Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1893-01-12

Brenton appeared on the scene and gave
himself up to the pleasures OF the world,
his example seemed to 10 her good and she
became quite herself again. Or was it
herself with little something addedf
Certainly no one before had seen her eyes
sparkle so brightly or her cheeks blush
with so happy glow as now.
"And you really think you will give up
permanently your secluded lifeP she asked
him once, when they were chatting alone
in the corner after one Of old Miss Sarah's
solemnly elegant Sunday teas. You have
been so welded to science, don't you know.
! doubt whether you could ever break your
heart into the traces"--
Without letting her finish he said, "Pos-
sibly might break my heart ont Of the
traces" And he looked at her in such u
way that she could hardly doubt his wish
| to convey the idea that she would be the
] cause Of the catastrophe.
"Oh, you know what l mean" she said
| quite lightly and laughing.
Brenton was perhaps more earnest and
| engaging than he knew AS he replied, 1.-The
| question is, Do you know what mean"
Lily was equal to the situation still. 81
don't believe you know YOURSELF" said she
| cheerfully.
"Ah, well, IL you have so little faith in
my knowledge as that" he began. Just
then they were interrupted by Julian
Reed, who approached, casting glance Of
solicitude at Brenton, who at once set out
to talk eminently sane commonplace by
way OF an example.
In the ensuing weeks Brenton was more
assiduous than ever. He came to see Lily
Paret as often ms he reasonably could. He
danced with her, sent her flowers, made
himself her servant. He did all the bask-
ing in the sunlight of her presence which
is expected from young man who is in
love. And all the time old Miss Sarah
thought he seemed to grow stronger,
brighter, hardsomer.
Lilly is his very i.fc"' she exclaimed
rhapsodically in the privacy of her lonely
house TO the Paret diamonds, which were
the only confdants she had.
Matters went ON thus for two months.
Then Brenton suddenly disappeared He
was seen no more in the club or cafe,
drawing room or ballroom. Everybody
was asking, What can have become OF
him" Old Miss Sarah could not make it
out Lily's mother inquired Of Julian
Reed whether Brenton was ILL., "I'm
afraid he is" said Reed, and reproached
himself for not having told somebody
about Arthur's insanity.
"You're afraid he isS" retorted Mrs.
Paret Indignantly. at seems to me you
ought to find out"
Poor Reed excused himself feebly and
went OF TO look for Brenton. But it hap
pened that the very next day Mrs. Paret,
who seldom walked, was on foot near her
house, and met Arthur Brenton himself,
looking exceedingly well.
why, what has become of your" she
inquired.
Nothing" said Arthur; 1--WE gone back
to my work, as usual"
"What do you meant"
'I'll tell YOU" he said IL had confined
myself too closely. My doctor said must
throw everything over and take recreation.
He prescribed society. / accepted his adj
vice. I've had a splendid time, and now
I'm all fresh again for my studies"
"Ohp' Mrs. Paret returned somewhat
chillingly. "Im glad to hear you have
such wise doctor. 1t was heroic treat
ment, but you've survived the dose; so
1t has turned out well-for you"
"My dear Mrs. Paretr' Brenton ex.
lJOH L IL u NbSt. L
you it has been a charming experience"
Thanks" said Mrs, Paret, and left him.
Brenton feared that something had gone
wrong. His own sensations, moreover,
confirmed the fear. He was not comfort
able. Somehow, in spite of his refreshed
state, electricity did not seem quite so at
tractive as formerly.
In short time Lily Parets interest in
social affairs also relaxed With her light
brown hair, her delicate coloring, her grace
full, quiet, listening manner, she was as
charming as ever, but beyond question she
grew paler and more inert day by day. The
doctor was summoned (the same discern
ing person who had counseled Brenton).
miss Paret," he announced, needs a
change-not Of scene or air, but Of occupa-
ton. II she could drop society and become
engrossed in some intellectual pursuit /
should expect it to do her great good. But
it is hard thing to manage"
Lily, however, did not think it hard. She
dropped society forthwith for a time. Hav-
ing had good college training she was
able to start off fairly we'll on the pre-
scribed line.
And what branch Of study do you think
she choseP Curiously enough, electricity.
In her ardent, feminine way she chung to it
all winter. so that when Brenton, begin
ming to feel run down again, tried the old
remedy and plunged into the "stream Of
gaiety," he did not find her there, aud
promptly plunged out again. The old rem
edy was no longer efficacious.
Lily, in her new occupation, which was
considered by her circle to be unduly &c.
centric, improved little as to health and
cheerfulness, but as for Brenton, he felt his
powers declining steadily.
Late in May be attended a meeting lit
tie way out Of town, which was to witness