Arizona republican., 1901-03-11

She was surprised and relieved, She had dreaded this meeting. She had heard 80 much of evil about the man that she had conceived horror of him and had imagined him some low-bred, coarse, brutish fellow. Poor girl! she had yet to learn that the smoothest vil- lnas are those whose address is pleas ing.
 vantage.
 You are a beautiful girl, my daugh- ter-I may call you daughter, may hot?"
 She was flushed with embarrassment. but nodded assent.
 That is not flattery--I detest such subterfuge-but candid truth. But you are just what one might expect of such parents But where is your father and why did you not bring him with you?"
 70, he is out among the camps and ranches. mlnisterlng to the poor and needy in Gods vineyard
 Noble, sef-sacrlflcing man! Would there were more like him"
 He knew where Mir Graham was, though she did not.
 Yes, he is noble man. replied Va hatha. her heart gladdened by such warm praise of him she loved.
 If the rest of the world were like him there would be no need of any oth- CT heaven" h continued.
 At this moment Mrs. Black called them to supper, where another surprise awaited Vahatha. The table was load ed with good things to eat. During his absence Mrs. Black had adhered to her old-time rigid economy, but tonight tho ancient in-ware-plates. cups and spoons-were replaced by the finest sil- yer; the daily rations of beans, bacon and coffee by steaks, salads pastry and iellies.
 After supper. when they were alone, she said to her mother: "I am most agreeaby surprised in your -husoanl. He seems to be quite gentlemen"
 "The lacky- day! Of course he is. Didn't suppose I'd marry anything else, did you?" But she was careful net to look uo.
 ''Do-do you love him very much, mo,hcc?'
 "Why--why. wh&. qucs ;;cn:"
 ''l kn5" r sounds iude. but do y"ro"
 "Why-Gf course"
 And were you afraid to mirry L.mf Ar" Nnu ever afraid now?"
 Afraid! Why. what's come C,tr you girl? ain't afraid of no man"
 She spoke with unnecessary vehe- mence.
 70, l don't mean physical fear. Of course ones husband wouldn't kill one fMrs. Black shuddered, nevertheless but there's an5ther kind of fear-mor- al fear. The fear that you won't please your husband; that your natures will not be congenial; that-O, there are so many things that girl fears before marriage! II seems to rne we ought 10 be old before We are young. l think We are too highly '9rganized-too sensitive to grief and joy. wonder if It wouldn't be better to live like the Tn- dians and simply get the most out of life by following ones carnal desires
 She spoke sadly: she was learning the sad. sad lesson of loving
 "Humph!" said Mrs. Black. You talk like little girl. You'd better go and try the Iniun life awhile" Evidently there was no sympathy to be gain q from that source. and Vahatha asked no more questions.
 Mir. Black was genius In more ways than one He was a passable vocalist end could sing a song of his own com position when occasion demanded. His voice was low and not unpleasing tenor
 He entered the room during the si- lence following the eX-queen's remarks with his violin under his arm
 How would you like some music ?' he asked.
 ''I would be very much pleased,' an- swered Vahatha, glad of something that would take her out of her present mood And do you sing?
 Hardly: but l croak sometimes"
 Well. let's hear you croak, then"
 And very pleasant evening was passed in music and song.
 When weeks had passed without
 CHAPTER XXIII bringing her lover vahathas distress was acute. Being unable to account for his absence on reasonable grounds she imagined awful disasters.
 "Have-have you heard anything of Mr. Harper lately" she asked of MT. Black one evening as they sat on the porch.
 Not very lately, Vahatha, but why?"
 70, I-I-just wanted to know. wondered why he never came to see us any more" She had nevere told her father-in-law about her prospective marriage.
 Your mother tells me you are to be married to him." he said.
 Yes" she answered, softly. l. 'I sup1se you know him well" asked Mir. Black in tone that implied that if she didn't it was bad for her.
 Certainly. But what do you mean?" she. asked. instantly alarmed.
 "O--nothing." No one knew better than he how best to tickle a womans curiosity.
 70, but there IS, am sure--you are concealing something"
 "I don't know but it is my duty to tell her" he said. as if to himself.
 70, what IS it-please tell me. He Is not-he Is not" She could not voice her nameless fears. but she had risen and now stood before him in visible distress. He knew the tears were flow ing although the night shadows hid her face.
 "He Is going to the dogs he an- swered. bluntly. of you are going to