Arizona republican., 1898-06-30

i sIs it possible. I had no idea it was
 so late And where is Mariette?" Sure that her maid had not yet re-
 turned, she passed out on the balcony from her drawing room, overlooking i F'riedland avenue, and began looking
 vainly for the figures of Mariette and
 Francois.
 In her impatIence she struck her i foot repeatedly against the iron railing
 of the balcony and the heel of her i slipper was pulled from her foot, and, 1 falling, just escaped the face of late promenader who stood star gazing be-
 heath the balcony
 He picked up the missile, looked at i it, turned it over, then, carrying it to i tie street lamp, examined it carefully i His surprised look gave way to one Of i amused pleasure. The passer, feeling like the prince in the story knew that l the wearer of the slipper had a pretty foot, and that the next thing to do was i to find her.
 "WsII," said he to himself. Tets be- gin. This slipper didn't fall on my l head from heaven; it came, evidently from that lighted window I thought 1 saw figure there a moTaent ago Well, then, here goes"
 Concealed in corner of the balcony i the countess had watched the panto- mime, feeling all the time a strong de- | sire to laugh. The man 1ppeareta ! young and good looking; in dress and, bearing he was all that could De de sired. The young woman told herself 1 that he had very distinguished air. and so she felt not at all alarmed 1 when the approached the door of the building anu rang the Eeil. "He will wake every one il the l apartment house except that sleepy headed janitor. What shall I du? | don't see any thing but tG go anG open it myself
 1 Opening the door a crack she aaid: "A thousand pardons, monsieur and please give it to me quicNly.'' Tn truth, madam, I regret exceed- ingly not being able to grant your re- quest, but the object which I have just found is, I think, rather precious, and you will understand that ! feel a cer- tain responsibility. If the slipper is yours it will, Of course, fit you, and you will allow me to asszsrre myself by the formality of trying t on?''
 She seated herself in one of the large antique chairs i'll the hall, and putting, out her little f05t. watched him as, he gravely fitted the slipper Up1n 1t. The instant it was on the foot was witd- drawn, and disappeared beneath her skirt, while Rene de la Briere aTase. somewhat disconcerted.
 Mme- Laispare. standing on bo5m feet this time, made him the most gra- cious and at the same time the most ironical of bows, and. opening the door wide,, mot1oned the young man out with the gesture in which the grace did not hide the authority. But at the moment when. decidedly cha grined and confused, Re1ge' was about to obey the command, a loud report made itself heard little distance from them.
 The countess, never thinking that it was the eve Of July IA, thought only of pistol shot and robbers. Rene un- derstood the situation in an instant and determined what part he would 1 play in the little drama; lowing pro i fusely, he made as if to continue his departure.
 Monsieur, did you hear it?"
 Perfectly, madam; pistol shot"
 ''Then there are thieves in the neigh borhood?"
 9'It is very probable; and now that I think of it I remember of observing a little while ago very villainous look ing fellow prowling about
 Really, mansieur. am afraid for
 you, and, to be frank, for myself, too.
 My maid has not yet returned, and if
 I were nos afraid of troubling you
 would ask you to wait until she comes in."
 The hall was lighted brightly, and they seated themselves in the big
 chairs. There was a moments awll-
 ward pause, and then M. de Ia Briere
 told his name, and the countess fol
 lowed his example, which put them Q.
 their ease.
 They talked Of travel, of literature of music, of painting, and found on af
 these subjects they possessed a re- markable similarity of tastes. The sit
 uation was peculiar one, and pos
 sessed the charm of it's novelty. Learning that she was a widow , Rene dared to ask her if, young anC pretty as she was, she had nevel , thought of marrying again. She re