San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-12-05
THE DIAMOND BUTTON
FROM THE DIARY OF LAWYER AND THE
NOTE BOOK OF A REPORTER.
By BARCLAY NORTH.


Somewhat strange to see the hand
some Flora at theatre at this time of
the year." commented Holbrook.
"Yes, one would suppose she was at
Newport"
''She has been there, and came in on
some business with her uncle. The bust
ness must have detained her"
$50 it seems"
"She must have been in the city at the
time of the funeral"
"Whose?"
"Templetons.
"Well, what of it,"
"What of it? Why, she didn't attend
it."
II shouldn't suppose she would"
"You forget. told you that she said
she was relative-a remote relative, of
Templeton."
"True, so you did. 1t is strange, isn't
it?"
By this time the curtain went up on
the second act, and attention was again
concentrated on the stage. At its con-
clusion the lady in the box changed her
seat so that she could look over the
house. In time, as her eyes roamed over
the orchestra circle, they encountered
those of Holbrook. She recognized him
and bowed-somewhat coldly, Holbrook
thought.
''Shall you go and speak to herr
mo" said Holbrook. Il don't know
what people / may meet there" The
fact was. while hardly conscious of it,
ever since his interview he had regarded
her with sort of repugnance.
81 think you make a mistake
perhaps, but l sha'n't go, all the
same"
"You mustn't drop her acquaintance"
"That may be, but don't think her
recognition was particularly encourag-
ing. Have you noticed that she has not
looked our way once since?"
Tom was not satisfied. Just what
Holbrook was to do when he did see her,
he could not have suggested. When
Holbrook added that in a small box,
with several about in close proximity,
she was not likely to engage in con-
fidential conversation, he was compelled
to acquiesce. Still he thought Holbrook
should call on her.
Finally he said:
See here, Holbrook. You've seen
this opera before, and only care for the
music. Well, let us go upstairs. I'm
doubtedly that party will go on the roof
after the performance. We can go up
there and hear the music as well as here.
| would like to get nearer view of the
people with her"
ITO what purpose?"
"Oh, who can tell? 1 haven't any rea-
son or purpose Instinct tells me to do
something"
Very well; We'll CO."
They left their seats, and Holbrook
was conscious that Flora watched them
steadily as they went up the aisle. He
made sure of it at the door, VIII IN he
could do so without being observed.
Once upstairs they seated themselves
so that they could watch the elevator
without being seen.
Il do not know what you are up to-"
complained Holbrook.
Neither do l." replied Tom with a
laugh. But the story of your interview
with the handsome Flora has made a
deep impression. l want to become
familiar with those about her. That's
all"
They lit cigars, smoked and listened to
the music until the curtain finally fell
Now, then" said Tom, "in a few
minutes We'll know whether we have
deprived ourselves of comfortable seats
during the third act for nothing"
HolbroOk, who was in a bad humOr,
replied:
I'm sure we did. She won't go up
there; she would think it bad form"
bah! it's bad form, so her set would
say, to be seen at a theatre at this time
of year, especially in the city"
"HuSh," he continued, there she goes
now" as the brightly lighted elevator
glided up. Come, let us go up. No,
wait until they have had time to be
seated"
They waited a moment or two, and
then assembled the stairs to the roof At
first they did not see the party, but care
fully proceeding they came upon them
partially hid behind a large fir tree
planted in tub. They came upon them
in such manner that they were plainly
observed.
Tom dropped down into chair at
vacant table short distance off, saying
as he did SO, quite loudly, Here, Hol-
brook, here is place"
Then, in a lower tone:
Ill l.