The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-03-13

she thought over ana over. snalI
not care either!"
The few attempts he made to call
upon her were unsuccessful
Certainly will ride home with
DR.. Grey rather than put you to the
trouble Of taking me-" declared Nan
one evening after she had spent the
day at her uncle's farm.
Fred Grey with his housekeeping
Nancy Ann had very opportunity driv.
en- into the yard Just as Mr.. Thomp.
son started for his own horse.
1T is so fortunate I happened in
1t the right moment" said the doc.
Tor. with . quiet smile.
They rode in silence to the first
corner, where the doctor drew up his
horse.
Which road do you prefer, Miss
Man," he inquired politely.
isn't the one over the hill mile
Or. Grey?"
THAT is what they say"
"Then by all means take that one!"
Without a word he turned into the
bill road.
Nancy Ann threw her pretty head
angrily, and travelled unevenly in
nervous spirits. At the foot Of the
long hill she stopped suddenly.
Go on, Nancy Ann" said the doc.
tor, gently.
Nancy Ann lowered her head stub.
bornly. The girl lifted hers in
chilling displeasure.
There was absolute silence for i've
minutes. Darkness was setting in
densely. Presently rain began to
splash on the leaves above their
heads. and the young man sprang out
to get the rubber curtains from under
the seat.
Guess you will not need to hold
her." he observed.
Nancy Ann stifiened her forelegs
dehantly, expecting some unusual
move on the part Of her driver. But
he simply walked around her. adjust.
ing her harness and stroking her neck
= little before returning to the buggy.
man," he said after another silence
broken only BY the fall Of the increas.
Ing rain. man. I've spent . very lone.
" summer"
Silence.
Man." reaching along the back Of
the seat. why do you cit 20 that the
rain beats in against youi Your
sleeve II wet"
His arm drew her to . more pro.
tected position.
"How much longer. Dr.. Grey, do
you expect to keep me here?"
my dear girl, much % I have
craved your society. you surely can.
not hold me to blame for this delay?"
Nan did not trust herself to an.
swer.
Dear" he said at last, very gently,
Il wish you would let me give you
back your ring"
Il WISH" icily, that you would get
me home"
Evidently neither Of US will get
our wish," he answered cheerfully.
The rain fell steadily, unsteady.
The woods seemed full of strange
night sounds.
Whatever are we going to do?"
asked the girl at last.
"Wait until she is ready to start.
1t would do not good to beat her, even
II you would allow it. 1t is tedious, I
admit, Nan, but-I'm getting used to
this waiting game. For I'm going to
wait for you, dear. II It is until l am
grey"
"You are Grey, now" said Nan de-
murely.
Nan. what do you mean?" eagerly.
Dear heart. listen to me Just a mo.
ment. What has been the trouble
between us, anyway? Surely you can.
not blame me II l love you so dearly
that like your name and everything
about you? II you had objected be.
cause the name was too good, would
have changed It willingly"
Dropping the useless reins. he drew
the ring from his pocket and put 1t in
Its old place on her finger.
Man." he whispered, I'm the han.
piest man that ever sat behind q
balky horse"
Nancy pricked up her ears with
sudden interest. Then she began to
move slawly up the long hill, and At
the corner she broke into her usual
willing trot.
Fred. how in the world do you
manage with herr" asked the girl.
I always 60 by the valley road.
even II 1t is an extra mile. She was
brought up and-mismanaged-in the
hill road"
Oh" cried she with sudden under.
stv,oss Il