The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-03-06
IL A DR'zzuns RAIN
BY HOPE AiNSLEE.

copyright, 1915, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per SyndicateD
A soft drizzling rain was daring the
roses in Constance Atwood's cheeks
to come out and get wet. And the
roses were fast appearing as she
walked briskly through the damp
cinder path in Central park.
1t was Saturday afternoon and Con-
stance had promised herself that she
would finish knitting the last Of her
six pairs of socks for the soldier boys
before the Wednesday boat should
have sailed. Her small brother and
sister, being prevented by the rain
from playing out of doors. would de-
mand the attention Of Sister Con-
stance If she were at home. There
fore she decided to seek the shelter of
summer house in the park, where
on day like this she was sure to
be alone.
A beautiful girl sitting alone in q
summer house on a cold. drizzling
day knitting socks is not an every.
day picture. Indeed it was such an
unusual sight to Donald Grey when
he came upon 1t that he almost
stopped in his course to stare.
Constance looked up casually as he
passed and her calm. level gaze met
his; then she dropped her eyes. con-
tinued her knitting and the man
strobe on through the winding path.
But the mans peace of mind had
been disturbed. Only his deep-rooted
sense of chivalry kept him from re-
tracing his steps for one more look
at the lovely girl He realized that
he had only a slender chance in a
thousand of seeing her again, and
yet at that moment he could think of
no other person whom he so desired
to see again-and often.
Suddenly his musings were abrupt
ly interrupted by the approach of
big Irish park policeman leading a
small child reluctantly by the hand.
The officer had to stoop to keep a
hold of the tiny tot.
Gotta lost kid" he said laughing
ly to Donald.
Donald looked at the pretty little
girl. Fine day for youngster like
that to be alone in the park, isn't it,"
Fine for the pneumony! Says her
mas knittin' and she run off," volun-
teered the policeman further.
Donald Grey paled little. Knit
ting, did you say? Her-her moth
err"
Sure! Why not? Amt they all
a-doin' it day an night for Tommy
Atkins and the loike O. him?" asked
the officer
Il saw young woman back in the
summer house-a-knitting," said Den
aid.
"Where?" asked the policeman,
alertly.
I'll show you-it's quicker," and
Donald led the way back to the sum.
mer house.
The little one trotted beside the
big policeman and Donald, humming
gayly. She seemed not to care who
her protectors were. so long as she
was having little excitement. Dom
aid could see that much in the tots
eyes.
When she saw the trio approaching
Constance stopped knitting and
stared. But Donald could see at a
glance that she had not lost any.
body's baby. She looked from one to
the other as the three drew close.
"Askin' yer pardon. lady, but did
We lose this kidd" asked the police.
man.
Constance laughed. She shook her
head. mo, indeed. l didn't. Is the
poor baby LOST"
she sure is-says her mas a.knit-
tin and she run away"
Mas doin' that" said the child
gayly pointing to Constance and her
knitting
is she. DEAR" asked Constance
and Donald realized that she had the
voice. too. Of his ideal And where
did you leave your mammal"
The child made a vague gesture
Over home with lots O. ladies' all
knittin' and"
The policeman took the child again
by the hand. Come on, kid, you'll
catch cold out here. I'll find her ma
all right. Much obliged" And the big |
policeman and the little one walked
of In the drizzling rain.
Donald Grey raised his hat. I'm
sorry"
on, 1t was quite natural. I'm sure.
Don't apologize. l only hope thew
find the baby's mother soon. Its NOT |
a day for little ones to be out"
The girls tone dismissed him and
Donald strobe on. This time he felt
desperate. II he had wanted to know
her after a single glance at her. he
longed more than ever now that ne
mad seen her smile. and heard her |
speak, had stood before her.
He would have felt utterly hone.
less II he had not been a firm be-
never In the good Presbyterianism
That everything that happens ia for
the best. If this was the way he was
70 meet her. never to see her again. |
wny-that was all. II she were meant
ior nim-and with his youthful. hope.
rui outlook on life, he believed ahe
would find her somewhere
ror nearly two years he sought her ]
ana tnen. at benefit dance given
TO aid the widows and children Of
soldiers who had fallen in the war. he
was presented to her by a patrone,.