The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-02-20
lad even touched her own.

1
this fact. but he tried to reassure him.
self with the hope that az he really
knew SO little OF feminine ways hers
might be the usual attitude In such q
case
Finding Doris alone on the piazza
one evening. about six weeks after his
FIRST meeting with her. Gilbert 10
solved to know his fate. and her glance
OF kind greeting gave him courage to
+: say
Doris. love you: will you marry
! me-" then he thought. Il must be
F, crazy to put II so stupidity" and wait.
ed In an agony of apprehension for her
| answer.
| Doris smile broadened. and she re-
piled calmly. why. Mr. Farrandale. I
could not think Of being 80 cruel a.
to let you manacle yourself with the
letters which cut 30 deeply"
Gilbert's heart seemed to sink into
the earth on hearing these fateful
| words
y was a fool to say that" he de-
cared Il thought was SO wise,
! when In fact had no idea what love
meant. But now I have learned. |
love you. Doris Do not punish me
for ignorance know the truth now I"
He held out his hands to her In
frank appeal.
Doris .ook grew kinder. but, alas,
there was not love for him in the
brown eyes. Love cannot be forced :"
she said. land sometimes think II is
NO, my nature to love any one person,
aur TO care for leach Of those who are
dear to me. and they are many"
Had Gilbert been In the right mood
be might have smiled. at this Minerva
Hike utterance from one who was so
plainly made for love- But he was far
TOO much In earnest to see anything
humorous In her remark.
II shall win you away from all the
Others" be said positively. and here
their conversation ended. the family
coming out to Join them.
Later a. Gilbert walked homeward
his thought went over the scene with
Doris. and he had to acknowledge that
hts suit had received no encourage
ment "But shall not give up-she
shall love me-" he said to himself
with arm setting Of the lips.
The week end brought the bride and
groom and surprise Kittys relatives
had been planning. This was the pres.
entation Of q handsome pair OF saddle
horses to the newly married couple
with q third beautiful mount for
Doris II had long been Gilbert's
habit to take daily gallop. and it be-
came regular custom for the four
young people to enjoy morning ride
together.
Gilbert continued his efforts to touch
the affections Of the little cousin. but
at times he almost despaired Of ever
attaining the desire OF his heart
One morning in early September the
four started on their usual ride, choos-
Ing a beautiful path through the
woods. Doris and Gilbert rode in ad-
vance OF the others, and after canter-
Ing for some distance under the dense
Sha'l" Of the massive oaks they slowed
down
Suddenly at the left side OF the
Cd D.. 4 pf ri. h,Y a
giant hound With broken chain dan
gling from his collar lie was a fierce
looking animal, and his swift and ST.
lent coming had startled thom In.
stantly he made spring at the neck
OF DORIS horse. and the fri htt ned
beast reared backward. Doris VAS a
good rider and retained her seat, bu,
as her horses fore feet touched the
ground again the hound made saw
age leap. and this time fastened his
fangs In the shoulder of the animal
Gilbert sprang TO the ground and
brought down the handle of his heavy
hunting crop with all his strength
upon the hounds head. The crushing
blow dazed the brute. and he looos-
ened his hold Then he made Zero.
cious spring for Gilberts throat.
"Oh, Gilbert, Gilbert"
II was the first time Doris had ever
called his name. and her love spoke
In the cry 1t seemed to give Gilbert
superhuman strength. for as the
hound leaped he struck 1t again with
the loaded crop square on its massive
head; the blow crushed through into
Its brain. and the furious monster
dropped at his feet, lifeless
II was very thankful but very
nerve-shaken party OF four that turned
hcmeward. The wound which the
hounds teeth had given to Doris
horse was bleeding freely. and the ami
NAL was trembling from shock Doris
dismounted and Gilbert placed her
upon his own mount. leading her
wounded one.
Gilbert. you are brave man." said
Frank Whiting. as they started home
ward. I'VE all owe you a debt of graf.
itude for acting SO promptly and so
we'll"
Indeed thank you for my life."
said Doris. eagerly.
Il did only what you would have
done had you been nearest, Frank.
And ! am sorry. Miss Lorimer. that I