The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1918-12-11
Eeht. 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa.
DER Eyndicate.)
By SUSAN cLAaRrT

bicked 1t up and slipped 1t into
Icket, thinking to read 1t at his
and again 1t was forgotten.
was neither a careless nor for
man, but at this time he was
led by an important case that
d all his energy and determine
carry it to a successful issue.
this, he believed 1t to be an in
b which he had no time to &C
months later as he was passing
|hite House he collided with a
In white who had suddenly
b in his path to read the suffrage
held aloft by a very tired
girl. With an apology he was
10 pass on, when he caught a
ew Of the face under the broad
ID hat. "You," he said, stopping
and holding out his hand. II
you were in California"
BIS until two months ago." Mary
answered, "and it is good to be
wen if my throat does contract
n ache every time a uniform
me. War seemed farther away
re, but here, where almost every
nan you meet is in khaki, 1t is
ear"
!" he said, looking at her with
ative eyes, 'living in Washing
are in the midst Of things and
i is brought very close. But
we forget it for a time. Come
ke lunch with me. I know a
Fhere they give you wonderful
d a delicious salad. That is, of
unless you prefer a hotel"
tastes are still simple" she re-
18th a laugh. "Rolls and salad
ood to hungry woman.
rather a shabby little place"
Fered, almost in apology.
I matter? Washington is a
extremes. Two blocks up the
from the White House is
ess indeed. Walk down Seven
street until you reach the Cor
Art gallery. What do you
Gentility, nothing more until
be to the wonderful group Of
5 further on. That is the one
bout Washington-its strong
IS"
not bring you to lunch to talk
pntrasts and extremes. I want
about yourself. Why didn't
me know you were In town.
you read the daily papersT'
I'd carelessly. II believe I was
ied even to the details Of my
dress, which was an old one,
way, and did not deserve no
ler read the society news ana
does not sit well upon you,
young lady. What reason
nave for not sending me your
'ou sure I did not?"
sure. 1t would have reached
\ u had sent it."
got your address and did not
look In the directory. You
: 1t to me now, if you WILL"
ked at her steadily. "Are you
e that was the reason?"
not? 1t is the best I can
On the spur of the moment"
med lightly.
should there be a reason?" he
bin.
\ 10 you always look for oneT
y Tered back. "Think of 1t as a
whim."
whims nor frivolity be.
~ ne replied shortly, "but
u you my card" He drew a
nom his pocket and, not find.
4 ne wanted, laid several
Of Jon the table. Uppermost on
was the unopened letter re.
months before.
pOwle's eyes widened, then
Apressionless as she glanced
her companion, still search.
eli elusive card. AS he raised
lney' also, were caught and
square envelope.
y it." he said simply. I'll
"A le when l was absorbed In
ant case. OF course 1t was
e | meant to read it wher
He but whenever | started t.
was Interrupted. If you viii
| will look over it now"
wait, An hour or so vii
nttle difference to your cor
never corresponded with ;
'ny life, and / doubt if THU
Nj more important than an in
N seu a hand over the letter
u VI the table. "Just a littll
~ said gayly. "There is n,
&c ~ news it may contain ant
~ ,lsh you had read 1t alone"
ms head as he slit the en-
Will not have it longer upoi
enee.n