The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-06-08

nature. waiting for an Inspiration to
draw his thoughts to some definite TO
Gus that would enable him to produce
something marketable.
At Bridgeton there was Just then a
theme which filled the public mind
with interest. A pioneer of the dis
trict named Burton had died, leaving
an immense fortune His only heir
was a nephew who resided in Chi
cago and who was himself substan-
sially rich.
This nephew had decided to show
his appreciation OF the magnificent
legacy by designing the erection Of a
costly statue in the market place Of
the town that his uncle had founded
A prize Of ten thousand dollars was
offered for the best design of the pro-
spective work of art
The Moves family, Aunt Eunice and
Blackburn. Morse and Vincent were
gathered In the garden one afternoon
engaged in animated conversation.
Mr.. Blackburn was in high fettle.
Il have made q very pretty penny
In the sale Of the property for the
site of the monument" he Wanted.
Got just about six prices"
This Burton statue business has
been quite a windfall to me as we'll"
boosted Morse.
How is that" inquired Mrs. Ward,
with curiosity.
Il am appointed trustee for the
project and will have charge Of all
construction Details" explained the
young lawyer.
Eugene glanced at Vincent. Ha
sat silent, modest distracted as usu
al. She pitied him in her Utmost
heart. While Vincent evinced no
envy as to the good fortune of the
two young men. she felt that he must
experience a natural depression at
not figuring smartly as they in the
current good fortune Of local inter.
prise.
Don't co. she murmured in pass.
Ing him, as the others arose from the
rustic benches. II want to hear that
new poem Of yours
His face, suddenly shining, his
eyes, illumined with grateful recog.
milton of her kindness, rewarded Eu.
genie for free condescension she
would have considered unmaidenly if
bestowed on others of courser mental
mold.
Il can't help it." whispered Eu.
genie to her aunt, as the latter gave
her a quizzical look as she walked
away to a sheltering garden nook
with Vincent. my heart just goes
out to him. He seems so lonely. so
unused to worldly ways"
What an hour 1t was for the poet
and dreamer! And for Eugene, too!
She realized that she was giving en-.
enlargement to her enraptured com.
panion. Within her secret soul she
realized, too, that she was glad of IL.
Suddenly he took her hand He
looked pleadingly into her gentle.
winning eyes.
Il must say it now" he said, "and
go away. perhaps. It Is In my
thoughts day and night-my love for
you. Should I have told you, or. too
presumptnous, let me crave your for.
giveness for daring to lift my eyes"
Dear eyes-sweet, honest soul!"
spoke Eugene, unable to prevent the
utterance. II did not know 1t before.
but I have loved you all along. Oh.
dear"
She started up in confusion. A
tattered town boy had invaded the
precious spot unnoticed. He started.
but was all business.
Your brother said you would want
this important letter." he explained.
and handed an Ynsealed missive to
Vincent.
He drew out the enclosure. At q
glance he flushed, then paled. He
gave quick gasp and clutched at
the top Of a garden seat for support,
as though overcome by some vast in.
telligence.
What is it-no trouble, I hope!"
Eugene, solicitously.
'Only-they have awarded me the
ten thousand dollar prize for my mon.
ument design replied Vincent.
"Only!" cried Eugene. but joyful.
ly.
YES" said Vincent, stanchly. AT.
er gaining your love. what else IL
precious in all the wide world.!"