The Flagstaff sun-democrat., 1897-10-14

heiress sat awaiting their approach, or rather the approach of one alone. for
 she raised her penciled eyebrows with
 naughty inquiry accompanied by dis.
 dainful shrug of the graceful shoulders when she saw who was his companion; but as they drew nearer, aud she noted the action of acknowledged protection. deathly pallor overspread the beauti- ful face, and one drop of blood rested on fhe crimson lip where her small, white tooth had left it's cruel impress.
 We have come to ask your congratu. 'ations, Miss May, although have as-
 sured your cousin how sincere know
 they will be. Is your father within?" | No, believe not, and without the
 consent of ones guardian, congratula-
 tiGns, infer, are premature. However, you may rest assured of mine, if you consider them of moment"
 The tone in which she spoke gave no betrayal of the conflict she endured, and at the words Bell started forward.
 How kind of you, dear cousin, to share my happiness" but q something, unnoticed by the man, warned her to say no more-to draw back chilled, she could scarce tell why, and send the mo- mentary impulse of affection back to its fpuntainhead. A shadow of undefined dread crept over her; not even her low CTS kiss, with his promise to return early in the morning that the important interview might be accomplished, could dlssipate shadow which took visible form, as on the following dsy she was summoned from the breakfast room to her uncle's study, and met her cousin just leaving it with an expression of triumphant assurance she was unable to conceal.
 With unusual urbanity, after careful ly closing the door, MT. Fielding mo. toned her to seat.
 "I hear," he began, clearing his throat, that MT. Armstrong has asked you to become his wife. This both amazes and pains me. Amazed because you certain iy must have conducted your courtship with unbecoming secrecy, and pained because it forces me into disclosures which will make this marriage an inn possibility"
 The shadow had fallen now. She felt it suffocaiing her, but she awaited the rest in silence.
 Had your hand been sought by one whose name was of less lustre, and whose birth, station, and immense wealth forced him to less necessarily maintain it, might have kept silent. Now l cannot consistently do sc, there fore l must tell you your father is not dead, as you have supposed, but still lives, fugitive from justice!"
 Lives! My father! Thank God!" From her white lips broke the exclama. tion of gratitude, unheeding The barrier which had forbidden all these years his acknowledging himself to his child.
 "I will not here speak of the character of his offense, save that the cleinency of one man saved him from disgrace" he continued, restlessly pacing the floor, us though even his hard nature shrank from his self-appointed task. His eyes were glancing over at the white, suffer ing face of the girl he was stabbing with each word. Tt only remains for me to apprise Mir. Armstrong of these facts to induce him at once to renounce your hand of his own accord, or in mercy to your pride inform him you have repented too nasty decision and wish to be free. Which course will you choose?"
 'Sir. your blood is in my veins. The question is therefore scarcely neces- sary. shall never see Loring Arm- strong again. Word it as you will. only if it be true that my father lives, would share his exile, aye if needs be his disgrace. Write him it is my wish, | and gain quickly his consent"
 "No letter could reach him. As soon as possible I will let him know of your desire"
 Slowly Bell rose and left the room, | wondering if years had not elapsed | since last she had entered 1t. A dull | wonder took possession of her in the weeks that followed as to why her lover 70 calmly had accepted her sudden re- jection of his suit. She did not know . faint hope had tempered the first force of the blow, the; hope that he would break down any barrier, leap any ob- stacle which might prevent his claim ing her for his own. But since the few brief hours they had spent together, when he had won her promise, he had vanished. Not even Mays wiles could draw him to her side since he had dis appeared from their midst So, sit- ting alone and weary, she was startled one evening, as the first snow lay upon the ground, by the entrance of stran.