San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-12-11

I interview Win the general.
The old gentleman was in an apartment
dedicated entirely to his own use, and
termed The Den"
Female servants were never allowed TO
enter II, and any attempt at 'tidying,"
cleaning up" or quitting things to
rights bit" always resulted in such do
nestle hurricanes, that he was now al
lowed to enjoy his seclusion undisturbed.
ii have come to ask you favor, gen.
eral." observed st. Adams as he entered
the room.
Certainly. my dear hoy" answered the
general, opening the drawer Of table
standing near. and pulling out cheque-
book. "I've been young myself and
know what il is TO outrun the constable
How much 90 you wantf Don't lie afraid,
speak out"
my dear sir, you have mistaken my
meaning" answered Harry, deeply af-
fected. Thank Heaven! / am not in
want Of money"
"What can do for you, them"
"why, sir, you were kind enough this
morning to express desire that you
might have an opportunity OF doing me a
favor. You have now the opportunity |;
In fact, the happiness or misery of my fu-
ture life lies in your hands"
"what is it, my boyi I'll be hanged II
I can understand you
ITO speak plainly, sir, love your
daughter, and she returns my affection.
Have your permission to make her my
wifer
For half a minute the old gentleman
sat silent and motionless. Then, speak
ing slowly, he replied: That was the
very last thing in my thoughts, and the
shock upset for a moment. She is the
only thing left now that have to live for;
but Of course it must come sooner or
later" The old general, deeply agitated,
bent his head down for moment, then,
as il recovering himself, he said huskily:
Take her, my boy. l am sorry, more
than sorry. TO part with her; but l would
sooner you had her than anybody else in
the world"
The tears stood in the old gentleman's
eyes as Harry seized his hand and eI-
claimed:
General, will never be the cause Of
separating you from your child"
The general shook his head doubtingly.
ain my old home down in Warwick
shire there is room for half dozen fami-
lies, and if you will consent to take up
your abode with us, nobody will be more
pleased than myself"
A hearty shake of the hands was the
only reply, and st. Alhans quilted the
Den so full of happiness that the house
seemed too small and contracted, and he
was obliged to GO ont into the park and
to walk off some of his excitement.
Meanwhile, after lunch, Isabel had re-
turned to the morning room.
She had not been seated very long when
the door opened, and Horace Austen
walked in
"Mr. AUSTEN cried Isabel in surprise.
"Yes, Miss Carlton" answered Austen,
who looked pale and worried, sand l
trust you will pardon my intrusion"
Isabel bowed assent.
"Your butler told me you were here,
and alone, and as / particularly wished
to see you, thought would take ad-
vantage of the circumstance"
What can do for you, Mr.. Austenr
"Everything, Miss Carlton replied the
young man, turning very pale. THE
fact is, have come down here on pur-
pose to-to-to settle my future fate. Do
you understand mep
Isabel Immediately thought of her
cousin Lucy, and replied encouragingly:
al think do, Mr.. Austen, and l may
say that do not fancy you have any ne
cessity to he 50 nervous over the matter"
"Indeed! Is that really sof" cried the
poor fellow, Selling her hand as he spoke.
"Does the object of my alteration return
my affection, thenf"
perhaps it is not quite right Of me to
say as much" answered Isabel with q
smile; "but think | can assure you that
she does"
"Oh, IsabelW exclaimed Austen, cover
ing her hand with kisses. "The devotion
of lifetime cannot repay you for the
happiness, the ecstasy you have caused
me! Oh, my dearest, sweetest"
"What do you mean. Mr.. Austenf" en-
quired Isabel, pulling her hand away,
and drawing herself up somewhat haugh-
tily. 81 think we have been making o
mistake"
"Oh no, do not say THAR cried Austen.
II have come down on purpose, Isabel, to
lay my heart and hand ut your feet, and
-
81 thought you were speaking Of my
cousin, Miss Meredith" interrupted
Isabel.
"Not for q moment" replied Austen.
at is you that love, Isabel; will you
consent to become my wifef'
~ am really very sorry, Mr.. Austen,
that we should have had this misunder-
standing" answered Isabel, "for although
am deeply grateful to you for the honor
you have done me, must decline it,"
"Dont say that! for Heavens cake,
don't say THAR exclaimed Austen, his
eyes growing dim. BE my wife, Isabel,
and will devote my life to ensure your
happinessr'
ut cannot be, Mr.. Austen" replied lisa.
bel. 81 regret having to cause you pain;
but il is no use my allowing you to in
dulge in false hopes, so it will be kinder
Of me to tell you at once. love another"
Austen sank into chair standing near
him, and covered his face with his hands.
There is always something painful in
Witnessing mans grief, and especially
80 for woman when she knows she is
the cause.
Isabel watched him in silence for few
minutes, and then approaching, placed
her hand upon his shoulder and observed: