San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-08

ne believed tSat should he DO so he would
have chance. Finally, with the last
sitting and possible cessation of their
intercourse in prospect, he felt that now
or never he must take a step. In the
ordinary American course of things he
should have addressed himself in the
first instance to Olympia herself. But
his pride counseled him to make an at
tack upon her guardians; that is, upon
Mrs. Raven and Harry Trent. AS re-
garded the former, however, he reflected
that she was a person of feeble charac-
ter, dominated both by her daughter and
by Trent, and that she would be sure, if
approached, to refer the suitor to that
gentleman. To Trent, therefore, he de-
cided to betake himself. If Trent &C
quicsced the posture of the affair would
be hopeful, and Darke would not be rea-
sonaOly obnoxious to the fortune hunt
ing charge.
At half-past ten o'clock on the morn
ing of the twenty-sixth of February the
studio bell rang and Olympia and her
mother entered. Keppel Darke rose from
the sofa on which he had been lying and
stood before them. His face was pale,
his hair disheveled and his eyes dry and
heavy. His expression was gloomy and
distressed. Owing to lack of sleep, a
painful emotion or some other cause, he
seemed dazed and hardly to know what
he was about. He replied to Olympia's
cheerful greeting only with a troubled
stare and an inarticulate murmur.
Il am afraid Mr.. Darke is not well,
my dear" said Mrs. Raven in an under
tone. In fact, the good lady thought he
had been acting as young men will some
times act during the night and was not
yet sober.
''ls anything the matter" demanded
Olympia, coming forward to shake hands
with him, unsuspicious of evil, at once
smiling and sympathetic. "You do
look pretty bad! Have you headache?"
He did not seem to see her outstretched
hand. Nothing is the matter" he said,
clearing his throat. I've had bad
night. Imean, I've had bad news. Ican't
so on with the portrait this morning."
Olympia, thing we had better go, "
said Mrs. Raven apprehensively.
"Eut Cousin Harry's birthday is day
after tomorrow" exclaimed Olympia.
"is the portrait isn't done today, it will
lie no use. Won't it do as it is?' And
she advanced 20 remove the veil that
hung before it.
Darke intercepted her with a gesture.
No. he said; he can't have it; he
won't want it,"
Not want my portrait" Olympia
opened her eyes.
He can't have itr repeated Darke,
almost savagely. Its mine! Let him
keep you; that's enoughr'
why, how queerly you talk, Mr..
Darke," said Olympia, eying him grave
Iy. What has happened? Aren't we
friends?"
"Oh, beg your pardon for being a
fool" returned the artist, inconsequent-
IT,"
Olympia stood silent a moment. Il
didn't think you could be so absurdp'
,she remarked, at length, and turned
| away.
Watt" said Darke, in an imperious
tone. She faced him again with flush
on her cheeks. II have been absurd" he
went on, "but now Tn done with it..
II you had told me whom you were to
marry, should never have begun it,"
Il to marry" repeated Olympia, lift
ing her head.
My dear, | am afraid Mr.. Darke is
not himself: we had better CO." inter.
posed Mrs. Raven, shifting from one
foot to the other in kind of subdued
dance of anxiety.
"Oh, it's no secret. You are to be
Mrs. Harry Trent. Yes, have it ON the
best authority" Here he dropped his
sarcastic tone and spoke with passion.
What have done that you should hui
initiate me? Do you think it joke that
IA man like me should love you? Well, a
woman may insult man, but if
Mr.. Darke, it is all mistake" she
interrupted. II have no intention of
marrying my Cousin-I never had. Who
ever told you so said what was untrue.
could not know you loved me until
you said SO yourself; but if had known
it should not consider it joke, but
| an hOnor-one"-
Olympia" cried Darke, with vibra-
ton of the voice. The expression Of his
face was entirely changed; it seemed to
radiate light and fervor. The whole
man heightened and expanded. She
met his eyes, blushing deeply. He came
a step nearer and held out his hands,
Don't let me be mistaken again" he
said, below his breath.
Our unprecedented acts are meal
crlahla Olyrnnia did NOT kno,u how IL