Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1888-04-12

it CHAPTER vL-CoNTINuED.
sNWhat have we 20 concealii said Phoebe.
"Under the circumstances" " he continued,
growing red as II just grated, ave are
both alone in the world, as II were. And
there are people who would say IL is un-
suitable, but can not ngrco with them.
Therefore, said McArlllc, with a flourish
Of his hand, 'Inpprehcnded had better as
sumo that our friendship was but a slight
one.n
al don't know what you are talking
about said Phobc "1f you have heard
things against me, II would be k nder 10
stay awayr'
II IhGtc heard things, Miss Phunbe,n nc
knowledged McArdle, magnanimously. He
placed his hat on the desk and steadied him
self in his position. 'sFrom what this-this
brother Thorney Of yours has let drop, and
various circumstances, II appears there arc
matters which will need explanation bctwixt
you and me. But before those matters arc
explained" he hastcuod, silcncing her, II
want 20 express my views and plans In
spite Of the fact that the church win require
me 10 mako a very circumspcct selection,
md also in spite Of the fact hat know my
cousin Mrs. Holmes will oppose II, am dc
tcrmined- i apprehend that you under
standr'
"No,n said Phoebe, lifting her ever t-orn a
carved slit in her desk, which some unrnly
boy, while sitting there in durance, had
turned into an ink canal IL don't know
what you mean"
Tho muscles Of McArdlc's face expressed
vexntion.
> Then viii explain. hoped 10 be moro
cordially mot by you, Miss Phnbe. You
surely fcol unhappy and unprotected"
II can't remember ever feeling other
wise"
"But moro 50 now than at some previous
date. Ioffer you my protection. We can
be Of mutual assistance You could still
teach or find some other congenial occupa-
ton, and could: assist: ah-in culavat-
ing your mind. II would be best for you 10
60 away from here, no doubt ! should be
nt theological school, and for the present we
would koop the matter quiet"
What matter quict!" inquired PhG,be.
"Onr-marriage," replied McArdle, wip-
ing bis heated face with q handkerchief no
had bought with money borrowed from her.
"Arc you asking me 10 marry youl'
II apprehended IL would scarcely be
necessary 10 explain that ho responded,
with asperity.
But don; want 10 marry you.p
''Consider what you arc saying" i'm
pressed McArdic. II know il may seem
strange proposition to you just nown
~ does Said Phoebe
''But mean II, and will take the risks.
Only prudence seems to dictate,n said Nc
Ardle, going over his ground again, "that
Tor the present we keep our own COUNSEL
II wish you'd go away" said Phoebe,
upon which McArdle stared ct her with
startled eyes.
He waited In various uncomfortable atti-
tudes while she put on her shawl and pre-
pared TO fasten tho door. Then, stopping
out he picked his way along by her side,
looking at her occasionally with Increasing
chngrin aud Indignation.
II would like 70 know what am 10 appre-
bend from tho Last remark you mado.n
II don't want you TO talk so to mo-"
but under the circumstances, surely,
Mss PhQbe''--
"Onder any circumstancos.n
! "You mean 10 convey refusal.n
AS AcArdle tried 10 ponder the fact his
countcnance hardened.
"You1 Il regret IT."
u regret almost every thing which ever
happened 70 mo,n said Phoebe. ssIt would
be now experience n didn't regret this.n
"Its very foolish Of you,m said McArdle.
pityingly. "Besides, you arc treating me
with great cruelty. You have engaged
my feelings.p
"but under the circumstances, YOU ap-
prehend, Il would be better 10 conceal that
matter" flashed out Phoebe.
McArdle let his lower lip hang pcndulous,
while his sense Of injury grew.
won't 90 any further with you,r he /
said, pausing. Il won't SO oup 10 the house
to-nigiiLn
"Good-bye, then" said Phmbc.
You utterly refusem modiiated Ne /
Ardie "Who else, do you suppose, win
come out AS have done, waiting forexpla-
nations 70 be made after,yards,f
''You seem 20 admire your conduct very
much, sho SAID
He kecnls glanced at her
"Hou are attached 10 somebody else. /
feel H. But IL can be nobody bat Gurley.n
II SAID goodbye" said Phoebe, standing
taller. There was a thai OF anger IN her
voice.
'But one moment, - Insisted McArile He
took out his handkerchief end wiped ono
oyc after the other, holding fold OF itoyer
his finger point. "When yon discard mo
you aro injuring yourself Poor childi II
VIII never profit you any 70 cheriah these
other fcolngsn
why did ! never dspise you beforon
exclaimed rhosbc, seeming 70 expand and
blaze "How could feel protecting
kindness for you and lake pleasure Ia doing
you what little scrpicos couldl"
- npprehond.n p ho said stifly, ssthat Won
allndo 70 the tdling sums / have been
iorced by nn ungenial cato 70 borrow from
g0un
NJ, said Phmbe, rolcnung. II never
lhonghtof thom. I niaa miserable Girl, but
princess enough Ia my feelings 70 make yon
welcome 70 what you have had Only don't
peak another word 10 nia to-nightr She
urnpd her back on him and ran toward the
avn gate.
hrArllc stood with hia hands IA his over.
'Cai poclela until lhe air grew dusler
mound hhn
Ile walked down hll slowly, knowing
|Qu ihQ,hc must shrink az lhe supper "a
~. how no CONSTRUCT would drive her up- /