The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1919-11-29

REFLECTED GLORY
BY MILDRED WHITE.


"~~~~v~~~~~%$~~~%>~~~~~~<
The man in the business suit came
INTO the brilliantly lighted room, and
stood staring nervously about. Far
PACK in a screened corner he espied
Abbie Ann, and the perplexed frown
faded from his face.
Where is everybody?" he asked In
a friendly tone.
| Abbie Ann sighed relievedly. Here
at last was some one to whom she
might speak without a SILVER Of awe,
Abbie Ann was vastly proud Of her
gifted family, their achievement was
her JOY but she was weary Of the ever
anticipated question:
"Dorier? the one presented would
murmur. "Can 1t be possible that you
are related to Eloise Dorier the art
ist" Or perhaps it would be-"Jo-
sephine Dorier the musiclan?
When Abbie replied that she was a
sister the fact never failed to draw
an astonished glance in her direction.
Abbie Ann wondered wistfully what
a real home might be-with a COM
fortably contented family gathered
all at one time about the table. Her
sisters were so seldom together. Abbie
Ann had not even the consolation of
nome making; a housekeeper attended
to that. SO she spent much of her
time in the old garden, dreaming of
things which she might do under other
cricumstances--Of the good she might
accomplish for others, If opportunity
were hers; there seemed to be little
here that she could do for even her
self.
Her face frightened as the i'm.
posing man entered the big, deserted
room; she had been tongue-tied before
the irreproachable evening dress Of
the socially prominent. This man,
smilingly III at ease, seemed some way
or other to be in her own predica.
ment.
'You are guest, are you not1" he
asked abruptly.
Abbie Ann blushed at his apprais.
Ing glance toward her simple white
frock, and nodded.
"You don't care to dancer He re-
garded her curiously.
Abbie Ann shook her head.
$50 few people want me for q part
ner," she confessed, that I'd rather
not force them to ask me-"
The man grinned; 1t was good-na-
tured grin. He drew forth chair and
seated himself at her side.
MY name is Perkins," he an.
nounced.
Abbie Ann bowed Instinctively she
liked this big, plain man with the hui
morous eyes.
mine is Dorier,' she responded, ana
expectantly awaited his question.
mot" he began
"Yes," she said, 81 am related to
Elose and Josephine, I'm their sister,
and | neither paint nor play"
1t was the mans turn to interrupt
"All right" he said, glad 10 hear
1t. Then | shant be called upon to
listen while you perform, or compli-
ment a painting which don't In the
least understand"
For moment of understanding SYM
pathy the two looked into each others
eyes and laughed.
you mustn't think that don't ap-
preciate my sisters" Abbie Ann has.
tened to add. ITS just because I'm
such nonentity myself that I de.
spise comparison. The only reason
that people bear with me at all Is
because I'm in the family
Reflected glory!" laughed the man,
"and have you no special desire in
your own direction?"
"Pd love-" she said, ito have lots
and lots Of money to spend"
well" he thoughtfully reflected,
"the wise expenditure Of money is an
art in itself. Now, suppose" he leaned
toward her amusedly, you were pos.
sessed Of lots Of money; how you'd
you dispose Of it?v
Abbie Ann spoke eagerly, shyness
and constraint forgotten.
I'D build home for poor GONZALES
cents" she said, "those you know who
must leave hospitals and have no
money for further care. And I'd have
a big country summer place for aillng
children Of the poor, and--O there
are so many splendid things that one
might do with money.
"Mr. Perkins, laughingly called the
hostess. "Why did you not announce
your presence? AS a guest of honor
your behavior is lnexcusable."
The big man arose.
Apologies y he said. II came here
direct from the station, my train be-
ing delayed. did not wish to break In
or your frivolities."
Confusedly, Abbie Ann retired to
her corner. The proud hostess drew
forth the noted Josephine and Elolse
for presentation Eloise sought her
out later.
How in the world?" she asked. "did
you become acquainted with Tyron
Perkins, the multl-millionaire?"
Abbie AIMS eyes widened.
'You don't mean" she asked incred.
ulously. "that this Mr.. Perkins is the
millionaire you and Josephine have
been so excited over meetingT
Tyron Perkins himself was beckon-
Ing her from tlf- doorway. II