The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-07-23

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.
1t was not in his nature to give up.
But bis invitations were declined with
scant ceremony. his overtures frigid.
ly, denied. And. like Mordecai at the
gate of the Persian king, Lord elaver-
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 q
wise business investment. However,
think can get you a purchaser at .
little less than the original price. Mr..
Ballantyne has been sounding me-
my neighbour"
Eyes. sir. II you have decided, I
will let him know, and you may come
to terms about It,"
sJohnson heard rumors about Bal
lantyne.' He had been reported en-.
gagged to Lady Elinor, but the match
had been broken OF a 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 q
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.
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 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
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 It.
It was johnson who, at the last in.
slant, clutched at the rein. He had q
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 hereT 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 fill 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. Il 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, 81 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 a young man and did not un
derstand. And I was uncharitable in
my pride"
Johnson said nothing, but later he
questioned Lady Elinor. She had beer
with him throughout his illness, and
the thought of losing her forever wal
intolerable to him.
"Do you know who the purchaser II
to be?" he asked.
She shook her head, and he told
her
II thought" he explained humbly
"that-that you cared for him, ant
that 1t was I who stood in the way
was an interloper. Lady Elinor, ant
was running three lives; yours, YOU
fathers. and HIS"
She shook her head dumbly.
Forgive me. but don't you care fol
him." he asked.
Il did," she answered gravely. "Un
til the other day. when you took hi,
place in the road and saved my life
I understood then his worth; and
learned afterward that 1t was he VIII,
was trying to drive you from tn,
castle. Mr.. Johnson, we want you t,
stay-my father and l."
Johnson thought "On one condi
tion," he answered.
What is it," asked the girl, lettin,
her eyes fall. But Johnson saw from
the blush that mantled her cheek tina