San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-10-08

Without being rich man." chimed
in Moreton, 81 may say that l know
something of them. Nobody is more de-
voted to women than l amor more
convinced that they are enc and all
humbugs."
Mr.. Schneider gave it to be understood
that his own experience had led him to a
similar melancholy conclusion.
But how" asked Thorold, "do you
propose to remedy this distressing state
of things?"
las tell you," answered Lord Guise;
"by the establishment of mutual pro.
lection society. A man from the mo-
ment that he falls in love becomes non
compos mentis. His friends ought to
take charge of him for his own good;
but of course they can't do that unless
he has given them the necessary author
ity while still in possession of his senses.
One has often heard of unfortunate fell
lows with a constitutional disposition
for drink, who, when they felt the fit
coming on, have gone of their own free
will and had themselves shut up in in
situations where liquor couldn't be OBJ
tanned.
well, should suggest the applica-
ton of that principle to matrimony.
When a man finds that he is upon the
brink of making fool of himself let
him go to his friends and say: Look
here, if you fellows don't hold me back
shall propose in day or two to Miss
A or Lady B. In my opinion she is an
| angel; but am aware that in my pres
ent condition my opinion isn't worth a
straw. Now you must do the best you
can for me. I'm quite Serious" added
| Lord Guise, observing broad smile
| upon the faces of his audience.
And what would you do with the
poor lover when he threw himself upon
your protection in that pathetic way?"
asked Thorold Would you lock him
up?"
well, no, he could hardly expect me
to take all that trouble. Besides, | am
not sure that it would be legal. My idea
would be that each member of the So
ciety should bind himself to be guided
by the instructions of his friends for a
certain length of time-say six months
Of course, they might sanction his mar
riage at once; but if they saw that he
was about to commit moral suicide they
would tell him that he mustn't see or
speak to the lady for another half year.
| When that time was up he would be free
to dash his head against brick wall if
he chose, but the chances are that the
interval afforded him for sober reflection
would be sufficient. Why shouldn't we
four make start here and now? We
seem to be pretty well agreed, and we're
none of us in love at present, are weT
Not more than usual" answered
Moreton, speaking for himself
Not the least bit in the world" an
swered Mr.. Schneider complacently.
Thorold, after brief pause, said: 81
believe may swell the chorus. Every
body knows that was engaged to my
cousin, Lady Belvoir, short time ago,
and that am not engaged to her now.
| As the affair was broken off by mutual
| consent, it may be assumed that there is
no longer any love lost between u.s."
"rm glad you mentioned that, Thor
DID," observed Lord Guise, leaning back
| in his chair and blowing a cloud of
smoke toward the ceiling. II didn't
like to cite your case without your per-
mission, though it's very much in point"
81 have no objection to your citing it;
but is it in point"
| "Well-isn't it? A more fortunate es-
cape l never heard Of Heaven forbid
that should call Sybil Belvoir suit
| able wife for any man, but of all men in
the world can't imagine one less suit
ed to be her husband than you"
"Oh, very likely" returned Thorold,
with touch of impotence. 81 don't
see how that makes mine case in point,
though. We found out our unsuitability
| for ourselves; we weren't indebted to
you or any other friend for the discov-
cry
Lord Guise smiled very slightly.
You have escaped" he said; but
you have had an uncommonly narrow
shave. What meant was that if you had
belonged to our protection society you
would never have been allowed to run
such risk Now, would either of you
| fellows-of course, this is a confidential
conversation, and what we say between
ourselves will go no farther-would
either of you have permitted Thorold
to marry Lady Belvoir?"
Rather not" exclaimed Moreton.
Mr.. Schneider was less emphatic and
more prolix; but the upshot of his re-
marks was that if he had been given
any power in the matter he really