The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-07-08

ing to do with her host Of friends. her
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!" IsabeI's eyes
flashed at her own weakness. What
does 1t matter who he is-it cannot DOS
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 shall adore it
and Freddy is 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 a 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 few 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 quiverine
throat, Isabel looked down and saw
Dunston's form on the little landing
He was bending over the canoe. His
l had hor lie xxhi oh rt c
wet with perspiration. He had evi
IDENTIFY hurried to rescue her, and YET
he seemed to be in no great haste now
And the storm was almost ready tt
burst over their heads.
| Suddenly he turned and came up the
path.
"Oh, Dunston," she quavered, "d(
you think it's going to be very bat
Storm"
"Oh, no, Miss Ortiz" he said cheer
fully, although his eyes evaded hers
eve saw it coming up and SO l came
after you. The wind is east and thu
storm is shifting to the southwest. See
It Is quite clear overhead now"
1T is,' agreed Isabel Then, will
change of tone, she said, timidly
1T was very good of you to race owe
here after me. IL thought you hal
forgotten me, Mr.. Dunston."
He Redeemed. 1t was the first TIM
she had ever called him that. Th'
golden sparks came into his eyes a
they fell on her lovely flushed face
with its new look of shyness that wa
quite adorable.
Il could never forget you," he sal
grimly. 81 wish to heaven l could"
There was a long, palpitating q
lence.
Isabel's proud head dropped befor
his bold gaze.
II hope you-you never will, MI
Dunston," she whispered.
He sprang to her side. Just wha
do you mean by that?" he demande
flercely.
Isabel lifted her eyes for an instan
before the thick lashes yelled then
Dunston regarded her dizzily, hi
hands clenched.
do you remember that I am onl
a guide?" he asked sharply.
She nodded. you are man-suc
as I have never known before"
"You know nothing about me-yo
Isabel, l love you. VIII you MARI
me?"
Again she nodded.
Unknown as l ann"
EYES," she whispered.
81 have q confession to make" b
murmured when his arms had enfolt
ed her yielding form. 1.-TWO years az
came to the woods dying from col
sumption. lived like primitive ma
In the open, earning my own living
and have earned my life and splendi
health. Now am going back to m
family and friends-oh, am not
nonentity, darling. I belong to tn
Philadelphia Dunstons and my fathe
is Seth Dunston Of the Iron Works."
II don't care about that-it's 20
love!" protested Isabel.
And another confession" he viii
, pered. Il arrived at the island Will
you were asleep in the hammock an
/ could not resist kissing you! Wa
going to tell you and take my di
charge, for 1t was q cowardly thin
to do! Tell me, sweetheart, that yo
forgive mel"
l