The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-06-24
Mr.. TAYLOR EXPLAINS
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

entrances. This kingdom was subdi-
Vlded into special realms and over
each principality reigned a princess
IN black dress, white collar and cuffs.
Never was royalty more becomingly
adorned, for Max Bluming, floor man.
ager. knew what he was doing when
he picked the prettiest girls in the
I; store for this point of vantage.
May Marshall, tall blonde, had
charge of the Jet goods. Then-and
mere the manager had undeniably
shown his ability as an artist-there
was the counter for displaying Jew
els, for rs cent bead strings to two
carat, hrst-water diamonds, and right
! behind the racks of pearls and trays
OF rhinestones stood Mary Webster, as
wholesome, sweet and fresh as a May
morning.
Mary was-well, she was Just Mary.
You looked at her and loved her.
Good morning, Miss Webster"
Somehow he had learned her name,
although Mary had no idea of his. She
nodded brightly. however.
The man passed up the aisle and
disappeared. Evidently he had some
thing to do with the store, but he was
not a salesman, for his hours were
different from the others. Mary, still
smiling, was suddenly unplessantly
aware that Mr. Bluming was at the
end Of the aisle and that he was
watching her.
1T seems to me" she said indig-
nantly, that can't breathe any more
without that man seeing it. He's al
ways looking at mel" She shivered
Involuntary. "One thing sure, il he
stays around here talking like he did
yesterday and inviting me to dinner,
am going to ask to be changed up
stairs. Very good looking that young
man was and he has nice eyes and
teeth She smiled at the memory, but
was suddenly sobered by the appear
ance of the floor manager just across
the counter.
Good morning, Miss Mary. Did your
mirror tell you how pretty you look
today? There's a little curl resting
ever so lightly on your cheek that ]
would like to kiss!"
Mary kept busily at her busting.
Where shall put these new
brooches. Mr.. Bluming? Would you
suggest background of blue velvet in
the case?"
But he mistook the flush Of annoy
ance for one Of pleasure and, disre-
garding her words, went on: Blush
ing is a lost art, Miss Mary. It's very
becoming to you. By the way, aren't
you sorry you turned down my invi-
tation last night? But there's always
another day, and I'm not the kind that
takes offense easily. How about to-
nightT"
1--we another engagement"
He regarded her steadily. II don't
believe you know another soul in this
town." he said slowly. deliberately.
"You haven't another engagement"
Haven't l." she flashed. ''You know
nothing about me. l may be engaged
to be married for all you know, Mr..
Bluming."
Mr.. Bluming was silent an instant
and his smile disappeared. Then he
laughed easily, 81 don't believe it."
But he walked away and left Mary
In momentary peace.
That night, after thinking things
over, Mary decided to do something.
Il must do something to convince
that man that THAT there is some
body who cares for me. And it can't
do any harm. l can put it back at
closing time every night"
So the next morning, while arrang-
ing her wares, Mary took from its
place in the tray solitaire diamond
of carat weight and slipped it onto the
third finger of her left hand.
Good morning, Miss Webster!
Mary hastily covered her hand and re-
turned the greeting. 1t was the man
with the nice eyes.
Mr.. Bluming drew near. Mary has
tily turned the stone into view.
well, Miss Mary, good morning.
Another day gone, Ell? Well, there's
always one coming. That's my motto!
The diamond caught his eye. Where
did you get that?" he asked.
Il told you that perhaps ! was
engaged"
well, l don't believe it" His eyes
glittered. What If I'd say ] knew
where you got it, because l saw you
take it? Maybe you'll think better
now about dinner. If the manage
ment knew"-he stopped.
Mary waited, white to the lips.
VIII you Gomez"
MOI"
Then" he turned. Charlie, go
ask Mr.. Taylor to come here, please.
I've sent for the store detective,
he explained. ITS not too late yet"
Mary was silent.
Then down the aisle came the young
man with the nice yees.
you sent for me?" to Bluming.
YES" And the floor manager ex-
planned Marys crime to the store de-
tective while Mary stood az white and
still as a statue Of white marble.
Mr.. Taylor laughed easily. Why
didn't you tell him the truth, Mary
There was no need of so much secrecy
as all that. l just thought we'd keel
it as a surprise-that's all. Miss Web
ster has promised to be my, wife, h'
explained to the nonplused Bluming
and told her to pick cut the RIM
she liked best today. Is that salts
factory"