Arizona republican., 1894-12-29

and runs lightly down the steps.
 Lunch is nearly over, and 1 have been unusually silent and distrait. Even the announcement of a new en gagement has failed to arouse me to more than momentary interest
 Did I do right to accept half that umbrella? or should have declined it courteously, but conclusively? Of course, no man could pass by a girl who was in such fix as l without some slight compunction, particular lv if it were so evidently in his power to assist her. But, having made the proposition, would he not have felt more respect for me had it been po- litely refused? Or would he have thought me a prude, and regretted his chivalry?
 "Er-yes, thank you, very chival- rous."
 All the girls laugh, and I realize, with start, that 1 have answered Luld's simple request, if l would not have more ice cream, somewhat ab- sent-mindedly, to put it mildly.
 You must be in love, Nathalie, :" laughs Lulu, and, like a simpering school miss, blush, which makes me so angry that a further accession of color waves up to my forehead. and the conviction is strong within me that 1 resemble nothing more than full blown peony.
 Reflect on my appetite, and don't say I'm in love" I answer.
 Talking of being in love, you should see our handsome neighbor," said Lulu. He is young physician, but well known. Perhaps you have heard of him-Dr. Bernard Burl1e.''
 Why, he is the doctor we are going to have if any of us are ill" exclaim ''Is he really nice looking?'
 Indeed, he is. 1 have been trying to develop some interesting disease ever since first saw him." she replies And, by the way" she continues, ''he generally passes here just about this time. Come to the window and watch for him, Nathalie, and I will wager you'll manage to get up some ailment within the week. The stakes to be soda water"
 jump up as she speaks, and make a rush for the window, closely followed by the rest of the girls. As I get half way across the room my high heels again fail me; my ankle turns and measure my length on the floor. The girls laugh, after the manner of girls Inn hl IC n Nv of infinite mirth, and I cannot blame them for their merriment. I try to rise, but a sharp twinge of pain in my foot causes me to sink back with a groan. No doubt turn pale, for the | girls become sober and cluster around me anxiously. Every moment is agony, but when l am perfectly still it is not so bad. What is to be done? We con- suit anxiously.
 T shall send for Dr. Burke, declares Lulu, seriously. There is burst of laughter, and even I smile.
 You owe me debt of gratitude for | this,' l murmur, rather weakly, to Lulu.
 1 l am beginning to feel faint and 1 sick, and after 1 am helped to the sofa l lie back with my eyes closed, while Sue Dalton fans me, and May Bostwicl1 runs for some salts.
 Here's the doctor, whispers Sue, at last in my ear Under other circum- stances l could pity you more," she adds.
 open my eyes languidly and look up. Shades of my rainy mornings walk! It is my knight of the umbrella.
 And shall I be able to walk with out a crutch this weel1?" I ask, anxiously.
 It is a month since that never-to-b be- forgotten luncheon at Lulu Bradley $ and my foot is still in statu quo, as it were, although 1 can get around the house and am in the parlor, now, witE Dr. Bernard Burke. It is the first time l have seen him alone, and we have never mentioned our rather unconven tional walk
 T am quite sure you will be out by Saturday. Perhaps you will still need a slight support-a cane or"-his eyes twinkle-''an umbrella.''
 We both laugh.
 Did you expect me to refuse youl ] help that day? sTell me what YOU thought of me. But if you think I was brazen, do please gloss it over as mucE as you can."
 If had thought it at all out of the way for you to accept my offer I never should have ventured to make it, for ir that case l should have had no right, , he replies; and I wonder that I never thought of that before.
 q should have been both disgusted and disappointed if you had declined my slight service" he continues. "I will tell you just how it was Iwalked behind you for about half-block, de batting in my own mind what I should