Arizona republican., 1898-03-15
{Continued From Yesterday)

sue uOcGUf eIluGI, Sdlu l.di4oS cINlOuS- Iy 'She hasn't been like herself for several days, and gets worse instead of better I don't like to be away from her, although Mrs Hayne is there a great deal, bless her."
 I'm sorry-I'm doubly sorry, Mer- riam," said Grafton, uncomfortably, ''for I was on the point of asking you fo come over and see Mrs. McLane about a matter which is giving her deep anxiety"
 Merriam's face began to darken at once, but he said no word.
 Randy" continued Grafton, after moments embarrassed pause, q know it's asking great deal more than 1 should care to do were I in your place, ard I wouldn't ask it if didn't think it might do good for all and do harm to ncne- You heard Of her sudden pres tration the other night?''
 "1es-but-"
 Do you know-have you any idea of She cause?''
 Not the faintest-No! I cant say shat. She got telegram, heard.'
 ''She did, and an answer was demand sd and I had to read it and reply that sic was prostrated and couldn't an- swer herself, perhaps for days. I have no right to tell you what was in the message, but she seems to need to see you. She says to-morrcw-I say to- night"
 For moment no answer came. At last, with evident effort, Merriam spoke.
 T had promised myself never to see her alone. It is due to my wife, if not to me You know the relations that ex- isted. Now Mrs. Merriam does not ike your guest"
 Neither do l." interrupted Grafton, stoutty. 'and I've an idea she'll go after she's got what-information you can give her.
 And now Merriam's face began to lose it's dark look and to grow suddenly pale Do you moan that this telegram has made-has anything to do with her wish to see me-"
 Everything, Merriam. according to my belief, and if I could tell you what II said [ think you would not refuse her
 IntentIy Merriam eyed the captains face as though burning with eagerness 10 read his full meaning.
 ''NerY well, vii come right after re- treat. Surely five minutes ought to be enough he said at length, and then went thoughtfully homeward.
 But retreat parade came within so short time after Craftor's return to his quarters that his message to Mrs. McLane covered that Iad,Y with COZ 'sternation. What! Meet Randy Me7- Tiam when she had less than 90 min Gtes in which to dress, It couldn t be thought of. When Merriam called. Mrs. Grafton fnttered down. with flushing cheeks and indignant eyes. -I'm so sorry. Mir. Merriam, but really Mrs. McLane says she is SC far from wei again this evening that she cannot see anyone. She has gone. back 10 bed. but segs that you will come in at noon to- MOTION. How is dear Florence? should have been to see her, but I am lied hands and feet.''
 And Randy went argering back to Floy's mutely inquiring eyes. What can I do to cheer you tonight, my dar- Gng?" he whispered, as he bent over to kiss her ''Is Mrs. uayne coming back?'T
 Florence was lying on the sofa in her pretty room aloft, ard Merriam knelt a her side. taking her passive hand in lis and stroking gently the cuTls that s1linmered about her white temples Tie smile with which she greeted him was very wan and fitting.
 '.She said she would, after a little. ] told her you'd be in right after pa rade, but" and the ''but" had mourn Eul tore tc it.
 T had 10 stop moment on the way dear. X matter I promised to attend to-" and again he bent and laid his lips upon her brow, then pressed them to hers. Time was. and only a few days gone by, when she used to meet that fond caress with kiss as fond, as lin gering as his own. Now she lay there patient, unresponsive. Something prompted him to Fass his arm under Eeath her neck ard 10 draw her head tt his breast. and she let herself go, un- resisting, but her cheek did not nestle Happily. confidently, as was it's way Her big, pathetic eyes were down cast, even averted.
 II wish I knew some way to gladde1 you bit, ny Brownie" he murmured using for almost the first time her ia ther's own fond pet name for her, ana he was startled beyond measure at tn result One instant her face light ed as with sudden radiant joy. thel quivered all over with pent-up emo tion Then the pretty mouth began to twitch and the lips to tremble, an' then, despite every effort, she turnet back to her pillow and burst into pas sion of tears, great sobs shaking he slender frame from head to foot.
 'Florence! Florence." he cried. i utter dispay and trouble ''What is i sweetheart? What is it, my pet, m precious? An, don't turn from me lik that. You are not well, my own, or yo x-orrFl .7r4 I.-.aal r haa7 h riD l. n