Arizona republican., 1899-01-27


 DRESSED ERIC.
 divinest of charms-the incessant for getfulness that she is so beautiful. She doesn't think ia the least about the divinity of her profile. Self-conscious- ness, the curse Of most feminine beauty, has Eercifully spared her. A woman like that. who treats herself as if she were a spiaster of sixty. with defective front teeth and a hairy mole on her chin, becomes an unconscious goddess. l don't wonder LOnz adores her still, and don't wonder CIarirnond is aching to know her"
 But aloud Eric said, with his native affa ble bluFness:
 My dear Miss Kencaird it's not very mighty planet, after all. Don't bore yourself about AIonzo's proximity. When he knows that you've hon0red Saltravia with your presence, he will probably be quite too ashamed of his past misconduct to let you get the faint est glimpse of him. Oh, I know just how atrociously he behaved. He's told me, and I've scOlded him without pity"
 Kathleen bit her lip and watched the speaker for an instant with searching and wistful eyes.
 "Hes told you?" she breathed. But if you don't think ne to blame at all, Mir Thaxter, he-he must have given you very generous version of the whole affair."" Then she drew herself up, and with almost 9 lofty calmness went on. But we are going to-mor- row. We have decided to push on to- ward Vananbrosa. No doubt you know it. They say it is so delightful, and quiet there. Retirement is what I most care for just now
 ''Rctirement?" echoed Eric with a mock gesture of despair. And here I am, Miss Kennaird, come to you as an envoy from the king, who greatly de- sires the pleasure of your acquaint- ancc."
 Perhaps Eric had without intention loudened his voice a little. Anyway, Mrs. Kennaird heard all that he had just said; and considering the fact that Mrs Madison had minute ago uttered certain tidings of . most cXhilGrant sort to her. she was now suddenly trans ported once more with hopeful surprise.
 My dear,'' she said to Kathleen, as the latter drew backward several steps, with distinct show of reluctance, even deprecatiOn, q trust that if MT. Thaxter wishes to present you to the king you will not hesitate to accompany hi1n!7
 But here Eric shook his head and broke into a light laugh.
 Miss Kcnnaird needs not to accom- pany me, by any mcans,' he said. If you will merely walk with her down toward this little fountain where the bronze tritons are, I will bring the king to her."
 Mrs. Kennaird caught her daughter by the wrist. She was excessively agi- tatcd, and showed it, to the great se- cret amusement of Eric.
 Do you hear, my love?' she almost stammered. ''The-the king is to be brought to your'
 Half descending the steps which he had lately mounted, and removing his hat as he did so, Eric answered in tones of courtesy as tranquil as they were careless:
 ''Oh, I assure you, King Clarimond never permits a lady to be presented to him. He's very royal, if you please, in other ways, but that is not one of them
 Pale, and inwardly quivering, Mrs. Kcnnaird still held her daughters wrist. As Eric passed down to the lawns, her voice, with brisk, staccato whisper, shot into Kathlcen's ear. It were pregnant with an intensity of de- sire and demand:
 Come! Come, at once!'