The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-04-19

tant relative in New York. of whose
existence they had been ignorant. And
Mrs. Patrick, the widow. who had such
task trying to make both ends meet,
ana was afraid she would have to
marry Old Man Green. She was left
s4,UO0 by cousin in Alabama, of
"hom she used to speak vaguely and
not aHectlonately. She at once re-
Jected Old Man Green. And he. to
mollify his disappointment. as it were.
received a legacy from nephew in
ireland, who had died intestate. worth
sZ'oVO, and said he was glad now that
ne could afford to get housekeeper,
instead of having to think of getting
married.
Then gifts began to flow in to the
oripples' Home, and the Society for
the prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
and the Job Nimble Home for Incura-
Dies. In short, after five years Joel
had only $4,000 of his capital left.
And Maudie was growing up and 60
ing to college. And Dolly had mar.
rled the finest man in the world. a
lawyer, who often came over to Joel's
10 SIT and chat of an evening, and
ask dlsconcerting questions. Joel be-
gan to be afraid that folks would find
out the truth. But presently the ques.
ions ceased, and the lawyer became
still more kind and friendly
How wonderful it was. at thirty, to
have done so much good to others, in.
stead of having spent ones money on
oneself. Joel began to forget the
heartache that he felt whenever he
saw Maudie back from college. always
with the same kind word for Joel. He
mad really had more out Of life thar
he deserved, even though he was still
the butt of the young folks.
But when Maudie came back fol
good and went to live with Dolly anG
her husband, and their little boy, Joe
knew that nature was stronger thar
he was. He was shyer than ever wher
he called, and at last he gave up call
ing altogether. Only the lawyer, ant
perhaps Maudie, understood. Blu
what could they do? II Joel had seer
himself as others began to see hin
now. when sorrow had dignified him
and self-forgetfulness had stamped it
self on his insignificant face.
But Joel only knew that he was des
perately unhappy, and that he mus
go away. He advertised his farm.
Then it was that the lawyer be
trayed the secret he had wormed GU
of the little man.
For one morning strange deputa
ton approached Joel's house. II
came TO the door and stared in amaze
ment at the neighbors-all Fouracres
that had come to do honor, no NOR
to the village butt, in pleasantly, bu
to the most popular man in towr
Joel found himself hoisted, struggling
upon the neighbors shoulders and cal
ried to the council hall. And there
to his amazement, the mayor himsel
and all the council were assembled
Someone was making a speech, too
Joel caught vaguely the words, "Ou
next mayor Then, somehow, he ha
broken from the cheering throng an
found himself outside, alone.
No. dy-Maudie-was q
his side, looking into his face wit
tear-dimmed, radiant eyes. And sh
was asking him if it was true he wa
going away. if he would not stay.
AT that moment Joel caught at hi
destiny. For he saw only the Ii
tie trapped bird not the college won
an, and he took her by the hand.
Il will stay if you tell me to-" h
said.
Stay, them whispered Maud
shyly.
Copyright, 1916 by w G. Chapman