Arizona weekly enterprise., 1888-06-16

lar beauty, the like Of which had never seen before. Her complexion, one would think. should be fair to match tho bright dazzling gold on her hair. but it was not; instead it suited her deep brown eyes, and was what I can only describe as a creamy olive. with @ spot of richest crin- son on either check.
 She was tall and graceful, with an air that was half commanding end look, something about her, as have said be- fore, which reminded ne of all the deep passion of intensity of October's warmth yelled under her stillest haze.
 Such was Flora Grandson when she cano to us. and it is not surprising that Ralph's eyes fingered on her lovely face until he was compelled to turn them away for shane's ssl1e. Time passed very pleasantly We lived in the country. CT rather. just outside of stirring town. and wo could therefore combine the pleas ures of both city and country life.
 How Miss Grandson enjoyed her out door rambles with the children in the brilliantly tinted autumn woodsl Ralph frequently accompanied them, much to her annoy ance, it seemed to me. who watched with jealous eyes every move ment that indicated his growing Interest in tho charming stranger. 1 Wo knew nothing of her save that she was from a southern city, and was thrown upon her own resources for support. But her beauty spoke for itself. and felt con vinced the moment that Ralph first set his eyes upon her that sooner or later she | H. Ls- I l. IL thought never struck ne that she, poor governess. would be glad to win him for Q | husband But it never did
 There was not the least sign of coquetry about her, nor did she seem to care at all for his attentions She accepted them | quietly, smilirgly, when she could not evade them, yet always felt she would rather he did not offer them. I liked her [ for that. though couldn't get over the Idea that she would be his fate.
 One day. very late in November, the sun shone radiantly and almost Q summer warmth pervaded the atmosphere Tempted by the beauty of the scene donned my hat and cloak and went for stroll in the leafess woods had not gone far when the sound of Ralph's voice struck my ear It was strained and des- pairing. and he was saying. ohl how ear nestly;
 For Gods sake. Flora. give me a little hopel'
 Have not told you there Is none2" heard her answer. almost desperately; 'I desire that you will never mention this subject again. Mir PercivaL"
 Not caring to play the eavesdropper, I walked away and joined the children. who were playing some distance further on. Miss Grandson and Ralph had not seen me. But my blood was boiling at the thought of Ralph suffering through her
 When l saw him again the poor boy looked as white and miserable as any ghost. The next day he left us for an in definite time. pleading some business ex- cuse, but I knew well what had driven
 him away. l loved him dearly. and could
 hardly bear the loneliness of the house
 after he wss gone
 At last. exasperated by her calm,
 queenly loveliness, when my own heart was aching 80, vented my sorrow and
 displeasure upon Miss Grandson. She
 was sitting by tho window reading, and
 she just raised her eyes to give me one
 long, steady look. slightly mingled with surprise. and then dropped them to hei
 book again without word 1 then told
 her what had overheard, and repeated , angrily that it was her fault that RalpE
 had gone away.
 'I am sorry" she said quietly, that you heard what you did No one would
 hox l-,,l of I.-
 appointment from me But surely, Mis-. Percival. you cannot say that have eve : encouraged his unfortunate love either by word or look"
 was forced to acknowledge that sh' a had not.
 !; "But, since he did love you, In spite o all. why should you have refused him i Miss Grandison7 Is not Ralph young n rich. handsome, and good enough for an, . woman on earth?"
 ' "He Is all that, Miss Percival, she re piled sadly.
 "Then why"
 q have no love to give" she inter rupted hastily; "and even could I lov any one, have not the right" Mot the right?" repeated. "Thel you arc engaged to some other2" "No," she said quietly, but saw th
 crimson In her cheeks begin to deepen Because am already wife" 5 "A wife?" cried in amazement "You?"
 "Yes, Mss Percival. F Already angry with her before this at mission. her words drove me quite beyon i. my power of self control, and my voic ,f was full of bitter scorn. Yet it was I d match to the quiet. intense scorn in her i as she rose to her full queenly height, h' 4 dark eyes glittering like stars, and u ., crimson spots in her cream cheeks glov
 ing like the burning heart of the riches e reddest rose.
 ,'i In all cur acquaintance had never a (. uired her so much as I did at that m r. ment. But, remembering the wrong sl
 had done my brother, I felt no kindne
 toward her.
 , Pray explain, if you can, Miss Grand { son" said in my coldest tone. "why yc e. entered this house under @ false characte h. in which you won my brothers heart on n to break it. What have you to say q thatY'
 i. Nothing, except that your broth
 knows all I have to tell, and don't fe Te called upon to disclose my troubles to u of whole world. If you deem me unfit f ons the position hold in your house, Mi
 Percival, will go elsewhere"