The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-05-25


preston in the wise eyes of Mr. Laid.
law after he hai s.est an cvc-:ng
with the Carringtons.
Social leaders. my boy,'' he OBJ
served. And that queenly Helena.
How did she strike your
Cold as ice" replied Robert with
a slight laugh. none of the genial
warmth of soul of some modest yet
gentle-hearted girl like"
"Eh!" started Uncle Henry. as Rob
ert paused and flushed.
oh. like those natural friendly
girls in the Office Of the plant" CON
cluded Robert, generalizing.
Your lofty Miss Darlington cut me
dead today, uncle, reported Robert,
later in the same week
'oh. you must be mistaken" remon-
strated Mr.. Laidlaw
Not at all, it was palpable and
meant. You see, had my working
clothes on and the CRIME of honest
labor shocked her sensitive spirit"
HIM! muttered the old man
thoughtfully, and then he went to his
lawyer. See here, Hunter" he began
to the attorney, I'm doing that boy a
wrong"
In what way" was the pertinent
query
Mr.. Laidlaw narrated his story of the
disadvantages of mental employment
in the eyes of the higher social set.
He further deplored the arduous labor
which was hardening the hands of his
protege, the slow promise of final ad-
vancement The lawyer chuckled.
Tired of the program. ell, already
that | laid out to make real man of
your nephew" he challenged. What
you want to do-rear him in the lap
of luxury and spoil him?"
"Well-er-you see"
No, you see, Laidlaw," interrupted
the lawyer briskly, I've been studying
young Robert and I'm glad to observe
his sense, courage and fidelity to an
ideal, He'll work out right and make
you proud of him if you leave him
alone"
Yes, but he may make friends
among the-well, the lowly-that may
be detriment to him"
What" rallied the lawyer. after
your proud-tempered Miss Caring
TOM"
but suppose he should fall in love
with some poor Girl?"
Suppose he did? Do you want to
spoil his happiness? No, you go right
ahead on the course we have marked
out. Robert is no fortune hunter or
he wouldn't have chosen you instead
of your brother, he would never have
risked catching an heiress by under,
taking mental employment. He's gen
uine, concluded the attorney. True
blue all through and all of the time
He'll land right. Mark my words"
There came a test An unexpected
event TRANSFERRED. James Laidlaw died
and in will he had planned to change
when his nephew refused to live with
him, but which he had neglected to do,
his sole heir was Robert.
Now he'll go off on his own hook,
| suppose" grumbled Mr.. Laidlaw
to his lawyer; no further use for me. !"
Wait and see" advised the law
yer.
1t was week later when Robert
came into the library and addressed
his relative.
Uncle Henry, he said bluntly, Il
want you to accept half of the fortune
Uncle James left me. You we're closer
to him than am, and should by right
inherit 1t. You are not rich"
Who told you that?" exploded the
old man If I've hidden my wealth
from you, it was for purpose. All
the same he said in a lower tone,
I'm glad to see that you have loyal,
grateful heart"
It's division, no matter what you
say declared Robert, you see, If we
could all live together
"We-arent we? What you up to
now" demanded the old man suspi-
ciously.
"Why-you see, there's q Nellie
And who il she?"
Let me bring her around and see,'
suggested Robert, which he did
She was not of the born princess
type-only a modest. retiring girl-but
inside of five minutes she had wound
herself about the old mans ingenious
heart just as she had done with Robert
L4aidlaw