The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-10-04
THE GREEN
MANIkIN
A Story With Heart
Interest"
By AGNES G. BROCAN

When David Bronson heard an Amer
lean speaking voice In that little far
away Partisan restaurant an emotion
that was surprising surged within him.
80 this was what had been the trou-
BILE of late, this the cause Of his un-
finished observation-disclosures, pure old
fashioned inconsistencies"
Long ago. as a lad, he had realized
this desperate feeling. Now the sound
of that familiar tongue brought back
a longing to be among his own" which
was almost unbearable. back again in
little old New York." for from her &C
cent the speaker had also lived in that
vicinity. Bronson whirled about to
look at her. Demure and unaware OF
admiring glances, she sat at a nearby
table, "conspicuously simple" In he'
close fitting black suit and turban.
Bronson struggled against an uncon-
trollablc desire to hear again that soft
voicing of his mother tongue. then with
muttered, May II" sank into seat
at the opposite side Of the table. The
restaurant being unduly crowded, his
intrusion was calmly taken for grant
ed. Happily absorbed, he gazed at the
lovely, downcast face Of his companion,
and she, CHANGING up ut last, smiled. A
frank, engaging smile 1t was, like that
of a friendly child.
Ia
while the girls smile deepened.
80 you, too, are American" she said.
All the pentup lOngings Of the mans
home yearning soul broke forth at her
question.
"American-yes," he answered, land
if you could but know the joy 1t gives
me merely to be again in the presence
Of an American! might have sought
out my countrymen here, I suppose
but"-he laughed shortly-'I did moi
recognize my need until / heard YOU
voice.
The girl leaned impulsively forward
II know" she breathed. "Oh, l know
For weeks I've been fighting of thu
desire to go back. Sometimes 1t wa
almost too strong for me. I've got t.
stay here. you see. must, until
"Until." he prompted gently. Tn
girl drew back. continuing her mea
Until / make good" she answered
quietly.
"Student?" the man questioned. Sh
nodded her head.
There are so many Of u.s." she sai
ruefully, "'would be- artists. musician
mostly failures"
"And your"
The girls low laughter ended In
wry smile. I'm an art failure" sh
replied, with shrug Of the shoulders
Bronson's quick glance was sympi
thetic.
Perhaps not" he encouraged. BE
ter stick 1t out little longer and see
stood looking now on the gloves, no
on him.
IL intend to-" she answered bright,
With visible regret the author ais
arose.
Pardon the holiness of a fello
American" he entreated, "but may
not hope to see you again.
"Wty not?' the girl careleSsly r
sponded. II dine here every day"
So it happened that the small tab
beneath the window came quite nat
rally to be a place OF meeting, pla'
for the exchange of simple confidence
for comforting recollectiOns of hon
hnln IN
To the man this one hour was sort
panacea for all the trials of a trouble
day. About 1t his dreams centered
reward for nightly hours Of writin
And the girls open pleasure In the
meetings was II constant growing Joy
"Do you KNOW" she asked IN her
genuous way, 81 cannot get over t
idea that l have known your face B
fore? 1t was strangely familiar fro
the first and yet
Then David Bronson knew that
hour of announcement had come.
had been a gratifying thing to hi
for time from the paths Of fame a
to feel that his unknown PERSONAL
had powers of its own to awaken
terest and pleasure With a sigh
drew forth his card and placed 1t
fore her.
David b. Bronson" the girl re
aloud, while recollection widened
her eyes.
Not" she said In a tone Of awe
mot David Bronson, the author"
He nodded abruptly.
And you are writing n book o,
here" she went on slowly, "a be
with French setting perhaps and Q
of your wonderful American heroines
The heroine" he confessed. pro,
disappointment. She is so exac
what she seems to be-commonpla
no human heart interest"
The girl turned YEARLY aside, I
admission of greatness seemed all
once to put him far from her presuu
ton of friendship.
Look about you," she said. "Yo'
find human heart stories among
all"
Bronson got hastily into his &C
Just this once" he begged, "allow
to walk with you"
Heretofore this request had been
fused. Now the girl delfberat
"You may come" she agreed.
Down the sunlit narrow street Il
went, crowds jostling her slim ag
against the shelter OF his arm
Violin Long Popular
huo h.a Vii