The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-07

der mother. but she avoided tete-a.
tete hours with him, pleading duty
as her excuse for hurrying away
when he began to question her about
the old friends.
During the night the snow fell over
everything, and when Philip opened
his eyes and looked out of the long
old-fashioned window by his bed he
felt that he-and all the world-had
much to be thankful for. The pure
white blanket with its sparkling sur
race spread over everything for miles
around and the green of the FIR trees
alone lent color to the picture. The
Roland house stood far away from
neighbors back in wonderful old
garden.
Philip sat before the big cracking
logs when he heard the first sound
OF sleigh bells In the distance. He lis
tened intently and the jingle grew
clearer; it was coming up the long
driveway. He sat erect. Perhaps It
was Helena! Or 1t might be his aunt
and uncle.
In q moment the great front door
swung open and he heard his mother
greet Helena Taylor. He went quick.
ly toward the hall and met them In
the archway.
TITS three years today, Philip"
Helena was saying when he took her
hand.
The time hasn't done much to you
anyway" the young man returned.
You can be thankful for that. can't
she, mother?" he asked.
Mrs. Roland looked up at the tall
girl and the eyes of both women
filled suddenly with tears. Philip
caught his breath sharply. What had
he said3 He turned toward the fire.
They both followed, his mother with
her arm about the girl.
Philip" his mother began when
they stood looking down into the
flames, the years you just spoke of
have done more TOTO Helena than
you know She-she-"
Il lost Bob two years ago, Phil"
Helena finished
For few minutes no one said a
word.
II did not tell you, dear" the
mother began, because 1t has always
been my policy to keep everything
but happy news of home from you.
Then, year ago, when Helena came
to stay with me for a week or two
learned something | had never even
dreamed of-that you had once cared
for her"
Philip. started as If he would have
spoken; then he drew himself to-
gether
Later. by common If silent con-
sent, We decided to wait until to-
day TOTO let you know. Helena has
always been with us on this day, and
poor Bob, too. when he was here.
Somehow, | felt you would rather
have us tell you together, dear" The
little woman looked up at her big son
and understood that she had done the
right thing in his eyes
The arrival Of the other guests pre-
cluded- the continuance of the init
mate conversation and the trend of
things led them all to gayer channels
and holiday-making.
1t was not until Uncle Joe and
Aunt Mary had followed their hostess
to the upper regions that Helena and
Philip we're alone together.
Il told mother yesterday that l
would finish this year at the academy,
take one more cruise and then return
to look over any girl she might have
picked out for me to marry" the
young man said. looking at Helena.
"A capital idea" she said, gayly.
That was yesterday" he added.
$50 you said"
May say further-today-t
night?" he asked, earnestly.
Helena did not answer; her gayety
had deserted her
while | was on another cruise
years ago-you slipped away from
me. lost you. Suppose this time
choose port duty. home-and you?
VIII you marry me, Helena?"
And when she had promised he told
her it was his first really thankful
since he left home, for,
as he explained, he had come home
only to find her and be unable to get
her Nothing else had seemed worth
being thankful for, he whispered to
her