San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-08-11
INTERCEPTED LETTERS.
from Mrs. Katherine Barton to William Win
throp, Esq.l

Nav IA, 1887.
NV Dear Will-Your letter fills me with
various and conflicting emotions, but what
ever may be my Utmost feelings in regard to
yourself, alas! am not at present free to re-
turn your passion. Do not think me insensi-
BILE to the honest love you offer me, or judge
me harshly until you have heard what have
to say 1t is necessary for me to reveal to
you the wretched story Of my life, which has
thus far remained unknown to most of my
acquaintance, and do so in full confidence
that my secret is absolutely safe with you
First of all am not widow, as you sup
pose My husband, Edward Barton, is still
living, and we are separated by no legal
measures An orphan ever since l can re-
member, infatuated at II with a man many
years my senior, l married him contrary to
the advice and wishes of my guardian Al
most before the honeymoon was over my
happiness was shattered. l discovered the
mans real character, and my dream of love
was followed by rude awakening. For, Will
dear, the man had married was drunk
ard, profiigate, who expected by means Of
my small fortune to satisfy those tastes and
desires which he himself had no money to
crafty After brief, very brief, period
of married life, gave him sum of money
on condition that he would keep away from
me, and never trouble me again. This hap
pened three years ago Since then l never
have seen him, but have heard that he is in
Europe. | do not think he will ever come
near me again-he is too much Of a coward
and knows how despise him-but of course
during his lifetime cannot marry again,
however much | might be tempted to do So
The moment suspected you were falling in
love with me did all could to warn you
and discourage you. You would not heed
my warnings, and now that this avowal has
come, we must never meet again. You have
money and leisure-for your own sake as
well as mine CO. travel. and amusei yourself
and never think me again as your wife. If
this parting is hard for you it is doubly so
for me, for you are one Of the few persons in
the world feel can trust, and the loss Of
your companionship will make great gap
in my life Fain would frame this letter in
more tender language, but would it make
the parting easier9 Farewell, forever
KATHERINE
| leave here tomorrow. Do not seek to
follow me.
Bascom.
On BOARD R. NJ. S. PLAToNIC,
AT SEA. May 20, 1887
My Dearest Sue-I haven't been ill a
minute, and we are having beautiful trip so
far, though we left New York in such storm
that it seemed as though nature was crying
with us and our friends at our parting. Dame
Natures tears are very fresh, though-no salt
about them-so that rather spoils the simile.
Fancy fresh water tearI Poor mamma has
not been 50 lucky as | in escaping seasick-
ness She succumbed almost before We
passed Sandy Hook, and has been a perfect
wreck ever since haven't missed a meal,
and the captain says | am one Of the best
sailors he ever saw. But guess he says that
to every one. He is dear old Sootchman
with red hair and beard, full of fun, and
though he is rather rough in looks he is very
good natured and polite to everybody, and is
a great favorite in consequence Right OPP
poSite to me at table sits an awfully hand
some young man, with a most interesting
face. The captain introduced him to me as
Mr. Winthrop, of New York. He is an aw-
fully nice fellow, about "a years old-just
right for me-thoroughly educated and well
read. He dresses in the best Of taste, too,
and isn't bit Of a dude. hate dudesi
There were two Of them at our table the first
meal but they haven't been there since. l
saw one of them on deck this morning look
ing as though he had been drawn through a
knot hole.
MAY %.
We had quite gale yesterday, at least
should call it so, but the captain only laughed
when l expressed my opinion. l didn't miss
a meal, but did feel little queer in the
afternoon. That was only because ate too
much at luncheon though. Mr.. Winthrop
has been awfully good to mamma Poor old
ladyl She has been so sick she could handy
move from the stateroom to her deck chair
He insisted on making her walk with him
this morning, up and down the deck so that
he fairly tired her out. Then she had little
snooze and woke up really hungry. He is a
trump, but doesn't seem to care much about
making friends or meeting people He seems
to be kind of down in the mouth, but | guess
I'll get at him before this voyage is over.
MAY a
We've been having very smooth sea and
fair weather, and everything is simply lovely
moonlight nights and dancing on the deck
and all that sort of thing-it is awfully ro-
mantle and jolly. had long talk and walk
with him this morning He has the most
fascinating dark brown eyes you ever saw,
and when he looks straight at you it seems as
though ne could read your very soul He
won't talk much about himsef-says the sub
ject is not inspiring. The dudes have re-
covered their health.
MAY %.
haven't written anything for several
days Things have been so lively avan in