Arizona republican., 1898-03-16
fContinued From Yesterday.)

ftOltlQU6Q y.J
 The medico looked perturbed when he came downstairs, talked about lew nerv- ous condition; said that air, sunshine, cheerful companionship were what she really needed, etc. etc. She'd been housing herself too much of late. He would send over some sedatives from the hospital; and then he hustled out, and was glad to get away. Then came zn orderly with the colonel's compi- ments, and would MT. Merriam step over to the office a minute; and, glanc- Hg across the parade, Randy was sur prised to see that bright lights were shining from the windows at headquar- Sers, and there were signs of unusual hfe and stir about the infantry bar racks. Quickly he mounted the stairs and again knelt by the side of his young wife She was quieter now, but evi- dently weak from the violence of her emotion, if from no other cause. Smil- zng sympathetically, Mrs. Hayne arose from her place near the head of ffe sofa, that he night come closer and fotd Florence in his arms, as she felt sure Florence wished to be folJed, and Randy did come nearer, and took the slender hand in his and spoke tenderly and fondly, and bent again and kissed .the pale forehead, lingeringly, and all Ehis Florence seemed to accept without other notice than silence and submis- sion Mrs. Hayne gazed with swiftly than gefuI expression. This was some zfIing utterly new, utterly unlocked for. What could have occurred to turn Flor ence Merriam. fcndest, happiest of wives, into this limp. unresponsive creature? Surely. it could not be that tiiere fingered one remaining doubt of Randy now He had ignored so utterly, ses successfully, the wiles of the CO., 4ustte to whom he owed allegiance year gone by. She heard him murmur: I'll be back very soon, dearest" saw ike sudden upward sweep of the white yelids,. and the miserable, questioning Eook III the dark brown eyes. "The colonel had sent for me to attend him at tie office" "he explained, and the eyelids dropped again. Then he pressed his aps to hers, and they answered not at all Then he rose. and. with deep con eern in his manly face. turned to go. AIt is so good of you to come to us, hc said. to Mrs. Hayne. ''I should be at loss without you I'll hurry back"
 l'It his last look as he left the room xas for Florence. whose eyes followed him only until his turned again to her. Then hey dropped again.
 a.FToy. dear" said Mrs. Hayne, after monea. of thought, I'm going to ask Iou something"
 The giri he'd up her white hand, and, as though listening, said: "Wait."
 They Beard Randy in the hall below. zs he threw his cape over his shoulders and hastened out, heard him gc bound Mg down the steps. out through the gateway, and then across the hard gravel of the road. Then as his footballs died away, Mrs. Eayne Lnelt where he Rad knelt the moment before.
 @F1oy,, dear. it isn't possible you think ae cheris1es- any feeling except of pity s5r contempt for-that woman? never s1w anything r1ore perfect than his de- rotion to:y ou-his avoidance of her"
 Fer answer- with sudden force the young wife seemed to tear herself from the touch cf the friendly hand, the sSsund of the gentle voice, and, buryinS ier face. in her arms, turning her back x1pon her conso.er, moaned al5ud. ''OlI, EIuy, Floy, my little friend! You must got doubt him. Never distrust him sgGin. Why! he will not even go near 'aer- He will not see her-speak with her, and l never heard such love and tenderness iH his voice as when he speaks to- you"
 Then, as though stung, Florence szhirled upon her, and, with dilated, Burning eyes, and a hot flush over spreading her face. with lips close set as though to beat down the tremors shat ztrove for the mastery, answered vith startling vehemence:
 1'But 1 have-it's when he calls to her talks to her in his sleep."
 Then Mrs. Hayne sprang up aghast. Ohe moment she stood gazing incredu lHusiy down at Florence, world of sor- TOW and pity in her eyes. Then. with her hand to her ear, cried "Hark!" and Fastened to the window.
 Far out across the still, starlit level of Sde parade trumpeter was sounding afficerS' call.
 CHAPTER x.