The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-07-06

devoted family circle, or several in
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!" 1sabel'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-I've 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!"
A 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 Isabels
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 a vague resentment that hi
had not remembered her there alone
on the island. Not the displeasure o.
the mistress for neglectful servant
but woman's jealousy because sh'
had been forgotten by one whose re
gard she valued.
There was a flash of lightning, ant
then another long roll of thunder
With her hands on her Quiverinl
throat, Isabel looked down and saw
Dunston's form on the little landing
He was bending over the canoe. Hi
head was bare and his white shirt wa
wet with perspiration. He had evt
flyr h,Irr To
he seemed to be in no great haste now
! And the storm was almost ready t
burst over their heads.
Suddenly he turned and came up tn
path.
"Oh, Dunston," she Quavered, ID
you think it's going to be a very ba
Storm"
"Oh, no, Miss Ortiz" he said chez
fully, although his eyes evaded her
1--WE saw it coming up and so l cam
after you. The wind is east and tn
storm is shifting to the southwest. Se'
1t is quite clear overhead now"
1T is" agreed Isabel. Then, wit
change of tone, she said, timidly
1T was very good of you to race owe
here after me. IL thought you ha
forgotten me. Mr.. Dunston."
He Redeemed. 1t was the first tim
she had ever called him that. I'll
golden sparks came into his eyes
they fell on her lovely flushed fac
with its new look of shyness that WI
quite adorable.
81 could never forget you,' he sa
grimly. Il wish to heaven l could"
There was a long, palpitating
lence.
Isabers proud head dropped befo
his bold gaze.
Il hope you--you never will. NJ
Dunston," she whispered.
He sprang to her side. Just VIII
do you mean by that?" he demand'
fiercely.
Isabel lifted her eyes for an insta
before the thick lashes yelled the
Dunston regarded her dizzily, b
, hands clenched.
DO you remember that | am on
| uc dShCu nhoi piy'
She nodded. You are man-su
r as / have never known before"
"You know nothing about me-y
, Isabel. love you. Will you mar
. mel"
Again she nodded.
!. Unknown as l am?"
, Eyes," she whispered.
Z 81 have q confession to make"
, murmured when his arms had enfo
3 ed her yielding form. Two years q
I I came to the woods dying from CT
< sumption. l lived like primitive m
in the open, earning my own living
q and have earned my life and splene
4 health. Now / am going back to
h family and friehds-oh. am not
nonentity, darling. belong to
;. Philadelphia Dunstons and my fatf
q is Seth Dunston Of the Iron Works.
a 81 don't care about that-it's
love!" protested Isabel.
And another confession" he WI
" pered. 81 arrived at the island VIII
= you we're asleep in the hammock
q could not resist kissing you! v
- going to tell you and take my
. charge. for it was cowardly thi
to do Tell me, sweetheart, that
" forgive me-"
= Isabel smiled adorably.
:, 81 should never have forgiven J
If you had mott" she said.
(Copyright. 1915. by the Mcclure News
10 per Syndicate)
1t Givinq an Illustration.
A newly enrolled volunteer