The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-05-20

he followed her with his eyes. There
was something almost affectionate in
his behavior toward her.
1T is all arranged" Mr.. Grey told
Milly one afternoon when their guest
was of on a stroll my good friend
has paid OF the mortgage here and
will finance my business for a one
third interest in 1t. Oh, Milly! feel
as If a load of lead has been lifted
from my heart"
Dear, dear father!" murmured MIL
ly.
my DEAR" pursued Mr.. Grey, 81
wonder II you are not a certain in
fiuence in bringing all this about? Mr..
. Marsh seems to think the world of
you"
Millie flushed, paled Plainly her
father meant to imply that their
guest was in love with her. And MIL
ly thought Of the young man who had
come into her life at the brookside,
and trembled.
! He is not an old man." went on
her father. HE has done so much
for me! Milly, may be imagining
all this. II am not. remember-for
all his age he would be safe, noble
husband for any woman"
"Oh, father!" gasped Milly.
BE kind to him. Milly," urged Mr..
Grey, and left his daughter battling
with the most vivid emotions.
After that Milly many time tried
to evade Mr.. Marsh She felt that
duty. gratitude. might impel her for
her fathers sake to sacrifice her
young life, but her soul was sad all
of the time.
One evening Mr.. Marsh came into
the house, showing more than usual
animation and excitement in his man.
ner. It was a beautiful moonlight
night, and after supper he said:
"Milly. l have something to tell
you. Won't you come and take a
stroll with me along the brooke"
1T has comet" breathed Milly, and
she could hardly keep back her tears,
but her escort talked on Of common
places as they proceeded on their
walk. A poignant pain came into
Milly's heart as they finally halted
1t was near the old gnarled tree. the
only trysting she had ever known.
sit down and let us rest" sug-
gested Mr. Marsh, and Milly dreaded
what next he might say
MY dear" resumed Mr. Marsh. and
his manner was tepder and kindly.
and he took her hand in his own II
wish to tell you little story"
Yes, Mr.. Marsh murmured Milly.
trembling all over
There was an old man whose son
, went off on junketing tour. to meet
by the merest chance a beautiful
young lady, just like yourself He
! fell in love with her. But in his talk
with her he learned her name. He
hurried back to his father to tell him
that he had found a devoted friend
of his youth, whom the father had
longed for years to find That friend
was your father. Milly, and | am the
father of the young man l am telling
you about"
| Miles senses wavered, her breath
came quick. She wondered-she rapt.
ly hoped
Il came on to greet my lost friend"
proceeded Mr.. Marsh. "and as we'll to
study the young girl who had stolen
my dear boys heart. Milly, you re.
member him-Cyril, my SOM"
YES" palpitated Milly, in a sub
dued tone. Il can never forget him."
you say that! I hoped It," cried
Mr. Marsh, joyfully. you will be.
come my daughter-Milly. promise
me-"
She burst into happy tears. She
nestled close into those fatherly
arms It was her reply, and the old
mans face was radiant
Cyril" he called, and from the
, shrubbery there advanced the subject
Of all Milly's love dreams.