San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-11-06

m.uI no one gave a second Thought TO
Marr.a's presence in the room.
1t is my duty TO search your effects"
MIR. BCaman was saying, sternly. Il
sail do So in the presence o. these wit
neSSes. You have had no opportunity
to dispose of the stolen goods
OF course the empty purse was at
once brought to light. In vain did poor
Lois dC-.are her innocence concerning
it. Even Mrs. Waugh was led to be-
ieye in her guilt.
''You shall go to Jail for this!" Mrs.
Beaman Kissed, between her teeth.
Now produce the watch and the
money. You might as well. They will
be of no use to you. I'm going to send
one OF the servants for constable"
But Mrs. Waugh interposed. Her
stern old heart was melted by the girls
evident misery. She had been wonder
fully drawn to her from the first.
You shall do nothing Of the sort, "
she said, her eyes filling with tears.
Lois must leave here at once, but l re-
fuse to prosecute her. She has robbed
defenceless old woman who was learn
ing to love her, and the stings of con-
science will be punishment enough"
Ten minutes later Lois had left the
house, and was picking her way through
binding tears along the fragrant coun-
try road. Suddenly a tall figure rose up
before her, blocking the way.
What is the matter?' said tender,
pitiful yOice-the voice of Louis Castle
ton. "Why do you weep"
At the words she broke down utterly,
and, in wild paroXysm of sobs and
tears, told the simple story, beginning
with the events of the preceding night.
The young man listened silently
When at last the quivering voice died
away in fresh burst of sObs, he said,
quietly:
Rupert Dane is the culprit. know
him to be a thorough scOundrel. His
love for Marcia was all pretence-he
has wife already"
20. sir, have you faith in my inno-
cence?"
He opened his arms, and drew her to
him with tender smile.
Yes, Lois. You are so dear to me
would far rather doubt myself. Only
trust me, darling, and your innocence
shall be established before all the
wOr ~
Half an hour later he had found
shelter for the girl in farm house near
by, and was ready to set out in search
of the real criminal.
The quest proved success al. He
called the police to his assistance, and
the next day found Rupert hiding in a
low den in neighboring city, his booty
still upon his person. L'fh
1t was a happy moment for Lois
when the young man, holding her hand
tightly clasped in his own, led her into
the grand drawing-room where the
Beamans and Mrs. Waugh were assem-
bled, bearing with him the proofs of her
innocence of the theft.
They were met by startled and chill
ing glances, but, undismayed by them,
Louis Castleton walked proudly the
length of the apartment, and laid the
recovered watch and money in Mrs.
Waugh's lap.
These were taken from the person
of the real culprit, Rupert Dane," he
said, who is now in the county Jail
A shrill cry from Marcia cut the sent
ence short. She had fallen half faint
ing into the nearest chair. I
After a pause, the young man con-
tinued:
'This lady, Lois Grey, has been un-
justly accused of theft. She is my
promised wife, and l have a right to
eSpOuse her cause"
''Lois Grey?" the old woman inter-
rupted, drawing a quick breath, and
moving forward step.
As she rose, Lois noticed gold orna-
ment glittering at her throat, in fleecy
background of old lace. The sight
made her forget everything else for a
moment.
MY lost broOch' she exclaimed
1.-The last gift of my poor dead mother!
How glad am that you have found it'll"
Mrs. Waugh stared, and sat down
again, looking dizzy and bewildered.
Slowly an inlling of the truth was
piercing her deadened senses.
Are yOu--are yOu-Gertrude Vane's
daughter?" she gasped.
Yes"
A half-s0bbing cry, and the shaking
arms were around Lois, the wrinkled
cheek laid against her own.
Thank GOdl Now know why my
heart was so drawn toward you. o,
child, child! this is a happy day for me.
| shall he lonely and loveleSs no longer.
l know You win give me place in your
affections
20, yes, yes!"
The Beamans were wild with rage
and disappointment. But eXpostula-
lions were in vain. When Lois left the
house, few moments later, Mrs.
Waugh went with her, never to enter it
again.