San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-04

very seriously one day after an bour's
call from one of ner old friends VINO had
talkel, talked, talked about her babies.
Here, then, was Lottie Faucet, once the
gayest of the gay, scornful of men and
natrimony, now boastful mother in
capable of conversation bey0rd the era
die. There is some myste-y about tvs
thought the beautiful Miss Sheffield.
She was bordering this matter so
earnestly because much concerned over
another, for she was besieged by an in
defatigable lover-a prosperous, gallant,
handsome banker-who simply would
not take mo" for an answer. Miles
Powers knew women and loved Louise
Sheffield. He was bound to win her.
And he did-to the establishment of the
gossips, who held up their hands in won
der. Lulu Sheffield engaged at last!
Well, well; there is then no longer de-
pendence to be placed in woman!' They
approved the match, however, and
Louise, on her part, was as happy as
pride and victory and such love as she
was now capable of could make her.
She had taken advice, had been prudent
and judicious, and had succeeded.
At 10 she had SO much to learn; at "a
she had so much to unlearn. The dis
. ease of worldly wisdom had grown des-
perate and the appliance must be heroic.
Ruined by success, she was to be rescued
by misfortune. 1t happened Thus:
One day, shortly before that set apart
for the wedding, she learned, without
her seeking. such explicit proof of her
lovers treason and sinfulness that love
shriveled into disgust and marriage was
impossible. She indeed-the one so
sought, the very queen of hearts-to be
made a convenience, to be one Of several
to await his lordship's leisure and take
what share of his favors he might deign
to bestow! Oh, it was cruel; her shame,
her humiliation was complete! And be-
sides, what after all was the important
thing, she had loved him-loved him
truly, wholly, honestly. Her heart
might be worn, but, such as the world
had left it, it was his, and he broke it
and saved her soul! '..
When he called ON the morning after
the discoveries she received him calmly
and politely, but, shrinking from his
caresses, said: "Mr. Powers, our engage
ment is over, and it will not surprise you
to hear it if 1 say that have discovered
your real character and habits. If you
must learn more refer you to my uncle,
Col. McArdle."
81 don't understand you,T said Powers;
but shall see the colonel at once" And
to McArdle's Office he went with what
assurance he could command. He found
him busily engaged on q legal docu-
ment.
Colonel" he said, plunging at once
into his business, Miss Sheffield has
broken our engagement, and says you
can tell me the reason.
McArdie prided himself on his brew.
ity. His explanation in this instance
was made in four words. Turning
sharply around in his chair SO as to meet
his visitor face to face he said, with
frown, "Habitual and systematic hcen-
tiousness."
The two men-men of affairs, men Of
the world-stared at each other q second
or two in silence; then Mr.. Powers rose
with easy dignity and turned to go.
"Good morning, colonel" he said.
Good morning, sir, e" replied McArdle,
and resumed his writing.
1t made o great stir, of course. and
society was divided. Many took her
side at once; Others said she was hope
less hirt; that Powers never claimed to
be saint and she knew it, but wanted
an excuse to jilt lover who was no
worse than other men, and who certain
ly was in every way her match.
Four years had now passed since that
dreadful time, years of pain and bur
dens, but years that out of sorrow
brought true happiness. For time she
had to bear the averted looks of friends,
but the subsequent actions of Miles Pow
ers sool openly ratified her verdict and
justified it before the world. Hence her
popularity returned, thougrnot her de-
sire for conquest. Henceforth she was
i'll the world, but not of it. Her CHAIR
ties increased, and she became a notable
churchwoman, for she found the best re-
lief for her own bruised beart was in
healing the wounds Of others. And her
charities began at home, for McArdle
was missionary ground. The colonel
had once described himself, with his
us ial laconic accuracy Of definition, rs
~ man Of good principles and bad
habits" but of late years, and particu-
larry since the death of Mrs. Sheffield,
Ia 1877, these habits were improving,
thanks mainly to the wise and loving