San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-10-09

matter of course. That was what she
always proposed to do and always did
with each fresh male acquaintance. But
in his case she was influenced by a half
formed Interior motive.
HE might do" she unused. ''If he is
really as rich as they say he is he might
possibly do"
The truth was that Lady Belvoir's
financial position WIS far from satisfac-
tory. For some time past she had been
living considerably Jeyond her income,
and there were morleats when she felt
seriously alarmed about the future
At such moments she naturally con-
templated putting herself up for sale, so
that she was prepared to give Mr..
Schneider the chance of offering the
very high price which she was entitled
to demand. There are many different
ways of being proud Lady Belvoir's
pride of birth (she had no pride of any
other kind took the form of almost total
indifference with regard to what is gen.
orally considered the important question
of alliances. There was very little blood
in England as good as hers, and her
view was that if she had to stoop at all
she would incur no great additional OBJ
loquy by STOPPING as low as Schneider
She was woman of exceedingly quick
perceptions, and before she had ex-
changed half dozen words with the lit
tie man, who addressed her with that
kind of shyness which displays itself in
an affectation of exaggerated ease, she
knew exactly how to treat him. She
drew aside her dress so as to make room
for him in a corner of the sofa upon
which she was seated
"Of course you don't want to dancer
she said This is one of the few Lon !
don rooms that are fit to dance in; but
tonight there is far too much of a.
squash Are you coming to their little
dance on the l7th:' 1
NO, don't think So" answered
Schneider hesitatingly; for indeed hes
feared that he would have the best of all ,
reasons for being absent from that en-
tertainment.
Not good enough? Well. must sayS
think it is rather too bad of you all \
Your idea seems to be that society isl
bound to provide amusement for you,
and yet you won't make the smallestS
sacrifice for the benefit of society If they
smart young men refuse to dance ballsl
can't be given"
"Oh, ! don't refuse to dance; only
sometimes it's pleasanter to sit still and I
talk. don't you think so?" said Schneider,
immensely delighted at being called al
smart young man.
"Yes. but dutyis very seldom pleasant,
and you have duties. though you declineI
to recognize them. However, won't
make you dance this evening What an
unfortunate business this is about the
duchess, isn't it?"
Schneider. not having the faintest ideal
what duchess was alluded to or what
the unfortunate business was. waggedy
his head and looked solemn.
"Of course" Lady Belvoir went on.
you think she has only herself to blame
That is what men always think, but it is |
very unfair and v Fry untrue. The factN
is that you scarcely ever hear the truth |
Take the case of Lady -, for instance 1
know you won't allow that there can
be any excuse for her, and / admit that
she has made fool of herself, yet iDl
reality she has been a great deal mores
sinned against than shining"
She went on for some time in this way /
discussing the frailties Of high person
ages and the scandals connected with
their names Schneider did not know
at all what she was talking about, but
he was beyond measure pleased by her
taking it for granted thai he was con l
versant with all the little tattle of hei
set, AMI he did not disclaim the severely
critica! attitude with which she chose to
credit him.
Really" she said at length, I'VE areE
not so black as we are painted. Whya
won't you" she continued, in almost
pleading accents, try to Judge of us for
yourself instead of believing all you
hear about us?'
But ! assure you don't believe all IH
hear" protested Schneider eagerly and
he thought he might venture to add, lat
any rate, shan't believe what | hearl
about you in future, Lady Belvoir."
"Oh, you don't expect to lear much
good then" she returned, laughing /
you haven't heard any from Lord
Guise, at all events: I'm quite sure Of
that"
As an honest and ingenious mani
Schneider felt quite unable to say that
he had; but he remarked with engaging
gracefulness that he should always be
deeply indebted to Lord Guise for thei
intrndnctinn with which ha had haanA