The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-12-27
They Were
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, 1t 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 we'll satisfied. George was
on the road and it was pleasant to
md 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
NIX 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. l suppose they think I
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 un-
attractive! Really, can't understand
now l ever came to marry you!"
1t was not for number of weeks
that anything was said to throw light
on the subject. Then Hendricks was
away for a longer time than usual.
so Mrs. Dunbar's chocolate cake was
great solace.
It's ever SO good Of you," little
Mrs. Hendricks told Mrs. Dunbar. 81
don't know what l 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
l missed the neighbors SO much at
first. I feel now as though were
in town again. instead of big
city like this. Thank you so much!"
Mrs. Dunbar regarded her with soul
full eyes. I'VE are glad to do all
we can for you." she said. "Of course
there Is little one can do but sympa.
thize."
Mrs Hendricks looked puzzled. ooh
you mean my being alone so much ??
she said. 81 don't mind 1t now a 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 SC
she let the matter drop. 1t was only
when Mrs. Fisher came in with q
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. II have none that
know of, though I'm grateful for your
sympathy, l am sure"
You make a mistake covering II
up" Mrs. Fisher said sharply. you
can't hide such things and it's a great
deal better to acknowledge them and
have it over with"
Il don't know what on earth you are
thinking about" Mrs. Hendricks said
somewhat impatiently. Everything
have ever done is as open as q
book"
81 am not speaking of you. We all
know you are all right, Mrs. Fisher
said. But, of course, if you don't
care to speak of 1t | won't say any
more, | thought maybe it might help
to talk 1t over"
1t seemed an endless time before
Hendricks came home again. His
train did not get in until two in the
morning, but Mrs. Hendricks sat up
for him, and they had little supper
while ne unpacked and made a gay
presentation speech to go with the
china he had brought all the way from
New York.
Hendricks was in high spirits the
next morning and called to her gayly
as she worked about the kitchen
knowing that his peculiar style OF
humor was always acceptable to her
and received in the right spirit.
Woman" he shouted. Where are
my shoes? Do you mean to tell me
you have not BACKED them? What did
I marry Won for suppose you eat
the bread of idlenes and expect me to
pay the baker. You shall have such
beating for this as never was. I'll
lay on, McDuff-'
"Oh. Dick" his little wife cried in
sudden agony "Oh, Dick"
"Smatter? Burn yourself? Come
: here and let me put some stuff on"
Mrs. Hendricks appeared in the
door, picture of dismay and fright.
"Oh. Dick, don't say those things"
she cried. IT'S awful"
Awful fiddlesticks!" he said, stern
fully. What's come over the spirit
OF your dream?"
1T isn't a dream. Dick, that's why
they're so good to me, they think
you see, they hear through the
/ court"
Hendricks gave her one look, and
then rolled over in paroxysm OF
laughter. His wife was nearer tears.
Never mind he said as soon as he
could speak. I'm transferred to Bos-
ton. anyhow, but | hated to tell you.
bacause I thought you liked the people