The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-09-04

| lO8Ql0&.
He took the lighted lantern from
the wagon and went up the gravel
path leading to the porch. A rustic
fixed his attention, and as he focused
the rays of light up the steps Whar-
ton drew back in some surprise.
The radiance showed a damp and
| shivering group huddled back upon
some porch benches-Miss Dallemand.
her friend Miss Parr. and two woman
servants. Regal as ever, stony-faced
and disdainful. the naughty Miss Dali
demand looked grieved, indignant and
resentful.
I'VE expected you here hours ago."
pronounced the proud beauty in icy
tones.
In a hurried, but clear manner
Wharton explained the difficulties of
the journey. Miss Dallemand simply
, shrugged her shoulders. Miss Parr
arose and regarded Wharton In an
apologize way.
I'VE came in the automobile" she
said. which got through more easily
than the heavily loaded van. Would
it be possible to make US little
more comfortable?"
YES, indeed" brisked up Wharton.
Have you key to the homer
1T seems to have been lost in the
hustle and discomfort Of our journey"
replied Miss Parr.
I'VE will soon adjust oil that!"
pledged Wharton cheerily.
He was as good as his word. A win
dow was forced, some lamps found in
the house filled with oil from the can
in the wagon, and the helpers urged
up to get the furniture out of the van
into the house. Once inside, Miss
Dallemand sat at a distance in an arm
chair brought in for her especial COM
fort. Miss Parr kept in touch with
the movements of Wharton, suggest
ing, and seeming to stir about and
busy herself.
Under her directions two rooms
were quite comfortably fixed up, fires
started in the CRATES, and Wharton
even went so far as to bring in a
their own provisions in the van.
You have done so nicely" COM
mended Miss Parr brightly, as Whar-
ton went back down stairs, bowling
with the grace of a cavalier, and as
suring her that as soon as the other
van arrived they would have the place
In complete order.
But the other van did not arrive the
next day and the rain kept up. Whar-
ton sent his men and the van back to
hunt up and assist ii necessary the de-
layed transport.
He worked like a beaver for the
comfort Of the refugees. A mile away
at the village he secured eatables. in
GLIDING dainties, installed one of the
servants as cook, and even Miss Dali
lemand assented to the sentiment of
her friend that things were beginning
to look actually homelike.
That common person who drives
the van has been really useful to us,"
she acknowledged languidly.
He isn't very common" declared
Lucia. why, heard him at the piano
today playing softly one your most
difficult concert pieces. He is a true
gentleman, that Is sure"
The other van arrived next morn
ing. Then came Mr. and Mrs. Dali
lemand. Mr.. Dallemand, hearing of
the active services of the common per-
son." pleaded with him to remain a
week and get things in order about
the place.
MY old friend, General Taylor, is
coming to visit us tomorrow" an
nounced Mr.. Dallemand to his wife
| and daughter one day. His nephew
will be a millionaire some day, Vic
toria," added Mr.. Dallemand. with .
quiet smile, and the next day the gen.
eral arrived. His host was showing
him about the garden when the gen.
eral started. halted and stared.
My nephew here!" cried the old
, man and his glance was fixed on
Wharton, who. assisted by Lucia, was
, training vine up trellis. their faces
temptingly near together.
AudI-Wuy, IHdl lS WudItOu, q
jewel of a manager have en-
ployed--" began MIR. Dallemand.
Yes. Eric Wharton Taylor"
added the general. Hey, sir, what is
the meaning Of this masquerade?
he hailed, and Lucia, with blushing
face retreated, and Wharton advanced.
Il put you on probation"
We'll, I've started in to make q
man Of myself by seeking honest
work, haven't II" smiled Wharton.
The general put out his hand with
the words: Il guess we'll cancel that
foolish quarrel. And that pretty young
LADY," he insinuated, glancing after
the runaway.
MY affianced wife. if you approve
it," announced Wharton.
Miss Victoria was aghast when she
heard the news. The unknown Eric
Wharton Taylor had been on her list
of prospective suitors. However, she
bit her lip and smiled on Lucia, and
really approved the match with that
common person.
|