The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-06-19

hes come back, and has rented
the old Trevor place. He's to bring
his wife and family with him, and
wants the house in order by Tuesday.
Tell Nellie to make the palace of 1t
she knows so well how to do, and the
pay will be extra liberal"
She'll Just delight in the task"
said Miss Matilda. Poor child What
housewife she would make! But
no! no, Work has come to me as my
portion she says, the Lord knows
best, and I'm thankful know how to
keep my hands busy. AS to the beaux
I'm only poor, hard-working girl,
she says. They are after the dainty
ones that wear gloves"
How are you getting on, Nellie?"
inquired Griggs, two days later. invad-
ing the domain over which Nellie was
queen for the time being.
Happy as lark. and right in my
clement" chirped the dear little crea-
ture, amid her tubs, dust, rags and
brooms. My! but it was dirty How
does it look?"
You may we'll be proud compli-
mented Griggs.
Floors. walls. ceilings and windows
were spotless. The windows shone
like the finest plate. The next day
when Griggs dropped in. the garden
and yard had been put in trim The
next, when the furniture arrived, Mel
tn ,tat 20 pf n hn
worked till midnight. never firing Of
getting draperies and wall ornaments
in their most tasteful positions.
The following morning the children
arrived in an automobile. The chauf-
feur explained that Mr.. Rayner had
been delayed, and would arrive that
evening. Long before then, well fed,
well amused, the little ones had come
to love Nellie as If she was some older
sister.
The lights were on. the supper table
set when Arnold Rayner went up the
steps. He paused to peer beyond the
screen door into the room where one
golden-haired cherub lay asleep in
Nellie's arms, the other seated on a
stool at her feet, while Nellie told her
g pretty fairy story.
A great tide of feeling overcame the
lonely-hearted man. He seemed to
stand on the threshold Of comfort
peace and rest. denied his sad soul
for many year The tears came to
his eyes, but through them he saw as
though in dream, the sweet, bright
face Of the neatly attired girl who
took as her motto, "Laborare est
orare.'
"Oh, sir. you startled u.s." said Mel
lie with embarrassment, as he sud
d"nly opened the door Then she
glanced past him wonderingly. "Did
not Mrs. Rayner Gomez"
There is no Mrs. Rayner," was the
subdued reply. my wife died six
years since
When Nellie left after the evening
meal. Mr. Rayner sat for long time
gravely reflective. A cheering light
seemed to have departed. Griggs
came in It was to describe his ad
IElTdllOH Vi tHe DuStlIIlS A>ellle, uti
keen enjoyment of setting the house
in order.
"She has certainly made things
homelike." said Mr.. Rayner Then
he sighed, but his face expressed
pleasure as Griggs praised the sterling
,, usefulness and intelligence of the lit
tie toiler
He came across Nellie a few days
later, and lifted his hat to her al
though she were the highest lady II
the land. Miss Matilda got to running
over to see that the children were
comfortable. They cried for Nellie's
company, and she, too, had to come.
They were clinging to Nellie, rol
licking like happy elves, one after
noon as Mr.. Rayner appeared. She
started to cross lots homewards. HI
halted her.
Nellie" he said gravely but earnest
ly, you fill my home with gladnes'
every time you come here. Won't 20,
fill my heart as we'll? | need you.
want you, and-I love you"
And, with a fluttering' sob of grea
| Joy, Nellie nestled into his arms, feel
ing that heaven had been very. yer!
kind.