San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-08-20

words to contradict, even had she de-
sired TODD so. Neitherof the two seemed
to think of any others who were present.
Indeed, there was hardly time to ask or
answer questions before they had to step
out and give place to people desiring to
ascend, and then the gentleman nearly
tumbled over chair in the awkward
ness of his adieu. Mrs. Noels face was
averted rs they left the hall, but all the
more was Mrs. Lanier DESTROYS of ques-
tioning:
WHO was your friend, Mabel"
And Mabel had to turn or be ungra-
cious. 4.>r face was GLOWING as she an
sweTcl, ST.,
Capt. Lane"
An hour later GIrs. Lanier said to her
husband:
That was the man to whom she was
said to be engaged before Gordon; and
did you see her face:"
Once again they met-this time at the
entrance to the dining room; and there
Capt. Lane bowed gravely to my Sis
ter, Mrs. Lanier-Mr Lanier," when he
was presented. The lady seemed distant
and chilling. The man held out his
hand and said, I'm glad to know you,
captain. l wish you could dine with
u.s." But Lane had dined and was going
out
The third day came and no Reginald.
Expecting him every moment, Mabel de-
clined to go with her friends on a shop
ping tour. and was seated in her room
thinking when there came a tap at the
door; card for Mrs Noel, and the gen.
tleman begged to see her in the parlor
Her color heightened rs she read the
name. Her heart beat futteringly as
she descended the stairs He was stand
ing close by the door, but he took her
hand and led her to the window ut their
right.
You have news-frOm mammal she
cried. Tell me-instantly!'
Mr.. Woodrow thinks it best that you
should come, Mrs. Noel; and she has sent
for me. Reginald went directly west
last night. Will you trust yourself to
my care? and can you be ready for the
next train-in two hours
Ready! She could go instantly. Was
there no train sooner? She implored him
to tell if her mothers illness was fatal
He could only say that Mrs Vincent had
been quite suddenly seized; and yet they
hoped she would rally. Mabel wept I'M
restrainedly, rvbGailing herself bitterly
for her dilatOry journey; but she was
ready, and had gained composure when
it Vas time - &,G~t. Mrs. Lanier's fare
well was somewhat strained, but the
captain seemed to notice nothing
UnObtrusively, yet carefully, he
watched over her on the homeward way.
Tenderly he lifted her to the pavement
Of The familiar old depot, where Regy
met them. Mamma was better, but very
feeble. She wanted to see them both.
Three days the gentle spirit fingered
Thrice did the loving woman send for
Lane, and, holding his hand in hers,
whisper blessing and praverful charge as
to the future. Regy wondered what it
could al mean. Mabel, on her knees in
her own little room, pleading for her de-
voted mothers life, knew well how to
the very last that mother chung to him,
but only vaguely did she reason why.
At last the solemn moment came, and
the hush Of twilight, the placid, painless
close Of pure and gracious life Were
broken only by the sObbing of her kneel-
ing children and OF the little knot of
friends who, dearly loving, were with
her at the gate into the new and radiant
world beyond.
One soft spring evening few weeks
later Mabel stood by the window in the
old library, an open letter in her hand.
Twice had she looked at the clock upon
the mantel, aAd it was late when Fred
erick Lane appeared. Mr.. Woodrow
had unexpectedly detained him, he ex-
planned but now nothing remained but
to say good-by to her. His leave was
up. The old troop was waiting for him.
will you try to do as asked You
AMI write 10 me once in WHILE he
said.
II will Il was mothers wish" But
her heal sank lower as she spoke.
Il know" he replied. Tor almost 2
year past she had written regularly to
me, and shall miss it-more than can
say. And now-it is good-by. God
bless you, Mabel"
And still she stood, inert, passive, her
eyes dOwncast, her bosom rapidly rising
and falling under its mourning garb.
He took her hand and held it lingeringly
one minute, then turned slowly away.
At the portiere he stopped for one last
look. she was still standing there,
drOOr,inu The f9ir Iaa,1 scanned bOv-ino