2

- 2-

Mrs. Suffolk returned with our tea and cakes, and I made known the
purpose of my visit. She accepted my explanation in the same gracious
manner she had invited me into her home, adding that she would be glad
to furnish any information I needed.

"My husband, John, had some work to do in town today," she proffered
apologetically, "so he won't be home until nightfall. He was going to do
this work after he made his egg deliveries. He wouldn't be much help any-
way, because he doesn't like to talk, but I do!"

The latter broke the preciseness of her speech, and she smiled:

"I often tell John that he is fortunate having such a sociable wife,
else we would be hermits and live off in the woods somewhere, instead of
on this lovely lake here in Avon Park. But he is growing old now and
seems to care less for the world and other people all the time. However,
he's just as kind and good hearted as anyone can be and never objects to
me having all the friends I want. He also lets me bring people here for
help and assistance."

Striking chimes arrested my attention. Looking up I beheld a fine
old Seth Thomas clock above the desk; It was sounding the quarter hour.

"John is proud of that clock," remarked Mrs. Suffolk, "it is very
old and sometimes refuses to work. The chimes are always stopping sudden-
ly, then without warning they start up again. If they fail to chime in
the night though, we both wake up immediately, otherwise we sleep soundly.

Thoughtfulness filled her eyes as she paused to glance through the
windows toward the shining lake; hoping by chance to turn back the years
and find the past reflected in the calm waters.

Seated sedately on a straight-back chair, I saw Virginia Suffolk as

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