The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-11-05
MAROUIE'S VACATION
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

Il must start right away to save
for my vacation! Two months with
out lunch and walking home in the
evening will help. Besides, l think
I'm safe now in asking old Mr.. Dodge
for raise of S. month"
! She got up and went to the door Of
( the Office marked Private"
/ A masculine voice called Come in!"
! to her knock.
Mr.. Dodge was not there. In his
place at the desk was a young man
in outing clothes. Marjorie decided
he must be a son of her employer.
There was a resemblance-yet diff
ference. In the gray eyes was an ex-
preston that made Marjorie smile in
voluntarily.
81 thought Mr.. Dodge, ST., was here"
said Marjorie simply, turning to go.
well, if you knew me better, l am
sure you wouldn't waste time talking
to the old man." The twinkle in his
eyes deepened.
Marjorie flushed, yet she couldn't
help another smile.
IF | thought you had the family
pocketbook, l might have a prefer
ence,' she returned. I'm after
money!"
What, You, too! Poor pops! So
am H.
"I-perhaps l had better not wait.
think I'll come again"
Il say, Miss Brown" he pleaded,
don't go. I'll slip out myself and leave
you clear track Good afternoon. |
wish you luck" And before Marjorie
could stop him he was gone.
But Dodge, Sr, had eaten lobster
for his lunch and it was troubling
; him. Marjorie met an emphatic re-
fusal. However, the following morn
ing folded typewriter letter on her
desk brought an excited flush to her
|, cheeks. Silas Dodge repented Of his
hastiness and would give her not five
, but ten dollars a month in addition to
her regular salary.
Two months passed. 1t was late Sep
TENDER. Marjorie, by marshaling
every cent she could spare, counted
enough for her trip. Everything was
ready but few unfinished letters at
} the Office. 1t was Saturday afternoon
! a half holiday The outer Office was
empty when she went in, but she heard
: voices in the private Office beyond
!. What do you mean by giving Stew
) art ten dollars every payday to put
3 in Miss Browns envelope?"
81 mean" spoke up the voice OF
Silas Dodge. Jr., that you underpay
your employees. The girl honestly
earns more than she's getting
But why should you undertake tc
pay her? If you would quit spend
ing my money and make living fol
: yourself, perhaps l could afford to pay
more to others"
you won't have to give me an!
more money. dad / have been work
y ing. l earned that money myself
u Moreover, l have a splendid chance il
the country to demonstrate my knowl
! edge of scientific farming. | leave to
9 day"
g Marjorie rose She took $40 out o
y her purse and knocked at the ollic'
. door. 1t was only the matter of an in
slant or two for her to lay the none.
on the desk before the two astonishet
" men and go out
~ She went home and unpacked he
trunk, counted the little money sh
70 had left and did some hard thinking
The two weeks ahead were hers. VIII
should she stay in baking hot cit,
when the whole green world stretches
wide around her? She was goo
walker and she could pay for simpl
u. meals at farmhouses on her way.
~ Therefore, dressed in a plain line
- suit and carrying very light griI
- Marjorie started forth on her travels
"a One afternoon, as 1t was warm, sh
10 halted under a big oak tree near a coo
10 little stream. For a while she rea
- and munched at a stick Of candy sh
q had bought at country store. Blu
10 she got very drowsy, and, making
in pillow of moss, she was soon asleep.
ne When she opened her eyes sh
lie smelled tobacco smoke. II came froI
ne the other side of her tree. Moreove
smart little fire was burning nea
M her and she smelled bacon frying. Sh
shifted enviously.
Il hope you feel better" said voic
n, around the tree. 1t was oddly familia
nd Then she knew
ge At first she frowned; then sh
IL. smiled
ed Il do. thank you"
in That's good" came the voice. Wi
en- you have some support"
re "If you'll only come around and Il
nd me see my host"
&c Sias Dodge, Jr., came around.
at, Then you don't bear any grudge'
re For being kind to me? No"
nd You're a good sport Miss Brow
sw knew you'd understand"
Thank you But isn't the bacc
burning?" anxiously.
He jumped for the pan. no. ju
De right. Do you like bacon?"
ou Love it.
Silas junior sighed Il wish we
'rf a pan of fried bacon.
Marjorie laughed in spite of herse
Silly"
iei why sillv? | love you. | may
ne well tell yon now as IN six mont
from now II I'm very good and wo
g. hard. do you think you could ev
~ care little?"
lst II might try, confessed Ma