Gilpin observer., 1915-07-08

sistent suitors. They persisted in
dwelling upon John Dunston's hand
some eyes, his well-knit form and his
rather grim young face.
"Of all the idiots!" Isabel's eyes
flashed at her own weakness. What
does it matter who he is-it cannot pos
sibly interest me. am going to marry
Freddy Moore-Ive quite decided to
answer his letter this evening. Let
me see. honeymoon yachting in the
West Indies. How l shall adore it
and Freddy is a perfect dear!"
vision of Mr.. Freddy Moore,
plump, fair, pink-cheeked and blue
eyed. painting breathlessly in her
wake as she explored the unknown
delights of foreign countries, had
rather dampening effect on Isabel's
enthusiasm. She frowned and picked
up book.
| Noon came and went. The dainty
lunch was disposed Of The book was
nearly finished. She closed her eyes
and fell asleep Almost Immediately
she awoke to the low rumble of thun-
der The sky had darkened and from
the northwest black clouds had piled
to the zenith obscuring the sun. The
air was heavy with portent of the COM
ing storm and birds flew to cover, ut
tering sharp, uneasy cries.
| Isabel sprang to the ground and
pushed back the locks from her hot
cheeks. What should she do? There
was no shelter on the island and she
was afraid of thunderstorms.
Where was Dunston? He might
have been miles away with her father
and, although recognizing the ap.
preaching storm, he might not have
time to reach the island
She felt vague resentment that he
had not remembered her there alone
on the island. Not the displeasure of
the mistress for a neglectful servant,
but woman's jealousy because she
had been forgotten by one whose re-
gard she valued.
| There was flash of lightning, and
then another long roll of thunder.
With her hands on her quivering
throat, Isabel looked down and saw
Dunston's form on the little landing.
He was bending over the canoe. His
head was bare and his white shirt was
wet with perspiration. He had evil
IDENTIFY hurried to rescue ke,. and yet
he seemed to be in no great haste now.
And the storm was almost ready to
burst over their heads.
Suddenly he turned and came up the
path.
| "Oh, Dunston," she Quavered, do
you think it's going to be very bad
Storm"
"Oh, no, Miss Ortiz" he said cheer
fully, although his eyes evaded hers.
after you. The wind is east and the
storm is shifting to the southwest. See.
it is quite clear overhead now"
1T is." agreed Isabel. Then, with
1 change of tone, she said, timidly:
1T was very good of you to race over
here after me. IL thought you had
forgotten me, Mr.. Dunston."
| He Redeemed 1t was the first time
she had ever called him that. The
golden sparks came into his eyes as
they fell on her lovely flushed face,
with it's new look of shyness that was
quite adorable.
| Il could never forget you," he said
| grimly. Il wish to heaven / could"
There was a long, palpitating 81
lence.
| IsabePs proud head dropped before
his bold gaze.
| Il hope you-you never will. Mr..
Dunston," she whispered.
| He sprang to her side. Just what
do you mean by that?" he demanded
fiercely.
| Isabel lifted her eyes for an instant
before the thick lashes veiled them.
Duuston regarded her dizzily, his
hands clenched.
| do you remember that / am only
guide?" he asked sharply.
| She nodded. You are a man-such
as / have never known before"
| You know nothing about me-you
Isabel, love you. viii you marry
me?"'
! Again she nodded.
Unknown as l amp
Yes" she whispered.
I have a confession to make" he
murmured when his arms had enfold-
ed her yielding form. Two years ago
came to the woods dying from con-
sumption. | lived like primitive man
in the open. earning my own living
and have earned my life and splendid
health. Now l am going back to my
| family and friendS-oh. ! am not a
nonentity, darling. l belong to the
Philadelphia Dunstons and my father
is Seth Dunston of the Iron Works."
| II don't care about that-it's you
/ love!" protested Isabel.
| And another confession" he whis-
pered. II arrived at the island while
you were asleep in the hammock and
1 could not resist kissing you! ! was
going to tell you and take my dis