Arizona republican., 1910-07-19
-MAa-

 down"
 And the younger added: That black horse is a beauty, but hardly ladys horse is it?" Aunt Laura slipped into her armor with marvellous swiftness.
 "Moira can manage any horse, think" she said pleasantly T am glad she got through in time to ride. It's about the only thing she cares for just now, poor child"
 What horse are they talking about" she was asking herself
 The younger Miss Talbot smoothed gloved in- ger She is fortunate in having so fine horseman for an escort" she said, and smiled incusvey at Aunt Laura and her sister.
 Aunt Laura's armor held good. She smiled back and hoped her face didn't loo, as stiff as it felt She is fortunate she agreed. and then added boldly, -and Is he-
 Then she changed the subject. They bade her adieu a little later, and she sat down to think Her thoughts were not pleasant ones.
 She had neglected Moira, her dead brothers only chldl
 She went to a window to watch for her niece and as she stood there she planned many things for Moira. She would earn the childs confidence It should be on her conscience again that she had left her to the mercy of those speiul the Talbot girls.
 And so Aunt Laura stood and waited Out on a country road Moira riding; close beside Bold Billy the brown mare. The earl, Spring twilight was closing in
 "We must go back said Moira. We must" said the man, reluctantly They turned their horses.
 "MoiraP
 "Yes"
 He leaned over and took her hand "The day saw you, little girl that first day" q remember"
 There was, had been, someone who had made me reckless. could not have what I thought wanted Then saw you and knew had never wanted any, one before. Do you believe mel? q believe you"
 'There will be anyone but you, Moira" She turned and looked at him. q don't want there to be-" she said in a whisper He drew her glove from the hand nearest him; the soft little palm turned to his He took from his finger seal, ring heavy and massive. With this ring" he said,-"till I get another" q don't another" said Moira. and she kissed the stone.
 If only it might be now, Moirai" She started.
 Now"
 Have you anyone for me to aSkY" "No one to ask exactly. l free" He checked the horses.
 Shall we turn? There is small town few miles on" Her clear gray eyes looked into his. Will you always love me-" ."To the end of my life and yours.' "I will go."
 hey out of the rectory an hour later He put her upon Bold Billy and he mounted the brown He held her hand tight as they rode slowly through the soft evening dark and she asked questions.
 They turned at last through gateway A big, rambling house lay at the end of winding drive. "This is your home" he said. My home" she echoed.
 "Ts everything prepared for my wife?" he asked, a, the old housekeeper gave him welcome. Everything sir"
 Through the wide hall and up the broad shallow stairs he led her. At door he paused and opened A sitting room rose scented, dressing room beyond and glimpses in the smaller room of siken stuffss
 "It is ready for you," he said q will wait below" With shaking fingers she put off her habit brushed her shining hair and slipped into the soft trailing gown. She down the stairs and across the hall to the hearth where he stood
 "You knew would come?" she asked Her hards trembled as they clasped his arm and he took them in his.
 q hoped you would come. he answered Have the rooms been arranged for me long?" Since the day Bold Billy ran"
 She drew her hands from his and rested taci:l on his again "You my husband?"
 "Yes"
 And am your wieY "Yes, Moira"
 And yet l am not afraid"
 He stopped and lifted her from her feet, holding her tight to his heart He kissed her eyes, her hair, her mouth. Her arms crept about his neck and she pressed his cheek to hers.
 "Oh," she whispered, so low he could scarcely catch the words, "Oh, I'm gad-Pm glad-Im not afraid"