The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-26

Grangeford's money no one but gentle
Mrs. Stevenson and possibly the gen.
tleman himself thought Of question
ing.
Well. mother. ii will seem good to
have talk with Ralph. I suppose
must call him Mr.. Grangeford now
and ] am glad he is still our friend"
The bell rang before Sarah left the
table and Ralph was soon hearing all
the details of their changed condition.
His unaffected interest and sincere
sympathy were a real source of COM
| fort to the two lonely women.
Ralph Grangeford was a handsome
fellow. He had been travelling through
Africa. His own mothers fortune had
passed to him, her only child, and he
had decided to take this trip before
settling down to the life Of a country
| gentleman-though that would never
be life of idleness in Ralph's case.
Sarah and Ralph had been friends
since childhood. Then Ralph's trip
abroad had come and though he insist
ed that IT was Sarah's duty to write
to him she had only laughed and said,
Il cannot spend my time In writing
letters to wander over all Africa, and
never to be read by anyone. When
you come back we can tell each other
our experiences"
So though several letters and some
curious articles of native make from
far~off Africa had reached Sarah
Ralph received no response; and az
his stepmother took pains that he
should not be informed Of the change
In the Stevenson household 1t was 9
complete surprise to him.
Upon his family's return Ralph held
stormy interview with the second
Mrs. Grangeford.
why did you not tell me Of Mr.
Stevenson's death?" he asked bluntly
and his stepmother tried to answer
carelessly, Really never thought tina
that the matter could interest you
Ralph"
But this reply was not accepted, anC
after several severe comments as t
her silence had been uttered by Ralph
she lost patience and said cuttngly:
What possible difference can 1
make to you if one of our village girl
who works for her living should hav,
lost a parent? You can hardly expec
me to know all the history of tn
lower classes"
Pardon me, l fear we have bot
lost our tempers!"
Had Mrs. Grangeford been a wise
I woman she would have realized tina
she was taking just the way to brin
about the event which she dreaded
,, But, instead, she said to herself wit
satisfied smile, upon being left alone
, "A word in season was all that wa
required; that remark about the lowe
classes has settled the matter, | al
sure"
1t was early evening when Ralp
held this conversation with his stel
mother, and 1t was still early evenin
! when sharp ring came at the st,
vensons' doorbell and upon openin
| the door Sarah found herself claspe
in pair Of strong arms and hear
. Ralph's voice say, Sarah, want 20
to marry me this minute. You know
| nave diWdyS iONCu yOut anu Sduus
bear to see you living such har
! life. Won't you come now to D
carleton and give me the right
! take care Of you always?"
Sarah. laughing and blushing, trie
!. to free herself.
Ralph, you must be crazy" sh
said. 81 nave never thought of ma
rying anybody"
Think now. dear, of yourself and {
!, your mother, but give me the rigf
to think of you both"
Here she comes to speak for he
SELF" said Sarah, as Mrs. Stevenson
voice was heard in gentle astonisl
ment.
9 why, children. what is the ma
teri"
II want Sarah to marry me now.
want you both to live with me a
J. ways" explained Ralph. you kno'
have loved Sarah since we wer
babies and want her for my own"
9 What does Sarah say?" asked Mr.
! Stevenson-but Sarah's face was hit
den on her lovers shoulder.