The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-05-16

'T was here yesterday" he re
preached her.
He saw me-" she thought indig
nantly He thinks came down here
today on the chance of meeting him.
the conceited-"
Il paddle down here every day. =
she informed him coldly.
"0h. really" he exclaimed, with
open delight It's awfully nice OF
you to tell me. I'll be here fishing
every afternoon, and"
Il didn't mean that" she flashed
back furiously.
He looked detected Pardon me"
he said, Il don't suppose you did. l
merely meant that-that- oh, please
don't CO. as she prepared to push
off. Selling a fallen branch he dex-
terously hooked it through the long
rope that was tied to the bow of her
grasped it firmly. Il simply meant"
he proceeded with calmness, that l
was coming here, always, every after
noon to fish. You don't mind that, do
you?" he inquired humbly.
Il don't care in the least what you
do" she retorted, with angry disdain.
He gave the rope a couple of turns
around his wrist and settled himself
comfortably
I'm that case l shall sit here and
talk to you," he announced.
For answer Zoe pulled herself care
fully toward the bow and began to
work busily at the knot that secured
her end of the rope to the little iron
ring in the bow of the canoe.
"Of course, might offer to help
you" he unused aloud, but under the
circumstance What. You're go
ing to give 1t up? Well. that is more
sensible. I'm afraid that knot was
put in to stay"
Zoe moved back to her former pc.
sition and rearranged herself on the
cushions, after which she opened her
book and began to read and MUNICH
chocolates.
He watched her moment
Isn't this idyllic?" he murmured
contentedly
Zoe helped herself to another choc.
olate and turned a page of the book
The minutes waned. Half an hour
passed-an hour. The silent and
peaceful companionship worked like
oil on the troubled waters of Zoe
Ay,tY InvN mi
ness and contentment stole into heI
heart She risked a glance at him
He was thoroughly nice she de
cided-
At this moment as if sensing her
softened mood, he leaned over and
peered into the canoe.
Greedy" he murmured "Only
three left"
Zoe struggled with herself, then
laughed.
Wont you throw the rope back
now please?" she begged. 1T is late
and have some distance to paddle.
He looked contrite I've been o
brute he apologized humbly, but
just couldn't help it. l knew If
once let you go that would be the
end of me-you'd simply disappear
forever And-and really, you know
it's lonely about here"
Isn't it," agreed Zoe, with quicl
sympathy.
And so why" he asked eagerly
Shouldn't we amuse each other
little? I'm staying with my uncle
back there, on my way to Southamp
ton, to visit friend of mine
and"
Southampton" exclaimed Zoe
why, that's where ] live!"
Really" His face beamed. "Do
you happen to know a Mr., Brentley
and his daughter"
my father!" Zoe gasped, "and-
myself! You are not-don't tell me
she began to laugh helplessly.
81 am Tom Driscoll." he said sol
EMMY And you-what are you do
ing" he pulled the canoe nearer
up here? | was going-you know
that | was going, simply-to meet
you"
Il ran away gurgled Zoe. Father
had talked about you so much Il
hated you! Oh, what a joke!"
ITS anything but joke II you, hate
me-" objected Mr.. Driscoll gloomily.
Zoe lifted flushed dimpled face.
well IL hadn't seen you then,
she admitted.
He looked into her eyes.
do you think | might paddle you
homer" he asked.