San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1878-08-10
VALERIA's TRIUMPH.

81 will confess that I have all along
considered you woman with his
tory and q mystery" --
"The result, suppose, of the rather
UNUSUAL manner Of our becoming &C
quainted, - observed Miss Vincy, with a
slight smile at the gentleman lazily lean
ing on the back of his chair, facing the
sofa where she sat embroiderShg. -
81 only know that / am much indebt-
ed to that little dog for barking atyou,"
said Mr.. Runsen, answering her smile,
and gently disengaging soft white
hand from its occupation, to hold it in
his firm clasp. ~ - ''' -
ooh! it is all very well, Mr.. Runsen,
for you to pretend that you did me no
serious service, when you saved me from
that horrible dog" commenced Miss
Vincy with much earnestness, then re-
Taxing into playfulness-" but if rumor
is to be credited, your clothes suffered
in that encounter if you did not, Mr..
Runsen," and Miss Vincy's lovely hazel
eyes rested graciously on the gentleman
UtS-d-viS.
eyes, it is quite true that l lost q
coat-tail and my heart" responded Mr..
Runsen with great solemnity, " butt"
leaning forward to smooth the soft
braids of her downcast head, 81 have
sued for heavy damages, and won my
case, have not, ValeriaP"
"But have you spoken yet to your
mother?" asked Miss Vincy with appa-
rent irrelevance.
Yes" with quick frown at the re-
collection. ......
"And what does she sayP" Miss Vim
cy withdrew her hand as she spoke, and
became very intent upon her en-
broidery.
81 am almost ashamed to let you
know" said Mr.. Runsen, with slow
reluctance in his tones, "only that it is
your right to be fully aware Of the sort
of mother-in-law you will have, Vale
ria. must try to keep in mind that it
is my mother of whom l speak-but l
do find it hard to acknowledge that she
has altogether declined to call upon you
she is what you might call a woman
of the world, and it seems she had al
ready picked me out . wife suited to
my POSITION as she puts it; and when
| altogether declined to come into her
views we both got into a proper
rage, and it all ended in my taking
up my hat and leaving, after she had
declared tragically that should be dis.
inherited, and my cousin succeed in her
favor. But after all, think we might
manage to pull along on my salary in
the bank, Valera, and | can give up
wearing kid gloves, and smoke pipePn
and Mr.. RunSen's rapid sentence be-
came a slightly anxious interrogative at
it's close.
but do you think ought to marry
you in opposition to your mothers
wishes?" said Naleria quietly.
"By heavens, | do, said Mr.. Run
sen, with sudden vehemence and flash
ing eyes. al am neither boy nor a
puppet, and if thought you would
throw me over, because of my mothers
folly and ambition, should 20 straight
10 the devil"
"Oh, pray DON'T" interrupted Miss
Whey with a gesture of distreSs-"I .
fully intend to marry you've are both .
beings, and we are neither of
Us children. agree with you that it
would be an injustice to ourselves TO
sacrifice the happiness of both our lives,
without a reasonable excuse---but Philip,
perhaps your mother has some reason
Tor declining me as her daughter-in-law
she even suspects me as an
with a quick glance at
Mr.. RuRsen's face. d
"Bui then," said the gentleman with {