San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-06-12

decided gesture. Even If liked him
sufficiently, which do not oh, miser-
able traitressl, l would not run the risk
of what the world would say of such a
marriage"
"How, Madame? Pardon me if l fail
to comprehend you"
"Do you not see, Conte?' she went on
in coaxing voice as of one that begged
to be believed, 'if were to marry one
that was known to have been my huS-
bands most intimate friend, society is
so wicked, people would be sure to say
that there had been something between
us before my husbands death-I know
they would, and l could not endure such
slander!''
Murder will out" they say Here
was guilt partially declaring itself. A
perfectly innocent woman could not
foresee so readily the condemnation Of
society. Not having the knowledge of
evil she would be unable to calculate
betrays herself; the fine lady who virtu-
ously Shudders at the sight of nude
statue or picture, announces at once to
all whom it may concern, that there is
something far coarser in the suggestions
of her own mind than the work of art
she condemns. Absolute purity has no
fear of social SANDER; it knows its own
value, and that it must conquer in the
end. My wife-alas! that / should
call her so-was innately vicious and
false; yet how particular she was in her
efforts to secure the blind worlds good
opinion! Poor old world how ex-
quisitely it is fooled, and how good
naturally it accepts it's fooling. But 1
had to answer the fair liar, whose net of
graceful receptions was now spread to en-
trap me; therefore said with an effort at
courtesy ...... ....
! mo one would dare to SANDER you,
Contessa, in my presence" She bowed
and smiled prettily. "But," l went on;
''if it is true that you have no liking for
Signor Ferrari-" Experimentation. ... ..
sit is true!" she exclaimed with sud.
den emphasis. "He is rough and i'll
hammered; have seen him the worse
for wine; sometimes he is insufferable.
am afraid of him!"
1 glanced at her quietly. Her face
had paled, and her hands, which were
busted with some silken embroidery,
trembled little
"In that case" l continued slowly,
''though | am sorry for Ferrari. poor
fellow! he will be immensely disappoint-
ed. / confess / am glad in other re-
spects, because"
because what?" she demanded Gag
erly.
| "Why,"I answered. feigning little
embarrassment, "because there will be
more chance for other men who may
90 ka Of he
plished and beautiful Contessa Romani."
She shook her fair head slightly. A
transient expression of disappointment
passed over her features.
The other men you speak of, Conte,
are not likely to indulge in such an am
bition," she said, with faint sigh;
more especially" and her eyes flashed
Indignantly, ''since Signor Ferrari
thinks it his duty to mount guard over
me. l suppose he wishes to keep me for
himself-a most impertinent and foolish
notion! There is only one thing to do
1 shall leave Naples before he returns"
"Why?" l asked.
She flushed deeply. II wish to avoid
him." she said after a little pause; II
| tell you frankly, he has lately given me
much cause for annoyance. l will not
be prosecuted by his attentions; and as
before said to you, l am often afraid of
him. Under your protection l know
am quite safe, but Icannot always enjoy
| that. =. ....
The moment had come. l advanced a
step or two.
why not?" said. 1T rests entirely
with yourself" .
She started and half rose from her
chair,--her work dropped from her
hands.
What do you mean, Conte?" she fall
tered half timdly, yet anxiously; 81 do
not understand!' ... ..
81 mean what say" / continued in
cool hard tones, and STOPPING, picked
up her work and restored it
to her; ''but pray do not excite
yourself. You say you cannot
always enjoy my protection; it seems to
me that you can-by becoming my wife. "
"Conte!" she stammered. l held up
my hand as a sign to her to be silent.
81 am perfectly aware" i went on in
business-like accents, ''of the disparity
in years that exists between us. / have
neither youth, health nor good looks to
recommend me to you. Trouble and
bitter disappointment have made me
what / am. But have wealth which
is almost Inexhaustible-I have position
and influence-and besides these things,
and here / looked at her steadily, 81
have an ardent desire to do justice to
your admirable qualities, and to give
you all you deserve. II you think you
could be happy with me, speak frankly,
i cannot offer you the passionate
alteration of young NANNY blood is
cold and my pulses slow-but what can
do will.
Having spoken thus, was silent, -
gazing at her intently. She paled and
flushed alternately, and seemed for a