The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-04-05
HER FRESHMAN
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

Clara Jane fairly staggered into the
room-she was so tired.
OFF came the hat with jerk. The
poor little stick-up got. a vicious tug
and was flung across the room and out
of the window. Il hate hats! I've
sorted feathers today till I'm full of
them. | eat them. breathe them, ugh
| can't even look at bird. And I'm
hungry"
The contents of several paper bags
did not look inviting-crackers in one.
stale rolls in another and some old ap-
pies with wrinkles. She sighed. Il
wish | had some of mothers waffies
and chicken, and some corn pudding
and caramel sweet potatoes and choc-
olate cake and custard pie and"
Some griddlecakes and country
sausage and apple dumplings and"
The masculine voice stopped. Clara
Jane turned and stared open-mouthed
at the unexpected person in the door
way He evidently encouraged conf
dence, for she answered sadly: I've
nothing left to remind me of home but
my name. hang on to every inch of
it."
But you can't eat that" said the
man. ITS awful to be hungry"
How did you get here?'
This came out Of the window
looked up and saw no one. rang the
bell. A fat woman answered it.
handed this in. She said instantly:
It's Miss Amherst's. You take it up ="
For goodness sake, don't ask
thanks for that. hate it. | threw it
out. / never want to see feather. /
work with them all day"
Now | must CO. But, say, will you
do something for me? I'm going to
party and my only pair of gloves need
mending Do you think you could put
in stitch?''
Yes, indeed! I'll be glad to-"
Then I'll be going by in fifteen min
utes. | can't come up Have you
anything you can let DOWN."
I'll tie a string to my hat"
But when they are done, what will
you do?"
when they're done! Oh, I'll just
whistle"
Fifteen minutes later Clara Jane
drew up the hat, basketlike, containing
large paper parcel that smelled de-
licious when opened
Sausages, a soft-shelled crab,
baked potato, hot rolls, butter, mar
malade and cake from a nearby res
taurant. I'll have to eat"
So she did-even the potato skin
4 Then she waited for the whistle, all
evening, but none came and she was
glad Of it after all. She was begin.
ming to like her Irishman.
Clara Jane awoke with the birds,
country fashion, put an old buckle on
her hat where the feather thing had
been and drank some coffee made over
the gas jet Then she went to work
Her particular department of the big
store was feathers Il hate to go in,
she protested as she tied on her apron,
Il wonder if they won't give me roses
and flowers instead That's the floor
above and it would be change of
scene as well as occupation. If | ever
get into the trimming department I'll
know the millennium he's come"
Il think it's here" said voice sus-
picously ltke the lrishmans.
She was talking aloud and didn't
know it, 1t came from loneliness
Clara Jane turroa ard confirmed the
suspicion Where arc tie gloves
was to mend ."
His face foil Il forgot all about
them
You told a story"
"A downright black lie It's terrible
sorry am"
You don't look it. Anyway you are
forgiven
Thank heaven"
The crab was fine"
''Yes'm."
And the sausages We're better!"
"Yes'm,"
Don't say that again And the po-
tatoes and rolls and all the rest of the
stuff were delicious, 1t saved my life. +"
She bent her arm. I'm as strong as
Samson this morning. could pluck
an ostrich, much as hate feathers. !"
Il came to see about it.
About WHAT"
Giving you another position. This
is my store. Miss Lady .From.the-C oun.
Observation-Disclosures"
My name is Clara Jane Amherst
suppose you are Mr.. Terry IL you own
the store"
You don't seem much impressed -
I'm not | hate the old place Any.
way I'd rather work with the flowers"
Won't anything else do"
We'll. ! can't starye. so can't leave.
II you order me to the cellar 10 shovel
coal I'll have TO go
Worse than that I'm going to or
der you out of the store and into my
house. If you'll go. ! never wanted
wife until yesterday and she intro
duced herself by throwing things al
me. That's the spirit / like. Suits
my Irish blood What do you say.
mayourneen-will YOU come?a
WE'LL, you are direct III don't"
That's no way to begin. Try IL
again.
"Well-mayhe -"
That's better Go on"
Perhaps will
Fine. When do sou want TO be
fred?"
tCopyHght. 1870 By tec Mcclure Neuspa.
pr SyHaIuateA