Arizona republican., 1893-01-31

ing her, and, though fattered, the old
| doubt grew stronger. The duties OF
hostess did not necessitate such action
she had tried to draw the author on; she
was trying him now The only result
would be that she would reject them
both in ridicule.
Music and promenading through the
spacious house followed cards. Cecil
fastened to engage Bessie as COM
panion. The author forestalled him.
He walked angrily into the conservatory
and stopped before palm, ostensibly
examining it, but in reality Analysing
his state of mind Was he jealous? If
so, he really loved Bessie, but could he
ask her to be his when all he had seen
confirmed her coquetry?
Bessie and Hughes came near and
stopped before large plant, but with
their backs toward Cecil, who was well
screened from them.
"Nliss Fallington," said the author in
the unmistakable voice of devotion, "do
you like literature?"
81 love it," she replied. Let me tell
you a little secret that you must never
reveal. have lately had quite num-
Der Of poems published-anonymously
of course"
Adorable, ;" he cried, enthusiastically.
"You must show them to me-"
"By no means. You would criticise
the poor little attempts"
Not for worlds. They could not
help being full of fire and genius. But
would you not like to devote your life,
yourself, to literature?'
ooh! Mr.. Hughes, my humble talents
wouldn't last fortnight"
III don't mean in that way; though
your talent would. | mean would you
not like to live always in literary at
mosphere-in fact, Miss Fallington, as
the wife os an author"
pardon me, Mr.. Hughes" she e1.
claimed, but | do believe this rare plant
is dying, Tmust tell father at once"
Don't turn me aside" pleaded the
author, trying to catch her hand. 81
love you to-
"Hush, hush, Mr. Hughes" she whis-
pered. Here comes some one"
The some one was Tom Plotton, and
he was coming direct for them
"Mr. Hughes" he said, "they are ask
ing for You in the parlor. They're dis
cussing the authorship OF late anony-
nous poem. They want yoa to help
them out
Very we'll" replied Hughes gallant
", land | think | can make a GOOD de-
cision on the latest and directest infor-
nation"
Don't you dare" exclaimed Bessie,
with light laugh, the meaning OF
which came in words as soon as the au-
thor was ont of hearing.
"Oh! I'm so glad you came, for, don't
you think, he was just declaring his love
for me"
Both broke into hearty laugh. Con-
viction struck Cecil. If this wasn't an
evidence Of heartless coquetry what
could be? He sincerely thanked his
good fortune that his doubts had kept
him from declaring his own love sew
eral months before in a similar place.
and ! have no doubt" he heard
Plotton say, chat if were now to
say that love you you'd thank some
one for interrupting, and laugh as
heartily over my stiffness, wouldn't
your"
perhaps ! should"
Though you have given me some en-
enlargement, Bessie"
Have I? Come, | want to tell father
this plant is dying"
They moved away and Cecil returned
TO the parlor, thrilling with pleasure at
his narrow escape. He rejoiced greatly
that Bessie Fallington had never had
chance to laugh at him He shortly
withdrew elated, but in the night doubt
of his decision troubled him. The heart
| and head would not agree. The strong
er became the latter, the fuller was the
former of regret that he could not have
| Bessie Fallington.
Next morning he FASTENED to Plotton's
establishment and found that gentleman
in his glass Office looking quite happy.
Happy commission stroke?" asked
| Cecil.
Eyes, an unusual one. Well, | sup
pose you have come to compare notes
| about Bessie Fallington."
Eyes"
"Well, what's your decision?"
THAT she is a heartless firt, and
think I'll give up all thoughts OF her"
"You think So"
Eyes, only think, for still can't &C.
eide, and | came again to get your opin-
ion"
well, I'll let you have it. | don't
think she would make you good wife.
believe myself she is a flirt, and has
lots of faults If were you I'd look
elsewhere.
This is your earnest, sincere advice.
is it?"
1T is But there is another reason
why 70 give her up if were you"
What is it?'
"She is engaged"
Engaged and flirting around the way
she did with you and Hughes and my
self. n 5 awful. To whom?"
"Well, it's something of a secret yet.
Il