The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-07-21

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
wise business investment However,
think l can get you purchaser at
little less than the original price. Mr.
Ballantyne has been sounding me"
MY neighbour"
Eyes, sir. If you have decided,
will let him know, and you may come
to terms about it."
Johnson heard rumors about Bal
lantyne. He had been reported en-
gagged to Lady Elinor. but the match
had been broken off 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
wanted to sell and to get out of the
country.
It 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 galloping horse. A moment latel
he saw Lady Elinor come flying to
ward him on horseback. The ANNA
was evidently running away, and the
girl was in momentary danger of fall
ing.
As he stood there he heard Ballan
tyne's dog-cart come up behind hin
swiftly. Ballantyne saw the approach
ing horse and leaped to the ground
He sprang in front Of it, whirling hi
arms like fails, but made no effort tt
stop It.
It was johnson who. at the last in
slant, elutched at the rein. He had {
vision Of the rearing steed, he fell
himself being dragged along thu
ground, and then a weight seemed t.
descend upon his breast and he los
consciousness.
When he opened his eyes he wal
in the gatekeeper's lodge. The room
was darkened. A woman sat besid,
him. Johnson looked into the face o
Lady Elinor
How long have l been here?" h
muttered, trying to rise.
She restrained him with her coo
hand on his forehead. Three days.
she whispered "Mr. Johnson, 1t wa
to save me that you risked your lif
when he-he-"
Johnson saw her eyes fill with tear
as she turned away. He slept from
| WEAKNESS. 1t was not until the mex
day that old Lord Clavering came Il
to thank him in broken words for say
ing his daughters life.
You have repaid us too WE'LL" h
said. 81 shall never forget what W
owe you. And now, Mr.. Johnson, W
are going to make amends by-goin
away"
Going away! Johnson suddenl
burst into wild laughter.
why" he said, Il have arrange
to sell the CASTLE"
They stared at him in dismay. "Nt
you must stay" said Lord Claverin,
Time will bring things in your favo
You are young man and did not III
derstand. And I was uncharitable /
my pride"
Johnson said nothing, but later b
questioned Lady Elinor. She had bee
with him throughout his illness, an
the thought of losing her forever wa
intolerable to him.
do you know who the purchaser
to be-" he asked.
She shook her head, and he tol
her
II thought" he explained numbl
"that-that you cared for him, an
that it was I who stood in the wa,
was an interloper, Lady Elinor, an
I was running three lives; yours, 20,
fathers, and his"
She shook her head dumbly.
Forgive me. but don't you care Il
him." he asked.
81 did," she answered gravely. ~
; til the other day, when you took b
J place in the road and saved my lif
I understood then his worth: and
learned afterward that II was he wi
was trying to drive you from Il
castle. Mr.. Johnson. we want you
. stay-my father and l."
. Johnson thought. 'On one cont
ton" he answered.
, What is it," asked the girl. lettir
her eyes fall. But Johnson saw fro
/ the blush that mantled her cheek tn
, she had guessed
, IL Sure 10.
Little Lemuel-Say, paw what