San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-07-21

NDW SIT uONu anu lstlh 10 IUt, he says
pushing chair to the fire and resuming his
own. See, I've been alone for almost an
hour with no One-nO one at ALTO keep Tue
awake"
II do not promise TO do :hat," says the
girl, beginning to loosen her furs. "But
where can Helen be?'
"lielen?"
"Yes, my sister-Mrs. Rodney"
"Oh, yes. Parker's sweCtheartg'
"Yes."
"What have you got thcre?" says Dallas,
bending over her
"Llchcns-arr not they queer IOOkingP'
VERY queer. Where did you find them?''
"Oh, far from here have been for long
walk this evening"
"WiII you show me the place some timer
he says, raising his eyes from her treasures
to her beautiful face.
Certainly, ii YOU would like to go"
81 should like it very much; very much,
indeed, and he lays the lichens gently in
her lap.
At this moment the door opens and Mr..
Hathwell enteI%
so you've got back, Nelly. Have you
been entertaining Mr.. Carew?'
"Yes-and have not snubbed him once.
But now Pm going to have tea for YOU" and
she departs, leaving Dallas wondering what
possessed the old man to come back so soon. ("
Meanwhile Helen has joined Eleanor and
is full of curiosity.
What is he like Nelly, and Is he a
blOndeY
mo"
What then-dark?"
Il suppose 50. lie has gOOd-lOOking eyesS
What COLOR"
"Oh, don't know. brown or grey"
And do you like him?'
my dear Helen, I've not said dozen
words to him--Iiut there's DOME calling, so
go and judge for yourself"
Dallas has been wondering if the young
lady will array herself for his benefit. He
has been accustomed TO a great deal of hon.
age from the fair sex, and 50 is rather sur
prised to find the girl still wears her plain
blue dress, with only tiny edge of linen at
throat and sleeves. Indeed, She seems to have
lost all interest in him. and listens without
taking part In the conversation between her
sister and himself But Mrs. Rodney is all
graciOusness. She looks very pretty in her
soft black dress, with her curly hair piled in
great masses on her well-shaped head. In
spite of her prettineSS, however, he ilnds IL
hard to keep his eyes from wandering across
the table to where Eleanor sits, her golden
head thrown slightly back, while she talks
in low tone to her uncle. Never once in
these stolen glances does he meet her eyes,
apparently she has forgotten his very exist
ence. He is determined she shall not, and
when pause comes in HelGn's gay rattle he
turns to her.
Mrs. Rodney has promised to ShOwme the
river after tea, Miss lIathwell; won't you
Join us, it is not showing nowT'
She has just referred some question to her
uncle and is waiting for his answer, so takes
no notice of Mr.. Carew's remark until the
minister says:
dallas is speaking to you, Nelly"
She turns her beautiful eyes full upon him.
Pardon me-what did YOU say%
Her indifference is so plainly shown that
the young man repeats his question rather
cOldly, and he is not much Modified by hear
ing her answer careleSsly, with an impatient
little frown.
"Oh, certainly" and then return to her
uncle.
Yet Eleanor has no idea of being rude;
indeed, nothing is further from her thoughts.
'COme to this window" says Helen, as
they rise from the table, there is beauti-
full view," and she draws backs the curtains.
Every beautiful! how far we can see! Is
not Parker's house under those trees?"
"Yes."
81 have heard so much of you from Ran,
and so complimentary" he says in low
voice, letting his eyes rest admiringly on her
face, which had flushed pretty scarlet at
his words. 80 complimentary that | was
quite prepared to be disappointed, but l as
sure you am not"
Are you sure you are nOtY' she says half
shyly, lifting her eyes to his. You see
appear to such disadvantage by Nelly"
Indeed you are mistaken says the young
man warmly. You are both beautiful, al
though very different"
"Oh, | am not beautiful, though Nelly is"
says Helen truthfully. But come let me
show you the river"
''Oh yes, let me see ii by all means"
Come on Nell, we are going down to the
river" says Helen, turning to her sister.
"Perhaps Miss IIathwell does not care to
CO." says Dallas, rather Stitiy.
"But do want to come" cries the girl,
giving him an irresistible smile. Twill it
trouble you very much to wait till l get my
clOakT
at will not trouble me in the least. Are
you sufficiently wrapped up Mrs. RodneyY'
"Oh yes; am never cold. You never saw
such warm-blOOded creature as am"
"And warm-hearted, too, hOpeT'
Here Eleanor appeared, completely envel-
oped i'm black cloak, the hood of which
leaves only border of fair, curling hair to
view. They walked slowly down to the
water, Helen pointing out and explaining
everything, Dallas struggling to attend to
her and keep his eyes off the beautiful girl
beside him, who is strangely silent
sIf 1t were only little colder we should
have capital skating," Mrs. Rodney remarks
regretfully, looking at the clear, murmuring
river. 1--WE had lots of fun last year."
"You are fond Of skating then%'
"Oh yes, l love it dearly and so does
Nelly"
DO you skate, Miss Hathwell; why,
should not have thought sop
Certainly l do; why did you think
didn'tY'
IL don't know" he replies, rather un
truthfully, not caring to say that he had moi
supposed she had the energy to skate. Bu
apparently she is satisfied, for she says nc
more. At this moment they are all surprised
by the appearance of Parker, who has joiner
Helen, and there is nothing for Mr.. Carew
to do but to join Nelly and lead the way To
the house.
81 was quite startled to see you this eve
ning" says the girl, looking not at him, but
up at the pale, beautiful stars which have
4. l.
II feel very much complimented, Miss
Hathwell," (bowing with mock ceremony.
"Oh, pardon me, If was rude; | did moi
,.ao1, 20 ha