The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1890-02-14

taste to be seen on every hand, and ha'
hardly finished his hasty inspection whel
the farmer entered. The visitor ros
and bowed.
as this SIr. Loring?" he asked.
''Yes, was the reply.
"WeTe you in California twenty year
ago! But stay, let me first INTRODUCES
myself. 1 am Joseph Roberts, lawye
of San Francisco.
Mr.. Loring extended his hand Will
old-fashioned courtesy, as he replied:
Il was in California twenty year
ago."
"You bought some land there, die
you mott"
"Yes.n
"And own it stilll"
ayes. l have had offers for it, but
not for long time. never felt like
selling, as it represents to me some of the
best years of my life.
$40 you wish to sell now"
81 think perhaps l would, if I could
get anything like decent price for it. d
"What would you say to two million
dollarsln
"Two whatln was the astonished re-
ply.
1.-TWO million dollars" was the calm
answer.
Mr.. Loring hesitated moment before
replying. Then speaking slowly, he
said II would like to know something
more about the matter before answering
"'You shall be told everything there is
to tell; only promise me the refusal OF
the place at the figures / name if you de-
eide to sell. l would like that promise
because, to speak frankly, I suspect that
you will have other offers
Mr. Loring readily gave the promise
asked for, and his visitor entered into a
long and elaborate explanation, the sub
stance of which was that valuable sill
yer mine had been found>on the prop
erty, and half dozen different concerns
were on the lookout for the proprietor
It was finally agreed between Mr.. Loring
and his visitor that the former should go
to New York at once and make further
inquiries from there He said very lit
tie to Nellie Of the object of the lawyers
visit and of his own sudden journey to
the city, except that she might hope for
very good news.
The result of his inquiries was that he
sold the property for two millions in cash,
to himself a quarter interest in
the mine, and the first that Nellie knew
of her altered fortunes was when she
awoke one morning to find herself an
heiress.
''By the way, Hartwell, have you met
the new beauty, Miss Loringl She has
Just returned from Europe. I warrant
that you have seen nothing more lovely
in your three years absence"
'sLoring2" repeated the other, his
grave, handsome face coloring slightly.
His friend noticing it laughed, as he
replied: "'Why, Hartwell, there must be
in name after all, since you,
who are k-:own as woman hater in both
hemispheres, blush at the name of a
Hartwell had by this time regained
his self-control, and his voice showed no
race of emotion, as he said:
II was not aware that I changed
color, and you must be mistaken.
will answer your question. l have not
seen the new beauty"
''Well, laughed the other, 'syou can
iay that no longer. Speak of angels,
rou know Here she comes"
Hartwcll looked in the direction in
Heated, and what he saw made his heart
almost cease to beat. If his friend had
,een regarding him then, he would not
lave accused him of blushing. His face
vas almost CHASTITY in its pallor. Changed
hough she was, far more beautiful than
le had ever imagined she could become,
.raceful in every movement, bearing her
elf with quiet dignity that added to
Ter charm, she was the same Nellie
.oring, who was ever present in his
image he had vainly
ried to Danish. She was coming straight |
oward him; and his friend, without re-
moving his eyes from the lovely figure,
aid:
"Hartwell, we are in luck. She is
oming near us. Let us ask our hostess
o present US.
"No, thank you, was Hartwell's |
eply as he turned on his heel and dis
ppeered amid the throng. The other
emained where he was, and in due time
Tas honored by the presentation he so
nuch desired.
''Who was that tall gentleman stand /
az by you just moment agol" asked .
yellie, during a pause in the converse
ion which followed the introduction.
''That must have been Jack Hartwell, |
be best fellow in the world, though a
tile weak about women"
'sWhy, is he too fond of them2 He
oes not look like man who would be
ffected in that way, " said Nellie.
ooh, no. Quite the reverse No
ody knows anything about it; but be-
eve Jack lost his heart years ago and
as never since found it.
"Poor fellow. said the girl; but if
er companion had seen her face, he
-ould have thought the adjective
.rangely misplaced.
A little later Hartwell was standing in
remote corner of the conservatory alone
nd lost in reverie. The neyer-to-be-
,rgotten scene at the farm gate came be-
IRE him more plainly than the gorgeous
ank of flowers beside which he stood.
uddenly he felt a gentle touch upon his
nm. He turned to find Nellie at his
de.
''You did no say goodbye that day
,ree years ag 0, when we parted at the
ate, John"
He looked down into her appraised
yes, his own beaming with the old-time
.nderness and said:
"shall do so now, Nellieg" For an
yer she extended her hand, saving