San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-08-29
MRS. FENTON'S MYSTERY.

not or q pleasant nature. InlS was really
the case The fact was business had been
very dull for some time past, and in conse-
quence of an oversupply probably dry
goods had fallen. 1t unfortunately hap
pened that Mr.. Fenton had laid in large
supply, bought on ninety days, anticipat-
ing brisk demand and rcmunerative
prices. But all his calculations were put
out by the prevailing dizziness and the de-
probation, so that he would not only meet
with loss, but it seemed very doubtful
whether he could meet the payment now
due
He had been in business for half dozen
years and met with moderate success. In
deed he considered himself worth ten
thousand dollars. But if he should be I'M
able to meet his engagement, and his cred
itor should levy upon his stock at the pres
ent time, the sacrifice would be such that
little or nothing would probably be left.
It is not remarkable that under the cir
cumst&nces he should feel little irri-
table. His bill of goods must be paid for
in three days, but he had only eight hun
dred dollars toward the necessary three
thousand, and saw no way to obtain the
balance. He had already applied to sew
eral business acquaintance, but was in
each case assured that money was tight,
and that much as they would like to &C
cOmmodate him they were quite unable.
To this he could say nothing. Money was
tight. He knew that very well. If it had
not been he would not have been a Dor
rover.
While he was rather despondently con-
sidering what he could do he saw entering
the door Of his shop the spare form and
vinegar visage of Miss Vincent, a maiden
lady, noted for the very scant supply of
personal attractions with which nature
had Supplied her, and no less for the dis
position to pry into the affairs of her neigh
bOrs, and pick up all the small bits of
floating scandal and give them the largest
amount of publicity in her power.
Nr. Fenton was not particularly glad to
see Miss Vincent, for he knew very well
that her purchases were generally very
small, and not likely to help him material
ly toward raising the two thousand dol
lars odd which he needed to make up his
payment. Still she was a customer prob
ably, and his f!cs from habit assumed the
customary bridesmaids smile as he said:
Good morning. Miss Vincent: what can
show you?"
well, I'm not wanting much, Mr.. Fen
ton said the spinster in a voice of high
pitch, though believe make most of
my purchases of dry goods of you"
Then you must be wonderfully sparing
in your wants." thought the shopkeeper;
but he only said: Il am glad to hear it. We
are ready to sell anything from a silk dress
pattern to a spool of cotton"
That is just what came in for" said
Miss Vincent.
The silk dress pattern' What shade
will you look at?'
"No, | don't mean that. It's a spool of
cotton want"
II think can supply you"
Miss Vincent after while found a spool
of cotton to suit her, and paid for it, man
aging to be one penny short.
"I'll bringin the other penny next time"
she said.
Its of no consequence, Miss Vincent"
said the merchant, knowing that she
would take care never to think of it again.
"Oh, yes it is. | am very particular
about such matters. Just remind me next
time am in"
'If ! should, ten to one she wouldn't
have the money!" thought Mr.. Feuton.
mo; | think I'll leave it to you to re-
member it if you really insist upon it."
This was what he said, so differently in
many cases are our thoughts from our
words.
How is Mrs. Fenton" inquired Miss
Vincent, as she deposited the spool in the
pocket of her dress.
'She is quite well, thank you"
81 am glad to hear it. Health is a great
blessing | was afraid she might be in
poor health"
In poor hea,th' What should make
you think so?" demanded Mr.. Fenton, sur
prised. DO you think she looks ill?'
mo" said Miss Vincent hestatingly
'Idon't think she looks i'll. Quite the con-
trary; indeed | think | have never seen
her looking better or more cheerful"
$50 think. Why then should you fear
hat she was in poor health? confess |
am puzzled to make out your meaning"
Mr.. Fenton, I-you must excuse my eX-
planning myself l really would rather not
do So" and Miss Vincent lowered her head
and spoke in depreciation.
Excuse your explaining yourself You
don't mean to say there is mystery in the
matter" said Mr. Fenton, his voice tinged
IN the slightest degree by uDeasiness.
"Oh, dear no, of course not" said Miss
Vincent appearing confused. Not the
least mystery. fear have been talking
very foolishly. What fine day it is'
There was something about Miss Vim
cents manner which seemed to indicate
that there was something concealed, and
this conclusion Mr. Fenton drew.
Miss Vincent" he said, you evidently
had some reason for saying what you did
say, whether it was foolish or otherwise.
As my wife's health is a matter of serious
importance to me must insist that you
rp'l me yOur reason for sDeakinU as Won