San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-01-09

aside once more, but the low voice wa:
very tender and without one tremor as
it formed the TWO words,
"Adrien Latour!"
For single instant the color fell out
of Dale Everett's face, leaving it ashen
dull. Then the old blood that had flowed
on Roundhead battlefield and warmed
stiffening limbs on the Mayhowers deck
rose to his cheeks again, burning there
in scarlet disks. For one instant he was
silent. When he spoke there was strange
sweetness in the voice that pleaded for
anothers happiness; no trace of the bit
ter strife with his own heart, from
which was born this grand self sacrifice
"Bennie, you spoke truly when you
said we are old friends" He did not
touch her hand now, but drew nearer
the bowed form of the woman he loved,
bending over her with infinite pity.
"By that friendship and for the sake of
another almost as old, but oh, how diff
ferent, ;mplore you to forego this sim
ful purpose! Think of the sin against
the old man, against him whose love
you have confessed, more than all,
against your own soul! All, Bonnie,
misguided child as you are, your own
purity, as my judgment, must warn you
that she who weds without love is no
wife to the man she betrays! She is
only his MISTRESS
The girl recoiled, as he had struck her
with the hand that touched so tenderly
the golden hair in benson. But he went
on steadily:
when said loved you, it needed
no oath to prove my truth. But the
name you whispered binds me in honor
to the friend who trusts me wholly and
who also-loves your
Quickly the girl raised to his tear dim
med eyes, now full of wondering doubt.
Twice her lips moved as if in speech. but
no sound came from them.
Eyes, it is Gods truth" the man went
on, in his grand loyalty. II told you we
had a pact; the first who met you when
we were free was to speak. For, with
all the fervor of his southern blood,
Adrien loves you, tool"
With a low, pitiful cry, Bonnie held
out her hands eagerly; crimson flood
swept brow and cheek. Then the face
grew deadly white, the hands fell nerve
less, and with bowed head she stood
mute, as if for sentence.
Hear me, Benniel" the man pleaded.
eff you spoke truly, Adrien Latour must
be the husband of your heart, spite of
your mockery of Gods law with this old
mani"
With head bowed lower, in voice like
a distant moan, she answered.:
"How truly l spoke God knows, who
Furnishes me SOL
"Then I will go for Adrien" Dale
spoke in eager vibrance now, no longer
doubtfully. Months ago, when each
learned the others love, we made our
compact. l have spoken, and can bear
my sentence. Oh, Bonnie, do not make
it your own also! Let me tell Adrien
stand aside, that he may have his own'
What changes of hope. doubt and
despair filed the stricken girls heart az
Dale spoke, only the Searcher of all can
know. Over her pale face swept all in
setting into q stony cast of
the drawn features as the man turned to
carry out his loyal purpose. Then with
quick, imperious gesture she stopped
him, speaking with hard bitterness that
seemed to sting herself with every word:
stop, Dale Everett! What is shall
be! Am | a shuttlecock to be banded
between you, left to the chance of who
spoke first? You say sell myself? But
| refuse to be ratified by men who are
willing that first come shall be first
served! You shall not go for him
The little hands tightly clinched over
the heaving bosom: the slim foot pressed
hard upon the floor; all the light in the
girls blue eyes was of insulted pride.
Let me go!' Dale urged. DO not
risk the ruin of three lives by your blind
pride. Bonnie, think, before it is too
late!"
1T is too late" she answered, hope
lessly as bitterly; the hands pressed
harder on her heart, but the head de-
family erect. What is done cannot be
undone save by Gods will, and he
knows have not deserved all You sayr'
She turned away, paused and raised
her hand, half i'll warning, half in men
ace.
Il confided in Your honor, only to les
sen blow to you," she said coldly.
Now forbid you to breathe--so long
as we both shall live-one word of what
has passed.
On the very threshold she turned
again, red disks glowing in her cheeks.
her eyes full on the wondering ones of
her lover. But dead white lips formed
the words:
.tRememharI t1.l,stnl To Nnr,r houn,.L,,