The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1885-02-09
CHATTER Ill.


Grief and dismay at the mysterious
disappearance of Kate Lilburne were
not confined to her father and lover, for
the servants were almost as much
moved by the loss of the fair girl, as
were the members of her own family.
After the first shock, however, it was
strange to observe how people shook
their heads and limited vaguely that
Miss Grace might know more about her
sisters fate than she chose to tell.
Indeed, Grace never knew how close
ly she was watched at this time, nor
how keenly her every word and action
was weighed and specialized upon.
But nothing could in this way be dis
covered; her rem0rse and fear found
vent i'm tears and lamentations which
were attributed to grief, and became SO
excessive that doctor was called in to
try to calm her.
Remembering the hints which Grace
had thrown out about Frank Fairfield,
Roland began to question her about the
young man, and she answered readily
enough until sudden thought occur
red to her, when in moment she be-
came pale and began to tremble.
What is the matter with you now9"
he asked.
Nothing" she replied-"nothing; it
Just came to my mind that Frank could
not have taken Kate away, because last
year he went to South America"
What is the young mani" question
ed Roland.
"A civil engineer
"Your father paid for his education,
SUPPOSE"
Eyes; his mother took care of Kate,
and nursed her when her mother died,
and she was always very fond of Mrs.
Fairfield, and of Frank too"
"Where does this Mrs. Fairfield live2"
he next asked.
~ don't know; she went away from
here. Perhaps she is gone to South
America to her son. | am sorry now L
suggested that Frank had taken Kate
away, because see it is impossible"
why impossibley He may have re-
turned.n
"Oh no; not at all likely. Poor Kate!
/ wonder If she ever will be found"
She made matters worse now by her
feverishly anxious endeavors to con-
vince her companion that the young
man could not have had anything to dc
with Hates disappearance, but hei
arguments on this point only confirmed
Roland in his determination to find the
young engineer.
When, however, he appealed to Mr.
Lilburne for further particulars respect
ing Fairfield he received no encourage
ment to seek the young man.
HE never harmed Kate,n he sale
sadly, as he shook his head. "He would
| have given his life to spare her mo
ment's pain. He is noble young fel
| low, and when he gave me his wore
that he would never speak Of love agail
to Kate / believed him. as l should be
lieve you, Roland. lie has kept hi
word, depend upon it. | would as sool
doubt myself as doubt him."
"And yet Kate must have met will
foul play" said Roland gloomily. An.
mere accident would have been dis
covered before now"
But Mr.. Lilburne shook his head a
he replied: II don't know. It's a myst
ery-an awful mystery. My poor chit
my poor child"
A'few DAYS after Christmas tina,
set in, and the river was dragged, an
the castle and grounds were searche
once more, but again in vain, and the
Roland Ayre babe adieu to the sorrow
full old man and his fearful daughter.
you will come again soon, ROLAND
and tell us If you have discovered any
thingp" Grace had pleaded plaintivel
as he was going away.
But he replied coldly;
II shall never enter Silverton Cast
again, unless / bring Kate with me, {
come to meet her."
And turning to Mr.. Lilburne, he ado
ed:
II shall take you at your word"
"lIeaven grant you may be able to d
So" was the answer. Then they clasl
cd hands and parted.
Grace questioned her father as
what Roland meant. But she receive
no satisfactory reply.
Days and weeks rolled on. The my
terry was a mystery still, and Grace b
gan to talk of putting on mourning Il
r the sister who must be dead
| When she spoke of it to her fathe
however, he stern]y forbade anythiI
of the kind to be done.
"Why should you suppose Kate 10
deadp"'he demanded angrily. II dor
believe she is dead. I believe that 81
Is alive, and that shall see and clal
her in my arms before l die.
Grace trembled with fear. Kate aliv