The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-04-06

dustriously running through the al
vertisements in a pile of newspapers.
Occasionally she stopped to make re-
mark to herself on her unhappy fate.
IF only" she thought, "he hadn't
said he couldn't help it. If he had
done it because he wanted to" she
broke off, blushing and went to work
again.
Finally she came to an advertise
ment that called for young woman
of just her requirements. 1t read:
Wanted, a stenographer and private
secretary. Must be accurate and re-
fined, with some knowledge of law
yer's work" So far Constance felt
that she could fill requirements, but
the next phrase made her hesitate
Answer by letter, giving reference
and stating reason for leaving last en-
ployer."
Clearly, Constance could not give
Mr. Gordon as a reference. And 1t
would be difficult to explain her rea-
son for leaving him. But Constance
looked affectionately about the bare
room. thought of her empty pocket
book and the fat, compelling landlady
! downstairs, and set to work writing
an answer to the advertisement.
81 think this will do" she said nm
ally repeating the last part Of her let
ter to herself II cannot give my last
employer as a reference, as | do not
, want him to know where l am. / left
him because he could not give me
what wanted" There; that sounds
F.; all right, and 1t isn't lie. but 1t
doesn't give either Of us away. 1t
sounds as IL what wanted was more
money, instead of -"
With bootless sigh Constance fold
ed the letter. slipped it into the en-
velope, sealed 1t and then dressed to
go and mail it and take long walk
in the invigorating winter air.
Late that afternoon Mrs. Foley, the
landlady, brought word to Constance
! that gentleman had called to see her
in answer to an advertisement. Mrs.
Foley, now that work was in prospect
for her pleasant little Darkroom
boarder. looked kind and almost moth
erly; for work meant promptly paid
board bills.
! 81 just put him in my own parlor
and you'll not be disturbed. Just shut
the door when you go in and stay as
long as you want to. I'll wait here till
you come back" she said.
A moment later Constance shut the
door behind her as she entered the
landladys little parlor Then she look
ed uncertainty to her new employer
who stood with his back to her, look
ing out of the window in the gather
ing dusk.
81 believe you want to see me" she
said
Constance. said the man, and viii
liam Gordon faced her There was {
new light in his steady gray eyes, ant
a new assurance in his bearing.
Constance, awed, said nothing.
Constance. you answered my ad,
cause you wanted something couldn'
, give your"
YES" murmured Constance
Was 1t more money!"
mo"
What made you think that wha
: you wanted was more than | coul
K give you? Didn't you know when
n kissed you-"
II thought it was only pity" sal
o Constance. This time she went viii
ingly to William Gordon's outstretcl
n ed arms.
A long time later Constance an
@ William still sat in Mrs. Foley's pa
= lor. 1t was dark.
, Twill you come tomorrow" sal
Il William at last.
vertisement|'
:. mo. Constance" said William.
can advertise for another stenOgrap
a err; couldn't advertise again for a
y wife"
+" A little later, when William HI
q gone, Constance went blissfully up
her room and found Mrs, Foley Wa
II ing patiently.
:, Lands" said Mrs Foley, as she &
% up from the low chair where she h;
!, been sitting did you get the jo'
You were long enough about it,
;. YES" said Constance happily, IA
= oh. Mrs. Foley. it's for life. I'm goi
= to be married tomorrow"