San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-06-10

Jem put his big rolgh hands on the wO-
man as tenderly as a mother caTrsses q
child, and said SOFTLY:
Il always loved you, Ally; now you are
free, my handsome girl, let me make an
honest woman Of you. You liked me In the
long ago when We were lad and lass tOgeth-
er among our own tribe. I'd be so good to
you, my dear.
ave saved bit OF money thinking TO
help you some day. Don't deny me, Ally.
Far away in a SUMMER land than this we can
make our home and begin afresh. | shall
seem cOmelier sort of man when you
can't see me beside yonder fine gentleman.
Shall it be hope and happiness with me at
last, far away from the shame that cings to
you here? IT'S New Years Day now; say
you will begin afresh with me, and lead a
new life In which I.may love you"
The woman seemed to waver; she was
very lonely, and her heart was hot and an
cry. Yet she did not think, welcome as the
words of love were to her desolate heart,
that she could live the quiet domestic life
he painted. Yet poor Jem had been a faith
full lover. He deserved reward, and 1t
would be sweet to live innocently again, IL
innocence was possible 10 one so debased as
she.
II will do as you wish, Jem, on one con-
ditiOn, and that Is that we take my child
with us. Far away in new country, among
fresh scenes and faces, she will soon forget
7 her father and love me. Her father will
have other children to love, and perhaps
she may be sighted. A stepmOther Is not
pleasant possession; you know that, Jem,
TO your sorrow, don't your
h,t
one. This girl is not like that She has no
vice about her,"
How do you know that? her virtues have
to be tried, and you confess you know moth
ing Of her; she may be what you call Bit
ter bad one. VirtuOus women are not plenti-
full enough to be picked up like witherod
sticks on the high-rOad. Well, you know
my condition, and you know where to find
Inc. Pm going now, ! have long walk be-
fore me, and l am chilled to the heart. I
came here tonight to humble myself 10
him, to plead for the only possession care
for under heayen-the. possession Of my
own little child; but in face Of what / have
seen, dare not enter his doors, my blood
is up, there would be murder done. Oh, L
wonder you can want me, Jem, knowing my
black heart and my bitter past"
80 do 1 wonder" said Jem honestly,
yet | can't help longing for you. have
loved you all my life, and somehow think
1t will be that in time-not at first, perhaps,
but could be patient-you might get to
care for me. Not as do for you. Of course,
| can't expect that; there Is nothing in me
to love, while you are proud, beautiful, and
clever. Oh, my grill l could give up all
hope of winning you to see you happy and
innocent in your old place as Pierce Pen
folds wife"
Hush, Jem! Why talk of that which is
beyond retrieving? | should do it all over
again If could live my life afreSh."
You did love the scOundrel who led you
from your duty, then, AllyP"
Yes, God pity me! That was the worst
of it, that was what made me suffer the tor
ments of conscience. used to have q
warm heart, and could feel impulses Of
good, now l am all evil. You had better
not ask for that which Is so worthless, 1t
may be your lot to know the misery of q
granted prayer"
The wOman's great haggard eyes softened
a second, and she laid her shapely hand In
her Cousins
Poor, foolish, faithful fellowl as he press
ed kiss on it tear blotted the careSs out
why, Jem, | thought l was beyond cry
ing for. or praying for. You are good fell
low, and deserve better woman than can
ever be. Goodnight, would say God bless
you II was not afraid the order of things
would be reversed and you cursed instead.n
Let me walk with you to the town, my
girl; the way is long and dark, and l have
nothing to do"
You ought not to say that, Jem; there
are sleep and rest in your bed, two bless-
ings long denied to me. One is never quite
wretched when one can forget their misery
in sleep"
81 would willingly give every hour of my
rest to ease you, Ally"
81 believe you would, Jem.'
Let me hold your hand; you tremble.
Come under the shelter of the house. I'll
get you something to refresh you"
Food or drink from under his roof would
choke me. Come along If you are coming
with me, or else l shall be locked out"