San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-09-22
HAD SHE A HEART?

The marquis walked excitedly up and
down his private office He was expecting
a telegram from his business friends in
Milan Every minute he looked at his
watch, until, in the course of half hour,
the movement of his hand to his vest
pocket had become quite mechanical. He
had invested enormous sums in the doubt
fll enterprise of new railroad in Calabria,
he had been extravagant in his personal
habits, he had lost much at play, and
certain beautiful dancer in the ST. Carlos
theatre was making every day greater de-
mands on him.
Besides the ordinary bills, which were
large enough, there was the account with
the jeweler, Brocchini, who stood ready at
any time to lay the matter before the mar
quis' wife. the only person in all Naples
who seemed to ignore his relation with the
beautiful artist. Then the scandal would
be complete-just now. when he was facing
ruin
At last the decisive dispatch! He changed
color and his fingers shook as he tore open
the big blue envelope. "Impossibler That
one word was enough to overwhelm the
man. With hoarse sound. as if his throat
were filling up, he sank on a seat.
The marquis is a handsome man, nearing
the forties, slender, in bearing and dress a
pleasing mixture OF aristocratic dignity
and the ease of man Of the world.
Some one knocked. The marquis rose
instantly, passed his hand over his face,
and every trace of excitement disappeared.
Come inr'
His wife appeared in the doorway in
costly fur, charming plush hat trimmed
with wings, BETTING the winter season,
on the dark, naturally wavy hair, and a
short, white veil over the blooming beau
tiful young face.
1T is good that find you, Ernesto," she
said in her rich tones, and with an ease of
manner peculiar to her.
The marquis hurried forward to kiss her
hand and place chair for her.
Brilliant in her youth and beauty, state
ly, elegant every inch the great lady, she
stood before him and fixed her large,
sparkling eyes on him. unembarrassed, al
most Indifferent.
ITO what am indebted for the honor OF
your visit, Adelina?"
THE reunion BALI VIII you do me a
favor:"
"Gladlyr' the marquis bowed gallantly.
Then go with me this evening"" She
reached him her hand, rs was the custom
there.
Are you going to driver" he said, wish
ing only to add a few words.
"Yes-to Posillippo-with the Ononevole
and his little Jenny"
HWbv do Won NOT take Maria2p
''She is not quite well. A little indiges-
ton, think. But | am going to call the
doctor, just to feel sure"
The marquis accompanied his wife to the
carriage and returned to his study He
was lingering the papers on his writing
desk absently, when perfumed letter ar
rested his attention.
THE devilp he murmured. II was to
go with Olga at o'clock to Iriseo's to sup
per. But am enough of gentleman to
give the marchioness the preference over
the dancer, even if the latter is the more
amusing"
Dear Olgal'' he wrote hastily, pressing
business prevents me from going to take
supper with you. Do not expect me until
tomorrow afternoon. ErnestO."
He rang, and gave orders to the servant
to deliver the letter at once.
At the reunion the marchioness capti-
waited all by her wonderful beauty, and her
husband also charmed every one by his
chivalrous attentions to the ladies and his
sparkling, witty conversation.
In the course of the evening the marquis
gave his wife his arm to lead her through
the ballroom. AS they walked admiring
glances followed them from all sides
What beautiful, distinguished coupled"
was the universal comment.
1t was Just noon when the maid knocked
at the marchioness' door. In a wrapper of
white cashmere the lady was sitting at her
dressing table opening box of Paris per
fume which had just been sent.
How is my daughter?" she asked, look
ing at one of the dainty little bottles which
she held in her hand.
Her fever is somewhat higher"
"Ahr' She put the bottle on the table
and rose.
"Who is with her?'
THE gOverncs5. | believe she watched
with her all highland, Signora March
essa," the maid went on hesitatingly, in
the waiting room is some one who says he
wishes to see you-the jeweler Brocchini.
A hardly perceptible fold showed itself
between the eyebrows of the beautiful la
,ly For one instant she seemed to strug-
gle with herself, then she said. lightly:
He may come inn
"ExcellenZa," TIE man stammered in an
embarrassed tone, although inwardly con-
tented IL should not like to take any in
discreet step in what concerned the mar
quis; but believe that the articles bought
are for lady's wearing"-he stopped, for
the marchioness had made an impatient
NestI1re and thrown Z, heetinQ glance uDOn