San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-04-13

reach his cottage, with her. He
brought doctor who aaid she must be
kept quiet, and In few days would no
doubt be well.
West was compelled to leave; q day
lost, and he might never see his uncle
alive. Nellie had not time to feel the
parting as much as she would have done,
had not her attention been distracted by
Lucy's presence.
The sun had just risen, Nellie sat
alone by Luoy's couch. having sent the
maid to bed two hours before. Her
thoughts were with her brother, who,
BY that time was far out to sea. She
was beginning to feel how lonely and
helpless she was without him, when
suddenly Lucy rose and leaning on her
arm looked around the strange room, her
eyes rested on Miss West, who smiled
and stroked her hair soothingly. The
girl continued to stare at her companion
as though she were trying to remember
her, but could not.
"Where am ~" she asked after look
ing at every article in the room.
you are with me, dear, l am your
old friend, Nellie. but you must not talk
yet; you tainted and my brother, Frank,
brought you to me-"
"Oh, God % she cried, as the scene Of
the night before came to her. why do
live? Poor father, have broken your
dear heart. forgive me, may soon be
with you."r
Nellie supported her back to her pill
low, when she soon fell asleep, and, TAX
ing the hand that rested on her bosom.
Nellie stood looking at the wan face,
which, but few months ago, was hand
some. A smile played around the
mouth; she WAS perhaps dreaming ofthe
days when she lived happily with her
father.
Three days later, between IL and u
O'Clock at night, there was hurried
knock at Vests cottage, Mary-the
maid-looked in frightened way at her
Mistress who was somewhat surprised
at such an unusual occurrence, as visi-
tor at so late an hour. Lucy lay quite
unconscious, brain fever had super
vened, 80 great had been the strain On
her nerves.
"Who can 1t be-" Nellie said, looking
enquiringly at the maid.
"I'm sure don't know mann, unless
it's master come back"
Nonsense Mary -" another knock.
go see who it is, but enquire their
business before you let them in"
Mary opened the door, gingerly, as
far as The saitZ chain would permit. A
ohild's voice, 80 choKed with sobs that
IL was difficulty her interrogation under
stood, said: my mother sent me for
Miss West, She is very sick; she said
she was sure the lady was good and
would come with me. Mother wants
to tell her something before she dies"
The child burst into tears.
"Poor thing" said Mary, who was .
genuinely kind hearted young woman.
"Come in and wait minute and l will
60 with you, Miss West is very tired l
know"
mo" the child said hastily, "you
won't do. Mother wants the young
lady"
60 If was you, I'll stay and take care
Of Miss Lucy"
Nellie put on her bonnet, and wrap
ping a shawl around her descended into
the hall, where stood girl who might
be twelve, but 1t would have been diff
ficult to determine exactly, She was
rubbing her eyes vigorously as Miss
West came up TO her, placing hand on
her shoulder, she iDquired:
where does your mother live ?"
"Not very far lady" the girl answered
without looking up.
"Well let us 60" And taking the
child's hand they sailed forth into the
street.
The night was cloudy; the neon,
which had risen about two hours before,
cast long shadows on the lonely lanes
through which the child led her com
panion. 1t was not pleasant to Nellie,
but she walked on defisntly, even though
she sometimes imagined she saw mans
form on the side OF the road at some
distance ahead, only to find, on reaching
the spot mile post, or the stump OF q
tree. She was growing more and more
nervous in spite of herself, she tried to
talk to her guide, but could not get re-
spouse. Could the child be an impOstor,
Nellie said to herself, ''surely not; 1t
was genuine grief, then. but now she
does not even show the slightest sign OF
having a mother at deaths door; must
make her speak," she stopped the child
and said In firm voice:
"You told me your mother did not
live very far, but we must have come at
least two miles; tell me at once where
you are going, or l will turn back"
There's the house, Miss" pointing to
square white building two hundred
yards distant.
"But why is there no Light" Nellie en-
uuired as they reached the low white
washed house with matched roof.
The girl took nc notice Of the question,
but said as she op ened the door:
ITO be continued.l
"
The President May Come.
1t seems probable that President