San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-07-14

derjng for hours, finally feeling somewhat
calmer, but having arrived at no definite
conclusion as to my future plans, | returned
to the cottage. My uncle, aunt and Annie
were all there-moreOver, there was honest
John Rudd partaking of my aunts tea and
hot baked scenes.
at be lOike avid times to see Measter
Hugh amang Us agcn," said he as took my
seat at the board; reckon you'll be stayin'
nav till after the weddin'."
replied that since II was to take place so
soon, most certainly should.
"Ah, then you'll ha' some o. the funf' he
continued; "there'll be rare gawins on, |
reckon. They tell me there'll be tent put
up on the fields and dinner given to all the
miners. Be that true, Mr.. PendTagOnT'
"Mawst likely" returned my uncle. Il
knaw nought o. that; but one thing be GER
tain-the young measteT, he be a gavin
down the mine wi me tomorrow 20 see to
things, and put matters right afOre he gang
e. away"
Listening to this, inwardly thanked God
that my uncle knew nothing of the real char
acter Of young Redruth.
During all this time, poor Annie had been
moving about busily attending to the table;
but saw that what she did was done more
TO cover her agitation than from any real
necessity. Now and again, placing herself
in the shadow, she tried to read my face-in
vain. When they spoke Of the wedding, her
| eyes filled with tears, and her hands trem-
| bled violently.
tried to avoid being alone with her that
night, for | dreaded to tell her what had
| taken place; but she was OVer-anxiOus and
| would not let the night pass. When the
| house was quiet. all of us having gone to our
| rooms, there came gentle tap at my bed
| room door. Then the door opened, very
| quietly and StealthiIy, and Annie herself APP
pcared.
Hugh" she whispered, ARE you in bed?''
| answered No" and she came in, closing
the door behind her. She was partially I'M
dressed, and had a large cloak wrapped
round her Her beautiful hair was lOosened
and fell in heavy mass upon her shoulders
her face was very pale and her eyes were
still wet with tears. She came up to where
| sat on the side of the bed, and looked at
me, stretching forth trembling hand, which
| took in mine.
"My poor Annie!' | said, invOuntarily.
She seemed to understand all that my tone
implied, for. with ptiful sob, she sank
down crying at my feet.
Don't cry, Annie; don't cryr' | said.
ale is a ScOundrel. lie is not worth one of
those tears. You must forget hmr'
Forget him?' she sObbpd. "Ah, Hugh.
dear, it is not so easy To forget; for love
him so much never knew how much till
now! Hugh, dear, she will not marry him,
will She?'
Il cannot tell"
But have you told her? Does she knOwT'
That | cannot tell"
She looked at me inquirngly.
"llugh, do you know what you are saying?
Surely, if you told her, you must know"
Il have not told her; but she may know,
for all that There has been strange scene,
Annie; and | am a Bit puzzled to know what
is best to do. One thing, however. we must
be careful to do-keep this from your father.
He and the young master 20 down the mine
tomorrow. II your father guessed the story
YOU have told me. one of them might not
come up AGAIN. Do You understands
Yes, she answered, faint \. But, Hugh,
you have not told me what he said"
81 would rather not do so tonight. Annie.
He means to 20 on with this marriage if he
can; but may find a means TO prevent it,
There is time yet. / must think it over. and
see what can be done. But don't you worry
yourself, little woman. tell you he is not
worthy to possess one hair of your head"
At breakfast the next morning my uncle
again spoke OF the approaching visit of the
Young master to the minr and seemed in
high spirits about it; nay, more he seemed
quite proud to think that he should have
been selected above all Others to take the part
of guide.
"MeaStcr dawn't take to the new OvcrSeer
chap said he IL doubt but he'd be- glad to
ha' thee back i thy avid place. lad"
shook my head.
You mustn't think of that uncle. Pm
well enough placed where | am"
Soon after breakfast he set out for the
mine. where young Redruth was to join him.
A couple of hours later figure entered the
kitchen where | sat Eliminating, and, look
ing up, was astOnlshed to see Madeline.
Her face was very pale and sad, but there
was a look of determnati on about her eyes
and mouth which had never seen there be-
fore. She walked in at the open door and
then stood hesitating, as If uncertain what to
do. She answered my aunt'S courtesy with =.
kindly rod and smile, and then she looked
at Annie who, pale as death, had shrunk
from her. No word of greeting passed be-
tween these two, but thought that the light
in Madeline'S eyes grew softer as she gaZed
upon the pale weary face of my cousin, while
poor Annie showed in her face the bitter dis
like she had taken to the woman who had
supplanted her. Madeline turned to me.
Mr.. Trelawney," she said, 81 wish to
speak to you privately. Can IP''
replied in the affirmative, and asked my
aunt and cousin to leave us, which they &C
cOrdingly did.
Left alone with Madeline, l felt my whole