The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-17

corn. The boys were delighted to
take horse and wagon and 60 into the
timber and cart the whole winters
fuel to the woodshed. When har.
vest came Mr.. Bliss was bronzed,
rough-handed, but was full of new
vigor and hope.
There was genuine comfort in know
ing that the cellar was stocked with
fruits, vegetables and home-raised
bacon, that they need not spare feed.
ing the broad. old-fashioned fireplace
all the winter through, that there was
ample fodder for the cattle, and COM
fort and contentment in that thrift
promises a happy future where at
least peace and plenty would abound.
Young Dover was constant visi-
tor. The Bliss people almost vel.
coined him as a member of the family.
Never was there such loyal, helpful
friend. The children loved him, the
parents day by day increased their
esteem of his hopeful, sterling charac-
ter, and then one cold evening. unex-
pectedly, without word Of warning.
Winnie came home.
Amid the fond welcome Of loving
hearts Winnie broke down in tears.
Then, alone with her mother. she mar
rated a pitiful story of disappointment
and suffering. She had found her sup
posed friends capricious and treach-
erous. Her high ambition had been
daunted by the hollowness and super
/, ficiality Of those who should have set
q higher example. Ernest Vaile. to
whom she had been engaged, had for
feited his allegiance to her by atten.
lions to the daughter of q millionaire.
NO." she answered almost smiling.
ly to the questioning look In her
mothers eyes, my heart is not
broken! l fancied I loved him, but
his despicable act has changed all
that to contempt" but there was
latent bitterness and resentment
in her mind. ooh, mother" she con
tinued fervently, ''it is so good to be
at home with true loving hearts. And
you are all looking SO strong and
we'll and happy
The next day Winnie met Ned
Dover, and the next, and innumerable
days after that. 1t might have beer
, the pure fresh air, or home comfort
but the bloom came back to hel
cheeks, and the dear delightful eve
nings which the young farmer passed
with the Bliss family began to bt
looked forward to with genuine appre
citation by Winnie.
One day who should drive to thu
farm from the village but Ernest Vale
In the meantime Winnie had learned
by letter of his dismissal by the youni
lady Of wealth he had vainly courted
Vale took up his quarters at the vii
lage hotel and called three times ,
week.
One afternoon he arrived with
firm determination in his mind t
patch up their little tiff," believ
ing himself irresistible. Winnie to-
Grated him. She was not revengefu
but she still smarted under the mem
ory of his mean perfidy
She neither encouraged nor discoul
4 aged him. but she patiently awaite
her opportunity. Vale was gettin
sentimental moment by moment. A
they passed the Dover farm, its youn
owner, grubbing with hoe, lifted hi
y cap.
"Who is that clodhopper friend {
yours, may l ask" questioned Vail
The answer sent him back to tow
instantly, and thence forthwith bac
to his friends in the East, for Winnl
had replied, promptly and proudly.
THAT Is the man l honor and r
). spect-my future husband"
~ (Copyripht 1915 by W. G. CHAPMAN