San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-11-16
I in having found sucn a..

was studying law, having no military pro-
clivities, and thinking legal knowledge
would be useful in managing the family
estate, which was by no means flOurishing
under his fathers munifccnt rule
''Bertie! | never dreamed of meeting
yOu," as though the ban which had fallen
on her had been "banishment"-that an
encounter between two inhabitants of the
same town had been thereby rendered i'm
possible.
Nor did I. thought you had emigrat-
ed, or been sent to penitentiary, or some
such thing. You see, when anyone drops
out of sight in London, it is such drop in
the ocean, that he or she leaves no trace
behind l am quite glad to see you. Come,
tell me all about yourself. Eyy has wept
gallons over you. She wanted 10 write,
and the Lord knows what, but my mother
strictly forbade her. You are an awful
black sheep, You know-a lost mutton"
"Of course am" said Mona, smiling.
She understood her Cousins dry bluntness.
But you must acknowledge | have kept
out of sight and not troubled you"
"Yes, it is quite true. Now have met
you, am amazed to find your still exist.
How have you managed it, Mona?"
why trouble about details? | exist,
and want Nottingham is enough. Now,
tell me some news. How is your dear
mother? She was always so goOdr'
she is exceedingly flourishing and busy.
for Evelyn is going to be married-very
good match-to Lord Finistoun. He is
pleasant, easy-going fellow-rather an ass,
but that will suit Evy. She hasn't much
brains herself"
She has sense enough not to think she
has all the brains of the family, as you do,
BERTHE"
Yes, do, and am no great things af-
ter all. Your troubles have not taken the
sharp edge off your tongue, Miss JosCelyn,"
he said, laughing.
"There is no Miss Joscelyn now. have
resumed my poor fathers name. II is
more suited to my fortunes and fancy"
by Jove. And what is it? Craig? I'm.
1t was queer notion of Mrs. Newburgh'S
to suppress it. | suppose you haven't heard
or seen anything of Waring?"
mo; of course not
Nor anyone else either! Can't think
what's become of him. Some one did say
he was training colt Tor the Derby /
utEt SLY liz 10 SlttNl CllONiSh bON tilttO NON
have broke with him. Can't understand
why men marry!-must be an awful bore"
81 have no doubt he is obliged to me-"
"And you are deucedly sorry you gave
him the chance, ehE'
you would not believe me if Idenied it."
We'll, no, | would not, though you are
a rum sort of girl, Mona. | always
liked you. You say what you think, and
you held your own with that grandmother
of yours, who was as big tyrant as have
met. You are a fool, too in many ways
ready to cut your own throat for an idea;
but there's something taking about you.
/ never thought St. John Lisle would lose
his head as he did on your account. l had
letter from him some time agO-asked
why he had not seen your marriage an
nounced-asked 1t in pOstsCript-alw
a bad sign of womanish weakness. Where
do you live, for Heavens sake? We must
be approaching the far west"
DO not come any further, Bertie-you
will die of fatigue"
mo, will not, but you will, if it's a few
miles further out; let me secure cab, be-
fore we leave the hauntS of civilization be-
hind us"
81 think ten minutes more will bring us
to our destination; but to copy your own
amiable candor, would rather you did not
come"
"Ah, but will. l am determined, to
see your lair"
well, | cannot prevent you, but | do
not want YOU" rejOined Mona.
In few minutes they reached Nine.
Debrisay's abode, and on opening the door
that individual was discovered resting in
an armchair beside table set for tea.
Her bonnet lay on the floor beside her, and
her thick and undeniably disOrdered black
hair was uncovered.
This is BERTHE Everard," said Mona,
quietly; "Evelyn's brother"
Very pleased to see him, Pm sure, " said
madame, rising bravely to face the intru-
der, and not deigning to pick up her bon
net. "YOur sister was one of my most
charming pupils
"Oh, indeedn returned Everard. 81
should not have thought it,"
And You find your sweet cousin looking
we'll! | have done my best to take care of
her"
My cousin?" elevating his eyebrows.
"Can you tell me the exact degree, Mona?
first, second, twenty-fifth?"
ooh! a cousin removed to the vanishing
point of relationship. have not the faint
est wish to claim you, BERTHE"
REALLY, Mona, my dear, that is not the
retOrt courteous"
IF you knew Mr.. Everard better, dear
madame Debrisay you would know that
he despises courtesy in himself and others. "
"Ionly hate shams, " said BERTHE, frankly.
''Let me offer you a cup of tea" said
Nine. Debrisay, rather scandalized.
"Thank you; | shall be glad of it, after
our long, dusty walk. Really, it's not so
bad, now we have got here" looking round |
with visible examination. at is a better
L. I'LL