San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-09-21

the time Clrcllng around, without ever |
quite reaching, the one memory which |
of all others was bitterest to him. He
tried from every direction to pave the |
way for a fun confession; but whenever
he neared the point Colonel Chenier
would brighten him away by some indi-
cation of resentfulness.
Julian's training as a lawyer had
taught him the art of approaching a point
by every manner of indirection and cir
cumlOcutory device. He tried to edu-
cate Colonel Chenier by gradual APP
proaches, so that finally the strange and
ugly truth, when it should be disclosed.
would not excite any undue passion. He
was patient. and he strove to be both
wise and cunning. Of course Colonel
Chenier did not dream of Julian's object.
But all the same 4e was quite refractory;
he refused to be educated up to Julian's
notion Of what was pardonable on the
score Of being military necessity or the
legitimate result of the excitement and
prejudice of civil war. He was south
erner of the old school-a believer in the
antebellum past, worshiper of chivalry
and the Lost Cause, a good hater of in
novation. His pride went on high, old
fashioned stills, from which it would not
come down for anything. When at last
Julian did disclose his secret it was with
all the heroic swiftness and mercilessness
of surgical operation.
Colonel Chenier," he said, Il am 60
ing to be we'll before long, and then
suppose shall have to go back to Chi
cago. feel that ought to say to you
before | go that love your daughter
Rosalie and desire to marry her."
Colonel Chenier looked grave, and did
not reply at once He was not taken by
surprise, but the matter was of such
vast import that in his judgment it
ought to be proceeded with slowly.
Have you Rosalie's CONSENT" he at
last very deliberately inquired.
Julian moved painfully upon his boil
sters, and thus gained time to consider
of his answer: but n could frame no
evasive phrase; he simply said:
No, but | hope to get it."
Colonel Chenier smiled grimly.
Girls are very uncertain, sir; very
uncertain Perhaps would better re-
serve consideration of the question until
you axe sure.
NO" responded Julian quickly, that
is Just what do not want you to do.
am sure, from reasons of my own, that
| ought to know, before speak further
to her, how you would regard my mar
rage with your daughter.
Il regard you very highly, sir" said
Colonel Chenier, and, so far as | am
concerned, should be proud to call you
my son. 1t is for Rosalie herself to de-
eide the matter"
g. -
Julian lay for few delicious minutes
reveling in the exquisite charm Of this
announcement, forgetful for the time of
all that lay between him and his hearts
desire. Since his accident ne had spent
most of his waking hours, when alone,
in thinking of Rosalie and conjuring up
Thousand absurd reasons for her
strange elusiveneSs Sometimes he
caught the sound of her voice coming
from other rooms as she went about the
house. She sent flowers to him every
day. but as yet she had not come to see
him. though Adelaide often had
II am glad you are not against me,
he presently said: Il have been dreading
YOU terribly .dreading you. 1t seemed
to me so probable that you would oppose
me-so natural that you would not like
to have your daughter marry IA
marry one of Shermans men,"
Colonel Chenier had been looking out
of the window which opened near Jul
lians couch; he now turned his eyes
upon the young mans face, and in a
tone of warm good fellowship said:
II am a southerner, sir, but hope |
am no fanatic Why should object to
you on the ground that you We're on the
other SIDE: The war is over and that is
sue is settled forever. A soldier. sir,
honors those who honorably fought
him"
1T IS doubiv noble in you to talk like
this. Colonel Chenier" exclaimed Julian,
when personally yon have suffered
so much. Your home burned up, your
fortune torn from YOU and your ply
sique wrecked; and then your dead sons
and
Colonel Chenier interrupted him with
a gesture of command and said:
"All that fell from the hand of fate.
War is calamity. hold no grudge. |
Let the dead past bury its dead"
Can you make that sentiment good, |
Colonel Chenier: Can you bear up
against every temptation to hold a
grudge?" said Julian, trembling as he
spoke.
Yes, sir, should call it unmanly to |
rake over the embers of the war now to |
or,,n 81 e. r,nrrnnnl r,,;tn | hnrn | n,nn an u |