The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1884-07-06

lHE
sys tAst showed Ass rising auser-"f suppose
there II ee0s iAw b. which creatures Of this
kind en- b followed aad brought to Justice
some Law that wouId keep innocent people
from suffering for their crimes r
II am afraid" said Poindexter. that ar
resting her would hardly help these people
over In tho ienda."
am not speaking Of them. responded Mrs.
Tucker. with sudden sublime contempt for
tho people whose cause she had espoused; Il
am talking Of my husband"
Poindexter bit his lip. You'd hardly think
OF bringing back tho strongest witness against
him." he said. bluntiy.
Mrs. Tucker dropped her eyes and Was silent
A sudden shame sufYused Poindexters cheek |;
he felt a. II he had struck that woman blow.
II beg your pardon" he said. hastily. II am
talking like . lawyer to . lawyer" He
would have taken any other woman By the
hand In the honest fulness Of his apology. but
something restrained him here. He only looked
down gently on her lowered lashes and re-
psated his question II he should remain during
the coming interview with Don jose. Il must
beg you 10 determine quickly" he added. for
already hear him entering the gate"
Stay" said Mrs. Tucker. ~ the ringing Of
spurs and clatter OF hoofs camo from the corral.
"One moment" She looked up suddenly and
said. How long had no known he" But
before he could reply there was . step In the
doorway. and the figure Of DON joss sAntisrra
emerged from the arohway.
He was man slightly past middle age fair
and we'll shaven. wearing black broadcloth
se-ape. tho deeply embroidered opening OF
which formed collar OF silver rays around his
neck. while row OF silver buttons down the
side seams Of his riding trousers. and silver
spurs completed his singular equipment. Mrs.
fuckers swift feminine glance took in these
details a. we'll a. tho deep salutation. moro
formal than the exuberant frontier po!itsness
she was accustomed to. with which he greeted
her. 1t Was enough to arrest her first impulse
to retreat. She hesitated and stopped as Poin-
dexter stepped forward. partly Interpreting be-
tween them. acknowledging Don Jose's distant
recognition Of himself with an ironical Access
sion Of his usual humorous tolerance. The
Spaniard did not seem to notice IL. but re-
manned gravely silent before Mrs. Tucker.
gazing at her with An expression Of intent and
unconscious absorption.
You arc quite right. Don jose" said Poin-
dexter. with ironical concern. it Is Mrs. Tuck
or. Your eyes do not deceive you. She will DO
glad to do tho honors OF her house." he CON-
tinued. with a stimulation Of appealing to her.
unless you visit her on business. whom ! need
not say 4 shall DO only too happy to attend you.
as BEFORE"
Don Jose. with slight lifting Of the eye
brows. allowed himself to become conscious Of
the lawyers meaning. It Ii not OF business
that come to kiss the SeIora's hand to-day"
he replied. with a melancholy softness; 1t is
as neighbor. to put myself at her disposition.
Ali what have we here fora ladyf he con-
roi al in ~ In
surroundings: "a house OF nothing. a place OF
winds and dry bones. without refreshments. or
satisfaction. or delicacy. Tho Sefiora will not
refuse to mako us proud this day to send
her OF that which We have In our poor
home ct Los 6atos. to make her more COM
plete. OF what shall It be2 Let her
make choice. Or II she would commemorate
this day by accepting Of our hospitality at Los
Gatos. until she shall arrange herself the more
to receive US here. we shall have too much
honor"
Tho sefiora would only ind It the more
difficult to return to this humble roof again
after once leaving It for Don Jose's hos
pitality" said Poindexter with q dem,re
glance at Mrs. Tucker. But the innuendo
seemed to lapse equally unheeded by his fair
client and tho stranger. Raising her eyes with
a certain timid dignity which Don Jose's
dressed herself to him.
You are very kind and considerable. Mister
Santlerra. and I thank you. know that my
husbnnd"-she let tho clear beauty Of her trans
lucent eyes rest full on both mem would
thank you too. But shall not DO here long
enough to accept your kindness in this house
or In your own. I have but one desire and OBJ
ject now. 1t Is to dispose Of this property-ani
indeed all I possess-to pay the debt Of my
husband. It Is in your power. perhaps. to help
mo. am told that you wish to possess Los
Cuervos." she went on. equally oblivious OF the
consciousness thnt appeared In Don Jos6's
face. and a humorous perplexity on the brow
OF Poindexter. II you can arrange 1t with
Mr. Poindexter. you will find me liberal
vender. That much you can do. and know
you will believe shall be grateful. You can
do no more. unless 1t DO to say to your
friends that Mrs. Belle Tucker remains
here only for that purpose. and to carry
out what she knows to be the wishes Of her
husband" She paused. bent her pretty crest
dropped quaint curtsey to the superior age.
the silver braid. and the gentlemanly bearing
Of Don jose. and with the passing sunshine OF
q smile disappeared from the corridor.
The two men remained silent for n moment
Don Jose gazing abstractedly at tho door
through which she had vanished until Poin-
uSxter Win u return OF nis TOLERANT stnlIe
said. You have heard the views OF Mrs. Tuck
or. You know the situation rs we'll as she
does"
"Ah. yes-possibly better"
Poindexter darted quick glance at the
grave. sallow face OF Don jose. but. detecting
no unusual significance In his manner con-
tinued. AS you see. she leaves this matter
In my hands. Let us talk like business mon.
Have you any idea Of purchasing this proper
tyr"
OF purchasing-ah. no."
Poindexter bent his brows. but quickly re-
Taxed them with smile Of humorous forgive
ness. II you have any other idea. Don jose.
ought to warn you. as Mrs. fuckers lawyer
that she Is In legal possession here. and that
nothing but her own act can change that posi-
tion."
"Ah-so."
Irritated Mt the shrug which accompanied
this. Poindexter continued haughtily. If arm
tn n nderatand Won have nothing tn aav0