The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-02-07
The
MeddlerS
How Their Plans Came to
Naught.
By CLARISSA MACKE


Florida was crowded with people
some gossiping. others playing bridge
still others. the younger element, hnd-
ing amusement In watching the tennis
courts.
Beyond the lawn there was sandy
beach that shelved down to the wa
ter's edge.
The tide was coming in. In another
hour II would be just right for bath
ing.
The boom OF surf sounded cool and
refreshing.
On the veranda Mrs. Higginson peer
ed inquisitively at the tennis players.
is that Amy Delarme. that girl In
white bouncing around the courtsF
Betty Tendon lifted her dark eyes to
Mrs. Higglnson's round. heated face
Amy is there" she admitted In a
tone of dislike, but she is not bounc-
ing around. She fits like IA moth"
Its all matter Of opinion, my
dear" rumbled the older woman in
deep chest tones lis my daughter
Adelaide there, Betty
Betty scanned the lawn with amused
eyes.
NO" she said wickedly, Adelaide
Is sitting on the beach with Professor
Hicks"
Mrs. Higginson uttered a sound half
way between groan and sob II
ended in n hysterical litter as she got
up and numbered toward the beach.
Poor Adelaide and it's her last
chancew sighed Betty
Mavis Oakes looked panied.
What made you tell on her. Betty?"
she reproved.
ITO pay her back for laughing at
Amy"
But you've got Adelaide into a
scrape. | was hoping she would run
away with the professor He's dear,
and Adelaide is so funny and solemn
and sweet. How did she ever come
to have such a parentY'
Betty shrugged her shoulders and
stretched her arms in lazy yawn.
Suppose we go and talk to Amy"
she suggested. perhaps we can help
Adelaide and the darling old profes-
sor."
Mavis followed her friend across the
lawn. The players were leaving the
courts. and Amy, followed closely by
Dan Morland, met them under the
spreading trees.
As IL conjured by some magician. two
other young men appeared TO hover
around Mavis and Betty
Listen" said Betty, beckoning the
five about her. Il want you all to help
me. It's about Adelaide"
Adelaide Higginson. the daughter OF
that awful Mrs. Higginson." explained
Mavis
"Oh. you mean the bony female and
the old guy with the shell trimmed spec
tacles2' asked Larry Whitford.
"Larryw expostulated Mavis. AIDE
laide looks very pretty sometimes. and
II her mother didn't nag SO | am sure
she wouldn't look SO worn. Listen L
Betty's plan"
"My plan is this" said Betty, blush
ing under Harvey's ardent glances. 81
know the professor is wild to marry
Adelaide. and she, poor girl. would lik,
to, only she's afraid OF her mother"
Professor Hicks is probably tot
bashful to propose an elopement bu
given the opportunity am sure b,
could persuade Adelaide"
"You see," added Mavis. If Mrs
Higginson parts them now they maj
never meet again. The professor is ,
widower. and widowers are tickle, yo,
know"
How interesung" muttered Larr,
in the ear of his ladylove. but Mavi
only pouted Lets talk about our
selves. Mavis."
"Humphw scorned Mavis.
And so." Betty was saying earnest
ly-"and so | thought we six might &,
over to Pendleton village and then tel
ephone over for Adelaide to come a
once to the rectory. and another mes
sage TO the professor. and when the,
get there you boys might suggest t
him about the elopement"
"Ye gods cut in Dan Moriand. "Th
man is my friend
"Well?" defied the three girls.
Dan grinned.
"All right" he FASTENED to say.
He may decline. or Adelaide may.
said Amy quietly.
They may. but they won't" retort
ed Betty wisely
Every one laughed. and Betty blush
ed.
What else can they do when Mrs
Higginson is obdurate? She says Ade
laide must look higher than an under
paid schoolteacher. so II once they ar
separated Adelaide's mother will Sc
that the romance is killed dead" erie,
Betty.
An underpaid schoolteacher~ re
| peated Dan Morland thoughtfully
well. Miss Higginson might do wors
than marry Bob Hicks"
Then you will all helpT' aske,
| Mavis
They promised unreservedly.