The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-02-25

you think me very ungrateful, but my
duty calls me. l cannot go with the
family to California, as you have ar
ranged"
Then she told this real friend what
impeiled her to turn aside from ease
and luxury, all for lonely, friendless
man who had once been her loyal
mentor and guide Mrs Delville lis
tened with interest and sympathy. The
little one would grieve for her, she and
her husband would sorely miss her.
but she guessed the true emotion that
underlay Alice Worth's strange i'm
pulse and tried only to be helpful.
1t was the next day that John Bryan
sat at his desk, trying to believe that
he was still man of business and
that the flood of fortune would some
day turn his way. He was writing out
cards to place in the rack over his
desk, describing the various pieces of
property he had for sale, when a lady
entered the office and sank to the
chair at the side of the desk. She was
yelled. John instantly recognized her
as his kindly helper of the day previ-
Gus.
Il have come to see you on bust
ness, Mr.. Bryan" she began at once
and vague far-away expression came
into his eyes. What chord of memory
was touched? Why did a nameless
thrill pervade his being? Before he
could realize these strange emotions,
the lady held him in a trance of sheer
stupefaction as she proceeded 81
wish to go into business. am a COM
petent stenographer and something of
business woman. hear you spoken
of as man of sterling integrity.
Would you consider me as partner il
| will invest some capital against your
business capacity"
"A partner?" gasped the astonished
John Bryan in lost tone. There is
nothing to make a partnership Of"
Il think differently" spoke his Wis
itors promptly. Il have investigated
and believe that, with your prestige
and record and little cooperation,
you can regain the business you SO
well understand A Mr.. Delville,
wealthy gentleman. will place the care
of large property in our hands,"
John Bryan was trembling all over
with mingled sensations of hope, ex.
element and self-depreciation
Il must be honest with you" he
spoke. Il was only successful while |
had an assistant, most estimable and
capable young lady. That is her pic
ture," and John pointed to the same
photograph in frame over his desk
which the yelled lady picked up from
among his scattered papers on the
pavement on the day previous. 81
keep it near me-" he added in a low
tone, for she is closer to my heart
than any other woman in the world"
There was flutter of the veil. AS
the visitor again spoke, the accents of
her voice betrayed intense emotion.
viii you draw up a memorandum of
the partnership agreement, Mr.. Bry.
amp she said.
He took up his pen and drew blank
sheet of paper towards him in dazed,
mechanical way.
The name, please?' he questioned.
She lifted her veil-Alice Worth!
For moment he stared unbelievingly
at her Then the truth overwhelmed
him. The tears started, his face
dropped into his arms across the desk
before him and he sobbed as il his
heart would break. Her gentle hand
caressed the silvered head.
Blind! Blind" she murmured-
he does not even yet guess that my
poor tired heart is furnishing for the
love of true, loyal mani"
But the scales fell from the eyes Of
John Bryan as the days went on and
business cares were assuaged by that
sweet companionship And then, amid
hope and success, love famed forth
gloriously and so they were married.