Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-11-10

lie from Ponce through the mountains to san Juan.
 Nothing that her mother or Plnck- ney could do would move her She was interested. excited. eager all the time. and each day, without the Knowledge of the others, she managed to slip over to the government house to find out when the cruiser Roanoke was ex- pected
 It was a very pretty game of hide and go seek that the girl and pinck- ney played without realizing it. Pinrk- ney also every day had inquired about the coming of the Roahoke. He knew that Sommers was attached to the cruiser, and he was determined that the naval officer and Frances should not by any chance meet.
 His orders were quietly given. and the captain of the lryessa was ready the moment the Roanoke should ap- pear in the harbor to get up steam preparatory to leaving
 Then, with these plans all laid Pinckney began his own plans for de- parture. First he approached Mrs. Du rant and found her only too glad to go. At his suggestion she spoke to Frances, only 10 meet flat refusal
 "I don't want to go yet, mother," protested the girl. "Fm having a splendid time here in my own way, and can't see any reason for lcav- ing I'd like to ride up to Coamo and try the Spanish baths and then go on through to san Juan. It's an easy ride, and l can meet the ship there.
 Suppose you and Edward go around by ship and let me come through the other way. l think that would be splendid plan"
 Mrs. Durant looked at her daughter startled
 Frances, l think you must be out of your headr' she exclaimed How could you come through alone? Prob ably you are planning to have Lieu tenant Sommers take charge of you?"
 Frances expression showed only amazement, but her heart was beating hard.
 Lieutenant SommersT' she asked, with well simulated surprise.
 Mrs, Durant made an impatient gesture.
 Now, don't pretend, Frances. that you are ignorant of the fact that the Roanoke is expected here in the har- bor and he is on board.
 "Is he?" said Frances. still seeming surprised. "Why. how nice that would ber'
 "Nonsense.' snapped her mother. Frances, don't care for that young naval officer, and l don't see why you can't get him out of your head'
 The girls face flushed hotly.
 He isn't in my head." she exclaimed.
 Her mother was not to be put or so easily.
 "Humph! Maybe he isn't in your head, but sometimes I've feared he's in your heart, which is worse. Now, Frances, don't be foolish. You know Edward cares for you, and y<1 know that your father and would like to see you two married"
 The girl shook her head decisively, and her tone was very firm when she answered
 "Tm very sorry, mother. to disap- point you and dad but must tell you once and for all wouldn't marry Ed ward Pinckney if he were the only man on earth"
 The mother looked at her daughter, amazed.
 Frances Durant, I'm ashamed of your she cried. Here you've had me enduring that horrid yacht for month past merely because thought 1t would help to bring this match about, and now you tell me you'll never marry him! I've never been so treated in my lifer
 Frances could not help laughing. She slipped her arm about her mothers neck affectionately.
 ''l'm awfufly sorry, mother, dear, but don't see how I can help you. You wouldn't have me marry man don't love, would you?"
 "No," agreed her mother uncertain ", I uOu Ndul tU lOICO sOu.
 "Then I expect it's settled" decided the girl, with long breath of satis- faction. We won't say any more about it."
 Mrs. Durant knew Frances well enough not to try to argue the matter. She still had some hope, for she had dwelt on the prospect so'long that she could not at once give 1t dp entirely. One change of scene had failed to work. She would try another.
 'Well, then, for goodness sake, Frances, let's go home" she said eager ly q want to get settled in my own room and feel the floor stay still"
 The girl sighed.
 Very well, mother; we'll go home whenever you wish," she agreed. A Down in the courtyard of thn nI6