The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-11-18

mated in temperament and tastes, and
above all in youth!
A great new thought came to Kirk
Howard. He loved Walter as an own
son. 1t would take fully a month to
reach him and get him back home.
Daniel Wegg had set a limit of two
days. What was there in life for
himself. reflected Howard-and a
mighty resolve thrilled and then fas-
cinated him.
"Milly." he spoke steadily as he
could. your father sees his situation
only in your sacrifice. l can prevent
1t, ! can aid in getting him out of
the power Of Daniel Wegg. Will you
help me to do it? Milly, will you
marry-me? l am old, it is true. but
l will not be IA burden to you. 1t
Is only to save you. IL"
In amazement he checked the inco-
herent torrent of words which he
sought to employ to conceal his real
intentions. Milly had uttered a strange
cry. She bent toward him. 1t seemed
as II q great gladness showed in her
relieved face. the flashing glimpse he
had Of it. Then. burying her face on
his arm, she chung to him like to a
tired, storm-beaten child seeking and
finding security and peace.
"Yes-yes!" she murmured. "Oh,
my best. my dearest Of friends!" and
then, sobbing. she darted from the
spot, for her father had intruded.
Plainly. bluntly Kirk Howard stat
ed his position to Mr.. Davenal. The
latter had refused money, but be-
tween Wegg and Howard there could
be no choice. Yes. let the marriage
take place at once. the money pro.
vided to pay OF Wegg before the lat
ter would contrive some scheme to
defeat their plans and harass them.
1t was strange how grave, how pale
was Howard through that hurried GER
emory. Milly acted like one in a
dream. No one was present at the
marriage except father. daughter,
Howard and the minister.
Il have some important business
up at my home" spoke Howard in a
strained, unnatural voice, as the cler-
gyman went away
Milly regarded him TREMENDOUSLY.
There was wistful, pleading look in
her eyes, but he, manlike, construed it
as passing gratitude at her deliverance
from being welded to man she abb
horred.
Il may not return until tomorrow,
he voiced unsteadily, Il have some
very important papers to make out
to provide for your future, Milly," he
added, and then he was gone, leaving
Davenal stupetied and Milly puzzled.
What did 1t mean? What could It
mean! For an hour Milly sat mar
yelling at this strange abandonment.
Somehow the last look Howard had
bestowed upon her troubled her, haunt
ed her. It seemed to express sorrow
subtle. infinitely pathetic, yet it also
appeared to bid her hope. Her father
retired. A deserted bride, Milly went
to the window and glanced out.
Over at the Howard home a single
light glOwed brightly. She knew it's
location. the ground floor room that
was Mr.. Towards library. 1t seemed
to beckon to her. Her soul was un-
easy. She left the house, and ten
minutes later she stood Just outside
the open window, not two feet away
from the table at which Howard was
writing. Her startled eyes made out
the words:
and so, dear nephew, shall be
found as II died natural death, and
all have is yours and Milly's Never
tell her the truth. for what are the
few years ! may live to your long
happiness and hers? Dear boy!
was blind not to guess that love direct
ed her many visits to us, that did not
surmise that she is the influence you
spoke OF in your letter. And so have
saved her by marrying her. An I'M
claimed bride, a widow, all her love
will be yours"
Aghast, Mflly read the intent of the
writer. She fastened around to the
front door, she thrust 1t open, ran to
the library. AS she sank to her knees
by his side, the astounded Howard
looked up.
"Milly. my child" he spoke.
"Mr. Howard-oh, destroy that let
ter! What would you do?" she pant
ed.
For Walters sake" he began.
What Is Walter to mel" she cried
in wailing tone. HE loves another.
Oh. blind! blind! doubly blind! Must I
tell you that my visits to your home
were Influenced by devotion. love for
the grandest man ever met!"
She was sobbing In his arms. His
face grew glorified as he realized the
truth, and all the ways of life seemed
smiling and sweet at last