The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-31

TVS, ecNs cVSb wv v 'OVs NSoe0'
hardly knew how she got through with
the meal. But 1t ended at last, and
once again she found herself outside.
And esshe 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 through the cynical eyes Of the
city.bred man, whose acquaintance
with the world had been only in ita
least pleasant 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
mired her. but SO might any country
man admire woman from big
town. versed in the ways of the world
II only she could be simple-hearted
again! .-r..
She heard him coming toward hei
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. II 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.
Il love you, dear" he said. and
want to make your life happy. know
It has not been happy. I 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 decided"
Suddenly she found herself sobbins
in his arms. How strong and protect
ing he seemed. She put her head
against his shoulder and let It rest
there. Oh, II only she might; II only
she dared!
How long she lay there she never
knew. It might have been I'VE min
utes or fifteen. She was aroused by
hearing a 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 beer
drinking: at any rate. he was ripe fol
trouble.
"Oho!" he cried. so now 7 under
stand why you wanted to stay on here
Belle! Hope you are enjoying your
self, I'm sure!"
Olive saw that Doctor Joycs's fac'
was very white. There was q stead!
! fire Of anger in his eyes as he turnet
upon the intruder.
'Is this what l don't understand
Miss Freyne?' he inquired. II THU
gentleman has any right to speak T.
you In this manner, l shall apologize
! to him, much as 1t is distasteful y
me-"
YOU'D better" sneered Mr.. DemI
sey.s 81 don't stand for q country ia,
like you playing the focf with m
Olive"
your fiance!" inquired the doctor
coldly.
mo. MOI" cried Olive, hystericall,
you don't understand. Doctor Joyce
i've had my arms round her ever
evening for the past two years" ol
served Mr.. Dempsey. enjoying the do
tors discontinue. and when I %
another fellow doing the same. II
naturally curious to know Why"
Doctor Joyce did not detgn 70 q
sver, but turned to the girl
Miss Freyne. win you please te
me whether that statement 10 true
he asked. III 20. permit mo to tai
my departure and express my regret
But have . right to kLow."
YES II 10 true" answered Olive.
sure! Ever since the tango cTa'
come In" observed Mr.. Dempse
Say. Ollie. that was . fine spiel y
told EN- about your being . stsnc
rapher. and I wouldn't have gfvs y
> away u you'd played faif. But youN
tnruod ne down q dooen tlmea. q
| nov yo1 let q country nv put hls axy