San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-10-19
The Gypsie's Curse;
BY THE AUTHOR OF GUILTY WITHOUT
CRIME" THE "WRECKERS OF
ERNER DOOM" ETC.
TFirst Chapter began October 18th.

First Chapter began October 10Th.
should fall In love with her the first time
| saw her If | We're u man; and the most
deliberate of men couldn't be Indifferent
to her."
Roland had turned very red while his
sister spoke; but lie tried by abusing his
enemy to turn the points of weapons
which he felt were giving home thrusts.
"Pooh, pooh ~ he said with an angry
sneer. ".Loyeless life forsOOth! You
women are always ready to sentimental
ize over q handsome man. l happen to
know something about my lord, and he has
tried to amuse himself while he has let So
licitors and land-stewards do his work
here. | believe him to be simply ruthless;
he thinks that in him the curse will be
worked out; and, if he drags down an
other life with his own, what will it mat
ter so that at least he may snatch some
happiness? He will dare fate if he re-
mains here after the rains begin; and in
ten days at the furthest they will come"
He paused for want Of breath. Rose
shuddered and repeated
"Life for life for traitors deed;
When the floods are out, take heedr
But, Roland, he has brayed the floods
Remember how he saved widow Hunt"
Gay: but have you forgotten what is
sad-what Heston himself says-that, if
the flood rises this year three feet above
last year, the Mill will be washed away?
and, while the Mill lasts, the curse must
last. And then the rains are this year I'M
usually early, and Darrell is at the Court; ;
and he is more likely TO defy death than to
fly it,"
81 almost think" said Rose, "that he
seeks it,"
"Let him seek it," returned Roland
fiercely, "but not drag lima down with
him ~
"Hush, Roland! At least try to be
friendly with him. Don't let him suspect
you; he is so keen-sighted, and your face
is so bad a mask. If you are taken with
lima, try to win her fairly, and, if you
can make her fear Darrell do so; but, if
you have any common-sense, don't abuse
him to her, don't let her see that you are
jealous of him. She's just the sort of girl
to choose death with man she loves SOON
er than life without him. Mamma said
that Of her the other day. Now we must
60 down to luncheon, Roland
When, at somewhat late hour, accord.
ing to country notions, but which Sir Phil
ip Darrell called early, the guests depart
ed from the Court, the riding-party was
fixed for two days later Roland raised
some objection, suggesting u later date
Rose saw Sir Philip glance at him; but he
said quietly
81 am in the ladies' hands; remember,
if we delay too long, we shall not be able
to reckon the weather, as we shall have the
rains"
He would not say to them that he was
going away; they would think he feared
the floods. Miss Durnford put in nervous
ly-
"And you might be leaving, Sir Phil
ip."
He smiled little; but, as he was lead
ing her to the carriage, lie said
"1ou wish me to leave this year before
the floods Gomez"
.'Surely L must wish it, for your sake"
eyes, for my sake" he returned, with
more than touch of irony. but can
one fly from fate? Is it worth whileH'
"Why not?" said Miss Durnford, puz-
zled and deeply moved. "You are warn
edw
"Warned? Yes, Iife for life'r' NUT
tered Sir Philip to himself; then aloud
quite carelessly-''Ah, well, death must
come some time, soon or late, and as well
soon as late! lima" turning to the girl,
who was following with Roland-.'shall L
send Zuleika tomorrow, or bring her with
me when l come for the ride!"
"Whicheyer you like, Sir Philip"
"Then l will bring her with me-"
He handed the ladies into the carriage,
Roland mounted his horse and the party
vanished through the deep arch of the
courtyard
Sir Philip Darrell was alone again, with
the touch of Ilma's hand still fresh in
his, and her brown eyes looking into his.
He gazed up at the mOOnlit sky, as though
he dared the very powers Of the universe,
and he clenched his hands tightly.
by earth and heaven L will not yield
thee, lima! Perish all that stands be-
tween my love and thinen'
Had lie ignored the solemn vow, SO stern
ly kept till now, that never should his
love blight sInless life?