San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-08-17

that the initials sc. c. W" scrawled against
the fifteenth valse made her await that dance
with a sickening heart
1t came at last. The band struck up the
strains of well known valse, the room began
to fill, and presently Leila Marsden, with
paler cheeks than usual and a strange beat
ing of the heart, was floating round with
Charlie Willoughby as partner.
'Shall we sit the rest outp he asked, when
they paused at length.
Leila bent her head in assent and they
passed out of the room on to the long low We
randa, somewhat to the dismay of her sis
ter, who had watched them eagerly while to-
gether. The moonlight threw the girls pale
face and tall slight figure into strong relief
against the dark veranda background. Char
lie Willoughby leant against pillar overrun
with creeper, and looked at her fixedly. He
made no excuse for himself, nor did he break
the silence between them. His eyes searched
her face as though he would read there what
he dared not trust himself to hear.
Presently Leila spoke. Her voice sounded
faint and far away even to herself ~ hear"
she said pleadingly, that you are going toride
a very vicious horse tomorrow in the ladies'
prize race. Please don't ride it; please do
not"
Anu HSdl bLdO gOu al SL6dScu W htoiA
Maj. Arburton" without the slightest refer
ence to her appeal. SIS that true, Leila, or is
it notF
She looked down and traced a little pattern
on the stone floor with her foot.
as it true, or is it mott" he repeated fiercely.
She lifted her eyes to his, and saw there the
passion which trembled in his voice.
Don't be angry; oh, do not" she cried,
putting up her hand with deprecating ges-
ture; "they have made me do it. i am
burden to my sister, you know; and l. couldn't
stand it any longer; and he is not SO bad;
but | love you the best-oh, so much the
bestl You know it; only I'LL am so mis-
cradle"
DOUBTLESS" he said gravely, never for an
instant removing his eyes from the fair pite-
Gus face; 80 am livery miserable; so have
been for the past month; but my misery
doesn't seem to touch you much. So you are
going to marry this Croesus, this elderly fu-
ture baronet, and throw me over quite, are
you, Leila"
She twisted and UNFINISHED her hands ner-
vously, but made no reply.
And you are good enough to take sufficient
interest in me to wish me not to break my
neck tomorrow
She was still silent.
Very good. Then listen to me- | ride to-
morrow, and | ride to win, and you are to be
the prize. Yes, you-do not look so startled
you | ride to win, or | ride to Never
mind that part of the business. If l win
shall consider you mine in spite of all the
Maj. Arburtons in the world. If not-do you
understand the alternative, LeilaF'
She bent her head. Could she avoid under
standing it,
ut lies with you," he went on steadily.
"You know my horse, you know the race
course, you know me. If tomorrow before
starting you bid me ride to win, very good;
if not The music has begun again. Shall
take you back to your elderly future bar
onetF
MY dear Leila, what nonsense!" cried
Mrs. Anstruthers. Rub your cheeks, child,
and drink this wine You look as white as
ghost, and about as unhappy. Not go to the
races! You will have every one saying it is
all off again just as it is all on. 1t is too ag-
gravating of you, really"
1t was the day following the ball. Leila,
in her sisters room, was utterly refusing to
accompany her to the race course and equal
ly positive in her refusal to see Maj. Arbur-
ton.
Il know what it is" Mrs. Anstruther went
on angriy; that boy has been talking nom
sense to you. 1t was too foolish of you to
give him dance last night. If l had known
of it should have taken you home, most GER
tainly."
HE did not talk nonsense, and he is not
foolish, nor is he a boy" cried Leila vehe-
mently; and then she gave way and relapsed
into copious weeping.
"At any rate he is only sub-lieutenant,
and cannot possibly have more than five hun
dred a year. And what is more, he doesn't
mean it seriously with you. If you throw
over Maj. ArburtOn now you will be throw
ing him over for a mere shadow. Everybody
knows what a Girt Charlie Willoughby is.
He makes love to every girl he meets"
THAT isn't true" exclaimed Leila with an
effort at drying her tears.
Him! How about Fanny Hope, and one
or two others | could mention" Silence.
And how about his debtsr' Silence And
his gambling-and that actress, and
Leila sprang to her feet Il won't listen
any more!" she cried. Il do care for him, and
hate Maj ArburtOn, and | won't marry
him, and | will not go to the races today"
Mrs. Anstruther grew pale. She felt her
last chance was going. Then shall have
to remind you" she said firmly, that can
not support all my brothers and sisters all
their lives. did my best for Nell and am
doing my best for you. You seem to forget
that have children of my own to be brought
up | counted on your marrying as soon as
possible. did not count on your throwing
up reasonable chance"
1t was cruel, but it had its effect. Leila