The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-08-20

she keft the two young men together. When alone she reflected that Albert was very nice cousin, and might make a very good husband; as for his friend well, he was very good looking man, | and might be very nice fellow-bus what difference between the two. "Your cousin is charming girl" said Jack.
 "Oh yes, but she is only school girl" "Well, what else can she be? She is | just out of school and not woman yet. Do you know what were my thoughts as looked at you both?
 "How can I know?"
 "I was thinking that you would make a pretty couple" "Now, Jack, what harm have I ever done you that you should want to chain me down?"
 Are you not 25?"
 "Is that old age?" "Would you give an old man to your cousin, who will be only 10 next year" "In two years she will be 20-that will be better still. Then will be seri- ous man and an NJ. D. Clara is a good match; our fortunates ire about equal. think l might make living in this country. Well, who knows what may happen one day? have plenty of time | to think of it."
 q think your cousin deserves better than that, and you ought to be in love with her."
 "What! Love at first sight! I do think Clara is pretty, but--plenty ot 'ime-plenty of time!"
 Everybody seemed happy at the mill; even Clara, who listened with pleasure to the compliments of her cousin when- ever he chanced to be with her, and she thought him so witty that she quite for. got to show her own wit before him.
 In the meantime she was hoping that he would propose before going back to Paris, but the last day dawned. and he had not said the least word about mar riage. She hoped till the last hour; then, till the last minute.
 Albert gave kisses all around and said to her: II will come back next year. I will write to you, and send Mussets works, as promised"
 She plucked up courage and said ti him:
 "Is that all you want to promise, Al, bert?"
 He understood what she meant, but would not promise more, and as his eyes rested on the clock he said:
 "Good-by, cousin; the train is here- it cannot wait"
 The life of student, especially that of a student who does not study, is just as tiresome as any other.
 There comes time when he gets tired of beer, wine and cigars.
 Albert was in one of his dark days: since morning he had felt cross, and would not even smoke; his pipe lay on the table with pile of books and dusty papers. His tobacco pouch re. minded him of Clara-she had em. brodered it for him during the week he had spent with her. Then he was also reminded that he had promised to write and send Musset's works; he felt badly at these thoughts. and remorso made him go out to repair his forget fulness.
 There is knock at the door; the servant brings up letter to him; it Is from his mother.
 His drowsiness gives way as he reads the lines; he gets up in a passion, up. setting the table and everything up. on it.
 Clara is to be married, and in a week. too; and he is expected to attend tho wedding.
 And whom does she marry, I won, der?" eXclaims he; "some common country lad, I suppose. No, it can. not be! I must go there and stop it; she cannot be sacrificed in this way!"
 Two hours later he started with va. lise in one hand and bundle under ono arm; it was Musset's works.
 Clara met him at the garden gate; she was looking as fresh as the flowers, and he, being conceited, thought that the happiness expressed on her face was due to his presence. She was lesa timid than last year and little stouter, one could read her heart through her gray eyes and her smiles.
 'Is what hear true, Clara"
 Certainly. I was about to write to you. I want you here or the wedding"
 "It is impossible!"
 "Quite possible and true."
 "With whom?"
 "With Jack, of course"
 "Ah, the scoundrel! There is nothing like friend to betray one."
 "Why, Albert, what a short memory you have. Poor Jack would not speak of love before he was quite sure of your feelings toward me. I am very thank full that you set him at liberty to speak. am so proud and happy at being loved by such noble heart"
 Albert threw his bundle on the table,
 "What is that?" asked Clara.
 "Musset's works. had promised them to you"
 "You are too late, cousin. Jack gave them to me long ago, as was complain ing of your forgetfulness."