The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-11-20
DELIA'S HOME
BY CELIA ROSE.

UGH u4uuSn III a White mousse among
the hills, and perhaps because her
grandmother's home was so difficult
Of access, possible lovers had not
found their way there; so Della lived
and bloomed like full many q flow
err" unseen. But she had been happy,
cooking, baking. coaxing flowers to
grow in the old home garden.
With grandmother's passing. all had
been changed; the dilapidated place
sold to defray expenses, and Della her.
self, hurried dazedly on to the city
to earn her livelihood. Unexpectedly
and through the means OF a small
original, japanese tea room, she climb
ed rapidly TO success.
No one was more amazed than the
shy, yet resourceful Della. She won
dered modestly, why the dainty wom-
en- who fiocked during the afternoon
hour to her pretty room, sang so loud
ly the praises of tea cakes and Gus
tards made from grandmother's rec
ipes; and after the busy days, alone
in her plain room, Della yearned visit
fully for the peaceful home life which
was gone. Then to her came a new
dream of home, which she began reso-
lutely to make a realization.
Each week she saved painstakingiy
a part Of her earnings toward that lit
tie house which should some day be
hers. How she would continue its
support after IL had been procured,
Della was not sure; she had a vague
idea Of q little house at the edge Of
the road" which should be - friend
TO ALL"
IL she were fortunate enough TO ind
just the right country road for her
home, she hoped to continue @ sort
Of garden, tearoom for automObilists.
She was surprised to learn what q
really nice little bungalow could be
built for a small sum, and when
Della learned, she began 20 plan hap
PLY the furnishings OF the big Lying
room with Its fireplace, it's yellow silk
curtains and the yellow jars for now-
ers on its high window ledge.
Della wanted yellow as an illusion
for sunlight-her present room above
the city chimney tops was always so
dingy. And when at last the dream
promised to come true, Della read
various real estate advertisements.
with a view to selecting her location.
There was one inviting advertise
ment, which promised automobile
rides to possible purchasers to and
from the salable places. The name
''Willowdale" sounded alluring.
Della donned her trim blue suit and
becoming hat. and started for the Of
fee of "WillowdaIe's" agent. He was
q courteously agreeable man, and very
willing to drive Della out the Eve
miles to the advertised section. Il Fl
The ride was pleasant through the
sweet June air, and WillowdAle, when
reached. was charming. The agent
became as enthusiastic as Della In
helping with her plans. She had Inn
mediate confidence In, his advice and
he obligingly drove her through rival
sections that she might form her own
conclusion OF the superiority OF VIII
lowdale. He was heartily IN favor OF
the big living room, and he added the
suggestion Of an amber globe for the
living-room table. Ess
1t had been a delightful day 4 Della.
entering her dingy room, was aston
ished as she glanced In the mirror. at
the glow OF her cheeks and eyes.
Excitement" she murmured, but
IL makes me Iook-less plain"
Della had been educated by grand
mother in belief Of her ''plainness."
Perhaps that is why the thought OF
a husband had been omitted from her
yearning dreams Of home.
The agent, John Webster. was in
terested kindness, itself. his big fg-
ure doomed next day In the door Of
the tea-room.
"Just thought you might like to
have me take you over to see Burke,
the builder" he said. ct know him
and"
Della, donning her hat, went with
him gratefully Mr.. Webster contin-
ued to be helpful, as the dream struc-
ture grew into a matter-of-fact builu-
Ing. set back just far enough from
the trees Of the roadside.
She would miss his automobile, /"
! she told him frankly, when IL became
| necessary for her 10 traVel Oy troney
instead.
Mr.. Webster made no reply, neither
did he respond to her planning for the
tea garden.
at will probably be too late TO ar
range for that, this year" Della re-
GREETED.
With a sudden pang 1t came TO her
that this comnaniOnship which she
had taken as a delightful accustomed
thing. would soon be hers no longer.
| She wondered how II would be, to go
| on between the long rows of trees,
| alone-instead of like this-by his
| side.
WistfulIy she stole glance at him.
| But John Webster's eyes met hers
| steadily. then he smiled.