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


amuse her to ensnare: she has
Here Thorold interrupted the speaker
for the second time.
81 don't think we need go into all
that" he said
Every well; we won't. merely wish
ed to point out to you that woman who
has made herself so unpleasantly notori-
Gus can still manage to deceive even a
clever fellow like you"
Moreton said very gravely that Lady
Belvoir was downright bad lot, about
as bad as they make them" and for q
moment it looked as if Mr. Schneider
was about to express verbal concurrence
But Mr.. Schneider, upon reflection, con-
tented himself with wagging his head.
Lady Belvoir bad though she might be,
was after all leader of society, and one
should not speak evil of magnates; that
is, until one has lost all hope of being
invited to their houses
1T isn't every man." Lord Guise re-
sumed presently, who can expect to
have Thorold's luck Yesterday it was
his turn; tomorrow, my poor Schneider,
it may be yours. With your great per-
sonal and--er-financial advantages you
occupy perilous position and ought to
be very careful AS for Moreton, he is
exposed to dangers of a somewhat differ
ent kind. but not the less real on that
account. myself am not, perhaps, very
likely to fall a victim at this time of day:
still. one should never be too arrogant.
Let us, therefore, while we are still in
full possession of our senses, agree to
form square. as it were, and to stand
shoulder to shoulder and back to back
against the common foe."
Little Mr.. Schneider looked much fiat
tered. He was pleased that his social
advantages should be recognized, and
still more pleased that he should be in
vited to take any sort of engagement
upon him in such good company. He at
once signifed his willingness do as he
was requested, and Eustace Moreton fol-
lowed suit with the remark that he was
always grateful to anybody who would
take care of him. Only Thorold, whose
attention had wandered little during
the last few minutes, demurred.
what is this desperate practical joke
that you want to play upon US, Cruise"
he asked
ut isn't a practical joke at all; it's
practical earnest, and have already ex-
planned my object" answered Lord
Guise. "In case of necessity we are to
have the power of insuring each other a
breathing space of six months, that's all
Now I'll administer the form of oath
or. if you prefer it, you shall be at liberty
to affirm. Perhaps it will be sufficient
for us to bind ourselves by our honor as
gentlemen"
The smoking room was now all but
deserted, the members of the club who
had been dining there having gone away,
while those who were spending the even
ing at theatres or parties had not yet
come in. In one of the far corners a
fat man, with his hat tilted over his eyes,
was slumbering stertorously; little
nearer another was nodding over the
evening paper.
Il think" said Lord Guise, chat we
may proceed to business without fear Of
being betrayed"
Accordingly the four men drew their
chairs close together and each in turn
solemnly repeated the following formula:
Il promise upon my honor as a gen
tleman that if from this day forth l
should at any time form the intention Of
asking lady to become my wife will
at once call a meeting of this society to
consider my intention, and make such
inquiries as may be thought necessary.
also promise upon my honor as gen.
tleman that in the event of majority
of the society deciding against the lady
in question will abstain for the space
of six clear calendar months from the
date Of such decision from holding any
communication with her, whether YER
bal or written, direct or indirect"
THAT about finishes me-" observed
Eustace Moreton; 81 may now look for
ward to a lonely old age. Hitherto
have always thought that. if the worst
came to the worst, might fall back
upon the customary elderly heiress; but
now that bright vision must be dis
missed No heiress. however elderly,
could be expected to stand total deser-
ton for six months at stretch"
My dear fellow" said Lord Guise,
why should you take it for granted
that the society would decide against
the elderly heiress? For my part, if
believed her to be sensible, well con-
Quoted person, should give my vote in
her favor Our object is to promote
one another's happiness, and nobody who
knows you can doubt that you would be