The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-06-23

been l have often thought that the
matter Of good roads played an impor'
tant part. Had the roads been stony
or filled with hollows my attention
would have been necessarily fixed on
them and my temper would have been
sorely tried. Instead the roads were
perfect. For miles the dirt roads were
dry and hard packed. When we en-
tered upon the turnpikes they were
either covered with the finest stone or
were of asphalt My machine worked
to perfection. On these accounts l was
not only able to give my whole atten-
ton to my fair companion. but my
heart was free to warm to her.
The history that l was making FOR
myself and my companion was In
way more important to her than to
myself. But why this was 80 l did not
learn for long while afterward. Dur
ing that eventful day set her down as
q most demure Scotch lassie In whom
there was no disposition to act for
herself. Indeed. she impressed me as
barely having escaped from the nurs.
cry.
At noontime we came upon grove
in which stood a cottage, with a sign.
Wildwood inn. There were rude ta-
bles I'm the grove, and inferred that
luncheon would be obtainable, so turn.
ed my machine into the place. A wo-
man with white cap and apron came
out, and l asked her to produce the
best she had in her larder.
That luncheon tastes delicious when
ever think Of 1t to the present day.
There was an omelet fit for the gods,
biscuits such as were never made be-
fore north of Mason and Dixon's line,
so light that | almost feared they
would fly up among the branches OF
the trees above us before | could get
them to my mouth. AS for the butter,
l doubt II it had been churned an hour.
A heartier course was spring chicken
served with cucumbers, SO that the heat
OF one was nulllfled by the GOODNESS Of
the other while both heat and coolness
were enjoyable. A cup of tea smoothed
by the richest cream was what we
drank; for dessert great dish Of
strawberries as large as walnuts. And
all the while l was looking into a par
Of brown eyes opposite me and listen
ing to a musical voice.
One thing more of different kind
was needed for our history making. 1t
was not important except in a small
way; there was nothing heroic, scenic
lurid, romantic about It. Indeed, It was
very commonplace. A punctufed tire.
Nothing more, nothing less. Who
would suppose that so unromantic
happening should have been the cap
stone Of incidents shaping the lives of
two human beings? Nevertheless it
was.
Never before had driven without
an extra tire. would not have been
without one this time had there not
been delay in filling an order. l had
expected one to be delivered to me
that morning. 1t had not arrived, and
l was obliged to set out without It.
Thank heaven that 1t was not forth
coming.
l had barely started from the Wild.
wood inn when one Of my forward
wheels was let down on the road. For
tunately we were SO near the inn that
my companion could go back there to
wait while l tried to extricate myself
from the dilemma. A short distance
down the road was a house, where l
found telephone, but l spent long
while before could get man to come
from a garage with implements to re-
pair the break. And 1t would not be
safe to use the tire for an hour or two
after he had done so. 1t was 3 O'Clock
before the patch was put on and half
past before dared start again. Then
| drove back to the inn and informed
Miss MacDownell that we were twenty
miles from Nedbury, and since | dare
not strain the newly patched tire we
should have to proceed slowly over
such portions of the road that were In.
ferior, 1t might he 4 o'clock before we
reached the place.
How long will it take to 20 honas'
she asked.
Il can get you back to where over
took you n IN hour" l said.
Take me homo. | dinna care to 90
TO Medaury moo"
will You be too late to find yorr
brothe:"
Il diana care to go there moo" was
all could get out of her.
We We're fortunate in reaching her
home without further mishap. When
we came near the house nv compa1 ION
left me and went on alone. Before
parting | arranged for a call and an.
other ride. Tho call made at nm early
date, and after that we had many rifles
together.
One matter turned up a mystery. IL
soon came ont that Edith had no broth
er. Upon my accusing her OF having
deceived me she confessed that ON the
morning | tco,; her into ms auto she
was going to meet a lover for an clone
ment.
II was then that / understood be,
words II dinua care to 90 there moo
And this is why have said that wa.