Arizona republican., 1893-01-14

heart and the tweed coat which formed its outcrmost covering he could feel the communication which had that after forever, 'On her majesty's service" 1t had arrived, and lon her majesty's service" it informed him he was ex- pected Co proceed forthwith to some what distant portion of her dominions, where, in return for salary exceeding his widest dreams, he was to perform duties as to which he still felt vague. But they probably included the dispen- sation of substantial justice with law ish hand to sundry swarthy fellow-sub- jects and the instruction of the male portion of them in the use of obsolete weapons and the cvolutions of an im- proved drill.
 The climate-well, every rose has it's thorn, and Government House and his society would reconcile Geraldine Oak ley to a bursting thermometer and diet of quinine. She could have her sister to stay with her if she felt lone- ly; he was quite fond of Maud. though of course she did not care for him; did she not always retire when he came to tea, and leave him alone with her elder sister, and always refuse to give him more than four dances in one evening?' But Geraldine was different. Dr. Gov erdale would do very well for Maud when Geraldine was gone. There she was-Maud, not Geraldinc--standing on the top step waiting for him as he almost ran up the garden walk.
 "IIow do you do?" she said, shyly, as she ushercd him into the drawing room. "I will go and tell Geraldine you are here"
 He was delightcd; could anything have been more though;ful? Hut, oddly enough, she did not go. She sat down, on the contrary, and began lingering 'chair back" nervously.
 Tt is fine day." she said, and then stopped.
 Hang it." he thought; "I meant to tell Geraldine the news first, but there's no harm in beginning with her"
 So he began. pulling out his official letter to show her.
 ''I have come, Miss Oakley, to tell you some news aud ask you to congratu- late me-"
 "What!' she exclaimed, "are you en- gagged to be mar"
 ''Oh, nol'' he answered, mot exactly that is, not yet--in fact, I mean not exactly"
 And he got very red, and so, curious. ly enough. did she. She looked very pretty blushing and with her lower lip quivering little. Geraldine was not SO pretty as Maud, he admitted to him. self as he looked at her; but so much the better. Geraldine would be all the less likely to firt, if, that is, there was anyone at Government House to flirt with
 "No," he said; its the appointment I told you for was it your sister?) my uncle was trying to get for me-.the very thing have been wanting"
 And he proceeded to paint the charms of the new career opening be- fore him in glowing colors. He said nothing about the quinine. When he came to an end of all the details shc was sitting, with an expression of deep interest, looking at him. and he felt that had she only been Geraldine the very moment would have arrived-that precise opportunity not always easy to obtain, particularly in small villa. And so," he said. feeling he must bring his tale to conclusion and give her an excuse for going to fetch her sister-''and so Miss Oakley, leave Bunborough very soon, and have come to say good-by."
 "Good--good--bo
 She did not hit the precise note which had startled Miss Grayson's visitor; but the effect on him was even more electrifying.
 "My Godv' he murmured. 'Boo-hoo, boo hoo--o." And she buried her head in the sofa cushions.
 For minute he said nothing; his first inarticulate entreaty to her died on his lips before her storm of grief. so he bit his mustache in silence. Then the front door slammed; Miss Geraldine Oakley was going out for a walk, totally unaware of his arrival. Could he. stop her? He could hardly open the window and shout. He moved toward the drawing-room door, but he had to pass the sofa, and as he did so the girl on it rose, as if she, too, half dazed. was seeking way of escape; and as their hands met on the door handle she sank sobbing into his arms. ] Don't. dontl" sue whispered, hardly articulateiy; but he was doing nothing from which he could desist, for he