San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-04-05
NIL DESPERANDUM.
BY EDWARD sTAPLETON.
[Contiuued from Tuesdays issue.l
CHAPTER

|
| [Contiuued from Tuesday issue.1
CHAPTER
MANS word should be without an oath,
| AS sacred as plighted troth."
| E.S.
The following morning Mr.. Clayton
was a. usual In his study. when an old
servant entered with card. followed by
the owner OF the name which IL bore.
Good morning Mr.. West" said Clay
ton, mOtioning him to q seat on the
opposite side of the desk. A keen OBJ
on Vests usually tranquil face. as he
took the proffered seat. Clayton turned
himself In his revolving chair, directly
facing his visitor, In order to study bis
intended sOn-in-law.
II have heard, from my daughter, of
your proposed visit. concerning your
secret engagement with her for some
time past, and must say" be went on,
leaning forward, and making each fin
gertips on one hand, meet its relative on
the other II must say, was more than
surprised at her conduct which, to say
the least, was not discreet"
West was relieved Of the
embarrassment OF opening the sub
jeot of his visit, but was
out to the heart to thiuk that. through
his delay, she had laid herself open to
censure, and began to apologize.
''Sir, Miss Clayton is not to blame; Ii
is who should receive your rebuke.
ought certainly to have called on you 1T
once, but as my sister was always at
home to receive her, did not see any
Improperly"
II believe you, and accept your apol-
"Ths reason 1 delayed coming 80 long
was that hoped to be in better posi-
ton before asking your consent to wed
your daughter. 1t 10 needless for me to
tell you, her father, Of her combination
Of grace and good qualities, and for these
reasons was backward In showing my
self before you In my present position.
knowing foil we'll that men Of fortune
would be glad OF the honor Of making
her their bride, and that you would In
all probability think me an adventurer.
know" he went on enthusiastically,
81 am not able at the present time to
give her the good things you have so
generously lavished on her; but she is
willing to wait until my future is bright
or. | have prospect of becoming chief
of my department very shortly. In addi-
tiOn to which. have an uncle in India
who has made HE heir to half of his for
tune, the rem ainder going to my cousin:
as to the extent Of the fortune, | know
nothing. | should be sorry to lose my
only relative. with the exception OF my
sister and cousin, l NEARLY mention
these facts In order to show you may
not always be dependent on my own ex
ertions."
There was a pause after this simple,
but truthful Grafton. West waited anx-
iously ts hear his sentence, which he
feared, from the solemn face of his COM
panion, would not be favorable.
"Mr. West, when first | heard of you.
in connection with my daughter, [ was
far from being pleased. but since have
seen you, give you sufficient encOur-
agement so far as to set your mind at
rest, | have no objection to your engage
ment, on these conditions, you must NOT
meet, except as strangers, or correspond
in any way, for one year, can trust you
| think?"
Clayton looked at Vests troubled face.
a year he thought, tits lifetime with
out word or look from her lovely face,
he forgot to answer so great was his
surprise and disappointment.
LOU ucsitdte! salu Cl8yt Ton regret
fully.
mo. no." he answered hurriedly.
81 will wait twenty years II fate so wills !
1t. but was not expecting to have to |
part with her for so long a time. | con-
sent Does Emmy know on what terms
we are to be united?"
Yes. she, like you, thinks it cruel OF |
me, to Impose such peDance, will not |
day, for loving each other, but for keep |
ing me out in the cold so long shall |
be as happy as either Of you, ii you are |
both true, and no effort Of mine shall be |
lacking to make my daughter and her |
husband happy. Ii would kill me. TO
find she had rashiy given her love to u
man unworthy OF her"
''Mr. Clayton you are generous beyond !
my expectations, and may time prove to
you, that my love for your child is as !
pure-as pure-as herself"
81 believe it, but l must prove 1t. at !
your expense Frank. That's your name !
10 it not?"
Yes sir. was named after ny uncle, !
whose only fault was being too confid- |
Ing; let me urge you sir, without Offend |
ing, to act as carefully 10 all your trans
actions IS you have done with me; take |
my father as HI example. He trusted !
those around him far too much. Had |
he been as careful as you rightly are TO- |
day, he would have lived 10 see me the |
happiest OF men; but | have . sister |
whose pure, loving heart will anxiously
walt for the day that will unite me to |
one, who is almost as dear to her as to !
me-"
Clayton was inclined to consent to |
their union at once; the true pathos In
20,
place In his heart; he turned his head,
nratendin0 to ARA nua aome nanara hnr