The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-05-22

nous.
All the papers were full Of the young
author who had been satisfied to STAY
AZ nome and write of the local town.
ms photograph was in every Sunday
issue He was interviewed. More
satisfactory, he received a check. In
nrst payment, for seven thousand dol.
lars
very soon his mother descended in
triumph upon him and hailed him forth
with kisses and reproaches. Tom. who
hved in a vague world las alwaysl in
winch the central figure was Elsa, had
misty vision of tear-stained face.
and memory Of his promises to re-
turn.
He'll never return" said practical
Mrs. Elkins. He's the best ever. but
what's the use? / know human ma
ture, Elsa So dry your eyes and don't
De little goose!"
AT home Toms father condescended
to invite him to resume his life with
the family. The neighbors. who
thought a good deal of a man who
could make good in the writing bust.
ness, resolved to forget the scandal
OF his departure. Maud Barry-Smith
released tentative millionaire from
her clutches.
1 knew you'd make good, Tommy"
she said, and looked meaningly at
| him.
Tom was too much absorbed in the
plans for his second novel to read that
light in her eyes. But everybody took
the engagement for granted. They be-
gan to discuss the date OF the wedding.
Tom had constant vision Of Elsa's
tear-stained face But, impractical as
ever, he only meant to return as soon
as he had done his duty toward his
family. Meanwhile his book absorbed
him. Then one day the storm burst.
When are you going to ask Maud
to be your wife," his mother asked
fondly. You see, we don't want to
hurry you, Tom, but people are begin.
ming to talk, and"
Tom felt a devil of craft enter his
heart. All at once he saw the baited
trap that awaited him
oh, yes, mother" he answered
vaguely.
When she had gone he stole down
stairs, Like thief he left the house
gained the street. and took a street
car. Half an hour later he stood.
with desperate intent, before the over
joyed Mrs. Elkins And Elsa, entering
saw them there.
Tom heard her step, he turned and
! grasped her in his arms.
TONI" she protested
II came to ask you to marry me at
once!" cried Tom. AT once, Elsa
dear"
But you two aren't engaged" ex-
claimed Mrs Elkins, scandalized.
Now see here." Tom burst out. 81
guess we all got on together pretty
well when | lived here, didn't we?
Well want Elsa. And I'm deter
mined to have her. And those people
the other side of Newburgh have got a
plan for me to marry somebody else
didn't see it, because l never see
things. But 1t seems that it's all
fixed, cut and dried, and-and it's up
to you two to help me out"
Mr.. Granger, you're perfectly alb
surd!" exclaimed the mother.
Tom turned to Elsa, who, oddly
enough, was still half in and half out
of his embrace.
Il know I'm a fool / can't under.
said Tom. Il wish | knew how to ask
you properly, but-Elsa. dear, won't
you overlook my stupidity and tell me
that you'll marry me? Yes, and take
care OF me. l want to marry you be.
fore they find I'm here and yank me
away"
Tom, do you love me?" the girl de-
manded, looking him very straight in
the face
81 never loved anyone If don't"
said Tom.
"Then-yes, dear" said Elsa. BE
cause love you with all my heart"
Then I'll take charge" said Mrs.
Elkins. Il believe you two young peo-
pie were Just made for each other. and
you want somebody to look after you,
Tom, you dear, foolish boy. because"
And she burst into tears at the
thought OF the happiness in store for
the young people, and their love, which
was to carry them through the un.
charted seas of marriage.
When, three hours later, Tom and
Elsa found themselves husband and
wife, and emerged into the late sum.
mer sunshine from the little church,
an immense crowd surrounded them.
Photographers came hurrying up with
cameras. Their path was blocked
that magic path to the station and the
honeymoon land.
Look" gasped Mrs. Elkins, staring
at a newspaper which somebody held
before her.
Under the caption Authors Run
away Marriage" she saw tho photo
graphs of the bride and groom.
Then, through the crowd, scattering
II. came an automobile and Toms par
ents hurled themselves to the ground.
stop the marriage II it isn't too
late," exclaimed the father.
ut is too late said Mrs. Elkins,
planting herself squarely in front Of
him.
"Hurrah." yelled a street urchin.
capering before them.
You hear that. Simon?' asked
Toms mother. with cold rage. Our
son has disgraced our name again, and
irreparably. wash my hands of him
forever more"
| NJ.