San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-06-23
CHAPTER VIII.

in the neighbOrhOod. After what had occur
red, l expected TO receive my congo at once,
but although the stranger was formally in
stalled as resident inspector and supervisor,
no attempt was made as yet 10 remove me
from my former position. The fact was
believe, that johnson had too little conf
dence in his own practical knowledge, to
say nothing Of his own courage, 10 undertake
willingly the perilouS duties of overseer.
So greatly did resent his presence, how
ever, that at first resolved to resign; but
yielding to the entreaties Of my uncle. and
the prayers of Annie, / remained. / soon
saw that johnson was completely in young
Redruth's cOntidence-was, in fact, his serv-
ant, spy, and general familiar Under his
advice, nothing whatever was done to amend
the condition of affairs in the mine the fit
tings and machinery of which remained as
dilapidated as ever. On my own response
bility, however, l closed up the dangerous
outer galleries, and forbade the men, on pain
of dismissal, from working the ore in that d.
rectiOn. Although johnson heard of this,
and doubtless reported 1t to his superior,
neither of them made any communication TO
me on the subject-just then.
must now turn from the affairs of the
mine to my own quiet life at home in my
uncle's house-which will lead me, rapidly
enough, back to young George Redruth.
had noticed for several weeks that some
important secret communion was going on
between my uncle and aunt What it was
all about couldn't guess but 1t was evident
ly connected in some way with myself. |
often caught them looking at me, and, when
detected, exchanging glances of infinite
meaning. | was beginning TO think of ask
ing for an explanation, when accident made
me acquainted with the whole mystery.
had returned home one evening too late
for the ordinary tea, and was sitting taking
mine alone, waited on by Annie, as | had
to return to the office again that night, and
might probably have to 90 down the mine. |
still wore my miners dress, but my uncle
had changed his, and was sitting cOntented-
ly smoking on one side of the fire, while just
opposite to him was my aunt, busily darning
stockings.
The meal over, got up, lit my pipe, and
wished them all goodnight
Don't sit up for me!' said, Il shall be
late tonight"
where are YOU going to, lIugh?" asked
Annie, careleSsly.
Back to the office. I've got to go down
the mine again, too
"Shall you go to the Office first%' she ask
ed, ''or down the mine"
l laughed at what then thought her un-
meaning curiosity.
(which do you think ought to do first,
Miss Curiosity%' | said.
Go down the mine" she answered,
promptly; then you could change those
things, and do your accounts comfortable
like"
upon my word, Annie" [ said, there's
world of wisdom in that pretty little head
of yours
lput my arm round her shOulders-gaye
her kiss-at which my aunt and uncle
laughed delghtedly.
Goodnight, all ~ said again. annie,
shall take your advice, and go straight
down the miner And | was Off
had gone only little way, when | sud
denly remembered that certain accOunt-bOOks
which l should need that night were in my
room at the cottage hesitated moment
then l turned back to get them. 1t was
growing rather dark; but that was of little
consequence to me, since | could have walk
ed every step of the way blindtOlded, and
for the descent into the mine, daylight was
of little use.
So | strOlled slowly back, enjoying my pipe
and the freshness of the evening air, and
when | reached the cottage it was quite dark.
paused before the kitchen window, which
was open, for the night was sultry, and look
ed in.
My aunt and uncle still sat in much the
same position they had occupied when l left
them, but Annie was gone. l was about to
put my head in at the window, and acquaint
them with my return, when heard the men-
ton Of my own name.
Eyes" said my aunt, nodding her head,I
ha' watched EN- and l know Annie favors
Hugh, if ever any lass favored lad"
We'll, 1 do hope youm right, Martha, old
gal," my uncle returned. HE be good lad,
and l shall be glad to call him my son."
heard no more-I felt like man who
had received knockdown blow, and stag
gered under it a bit Annie love me?-the
old people planning our marriager 1t was
all so new it took me time to recover. But
was it truep Were they right? Did my cous-
in really care for me? glanced back on all
the years we had been together, and con-
cluded that after all it might be possible.
Certainly, Annie had given no very marked
evidence of her love; but then she was not a
demonstrative girl. A quiet lowering Of the
eyelids, little pink blush, were more in her
line.
And then of late she had sorely changed.
i had noticed that, and wondered bit; now
the meaning of it seemed clear. Annie, my
little cousin Annie, whom had ever regard
ed as a sister and child had deyeloped into
a woman and was capable of feeling a wo-
mans love
My thoughts turned from Annie to myself:
1 began to analyze my own feelings, and to
pronounce upon them. Did 1 love AnnieP
Yes, in one sense; no, in another. Yet nv