San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-12-26

strous--nay, there even seemed to be a
sneaking disposition ON Mr. Randolphs
part to accord him at least negative
support. Mr.. Vinal, the Unitarian cler-
gyman, was in fact, from an unworthy
point of view, a tolerably inoffensive
match. He was studious, decorous and
endowed with grave and unobrusive
manners. He was not handsome, but
there was certain masculine concentra-
ton in his close set gray eyes and long
narrow chin which was not in itself I'M
pleasing.
His voice, if somewhat harsh, was
resonant and assured; and, coming as it
did from a chest apparently so incapa-
cious, produced sensation of agreeable
lssurprise 1t would have been unreason-
able not to respect the man, and churl-
ish not to feel amiably disposed toward
him; but for Beatrix it was impossible
to love him. He lived in a little white
wooden house with green blinds, close
| to the white, green blinded church. He
possessed an imposing library, in which
| was not Il single book that Beatrix could
have brought herself to read, and the
main object of his endeavors was, appar-
emily, to make all the rest of the world
think and live like himself. Moreover,
though he approved of music, he neither
knew nor cared anything about it,
Mr.. Vinal began his operations by a
private interview with Mr.. Randolph,
from which he came forth with coun-
| tenance whose serenity made Beatrixs
heart sink. The dialogue which followed
was of extreme interest to both of them.
''Have you made any plans regarding
| your immediate fature?' the minister
began, in an unembarrassed and busi-
nesslike tone. I'VE cannot doubt, you
know, that providence, in bringing this
affection upon you, has had some wise
| and mcrciful end in view. You have
talents; perhaps but for this you might
Adversely forces us out of Snr natural
idleness. and stimulates rs to use what
means we have to win our own way in
the world. Have you thought of any
thing to do?'
Beatrix's spirits rose again: he was not
thinking of marrying her after all. I've
been thinking | might give lessons on
the piano." she said. She happened to
( be seated at that instrument, and as she
spoke she let her white fingers drift down
the keyboard from bass to treble. FROM
depression to hope, from gloom to ngnr,
winding up with "a sort of interrogative
accent, as much as to say, why shouldn't
be good for something"
very right" said Mr.. Vinal; II have
nothing to object to in that; indeed l
| had intended to propose it. You could
Y also, unless the instructions OF the late
Professor Dorimar were wholly value
less'-
| What interrupted Beatrix, in a
voice which, supported as it was by a
chord sharply struck, made the minister
start in his chair. After moments
pause she said, her eyes still bright with
indignation: Professor Dorimar. who is
now in heaven, taught me more and
better things than you have ever dreamed
of! He showed me that have soul!'
Surely have done as much as that
faltered Mr.. Vinal, who was confused
by this sudden outburst.
"No. for you know nothing about it, "
said Beatrix loftily. "You have only
been told that it is so-you have read it
in books-and you repeat what you have
been told, and no doubt you think yol
believe it. But You can never know it,
continued the young lady, with fiery
emphasis on the verb because you
can't understand music"
Il intended nothing against Professor
Dorimar," protested the minister, who
was amazed and daunted by the passion
and pride that he had unawares caused
to kindle in her lovely face. 1t was
| perhaps the first time he had occasion
to observe that the spirit of the old Vir-
| ginia Randolphs-the descendants of the
cavaliers-was as naughty and untamed
in this tender hearted American girl as
in that terrible ancestor of hers who
rode with Prince Rupert.
Beatrix made no reply, but sat with
her head erect and flushed cheeks and
one hand still on the piano keys, as if
ready once more to smite terror into the
soul of her visitor should he again step
amiss. A piano, it seems, can be used
as q weapon of defense even against one
who has no comprehension of music.
What | was about to remark was
that you might teach singing as well as
| playing" said Mr.. Vinal circumspectly.
There are, believe, number of per-
sons in the village who would be willing
under the circumstances to place their
| children under your instruction"