The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-01-28

II have never bored any one. I
don't think have" He paused quick
~ and looked at his boots. I'll tell
YOU, Mr.. Brownson, l think I have oc-
cupied my thirty years rather we'll. l
have made myself happy, and tried to
maze others. I'm sure everyone who
has ever been on my yacht has pleas
ant memories of it, and anyone who
has ever ridden in my car. I've taken
out all sorts Of people, from newsboys
to bishops.
II don't know Of any special dam
age I've ever done. Certainly, I've
never run over any one-not that I
know Of. I've done my best general.
ly. These are probably negative vir-
tues, but they're the best l have. all
but the biggest and the greatest Of
them all. loving Cicely."
The relatives looked at each other
gingerly. The maiden aunt felt some
what shocked. Mr.. Brownson felt the
responsiveness Of the circle.
THAT is very WE'LL" he breathed
heavily. but we are serious family,
and negative virtue is too-well, too
negative-quite too much in the abb
stract to satisfy"
"Then, what I need Is seriousness
Of purpose?"
Exactly"
Mr.. Brownson Joined his finger-tips.
Two Of the relatives coughed. Mrs.
Brownson gurgled. The girl looked at
Wayne and smiled. The man instant.
ly forgot the others and quickly start
ed to his feet. Cicely alone was there,
and she was smiling at him. She was
his love and his hearts desire. She
was the most that the world might
give to him.
He loved her, and that was enough
for him to know. She loved him, and
there was nothing else for him to
know. He started to the center of
the room. The girl rose and met him.
Mr.. Brownson shot up from his seat
in amazement. Mrs. Brownson pre-
pared for further tears. The relatives
leaned back and waited.
what does this mean?" Mr.. Brown.
sons voice hit the note Of tragedy.
do you intend to steal her from
me?" Indignation mingled with the
tragic. This is too much. We are q
serious family. You are simply an
idle man Of the world. We have moth
ing In common. The conference is
over"
Mrs. Brownson decided there were
to be no tears. The relatives rose
with her.
"The conference is decidedly overt"
Mr.. Brownson loftily repeated.
"Father!" The girl gave a little
cry. Father"
Mr.. Brownson paused at the agony
In bis child's cry. Mrs. Brownson
again raised her handkerchief. The
others made way for a scene.
II don't see why you are all this
way!" The girl choked little. II
love him, and he is worthy Of more
than ! can give him. Yes, he Is. He's
better than any Of I'd. He's always
doing something for people-poor PED
pie. ! know. Jack, you know love
you. and my father can never change
mel"
Mr.. Brownson coughed. From the
resultant sound 1t would seem that the
cough was uncalled for.
"That will do, Cicely; that will do.
A last word, perhaps, may be neces-
sary, and I would suggest that 1t be
made in private. Jennie. all of us.
We shall 60 up to the library. We
shall discuss Mr.. Wayne's-philan.
thropy alone.
"Cicely, you will 60 to your room.
Mr.. Wayne, you may remain here, or
return in half an hour for our final
decision"
With this, the head Of the clan
, Brownson gathered his forces and left
the room.
Half an hour later he returned
again, leading the line. Wayne was
there awaiting them. Cicely was be.
side him. From all appearances,
they had never left the room. Mr..
Brownson looked ut the girl Ia some
astonishment.
"Cicely, what does this mean?
thought sent yuo tosyour room. Mr..
Wayne, have you taken undoe advsn-
taseT
Wanye spoke very quickly.
n means, Mr.. Brownson. that -
Q serious man mysuA I should say
perhaps I am. r rstAer thought my
love for Cicely was serious enough.
She agrees with me n the matter.
won't apologize for my thirty years,
even r I haven't done anything speA
eial for my country. ] haven't buile
bridges, nor have r operated stross
railways. But I have Done one big
thing In loving your daHeAter.
1T has taken up SO much Of ny
time that couldn't reasaaably do any
thing sfse. But"
He psused and went nearer to the
girl and took her hand Mr.. Brown
son shook as II q spaMn had sudden.
n seiEvd him. Mrs. Bfownson and
the others took their cue and imme-
aiAtely entered upon g wiid consterna.
| ton.
Enough Of this! Enough-enough!"
Mr.. Bruwnson was livfd. You have
NO purpose In life, no
Serious, Mr.. Brownsoa? I am
hightfally! To show zoe how really
In earnest l am-h0w mach In earn
est have been. about Cicely, why
when you were gone. I took her out
1 and married herr"