The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-29
They We're
sympathetic

Little Mrs Hendricks was about the
happiest bride that ever drew the
breath of life for several months after
they moved into The new neighbor-
hood, where everybody was so kind
and SO neighborly
OF course, it was not the most fash
ionable place she had ever resided in,
but no young couple Just starting out
in life can afford to think of anything
beyond comfort and responsibility, so
she was well satisfied George was
on the road and it was pleasant to
find people close at hand who were
thoughtful and friendly. She was
grateful for their kindness and ex-
pressed her appreciation OF it more
than once.
Mrs. Harris got her husband to
fix the porch rocker the last time
you were away" she told her hus-
band And every once in awhile
somebody brought me hot rolls or
something. | suppose they think
can't cook, but anyhow, it was just as
kind of them They aren't so nice to
other people, so | don't see why they
pick me out
= can't imagine" her husband
! laughed. Il don't see how anybody
can like you, you're SO dreadfully I'M
attractive, Really, cant understand
now ever came to marry you"
II was not for a number Of weeks
that anything was said to throw light
on the subject. Then Hendricks was
away for longer time than usual,
so Mrs Dunbar's chocolate cake was
a great solace
It's ever 50 good of you" little
Mrs. Hendricks told Mrs. Dunbar. Il
| don't know what can ever do to re-
pay all YOU kind people who help out
! my loneliness. You see. | lived in a
small town before was married, and
| missed the neighbors so much at
first feel now as though | were
in town again. instead of a big
city like this Thank You 50 much,"
Mrs. Dunbar regarded her with soul
full eyes. We are glad to do all
We can Tor you" she said. "Of course,
there is little one can do but sympa-
! thize."
Mrs Hendricks looked puzzled. "Oh,
/ you mean my being alone so much ?"
| she said. 4 don't mind il now IA bit"
/ You're too meek and easy-going,"
Mrs Dunbar said, shaking her head.
"Of course, gentle little thing like
you would hold her head up against
anything
Mrs. Hendricks did not understand
! but she did not like to argue. and so
she let the matter drop. 1t was only
when Mrs. Fisher came in with a
custard day or SO later that she be.
gan to worry.
I'm glad indeed, to do anything ]
can to help you Mrs. Fisher assured
her mournfully
She seemed to be waiting for an
answer, so Mrs. Hendricks made re
ply nervously:
Il am sorry if you have trouble,
she said coldly. Il have none that
know of, though I'm grateful for YOU
sympathy, am sure"
You make a mistake covering i
up" Mrs. Fisher said sharply "Yol
cant hide such things ard its a grea
deal better to acknowledge them ant
have it over with"
Il don't know what on earth you ar,
thinking about Mrs Hendricks said
somewhat impatiently. "Eyerythin,
| have ever done is as open as ;
book"
II am not speaking of you. We al
know you are all right" Mrs Fishe
said. But, of course. if you don
care to speak of it | won't say an,
more. thought maybe it might hell
to talk it over"
1t seemed an endless time befor,
Hendricks came home again. Hi
train did not get in until two in tn,
morning. but Mrs Hendricks sat vi
for him, and they had little suppe
while ne unpacked and made a ga.
presentation speech to go with tn
china he had brought all the way from
New York
Hendricks was in high spirits tn
next morning and called to her gayl
as she worked about the kitchen
knowing that his peculiar style o
humor was always acceptable to he
and received in the right spirit
Woman" he shouted Where ar,
my shoes Do you mean to tell mi
you have not BACKED them? What di,
! marry you for. | suppose you ca
the bread of idlenes and expect me It
pay the baker, You shall have sucl
beating for this as never was IL
lay on, McDuff-"
"Oh, Dick" his little wife cried il