The Lambertville record., 1914-10-07

the meal. BuC II onQoQ at last, anu
once again she found herself outside.
And she gave way to bitter tears.
How differently the homely welcome
of these simple folk from the face
tious gibes of Bert Dempsey, her dane
ing partner-Bert Dempsey, his pale
face and sleek hair, his talk of affairs,
seen throu he cynical eyes of the
city-bred man, whose acquaintance
with Il world had been only in its
least pA4asant aspect.
And Ralph-the country doctor! He
would never know that she had
learned to care for him during those
two weeks. She knew that he ad-
miTed her, but so might any country
man admire a woman from big
town, versed In the ways Of the world.
If only she could be simple-hearted
again!
along the piazza, and she dabbed fran
tically at her eyes with her little lace
edged handkerchief.
He stood beside her, looking down,
and Olive looked up at him and tried
to smile. There was an expression of
alarm upon his face.
you are crying, Miss Freyne," he
said, assuming the doctors role.
Your nerves are still unstrung. You
ought to stay here longer"
How much longer?" she asked, still
trying to smile.
Forever" he answered. "I want
you to be my wife, Olive"
Then seeing the frightened look in
her eyes, he kneeled down beside her
and put his arms about her.
81 love you, dear he said, "and I
want to make your life happy. l know
it has not been happy. can see that.
don't want you ever to tell me any
thing-just stay here with me. You
will grow used to this little village.
You are made for the country"
YES" she said. But you don't un-
derstand, Ralph"
That was the first time she had
called him Ralph, and the word came
to her lips SO easily.
II don't want to understand any
thing you don't wish me to-" he an
swered Wont you think it over
and stay here until you decide?"
Suddenly she found herself sobbing
in his arms How strong and protect
ing he seemed. She put her head
against his shoulder and let it rest
there. Oh, If only she might; If only
she dared
How long she lay there she never
knew. 1t might have been five min
utes or fifteen. She was aroused by
hearing quiet step behind her, and,
freeing herself, looked round to to see
Mr.. Bert Dempsey standing there.
There was a sneer on his heavy face,
and he looked as though he had been
drinking; at any rate, he was ripe for
trouble.
"Oho!" he cried. $50 now under
stand why you wanted to stay on here,
Belle! Hope you are enjoying your
SELF I'm sure!"
Olive saw that Doctor Joyce's face
was very white. There was steady
fire of anger in his eyes as he turned
upon the intruder.
"Is this what ! don't understand,
Miss Freyne?" he inquired. IF this
gentleman has any right to speak to
you in this manner, shall apologize
to him, much as 1t is distasteful to
me-"
You'd better" sneered Mr.. Demp-
sey. 81 don't stand for country jay
like you playing the fool with my
Olive"
your fiance?" inquired the doctor.
coldly.
"No, MOI" cried Olive, Historically.
"You don't understand, Doctor Joyce"
I've had my arms round her every
evening for the past two years." OBJ
served Mr.. Dempsey, enjoying the doc
tors discontinue, "and when I see
another fellow doing the same. I'm
naturally curious to know why"
Doctor Joyce did not deign to an
swer. but turned to the girl.