Arizona republican., 1893-01-13

was all life again; exactly as she had been to the author. He believed he de- tected her wish to draw him on to low ing her, and. though flattered, the old doubt grew stronger. The duties of hostess did not necessitate such action she had tried to draw the author on sho 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 hastened 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.
 Miss Fallington," said the author in the unmistakable voice of devotion. do you like literaturey'
 "I love it." she replied. Let me tell you 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 literatureT
 "Oh! Mir. Hughes, my humble talents wouldn't last fortnight"
 "I don't mean in that way; though your talent would. l mean would you not like to live always in literary at- mosphere-in fact, Miss Fallington, as the wife of an author"
 Pardon me, MT. Hughes" she ex. claimed, but do believe this rare plant is dying, must tell father at once"
 Don't turn me aside" pleaded the author, trying to catch her hand. "l love you to-
 Hush. hush, Mir. 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 a late anony- nous poem. They want you to help them out"
 1 "Very we'll" replied Hughes gallant | ly, ''and think can make good de- cision on the latest and directest infor- | nation"
 Don't you dare" exclaimed Bessie, with a light laugh, the meaning of which came in words as soon as the au- thor was out 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 sev- eral months before in similar place.
 And ! have no doubt" he heard Plotton say, that if were now to say that love you you'd thank some one for interrupting, and laugh as heartily over my stiffness, wouldn't youT
 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 al his narrow escape. He rejoiced greatly that Bessie Fallington had never had 6 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 ] CT became the latter, the fuller was tn, former of regret that he could not hay. Bessie Fallington. Next morning he hastened to Plottoni z establishment and found that gentleman in his glass office looking quite happy.
 Happy commission stroke?" asked . Cecil
 "Yes, an unusual one. Well, l sup pose you have come to compare note } about Bessie Fallington." f "Yes."
 Well, what's your decision"
 That she is a heartless firt, and
 think I'll give mp all thoughts of her" l "You think so." 8 "Yes, only think, for still cant de D eide, and came again to get your opin T ion."
 l Well, I'll let you have it. 1 don - think she would make you a good wife l. l believe myself she is flirt, and ha Q lots of faults If were you I'd loo l. elsewhere" d This is your earnest, sincere advice
 is it?'
 d 1t is. But there is another reaso }, why I'd give her up if l were you" Il What is it?' d "She is engaged" 5, Engaged and flirting around the wa