San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-10-18


lima passed on and stood before the por--
trait of the last of the barrels. How
long she could have gazed on that remark
able countenance, if il had been possible to-
do so, She noted the vacant space beside
il, and wondered il it would ever be occu-
pied by the picture of Philip DarrelPs wife,
or that of stranger. Rose had told her
that the next heir claimed through the e.
male line, which branched of in the reign
OF Henry WILL, and thus escaped the
curse, which fell only on the descendants
Of Sir lngelhard. Could Sir Philip OAR
rell endure the thought Of stranger
reigning at the Court, OF alien faces on the
panels which should reflect the dark beau
ty of the DarrelPs: lima who knew so
little, could not bear to think of it. She
could not keep back the tears, nor speak
for the choking sensation in her throat; she
was obliged to turn abruptly from her
companion and walk away.
Sir Philip stood still, folding his arms
tightly on his breast, and looked after her,
but he did not stir Il step to follow her
His face was deathly white, his heart was
beating heavily; his eyes glowed with
look almost of defiance, rs though he dared
some invisible power, either from without
or the voice of conscience. But, when IL
ma came back to him, he had regained self
command, and smiled and asked where she
would like to go now, as though she bad
done nothing that could have been no.
ticed.
"Suppose," he added awe do something
brighter, and do some more pictures after
luncheon, if you wish it; these family his
tories have driven all the brightness from
your face. Will you come to the stables
and choose your horse!"
eyes, thanks. | should like that"
"This way then. There is n postern
close by, which will lead us by a short cut
to the stables
They descended a few flights of stairs,
and passed through some mysterious pas
sages; then Sir Philip Darrell opened
postern, and the sunlight blazed full upon
them. After going through some shrub
berries, the stables were reached.
"Why," said lima, looking round the
immense range of buildings, "you might
stable 4 regiment here, Sir Philip"
Gay, and more than Il regiment has been
stabbed in old times; and in my fathers
time, and always till mine, all those stalls"
pointing to long range Of stables evil
IDENTIFY disused-"were full of hunters, and
there"-indcating another building-"my
grandfather kept his racing-stud. 1t was
the finest stud in the North in those days;
but my father sold 1t; he did not pat
ronize the turf. The hunters were dis
persed during my minority, and L never
filled their places. Poor old Marsh, the
head groom, raves at me and calls me
names because | don't hunt. Bah! |
would as lief shoot a fox as run him to
earth; but when said that to Marsh once
he almost had a fit of apopleXy. But here
is Marsh"
Up came the old groom. lie saluted his
lord, and paid his respects to lima in the
broad dialect of Cumberland. The stables
were not what they used to be, lie told her
Marsh was very old servant, and said
pretty well what he pleascd-but there
were some beautiful horses in them yet
AS they went towards the stable where
the animals were from among which lima
was to choose, the old man glanced several
times from beneath his shaggy brows at H.
ma and wondered who she was, and wheth-
er his lord had taken u fancy to her,
Marsh hoped he had; for Sir Philip ought
to marry and keep up the line, he consid-
cred, whether he loved his wife or not.
Snow lima" said Sir Philip, as they en-
tered the stable, the doors of which Marsh
respectfully threw open, 81 should recon-
mend Zuleika. She needs skilled hand,
for she is full Of spirit, but she is as gen.
tie as lamb; and her pedigree is unim-
peachable. Her dam was q thoroughbred
Arab"
eyes," put in old Marsh, "she's the
beauty, Sir Philip, if the young iady's a
irst-rate rider; and take it she is, or you
wouldn't put her on Zuleika."
"But," said lima, Us Marsh entered the
mares box to lead her out, 81 would rath-
er have one that is less of L favorite, Sir
Philip. If by any chance Zuleika came to
mischief"
..She could not in your hands, lima; and
she is as sure-tOOted as Il mule, like all her
race"
Zuleika was brought out, and lima
clasped her hands with almost Il cry of adj
miratiOn, for the mare was like picture;
she was deep bay in color, with bril-
liantly glossy coat, and having the superb
lines and soft dark eyes of Il true Arab
She tossed her head and paved the ground
with c0quettish grace; but llma's tender
touch and caresSes made her instantly
willing slave; and she stood almost still,
only responding to the fondling she receiv-
ed, as Hassan had done, and following H.
ma when she moved Il few steps, and lay
ing her nose OH the girls shoulder.
"She acts" cried old Marsh, '.as if she
knew you was Il beautiful creature like
herself, missy, and you were sure to love
her."
lima colored and laughed, and turned
to Sir Philip.
"Oh, Sir Philip" she said, "there can
not be another horse such beauty, except