The Prescott daily news., 1908-07-25

of air struck her cheek sharply and Gideon's voice called her.
 She started to her feet. "Gideon Where-you said Tomorrow in your message Who told you I was here?"
 No one. can always find you, Stella. Something tells me, The in stant I opened the door l knew you were here. A kind of fragrance-I could tell it-"
 Don't, Gideon" she interrupted. She was looking for matches, but his alert sense caught the aversion in tone and movement
 Your father once told me that Pima princess was my great-grand- mother I cannot escape my heritage from her" He took the match she had struck and lighted the hanging lamp. The flame shone full on his upturned face, and Stella gazed at him fas- cinated, while he adjusted wick and shade. He seemed to her excited gaze the concentrated beat and pulse of hundred lives controlled by the master W III luot oliOht Ohs1i hiS puA AAlieo eyes Often she wondered about his power over her, wondered why Gid con away, was so small a part of her life; yet near, so masterful, monopoliz- ing. In the pause while he attended to the lamp this question rose again; and was still unanswered.
 He turned to meet her mute scru- tiny. His eyes were deep and tender, his voice wooing You're glad to see me, aren't you, sweet Starr" He threw his arm about her waist with motion both swift and gentle, as might be a panther mothers. and kissed her on the forehead.
 Don't, Gideonl" Stella cried, breathless, struggling unavailingly, yet not quite sorry that his arm did not yield. Always with Gideon present came the memory of their comradship, a comforting sense of his strength, a desire to lean upon him. If he would only be content with brotherliness!
 "Moppett, why do you push me away? It's so long since I saw you. If l were your brother by blood as am by rearing, you'd take my kiss, and kiss me back Isn't the tie almost as close? We've been so much more to each other than ordinary brother and sister, He dropped his arm and stepped back; and the consideration, the gentleness and regret in his tone subdued Stella with quick contrition.
 "Oh, Gideon. I don't mean to be cold, unkind; but I'm afraid of-of what see in your eyes"
 He looked long into her face. Dear little girl" he said at length and the adjective did not seem uniting when he stood near her. Don't be afraid of me, Stella. 1 love you and 1 want your love in return, not your fear
 But l cant help it, Gideon. You would compel me, hurt me. Does true love ever hurt?"
 Does a mother love her child when she gives 1t into the surgeons hands?"
 Stella would not see his meaning, That doesn't apply to us"
 Tt does, Stella" He went to her again, standing close, and looking down upon her tenderly. I've come for you, dear" He kissed her sud denly. T remember what you said, fowereyes. I'll not kiss you on the lips till-till I've the right"
 Gideon. you can never have that!" she interrupted, springing back.
 Still he controlled himself to gentle ness. Stella, dear, listen. Love like mine compels love. You think your heart forever lost to that-to the man who has deserted you. Yet you surely will soon wake to the shame of it. Your womanhood will help me, if not your love; that will follow I've a house and garden for you in Sacra- mento; your own home, trim and neat, where the roses on the trellis wait for your care. There you shall live in peace, and show the gossips that Al fred Vincent did not break your heart did not win you to cast you of To- morrow we shall be married"
 "Gideon Gideon! Stop, for heavens sake! How many times must I tell you 1 cannot-I will not marry you? I love Alfred Vincent. Some day he intends to marry me"
 Intends to marry you! Some day!" Tenderness fled. The words flashed forth like the hiss of a snake He faced her fiercely, the veins in his forehead swelling quickly, undulating. ly. The primordial male was master now, holding in leash every grace of refinement, every saints virtue he had won. Listen, Stella Anthony If that woman-dandy cared for you, If he