San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-12-17
A CHILD OF
THE SIRE rs.

very decided love for him during the
two years in Calcutta following her mar
riaee, and she did not like his being away.
Perhaps she had fallen into semi-slum-
Der over her visions OF the past, and her
building, at any rate, she started to
her feet as loud double knock sounded
through the quiet house.
She mechanically smoothed her ruffied
yellow hair (which is sort of instinct
with women, from the dairymaid to the
duchess). and bright light shone in her
soft Llue eyes.
"Pcrhaps it is Cuthlert-it must be!
No one else could come at this hour Oh,
am glad he has returned. Yes, here he
Isl" and Mysie ran to the door and open
ed it.
On the threshold stood the butler, and
behind him, in the shadow, Gabriel Cole.
Lady, Newer drew back for moment
into the room, while the pale color deep
enel to crimson in her checks. Then adj
DIRE sing the butler, she said:
morris, this is not a usual hour to adj
NIT callers" Then turning to Gabriel:
"Mr. Cole, am sorry cannot see you
this evening, trust your business is not
of such a pressing nature but that it can
wait till to morrow. never am at home
to any one, except my husband, after six"
and she moved away.
The servant went down stairs.
pardon me for my intrusion, Lady
Newen," was Gabriers formal reply; "but
the business which brings me here
tonight is Of most urgent nature, as
you will allow when acquaint you with
It. must speak with you. 1t is mat
ter Of life and DEATH" and he opened his
big black eyes, and looked very ominous
and tragic.
"Come in, then" she replied, little i'm
patiently. ~ am listening. Be seated"
And she preceded him into the boudoir,
and stood on the rug by the fire, awaiting
his news, while she carelessly warmed
her hands and turned her rings round on
her white fingers.
81 come. as l say, bound on an errand
mo: urgent. come from dying wo-
man, TO beg you to follow me to her bed
side. and since her hours are numbered,
she wishes to make her peace with God
and man. She feels she needs your for
giveness before her soul can find rest
She has sent me to you, begging you to
20 to her while yet there is time"
"What do you meant Who is this dying
woman who wishes to see mer asked
Mysie. turning startled face from con-
templating the fire.
"Lorita Leopard. Can you refuse the
last petition of one who even now may be
passing beyond the reach Of your for
giyenessi Even now she may"
"stay; will not refuse. l will follow
you instantly. Wait for me-"
And lifting the porteire, she glided into
an adjoining room.
When she returned, her face and form
were hidden by long, black, fur lined
cloak, with hood drawn down over the
head.
Mysie's cheeks were very pale, and her
eyes shone with excitement.
~ am ready to follow you. Do not let
us delay longer, or we may be too late"
For a moment Gabriel hesitated-the
part he was about to play seemed 80 ut
terly contemplate. But the horrible al
Tentative of losing the wager, and becom-
ing the laughing stock of London, soon
settled the point. He held open the door,
aud Mysie swept down the staircase,
Gabriel opened the front door, and the
two walked quickly across the square,
and down side street, till they came to
the cab-stand,
1t was a silent drive. Mysie's heart
beat fast with great anxiety lest she might
even now arrive too late. Gabriel, for
once, was feeling really nervous as to the
issue of this adventure.
Suddenly the hanson came to stand
still. Gabriel threw back the doors with
much noise, and. perhaps, little bravo
do, held out his hand to Mysie, dismissed
the cab, and then offered his arm TO his
companion.
There were bright lights in an upper
window and the gayest sounds Of revelry.
She followed Gabriel up a short wind
ing staircase, dimly lighted. As they as
cended the steps the noise grew louder.
Loud laughter, blinking Of glasses, bass
voices Ginning in with scrap Of songs
refrain, and babel of women's chatter
and mems applause.
They crossed a short passage, dark as
night, and with heart that, fguratively,
sank into his boots, Gabriel threw open a
door and almost dragged Mysie into the