San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-15


her daughter in whom he was interested,
and l believe they were some sort of dis
tant cousins of his. 1t was reported
that he thought of marrying the girl; he
was acting as her guardian, and allowed
the two an income out of his own pocket.
But when he died his will gave them
nothing not even continuance of the
allowance"
''And the will was not conteSted?"
mo. Miss Raven was sensitive I'M
der the circumstances and preferred
not"
But if he left widow how was it
that he expected to marry this young
LADY,"
That was little surprise. The mar
riage had been secret, and wasn't known
till after his death; took place in France
somewhere, believe. Yes, there were
several queer things about the case. |
should have advised following it up.
Still think tine murder was not con-
nectsd with the other questionable feat
ures. 1t stood by itself"
The widow is still living
''Oh, yes; and if I'm not mistaken she
means to play a big part in society this
winter. She has money enough, and a
good position. l wish the Ravens, poor
things, had had the half of her luck"
"Ah! and have they met with misfort-
unes, them
well, it's hard enough for man to
make his way, let alone a couple of
women. The old lady could do moth
ing, except eat and wear clothes; but
the young one had pluck, and she knew
how to draw and how to play the piano.
l advised her taking pupils, and she
jumped at the idea. got a few for her,
and she succeeded so we'll with them
that others came along. But pupils are
not to be had in summer, and she would
be fortunate to make eight hundred a
year. Luckily, / had more room than ]
needed in my house, so there was no
rent for them to pay, and they are COM
pany for my wife when I'm away"
'They are living with you, them
"At my invitation-yes. Miss Raven
insists on paying board; but"-here Tom
chuckled-I use it to buy the pictures
she puts on sale in the shops when no
one else buys th2m. I've got quite a
collection of EN-; but, bless her heart
she doesn't know it,
"You have told me an interesting
story" remarked the count, land be-
cause appreciate it will buy some of
the young lady's pictures myself. You
shall give me the name of the shop
where they are to be sold. She shall
also paint a picture to order for my
house"
That's right good of you," said Tom
heartily. shes nice girl, but de-
serves bit turn of the wheel. But beg
your pardon for getting off the track OF
the house; you happened to touch me on
a spot right over my heart. What rent
would you like to pay?"
II want to buy the house."
ITO buy it! That'll cost you some
thing. You might get it at reasonable
rent, as the house is under cloud just
now, as was telling you; but when it
comes to buying, it's another thing.
Property up there is rising, and doubt
you would buy the house for less than it
cost to build it-and that's not far off
half million"
"Who owns the house?" asked the
count.
It'll be his widow, | think-Sally
Matchin that was"
81 wish RI Sov no mora than &c naraS.
sary; but | must have the house for my
own in any case. 1t is probable may
desire to make alterations in it. And if
property becomes more valuable then
could sell it afterward perhaps"
Yes: that's true. You'll pay half a
million, then, if it's not going for less?"
You will have the power of attorney;
You can draw for whatever is needed,
said the count, buttoning up his coat.
IF you please, let it be done by tomor-
row. The season is now near, and |
wish to be at home this winter"
Every well. Here is the receipt for
the en'thousand dollars. I'll say moth
ing about thanks, but I'll do my best to
keep my end up. The power of attorney
will be at your hotel for yOur signature
this afternoon. I'll step over to Carriage
Brownies office and see about the house
before lunch, and here's the address of
the dealer where the pictures are for
sale. It's not far from your hotel"
what is your own private address,
Mr.. Bannick?' inquired the count.
1T won't be long in the place where it
is now" returned the Irishman, his eyes
twinkling, and indicating by nod of
the head the little pile of banknotes that
lay on the desk. II shall move this
week, and give my wife and our friends
the Ravens some elbow room of their
oIxr,, RIlt 1.-n chill hn han1u To 600 1.n1l