The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-04-21
GIFT OF THE
GROOM
By OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON

Copyright 1911. By Associated Latsrssy Press.l
Eric Prescott stood at the window
of his little real estate once in Ford
port. He had opened It in the fall
and now 1t was spring.
He looked at the landscape COM
placently well pleased with himself
for various reasons. In the first place.
coming from the south, he had shiv-
cred and shaken all the cold north
ern winter: but tho warm May wealth
or suited him. The freshness OF
everything, the little yellowish green
leaves. the smell OF the Mlacs and the
songs Of the birds made Fordport
more like homo.
Another reason for his felicity was
the little once and the row Of six
nearly completed frame houses half .
block down the street. He could SEQ
the latter from his window. The out
side work had been done before tho
rough weather and tho inside during
the winter months. Nothing remained
to b done but the trimming, paving
and one extra coat Of paint on each.
Eric Prescott was engaged to b
married to Rose Marshall, the belle OF
Fordport. When he had settled In
the village eight months before Rose
was engaged to marry Tom Lyle.
The minute he saw Rose, Eric made
up his mind to have her. The fact
that she was engaged to Tom Lyle
was nothing to him.
Few girls would have been proof
against the siege he Immediately laid
to Roses favor. His southern accent
and excellent taste in clothes. which
set OF his tall slender figure. made
him favorite with all women.
Eric showered gifts Of candy. roses.
books and music on Rose, who re-
fused them all at first-then accepted
a few flowers reluctantly and finally.
overwhelmed with many attentions,
succumbed completely. Then she and
Tom quarreled and that was exactly
what Eric wanted. They were soon
engaged and Rose was seemingly hap
by. She was the envy OF all the Ford
port girls.
The corner house in the row was
to be hers when they were married.
Eric gave her to understand that be-
fore she had accepted him. She joked
at home about loving the house as
much as she loved Eric.
The house began to look different
from the others in the row. The
porch was extended around the side
and made two feet wider than the
other porches
Rose. busy with her trousseau, ap.
peared to be very happy and the we'd
ding was month away. She seldom
saw Tom Lyle. He was spending
most of his time now at the farm
half mile from the village. She con.
graduated herself that she had e.
capped life OF monotony in the coun-
try. Town life suited her.
One day she met Tom driving two
strange men toward the farm. He
seemed to be explaining something
to them and merely nodded at Rose
She went home thoughtfully. He EVIL
IDENTIFY was not unhappy.
The day following this meeting
with Rose. Tom hitched his little
black mare to the runabout and drove
over to see his chief councillor and
confessor. Aunt Polly Goodwin. She
was taking nap" In her sitting room
when Tom drove in at the gate
What news, Tommy? Sit right
down here. Now tell me-is there
much coal on the farm?"
yes. Aunt Polly, acres OF It they
say. Congratulate me. | am q rich
man."
Bless your heart, Tommy" said
the old lady. wiping her eyes with the
corner Of her apron. Il am 80 glad.
so glad for you"
Thanks. Aunt Polly. but riches do
me little good now" he returned
little bitterly.
The old lady looked at Tom keen
ly. III you don't mind me mention
ing 1t. Tom. have been doing q lit.
tie thinking lately. since you talked
Of finding coal. May I suggest Q lit
tie plan! You used to take my
advice"
Fire away. auntie. that's what
came for"
Well, 1t is this way. hate to see
q fine girl like Rose Marshall throw
herself away on that southern dude,
and ruin her life ut the same time.
Her heart IL in the right place, but
her head has been turned by Pres
colts attentions and his house. Now
that you have some money"
Money!" he interrupted impatient.
ly. IF you mean that Rose will mar
ry me now that I am rich"
Hush. Toni" she said softly. Nov
listen to me. Rose 10 not to know .
word about your good luck. Neither
10 anyone in town to know 1t for
little while. This IL my plan"
Tom left q half hour later thinking
what a wonder Aunt Polly was and
with . determined set to his lips bod
ing good or Ill for someone.
One day. q week or SO before tho
wedding. Rose stopped in to see Eric
at his once.
I've come to ask about the window
seat In the dining-room. Eric" she ex-
planned after he had kissed her. II do
not want It vanished. Did you tell
Simmonsf'
Eric looked uncomfortable for
minute. then walked to the window
and looked over at the house. DO
you like the place % well. Rose?"
Il love II. Why?"
81 have inst aOld n"