The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-09-01

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 Del
demand looked grieved, indignant and
resentful.
I'VE expected you here hours ago."
pronounced the proud beauty in icy
tones.
In q 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
1t 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 all 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 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 q
coarse but wholesome lunch from
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
surfing her that as soon as the othel
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. Mhar
ton sent his men and the van back tt
hunt up and assist If necessary the de
layed transport.
He worked like a beaver for tn.
comfort of the refugees A mile ava!
at the village he secured eatables, in
GLIDING dainties, installed one OF thu
servants as cook, and even Miss Dial
lemand assented to the sentiment o
her friend that things were beginninl
to look actually homelike.
That common person who drive
the van has been really useful to us,
she acknowledged languidly.
He isn't very common. declares
Lucia. why, | heard him at the plan
today playing softly one your mos
difficult concert pieces. He is tru
gentleman, that is sure"
The other van arrived next morr
ing. Then came Mr. and Mrs. Da
lemand. Mr.. Dallemand, hearing c
the active services of the common pc
son." pleaded with him to remain
! week and get things In order abOu
the place.
My old friend, General Taylor,
coming to visit us tomorrow" al
nounced Mr.. Dallemand to his VIII
, and daughter one day. His nephe'
, will be a millionaire some day, VII
toria,' added Mr. Dallemand, with
quiet smile, and the next day the gel
eral arrived. His host was shown
, him about the garden when the gel
eral started, halted and stared.
MY nephew here!" cried the oil
man and his glance was fixed O
, Wharton, who. assisted by Lucia, wa
, training a vine up trellis, their face
. temptingly near together.
). "That-why, that is Wharton,
. Jewel of manager l have en-
i. ployed-" began Mr.. Dallemand.
2 Yes Eric Wharton Taylor
! added the general. Hey, sir, what
J. the meaning of this masquerade
Z he hailed, and Lucia, with blushin
;. face retreated, and Wharton advance
Il put you on probation"
!. We'll. I've started in to make
a man of myself by seeking hone
8 work, haven't ~ smiled Wharton.
The general put out his hand wit
v the words: Il guess we'll cancel th'
!. foolish quarrel. And that pretty your
q LADY," he insinuated, glancing aft
n the runaway.
v My affianced wife, II you approx
it," announced Wharton.
:. Miss Victoria was aghast when 81
heard the news. The unknown Er
A Wharton Taylor had been on her Ii
a OF prospective suitors. However, 81
a bit her lip and smiled on Lucia, ar
4 really approved the match with TIL
a common person."