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

~V/V
"A am pery anxious TO understand your
system. prGcttcduM",
doubtless d host of neighbors who lived
in the same manner, but they were a
class with whom | was wholly unac,
quainted Miss Kingsleys rooms were
in the top story, where, as reflected, she
could enjoy fresh air and escape the ever
lasting tinkling of the horse cars and
rattle of vehicles in the street below.
She opened the door herself, and her
face assumed its most radiant expression
as she recognized me.
This is too delightful, Miss Harlanw
found myself face to face with sew
sral people whom she fastened to intro
duce. The only familiar name was that
of Mr.. Paul Barr, which instantly rec
objected to have seen on the dedicatory
page of Mr.. Spence's volume of poems.
The inscription read, To my souls
brother, Paul Barr" and hence gazed
at the stranger with interest.
From Mr.. Barr got the impression of
a handsome but disheveled looking man
Of large stature, with a coal black beard
and piercing eyes, which he bent upon
me ardently as he bowed his figure in
what might well be styled a profound
and lavish obeisance. He wore a vel
veteen coat and a large cherry necktie,
the flowing ends of which added to his
general air of disorder. The other names
to which gave slight heed, for their
owners were not especially significant in
appearance-were Mr.. Fleisch, a short,
small German with eyeglasses, and Mrs.
Marsh. fat, genial matron of five-and-
forty.
All this took in at glance, for Miss
Kingsley conducted me to her boudoir
las she called it) to lay aside my wraps.
Has he not soulful eyesY' she asked
"Who?" said |. though knew to whom
she must refer
"Mr. Barr"
What is he?" said l.
"A Bohemian, dear" she replied, in a
tone of satisfaction.
Really"
had long wished to meet a member of
that mysterious brotherhood, of which
of course had heard and read.
Yes. He is poet painter, and great
friend of Mr.. Spence. Have you never
seen his pictures2 Even Mr.. Spence ad-
mits that they possess the abandon of
genius, although he disapproves of aban-
don. Their views today are totally dis
similar. but yet their friendship is SYM
pathetic as ever. Is it not inspiring
Mr.. Spence is coming, hope?"
"Oh, yes. | expect him every moment,
and have made Mr.. Barr promise to
get him to give us an exposition Not
knowing how you might feel, Virginia
may call you Virginia? 1t seems so
much more natural after having heard
your aunt always speak of you in that
way. Thank you, dear And if you will
call me Lucretia shall feel much flatter-
ed-not knowing how you might feel
about coming where there was nomatron,
asked Mrs. Marsh to join us. We do
not regard it of Importance, and you will
not little later; but just at first it is
perhaps as we'll Do you know Mr..
Fleisch by reputation? He plays with
artistic charm, rare even in this musical
epoch He is a follower of Mr.. Spence,
and is seeking to apply his principles of
moderation to music with striking sue
cess. All! you must excuse ME, dear, it
is his knock.
understood that she referred to Mr.
Spence, and | waited an instant to put
finishing touch to my toilet before fol
lowing her into the other room. For !
had still something of the old Adam, or
rather of the old Eve, left in me: so that
J must confess my eagerness for culture
was not without spice of coquetry.
half unconscious though it were.
Mr.. Spence, from his appearance, was
fairly entitled to be called moderation
list. He had nothing of the splendid
savagery of Mr.. Paul Barr, whose luxuri-
ant and matted head of hair now struck
my attention, nor the studentlike insig-
nifcauce of Mr.. Fleisch. He was neither
tall nor short. stout nor inadequately
spare: and he was in evening dress like
anybody else. Had met him without
knowing who he was, should never
have imagined him a celebrity. This
was my first impression, but a second
look at his face revealed firm though
thin lips, and small, nervous eyes that
were full of fire when in movement. 1t
was not, however, until heard him speak
that | recovered from my disappoint-
ment BE it So" was all he said in
reply to some remark addressed to him;
but the enunciation of the words was so
musical, so soft and winning, yet so clear
and authoritative, that was spellbound
for an instant ?pd quite lost my com