Arizona republican., 1891-11-17

have locked the door and established them selves fin corner with box of bon bons within reach, and their notes upon racks be- fore them. Maude, who is youthfully piQuant and pretty, rests tho tip of one patent leather boot upon low hassock; tho lavender ribbon which decks her guitar makes a harness for her neck. Helen, who Is young woman of extremely ample proportions, Is trying Co cud- de upon a rather too barrow window seat, while she devours goodies and thrums the classic banjo; and the ink stained fingers of Louise clasp the bit of tortoise shell which Is to evoke strains of linked sweetness from her inlaid mandolin.
 Louise--Hurry up now, girls! After we've worked so hard to get the room, we mustn't waste a minute! Strikes the first notes of the prelude with an air which plainly signifies that she means there shall be no trifling.)
 Helen Gmpatiently, as string snaps) There goes my string. Bother! That's always the way when I'm in hurry There is nothing more provoking than little banjo string.
 Louise-Unless it's Greek verb. Eve worked for hours
 Helen-Where is my banjo bag? Of course it must go and get itself lost! Well, if l haven't been sitting on it the whole timel l thought l wasn't just exactly comfortable. Here, Lou, un. pucker it for me, while take out this string. I'll only be two minutes.
 Maude (cheerfully helping herself to a crystallized cherry)-I think l have my part perfectly now, all but that horrid Advertisement on the last page. Oh, if fail in that I'll feel like expiring! I'll never take part in another concert. It's too trying. I've had enough trouble over my gown to drive one mad. Oh, girls, had such lovely letter from Alice this morningl
 Louise Gntensely yinterested)-Did you? What did she say? l suppose they're awfully happy;
 Maude Icon expressione)-Happy!
 Helen (whose countenance has been contorted by expressions of acutest an guish during the tightening of her banjo stringy-And is he as devoted as ever?
 Maude-Devoted Well, they're sim ply ecstatic! wish l had brought the letter. If had had any idea that Helen was going to keep us waiting like this let's see-perhaps l can remember what she says. (Clasps her hands about the neck of her guitar and recites with closed eyesl-"Yes, we've been married a whole month now, dearest Maude, and can truthfully say that Ihaven't single regret. Indeed, never knew what hap piness was before. Harold"-
 Louise (murmuringl-How lovely!
 Maude (coutinuing to quote)-" Harold is the personifcation of-the personifca- ton Of - pshaw can't remember what it's of, but it's something sweet.
 Helen (whose interest in the letter has caused her to allow the peg to slip, and who now resumes her struggle with the refractory string)-Well, she ought to be happy, I'm sure! never saw such devotion-it was perfectly abject. He never even looked at the rest of us if Alice
 Louise (dubIously)-But she had only known him year.
 Maude (meaning to be very sarcastic, Il suppose Louise thinks people ought to grow up together, or else demand a certificate of
 Louise-Not at all! But year!- And you know, girls, Hal used to be-
 Maude (yehemently)-Wel what if he did? He isn't any more. He's all right now, and he simply adores Alice. He'd die for her! How can you talk so, Lou ise? Just think how he gave up cigar. cites for her.
 Louise-Yes-exchanged them for 6 nasty pipe.
 Maude-For pipe, did you say! Well Alice says she likes fine meerschauln ol briarwood pipe. "Only year" Why Louise, every one knows that love ism dependent upon time. For my part, believe in love at first sight!
 Louise groaning)-Oh-oh! Maude!
 Helen Qaughing)-Maude, you're sim ply killing
 Maude (defantly)-Wel, l do! O course I don't mean that think people should be married right off, or ever (weakening under their reproachfu glances) that they should become en gagged; but do think-l believe-l know (gathering courage)-yes, l know tha
 
 time they meet. Why, knew girl
 The others forgetting their disap proval(-Oh. tell us about her, Maude do?
 Maude (determinedly)-No! Don't be- me can't. I've promised. But me her last summer and she is married now and she loved her husband before sh even knew his name. So, there!
 Helen-Oh, know. It's that girl yot told me about last fall. So romantic!
 Louise-Yes, romantic - and silly How could she love man before sh knew his thoughts or feelings or tastes
 Helen Cat hazard)-Perhaps she dit know, -er-instinctively
 Louise-Nonsensel l believe in loni engagements
 Helen-Well, don't! 1 think, whel people love each other, they should b married and begin helping each other a once. don't like the idea of engage ments-its like joining the church o probation.
 Louise (seriously)-But surely. Helen "A broken engagement IS better than wretched marriage. Don't be unreasor able!
 Helen-A girl has no business to g engaged to the wrong man. despise firtation-it's so common!
 Maude-That's why detest Margar Crayson so. The way she tri--
 Louise-But, Helen, sometimes peep make mistakes.
 Helen-Its usually their own fault
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