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

A bored look came to her face. She
put on her things nstlessly-it was
such a relief to be free from her
mothers vigilance. AS she unfast-
/ ened the neck Of her blouse, a mans
silk handkerchief. knotted about her
throat, exhaled the insidious odor OF
pipe smoke. With a little gesture Of
vehemence, she pressed it eagerly to
her burning cheek-buried her face
In its soft folds.
Mrs. Metcalfe bit her lip as Rather
inc whimsieally insisted upon climb
ing to seat beside the driver. But
she did not interfere and smiled with
what grace she could muster as the
Judge helped her to her place beside
him in the rear. They drove for
hours. up red and gold-spangled hills.
through cool valleys and along pic
turesque stretches Of level, flower
fringed road. The girl scarcely spoke,
but sat in silence. drinking in each
fresh beauty.
Mrs. Metcalfe and Judge Gresham
kept up lively flow Of conversation.
The mothers constraint vanished.
The Judge was in one Of his liveliest
moods. When. finally. at twilight,
they stopped in front Of the house,
Mrs. Metcalfe excused herself and
hurried inside. Judge Metcalfe de-
tanned Katherine a moment at the
gate.
Little girl" he began awkwardly,
there's something l want to say to
you, have been wanting to ask you
for long time. Can you guess what
II is?"
Il believe SO. l think So" was the
faltering reply.
You know. of course. why I've kept
coming here. And yet I've lacked the
courage to speak
Katherine lifted an impulsive hand
and laid it on his coat sleeve.
T-don't think you-have anything
to fear" she said with a little smile.
The Judge took her fingers and held
them close in his big warm palm.
Thank you,' he said, "and do you
think might call this EVENING""
You may come in right now and
stay to tea with us. Dol"
Judge Gresham followed her on up
the steps and into the dimly lighted
library. There she left him, with a
backward smile Of assurance, till she
could remove her things" AS she
entered her room, Mrs. Metcalfe look
ed up anxiously. Il couldn't help
hearing part of 1t, Kitty; l beg your
pardon-but-you accepted him."
Katherine suddenly sat down on the
edge of a chair and putting her ell
bows on her knees. propped her chin
In her hands. ibid not" she an
nounced.
"You did not? But | always hoped
Il always believed-that you"
"As father. perhaps; not asa
husband" came the thunderbolt from
her daughters pretty red lips.
20 Kitty" she cried.
YES" continued that young person
glibly, hes downstairs now. pretend.
ing to be waiting for me. In reality
It's you he wants to see. Now let's
hurry and get on the mauve dress;
do your hair in that nobby new style
and"
Mrs. Metcalfe lifted an appealing
hand. Pleased" she implored, you
mustn't. You don't know what you're
saying"
Katherine rose quickly, crossed the
room to her mothers chair and drop
ping on her knees beside It took the
trembling little woman In her arms.
Il know only too well, you foolish
little dove" she murmured tenderly,
I've known all along. AS for that
precious old muttonhead Of a Judge,
do make haste and get into your rags.
It's almost tea-time and you've a
guest waiting in the library. And
by the way. Muzzie, Pm going out
with Jack to the theatetr at eight
O'Clock. This is one time l won't be
made to play second fiddle!"
Three hours later, when Katherine
returned, the light was still burning
brightly in the library and with her
finger on her lips she ushered young
Baker supertitiously into the drawing
room across the hall.