The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-09-02

Of the nom Win tho 1ksGsSdy worn
How am I going to tell hint"
Whatever gwas on his mind. how
ever. Of the unsolved problem tndi
Gated, Ezra grasped the dilemma b.
the horns. When Wilton Dacre came
down to the ONCE the next morning
. Ezra met him in the main ONCE and
pointed to his private room.
I'm there, sir" he observed tim
orously.
who? What do you meant"
1.-THE prize-winning graduate, sir"
responded Ezra, and halted.
Dacre entered his private Office,
tossed his hat on top Of his desk and
turned around, intent on making short
work Of his visitor. Then he drew
back after an embarrassing stare.
Seated beside his desk. smiling, pref
ty and blushing like a fresh June
rose, was young girl. He was the
respectful. considerate gentleman ct
once.
II hope l will do" she spoke; "and
! oh. sir! ! want to thank you 90 much.
The money means q great deal to me,
! for you know l am an orphan and
Aunt Lefty Is poor. But the position!
! II only my shorthand IL quick enough
for you"
The hard business lines softened
down in the face Of the master Of the
plant. He did not reply ct once. A
nashtng memory Of . woman who
had won his regard and deceived him
four years agone opened wide the gates
to dreams Of q new ideal Of truth and
loneliness. closed rigidly after the one
bitter disappointment Of his life.
Then all that was yearning and ten.
der In his soul went out to the eager
faced, innocent girl before him, too
artless to conceal her joy at being
placed In business life.
II shall have to speak with my !
bookkeeper, Miss" began Dacre, |
laundering and on his balance like
some bashful schoolboy.
Eva, sir-Eva Norris"
Just wait q moment, Miss Morris.
please. What the thunder" he
burst forth upon the shrinking Ezra
In the outer room. Not female in
the place! thought it was q boy"
Yes, sir; but. you see, . girl beat
them all to frst place this year.
You wouldn't give me time to tell you
about 1t. She's little model of in.
dustry, Mr.. Dacre. 'I'll vouch for her
there. Al to having . girl around
why, CIR. 1t will make 1t more cheer.
ful. and then the old rascal chuckied
- Dacre went Of, reading In his en-.
ployer's face decided leaning towards
IN innovation in the system Of tho
place.
Eva did finely. There was not q !
great deal Of stenographic work 10 do. I
5ns was bright, smart. an excellent !
She liked her employ. | !.
y. she was the pct Of the workmen.
Dacre was called away for . month
n important business. He was sur.
'rfsed and pleased when he returned, a
somehow, things looked Frightened d
10. In the outer once the clerical |,
orce now had their hats and coats O
Jung up in An orderly way on hooks,
Vhere before they had been aung =
arelessly about. The private once =
"a neat ~ pin. Tho old raeged
hades had been reversed and turned.
vase filled with flowers ornamental
10 desk.
For the hrst time in it, history the
Mushroom Of the working hands con.
lined clsan roll towels. The sight Of
rush and comb In q homemade card.
oard case. trimmed with . bit Of blue
bbon. made Dacre smile at the IN.
ongruity. and yet somehow thrilled
% heart with pleasure.
And from these minor invasions Of =
10 grim rules Of the works, Eva be.
IN 10 ADVANCE along more material I'M
nes' Dacre was. amazed ut many q
'actlcal suggestion she made in con. Mn
nance with his material business in iii
rests.
More than ever he felt the vast void III
MS being, craving for sympathy iii
"a interested companionship. The
'eet, pretty girl at his side, always
'hing, accommodating and grateful,
emed to have woven an irresistible
arm about his heart.
Dictation." he said one day, coming NH
10 the office. a mighty resolve in his I'LL
nd, and the ready hand Of his lI||
snographer touched the keyboard. I|I|
'Miss Eva Norris" dictated Dscre NH
rsely, Il love you-will you be my ||||
fe?" NH
The fair head dropped. the wild NH
10 blush on the beautiful face lIl|l
opened. He watched her trembling Hill
nd breathlessly as slender, shape ||||I
finger delivered three radiant notes. I'M
ckins rapidly into his longing soul: I'M
YES" I|lI|
Tpx.,- tx