Arizona republican., 1909-06-22

pressed fury. A fitting climax. this! All the world was mad and she was the maddest in it. Some one was coming along the path. She wheeled impatiently. She
 wanted to be alone. And of all men Worth was not the one she cared to 1 see. But the sight of his pale face and set jaws stayed the words she was inclined to speak. She waited restlessly.
 'l realize that my presence may be distasteful to you" he began, not without some minor agitation. It was | the first time in days that he had stood so near to her or had spoken while one with her But l have something to say to you upon which your future welfare largely depends D
 q believed that we had settled that"
 T am not making anv declaration of love, madame" he said.
 T am listening" This prelude did not strike her favorably.
 There has been a tremendous wOn- der, as l understand, about this ball"
 In what way?" guardedly.
 'In regard to the strange manner in which the invitations were issued"
 Have you found out who did it?' she demanded.
 Yes" The light in his eyes was feverish despite the pallor of his face.
 Who was it?" fiercely Oh. but she would have revenge for this miserable jest.
 ''I issued those invitations-with a definite purpose"
 ''You?" Her eyes grew wide and her lips parted.
 1T" a set defiance in his tone.
 Tt is you who have done this thing"
 Yes. I am the guilty man. I did the work well, considering the diff culties. The list was the main ob- stacle, but l Overcame that. 1 rep resented myself as secretary to your Highness, which, when all is said, was the very thing agreed upon in Venice. l am the guilty man." he spoke like a man who was enjoying a triumph.
 And you have the effrontery to confess your crime to me?" her fury blazing forth.
 Gall it what you please, the fact remains"
 What purpose had you in mind when you did this cowardly thing? And l trusted you and treated you as an equal! And so it was you who rerpetrated this forgery, this misera- Dle jest?"
 Forgery. yes; jest, mo-" Her anger did not alarm him; he had gone too far to be alarmed at any thing.
 T did it as a man who has but a single throw left. One chance in a thousand; I took that chance ani Won.'
 T do rot understand you at all She was tired.
 AS I said, had a definite pur- pose. An imposture like this is a prison offense. I askeI you to marry he. I do so again"
 You are hiding a threat" The mental chaos cleared and left her thought keen and cold.
 T shall hide 1t no longer. Marry me, or I shall disclose the imposture to the police"
 "Ohi" She shot him a glance inso- lent and piercing. Then she laugh ed, but neither hysterically nor mirthfully. It was the laughter of one in deadly anger. T had believed you to be a man of some reason, MT. Worth Do you suppose, even had I entertained some sentiment toward you, that it would survive a circum- stance like this?"
 'T am waiting for your answer"
 You shall have it. Why. this is on the level with cheap mel odrama. Threats? How short sighted you have been! Did you dream that any woman could be won in this absurd fashion? You thought noth- ing of your companions, either. or the trouble you were bringing about their heads"
 Yes or no?" His voice was not so full of assurance as it had been
 "No!"
 Take care." advancing.
 'I am perfectly capable Of taking care. And heed what have to say MT. Worth. You will leave this villa at once; and if you do not go quiet ly, I shall order the servants to put you forth. That is my answer"
 You speak as though you were the princess" he snarled.
 "Till Thursday morning I am!" La Signorina replied proudly.
 T shall inform the police"
 Do so. Now, as there Is nothing more to be said, be gone,"
 He saw that he had thrown and | lost; and man who loses his last | throw is generally desperate. Regard less of consequences. he seized her roughly in his arms. She struck him across the eyes with full strength | and she was no weakling He gasped | in pain and released her.
 If I were a man." she said quietly, | but with lightning in her eyes. you should die for that" She left him.
 Worth, a hundred varied emotions rocking him, stared after her till she | was no longer in sight. There were tears in his eyes and a ringing in his head Fooli To play this kind of game against that kind of woman! Fool, fool! He had written the end himself It was all over He went to his room, got together his things, | found a cart, and drove secretly into Florence.
 On the night of the ball there was 8 brilliant moon. Rosy Chinese lan- terms stretched from tree to tree. The little god in the fountain gleamed with silver on one side and there was a erIo af 10 q From