The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-04

4
,, son heard their ringing laughter as
he sat moodily upon the balcony, a
boycotted man.
One thing alone kept him from
throwing up the castle in disgust. and
that was Lady Elinor. He had known
from his first sight of her that he loved
her. When he passed her, he riding
and she walking, his lifted hat pro-
duced only the coolest sign of recog-
milton.
It was not in his nature to give up.
But his invitations were declined with
scant ceremony, his overtures frigid-
ly denied. And, like Mordecai at the
gate Of the Persian king, Lord Claver-
ing sat before the porter's lodge, his
daughter by his side, while Johnson
chafed and fumed impotently within
the castle.
At last he sent for Mr. Jones and
, announced his decision to sell the
place. The agent listened blandly.
Il can't say I'm greatly surprised,
Mr.. Johnson" he said 1T was not a
wise business investment However,
think can get you a purchaser at q
little less than the original price. Mr..
Ballantyne has been sounding me"
/ MY neighbour"
yes, sir. II you have decided,
will let him know, and you may come
to terms about 1t"
! johnson heard rumors about Bal
lantyne. He had been reported en-.
gagged to Lady Elinor, but the match
had been broken OF little while be.
+ fore. johnson did not know the cause
But Ballantyne resolved to buy, and
an immense burden was lifted from
Johnson's heart.
! He did not like Ballantyne. The
man was boor. surly squireen Of a
type johnson had believed long ex-
tinct. AT their meeting he was more
disdainful than Lord Clavering, and
rude to the point of insolence. John
son swallowed his pride. He only
country.
1t was on the afternoon of the day
when he had talked with Ballantyne
that he was strolling down the lane
leading from the village across the
moors. Suddenly he heard the sound
! OF a galloping horse. A moment later
! he saw Lady Elinor come flying to-
/ ward him on horseback The animal
was evidently running away, and the
girl was in momentary danger of fall.
! ing.
J As he stood there he heard Ballan-
tyne's dog-cart come up behind him
swiftly. Ballantyne saw the approach
ing horse and leaped to the ground
He sprang in front of It, whirling his
arms like fails, but made no effort to
stop II.
1t was Johnson who. at the last in
slant, clutched at the rein. He had a
vision of the rearing steed. he felt
himself being dragged along the
| ground, and then a weight seemed to
descend upon his breast and he lost
consciousness.
When he opened his eyes he was
in the gatekeeper's lodge. The room
was darkened. A woman sat beside
him. johnson looked into the face of
Lady Elinor
How long have I been here7" he
muttered, trying to rise.
She restrained him with her cool
hand ON his forehead. Three days."
she whispered. Mr.. Johnson. 1t was
to save me that you risked your life
when he-he-"
johnson saw her eyes fll with tears
as she turned away. He slept from
WEAKNESS. 1t was not until the next
day that old Lord Clavering came In
to thank him in broken words for saw
ing his daughters life.
you have repaid US too WE'LL" he
said. II shall never forget what we
owe you. And now, Mr.. Johnson. we
are going to make amends by-going
away"
Going away! johnson suddenly
burst into wild laughter.
Why" he said, Il have arranged
to sell the castle"
They stared at him in dismay. mo,
you must stay" said Lord Clavering.
Time will bring things in your favor.
You are 4 young man and did not un.
derstand. And l was uncharitable IN
my pride"
johnson said nothing, but later he
questioned Lady Elinor. She had been
with him throughout his illness, and
the thought Of losing her forever was
: intolerable to him.
do you know who the purchaser ID
| to be?" he asked.
She shook her head, and he told
her
II thought" he explained humbly,
"that-that you cared for him, and
that 1t was l who stood in the way.
was an interloper, Lady Elinor, and
was running three lives; yours, your
iather's, and his"
She shook her head dumbly.
Forgive me. but don't you care for
him?" he asked.
Il did" she answered gravely. "Un-
III the other day. when you took his
place in the road and saved my life.
understood then his worth; and l
learned afterward that It was he who
was trying to drive you from the
castle. Mr.. Johnson, we want you to
stay-my father and l."
Johnson thought. "On one condi.
ton" he answered
What is it?" asked the girl, letting
her eyes fall. But johnson saw from
the blush that mantled her cheek that
she had guessed.