Arizona republican., 1898-07-15

These achievements to my financial strength helped me to arrive at decis- ion, though it was a decision burdened with conditions. In the matter of for tune, Dorothy Gray and were not very far apart; and surely her position was such as to encourage the most tlmid of wooers. So far, I found clear sailing. But, once this point had been attained ir my calculations, there arose rem nant of the old perplexities. Lamar was still the disturbing factor, for. in spite of the deadly malady which had him in it's unrelenting clutches, l could not be certain of his plans, so long as strength remained in him to leave his present quarters should he desire to do so. It could hardly be supposed that he would survive more than a year; at least that was the limit had fixed, after allowing him what believed to be wide margin. l X second examination had shown that the disease was advancing steadily. His precarious condition had in no way decreased my aversion for him, but it had the effect of ending any idea 1 might have entertained of resigning my ] post. To desert him now was out of the question. Yet to remain with him meant a postponement of the inevitable struggle for professional foothold in some city, or even of a partnership with Banks. So long as I was in the hermit's employ I must be free to follow him if need arose. It was my duty, strive as I might to disguise the fact.
 Dorothy and did not continue quite tile old friendship. There was subtle difference in our relations. We were together often, though she seldom drove with me and there were no more boat ing excursions, but there was some thing of our former comradeship lack ing. She was graver, quieter, more ab- stracted. The mourning she wore was no meaningless badge of sorrow. She was grieving over her aunt's loss, and, I feared, causelessly representing herself for the accident. It was not a time for me to speak; it was better to wait until her thoughts should be less with the Gead and more with the living. I had determined, when my opportunity came, to lay my doubts and difficulties fairly before her, and to ask her aid in seeking way out of them.
 But many days wore away before the opportunity was mine. had asked her to accompany me to Bassettville, and we were riding homeward from that town, with the horse fallen into his laziest jog-trot. For some little time neither of us had spoken. She was preoccupied, thought, but it did not occur to me to SuSneof that any 11p11Sno1 oo11Sa fo1 for her abstraction As for myself well, inasmuch as she was by my side, I was fairly content.
 "May ask your advice?" she said, at last, breaking the silence.
 Surely, in anything" I answered.
 "It seems to be best, but am not quite satisfied with my own judgment" This she said as if more in explanation to herself than to her hearer q am go- ing away"
 "Why?" I demanded. 'sWhy, and when, and whither?'
 "It must be soon; I've realized itever since my aunt's death," she said, with a brave effort at composure. q am poor Il think you know that. I must find way to support myself. have thought that perhaps I could be most useful as nurse, and that you could tell me where the best training-schools were. The people here have been very, very kind, but must leave them Eff you heed my advice you will not go away" said I. And as to becoming nurse, don't dream of such a thing. Have you any idea of the long hours of duty, the responsibility, the strain on mind and body?"
 "Yes, I think I understand. But what else is there for me to do? Be lieve me, this is no hasty decision"
 But it is one you will never cease to regret"
 Regret? I hardly think that-un- less should find myself incapable
 ''Nonsense! Pardon me for speak
 ng so plainly, but that isn the point tt issue. The question yon have to de- eide is this: Do yon wish to devote your best years to labors arduous, eXacting, often rewarded poorly in money and even less in gratitude, only to find your self at the end of them broken in health and spirit? I tell you plainly you were not sent into this world to lead such an existence" ''Please don't discourage me-" she said, almost entreatingly. "You don't understand. I want to do some good in my life, and the way I have chosen seems to me the best. I cannot teach, 1 am not musician, should starve as a seamstress. But as nurse"
 You're the best girl in the world, and the best place for you is right here."
 My vehemence seemed to startle her, and she shranil a little from me.
 Dorothy, you must not go," blum dered on. You speak of making your life useful. Can you not make mine happy? You are more to me than all the rest of the world. Without you T. I-''
 Then words failed me. I tried to take } her hand, but she drew it from my