San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-09-13

ed, taking it from her. "The crescent was
wrapped in it, and will put it round
it again. All these stones want polish
ing, and many of them resetting. They
ought not to be tumbled together this
way in bag, with nothing to prevent
them scratching each other. See, Ralph,
here is a clasp broken, and here are
some loose stones, and this star has no
clasp at all. You must take them up to
some trustworthy jeweler and have
them thoroughly looked over"
cially mentioned, Middleton said
Charles, as l drew back to let the rest
handle and admire.
"Of course" said Lady Mary sharply;
'"and very fortunate thing, too"
"Very-for Ralph" he replied. 1T is
really providential thai am what am
Why, might have ruined the dear
boys prospects if l had paid my tailor's
bill, and lived in the country among the
buttercups and daisies. All, my dear
aunt, as see you are about to remark
how all things here below work together
for good"
81 was not going to remark anything
of the kind" retorted Lady Mary, draw
ing herself up; but" she added spite
fully, II do not feel the less rejoiced at
Ralph's good fortune and prosperity
when l see, as often do, the ungodly
fourishing like a green bay tree"
"Of course" said Charles, shaking his
haal EIif tbot iS yO,,r pyI-,, I
bow before it. But for my own part
must confess l have not found it so.
Flourish like green bay tree! No, Aunt
Mary, it is fallacy. They don't. am
sure I only wish they did. But I see the
rehearsal is beginning. May | give you
an arm to the hall?'
The offer was entirely disregarded,
and it was with the help of mine that
Lady Mary retired from an unequal
combat, which she never seemed able to
resist provoking anew, and in which she
was invariably worsted, causing her, as
could see, to regard Charles with the
concentrated bitterness of which Sc
verely good woman alone is capable.
Isoon perceived that Charles was on
the same amicable terms with his IA
Their, that they rarely spoke, and that it
was evidently only with view to keep
ing up appearances that he was ever in
vited to the paternal roof at all. Be-
tween the brothers, however, in spite OF
so much to estrange them, a certain
indliness of feeling seemed to exist
which was hardly to have been expected
under the circumstances.
The rehearsal now began, and Sir
George Danvers, who had remained be-
hind to put by the jewels, and lock them
up in his strong box among his papers,
came and sat down by me, again thank
ing me for taking charge Of them, though
| assured him it had been very little
trouble.
Not much trouble, perhaps, but
great responsibility" he said courte-
ously.
"a soldier, Sir George" 1 replied, with
slight smile, becomes early Injured to
the gravest responsibility. 1t is the air
we breathe; it is taken as a matter of
course"
He looked keenly at me, and was 81
lent, as if considering something-per-
haps what had said.
was delighted to find the play was
one of those which l had seen acted dur
ing our passage home. There is nothing
like so much as knowing play before
hand, because then oae can always
whisper to ones companion what is
coming next. The stage, with all Its
adjustments, had been carefully ar
ranged, the footlights were lighted, the
piece began. All went well till nearly
the end of the first act, when there was
a cry behind the scenes of, Mr.. Denis"
Mr.. Denis should have rushed on, but
Mr.. Denis did not rush on. The play
stopped. Mr.. Denis was not in the IL
brary, the improvised greenroom; Mr..
Denis did not appear when his name
was called in stentOrian tones by Ralph,
or in pathetic falsettO by Charles. In
short, Mr.. Denis was not forthcoming.
A rush upstairs on the part of most of
the young men brought to light the aw-
full fact that Mr. Denis had retired to
his chamber prey to sudden and acute
indisposition.
Dear me-" said Charles to Lady Mary,
with a dismal shake of his head, chow
precarious is life! Here today and in
bed tomorrow. Support your Aunt
Mary, my dear Evelyn. She wishes to
retire to rest. Indeed we may as well
all go to bed, for there will be no more
acting tonight without poor Denis. l
only trust he may be spared to us till to-