The Prescott daily news., 1908-06-20

| TUT WdIu lO lu6 ohS might dance with Alfred. During the programme Gideon had knocked at the door of grandma ans room, then the green room," to ask fox coming waltzes, and had gone away scowllng at Stella's refusal.
 Their brief players moment had passed. when Alfred's eyes had burned into hers, revealing his own heart in Romeo's words.
 Yet, now that it was over, 1t seemed dream, and Stella began to doubt, to fear. No formal words could more fully disclose them, one to the other; still an intangible veil had dropped between them. Alfred was withheld from her; or did he withhold himself? No matter what it was, this hour she would claim. One dance! Once to feel his arms about her, to fancy him her very own-she would dare fate for this; would borrow from the future this one little bit of time, nor care what usury she must pay. AS they neared MT. Crocaer stand ing by the office door the jam of onlookers halted them. Some one ad- dressed Stella and she did not hear MT. Crocker's low request for an i'm mediate word with Alfred. He told her of it as they walked slowly down the room.
 She saw an angry gleam in his eye, saw his set stern jaw; but he spoke hardly word. Stella almost felt that his anger was for her In vain she looked for some tender glance some whisper that would explain. She could not know that Alfred was fighting one of the few fierce battles of his life; that he was almost ready to strike out with his fist for possession of her, to defy MT. Crocker, business, all the sane and safe and dutiful things of life. But the wild moment passed, and more than once on his way to the door he looked back tender messages to her.
 The supper hour came; but she would not go with Gideon upstairs, where it was laid in the corral" fear ing that Alfred, in his first search for her, would miss her. Neither would she dance afterward, but sat out a schottische, refusing all on a plea of fatigue.
 Gideon danced with no one but Stel- la, and hung about her, entranced by her new beauty. When at last a waltz was called love and anger joined hands. Just few steps. Stella" he pleaded; when Vincent comes I'll give way. Why doesn't he come in spite of Charley Crocker and claim his dance like a man?"
 But he must stay If MT. Crocker wishes,' she said, her lips defending, her heart sore
 Do you suppose 50 Charley Crock CTS or railroad jobs would keep me | from a promise to you?" Gideon asked vehemently.
 Something in Stella's passionate heart responded for a moment to Gid cons lawless flame, though deep in her soul she knew that she more hon. ored Alfred's devotion to duty.
 Anyway, I'd think you would be ashamed to let him see so plainly that you love him. Men don't care for girls that fling themselves openly. They despise 'em."
 Sung Us by lash, Stella rose, and without word stepped out on the floor with Gideon. In any garb he was a striking figure. Tonight his fault less dress enhanced his Spanish grace and joy softened his dark inscrutable face. Since childhood the two had danced together. Even in the grim desert station Stellas father had often yielded to their coaxing and tuned their measures on his old violin.
 She saw Alfred enter and pause sud- denly in the doorway as Gideon whirled her on toward him. She caught the frank adoration in Alfred S eye as 1t rested on her and the gleam Of almost savage hostility as his gaze shifted for an instant to Gideon Her heart leaped with quick relief Gid con did not know. Alfred did love her, did not despise her, would
 Take me to my seat! Hurry, Gid con. T."
 The music stopped suddenly. Al. fred was standing by Sally B., who was speaking. An unusual, solemn gentleness in her voice recalled Stella to her surroundings. Mrs. Sackett was dead! What did the people wish done with the money so generously given for her that night? Sally B. paused an instant, then went on a lit. tie unsteadily: Will you have this you've paid in here go fur the pore