The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-09-19

N~~~
at the ball. For this he mutely thank
ed Mowbray.
In the evening as the lights were be-
ing switched On the nurse announced
the return of his visitor.
A few moments afterward she APP
peared in the doorway. Harmon rec
ognized her in one sweeping glance as
abe approached his cot-the girl at the
ball.
"Well? he said. depressing his as
constituent She looked timidly down
at him.
"You know meT" she asked in a
frightened tone. He nodded and smiled
to put her at her ease. There was an
embarrassed pause.
II felt ought to come and thank
you," she broke in. He made a care
less gesture.
"Quite unavoidable. Miss
"Rogers-Sadie Rogers" she prompt
ed, touch Of color appearing in her
thin, white cheeks.
Harmon lifted his head and bowed
an awkward acknowledgment.
what happened to me?" he asked.
mo one seemed to know anything
about it." she explained. except that
you were hit with a bottle. They
couldn't find out who did it. I'm glad,
anyway, nobody was arrested. I'd
have gone, too / suppose
Harmon nodded comprehension.
How did you find me:" he went on
"Your friend told me who you We're
and where they had taken you" she
! replied, smiling.
She had been standing with her
hands behind her as they chatted
Suddenly she made an impulsive little
| movement and thrust forth small
cluster Of roses.
"Will you take these? They help me
say thanks" she said.
Harmon looked at her in surprise
and for the first time observed closely
her appearance. There was no health
In her cheeks, and she looked worn
and weary.
The cheap finery Of the previous
evening had vanished, and in its place
had come a coarse black skirt, an i'll
fitting blue jacket and broad, fat
hat that seemed to accentuate her pale,
blue eyed usefulness.
TITS nice Of you," he said at length.
A queer little smile flashed across
her face, and she placed the flowers in
his hand.
Sadie. faint voiced and dif1dent,
called at the hospital each day there
after. Her visits were brief and un-
eventful She remained for few mo-
ments to exchange the usual common
places with Harmon. Always, despite
his protests. she brought cluster of
fresh roses.
In the beginning Harmon had decid-
ed not to permit her to continue to see
him, but she sounded a sympathetic
note In his nature, and he found him
self unable to send her away.
Though she seemed a poor. pitiable
bit of drift. she revealed traces of un-
cultivated intelligence and refinement
and he became interested In her. In
the end he resolved to learn more
about her and, If possible, to help her
You are going home tomorrow ?" she
asked on the evening Of the last day.
Not really home." he replied, laugh
Ing. Il hail from the country" Her
tired face frightened.
indeed! I'm from up state myself"
You're all alone here?" he INQUIRED.
She nodded slowly.
"Tell me about coming here-eyery.
thing" he invited.
She plucked at a jacket button and |
seemed reluctant to answer. but after
moment said: well, father wasn't a
much account man, so when mother
died l hired out. We had folks I'D
from New York, and heard so much
about the city thought it was a great
place. So came.
I'm not fool" she continued. with
dispirited smile. up in the country
went to school as long as l could
but when l got down here It didn't
help me any.
What could l do? l didn't know
anything about offices. wasn't a TYNE
writer, and there wasn't much time ia
decide, so / went into one of the big
stores.
what make just about goes round
for room and meals and something to
wear. Once in awhile there's a NOV
Ing picture show.
"Clancy's ball was free, SO me and
couple of girls went there. But I'll
know better next time.
You know. I'd like to do better. to
learn something thatd help me. tried
night school, but l couldn't stand II
after working all day. And can't
learn from library books" she conclud.
ed, signing.
Harmon was intent upon every ex
preston Of her face.
wouldn't it be better If you married
soon?" he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders weartly
I've thought lot about that" she
said slowly, "and don't think l can
marry the kind O. men 1 meet"
Harmon looked at her In thoughtfui
silence.
Suppose could help you In a way"
he said directly, would you let me?"