert. She did not look as though
used to the rigors Of the checkered ca
reer common to her older compan-
ions.
Robert was interested in studying
the queer group of humanity for some
time. He pretty we'll comprehended
their forlorn, stranded situation. and
felt sincerely sorry for them. Then
f! q sleigh came blowing through the
drifts, and he was driven to Hampton
Hall.
1t was strange how things came
about, but it seemed that in can
| wasting the district for food and a
harborage, Mr. Harold Montague, the
tragedian, applied at Hampton Hall.
In all respects Mr.. Tresham was hos
pitable. Especially did he have
sneaking fondness for actors. To the
delight of the stranded troupe the
doors Of the great comfortable hall
were thrown open to them, baggage
and all, and that night the snowstorm
SO increased that it looked as though
they were banked in for week to
come.
As said, Uncle Gilbert was in one
Of his dark moods. He kept pretty
close to his own apartments. Myra,
however. was delighted to hustle
about and make her children of the
soul" guests happy. She came to her
lover the next morning with eyes
dancing, and her pretty face all a.lush
with eager excitement.
"Oh, Robert!' she cried, 81 have
such a brilliant idea-listen."
"All day long," declared Robert with
ardor, with those pretty lips of yours
so close to my willing ear POUNDS!
as our tragedian friend observes" he
added, splendid"
Whatever was Splendid" it was
kept a closely guarded secret from
Uncle Gilbert until the next evening.
Then, wondering what capricious
fancy Myra was exploiting now, he
was led to the roomy billiard room
of the hall
It was all ablaze with light. At one
end was a stage Before it was a
string orchestra of four pieces. A
neatly written program was furnished
Uncle Gilbert 1t read: First pro
duction of the great drama of A Mod
ern Lear by Gilbert Tresham, ESQ.,"
and the cast, with real actors, fol-
lowed
II ever there was man suffused in
glow Of perfect happiness, it was
the astonished and delighted author.
The actors, in warm-hearted gratitude
for their royal entertainment, did
their best On short notice they had
learned their parts. Montague was in
his element, Miss Montmorenci crush
ingly grand, and the little one"
Gladys Mercer, with sweet, modest
but striking part, played the same so
pathetically that even the author was
melted to tears.
"Who could help feel and act those
beautiful sentiments of yours, Mr..
Tresham." said Gladys, when she was
thanked and complimented by Uncle
Gilbert "Oh, your play will some day
be grand success"
Uncle Gilbert was no longer in the
dumps. Reused into hopefulness and
enthusiasm, he made friends and boon
companions of his strange guests.
Miss Montmorenci made a great eff
fort to capture him. but Gladys clear
ly was his favorite Her father had
been noted actor, and she taught
him more about the practical drama
in two days than he had acquired
theoretically in twenty years.
well. Robert, they have gone" said
Myra four days later, but one of them
is coming back in a month"
"You mean Gladys?"
Yes, Robert. There is to be a
wedding, and Uncle Gilbert at last has
some one to take care Of him."
There was double wedding al
Hampton Hall. and the long engage
ment Of Myra and Robert was at
happy end at last
Copyright. 1918. by w. 6. ChapmanJ