San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-01

and Self-reSpect? TO be able TO mold your
head up unabashed before your own SER
wants ? to feel that you can
actually give an order without
its being instantly countermarded?
All, my poor friends! million will not
purchase you such Joy: as long as your
fascinating fair ones are, like C8sar's
wife, above suspicion land they are gen.
orally prudent managers) so long must
you dance in their chains like the good
natured clumsy bears that you are, only
giving vent to a growl now and then, a
growl which at best only eXcites ridi-
Guile. My wife was of the true world
worldly: never had seen her real char
acter so plainly as now, when she eX-
erted herself to entertain and charm me.
l had thought her Spirituelle, ethereal,
angelic! never was there less of an angel
than she! While she talked l was quick
to observe the changes on FerrarfS
cOuntenance. He became more silent
and sullen as her brightness and
cordiality increased. / would not APP
pear aware of the growing stiffness in
demeanour; 1 continued to draw him
into the conversation, forcing him to
give opinions on various subjects con-
nected with the art of which he was pro-
fessedlv a follower. He was very
reluctant to speak at all; and when com
PEELED to do so, his remarks were curt
and almost snappish, so much that my
wife made laughing comment on his
behaviour.
"You are positively ill-tempered,
Guido !" she exclaimed, then remember
ing she had addressed him by his chris
tian name, she turned to me and added
IF always call him Guido, en- famille; you
know he is Just like brother to me-"
He looked at her and his eyes flashed
dangerously, but he was mute. Nina
was evidently pleased to see him in such
veXed mood; she delighted to pique his
pride, and as he steadily gazed at her in
a sort of reproachful wonder, she
laughed joyously. Then rising from the
table, she made US coquettish cour-
teSy.
II will leave you two gentlemen to fin
ish your wine together" she said, 81
know all men love to talk little scan
dial, and they must be alone to enjoy it.
Afterwards, will you join me in the ver-
andah? You will find coffee ready"
/ fastened to open the door for ner as
she passed out smiling; then, returning
to the table, poured out more wine for
myself and Ferrari, who sat gloomily
cycling his own reflection in the broad
polished rim of a silver fruit-diSh that
stood near him. GiaCOmo the butler had
long ago left the room: we were entirely
alone. | thought ever my plans for
moment or two; the game was as in
tereSting as a problem in chess. With
the elaboration of a prudent player l
made my next move.
"A lovely woman!' | murmured medi-
tativeIy, slipping my wine, land intelli-
gent also. admire your taste, signor!"
He started violently. "What-what
do you mean?' he demanded half fierce
ly ! stroked my mOustache and smiled
at him benevoently.
'Ah, young blood! young blood!' l
sighed, shaking my head, lit will have
its way! NV good sir, why be ashamed
of your feeling! heartily sympathize
with you: if the lady does not appreciate
the affection of so ardent and gallant
all admirer, then she is foolish indeed!
1t is not every woman who has such a
chance Of happiness"
"You think-yOu imagine that-that
I"
THAT yon are in love with her?" 1
said composedly.. MA certament! And
why not? 1t is as it should
be. Even the late Conte could
wish no fairer fate for his. lovely
widow than that she should become the
wife Of his chosen friend. Permit mo to
drink your health Success TO your
lover. And / drained my glass as |
finished speaking. Unfortunate fool!
He was completely Gisarmed; his suspic-
ions of me melted away like mist before
the morning light. His face cleared
he seized my hand and pressed it
warmly.
Forgive me, Conte," he said with re-
morseful fervOur; 81 fear have been
rude and unsociable. Your kind words
have put me right again. You will think
me a jealous mailman, but / really
fancied that you were beginning to feel
an attraction for her yourself, and actu-
ally,-(pardon me, l freely entreat Of
YOU'D actually 1 was making up my mind
to-to kill your
1 laughed quietly. "Veremente! How
very amiable of you! 1t was a good in
tention, but you know what place is
paved with similar designs?"
''Ah, Conte, it is like your generosity
to take my confession so lightly; but
assure you, for the last hour l have been
absolutely wretched!"
after the fashion of all lovers, I
suppose" nswered-''torturing your
self without necessity Well, well, it is
very amusing! My young friend, when
you come to my time Of life, you will pre-
fer the chink Of gold to the laughter
and kisses of women. How often must
l repeat to you that am a man abso-
lutely Indifferent TO the tender passion?
Believe it or not, tits true"
He drank off his wine at one gulp and
srnka with some excitement