San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-20
The BaSSctt Claim
By HENRY :. ELLIOT.

ana so she did every Dody. However,
unused the lieutenant, II think the girl
herself likes me best, and that, after all,
is the main thing" Nevertheless he vas
veXed to see Stevens taking advantage
of his opportunities as host in charge to
pay Florence the most open and partial
attentions-particularly as the young
lady seemed pleased and made no effort
to discourage or avoid him.
Thus he was concerned, but he was
not alarmed till they had started for
home and were comfortably settled down
for the ride; that was the trouble, the
part of the group in which he took such
particular interest were entirely too
comfortable.
Ostensibly the party had divided in
halves, Windward and his sister, attend
ed by Stevens, ensconced in a semi-re-
tired apartment, while Mr.. Quire was in
| distant corner wedged in by Mrs. Bas-
sett and Miss Sophia; but the lieutenant
noticed that Windward was given to ex-
cursions, and finally, to his anxiety,
young Mr.. Bassett left his sister to an
entirely unprotected tete-a-tete and join
| ed the group IN the corner. Mr. Quire
didn't like it, but he found it difficult to
| get out of his corner. Miss Sophia was
in garrulous good spirits and the Bas-
sets, mother and son, were both in their
happiest mood, AMI delightful company.
The heutenant's instincts We're not far
wrong, for in the recess Stevens and
Florence Bassett were having a serious
| and important conversation.
"Windward tells me-" said Stevens,
that he thinks of going back to New
York"
Indeed" replied Floy. II hadn't
heard of that. Why, l shall be very
sOrry."
$50 shall l." responded Stevens, be
ginning to feel faint. 81 can't bear to
think of you all leaving. Life viii be
very dull"
Not for Aladdin" said Floy, archly.
THAT was happy idea of yours" he
replied. Il really feel as if was almost
in fairyland." And then in earnest and
graphic phrase he told the story of his
life-its poverty, struggles, reverses,
hopes and failures, till now, as by verita-
BILE magic, a path to honor and wealth
lay open. 1t was an interesting tale, and
it had an attentive listener, although he
spoke of neither antres vast or anthro-
pophagi.
IF my genie only keeps good" said
Stevens, in conclusion, Il believe I've
got splendid chance"
80 do l." assented Frloy.
And then there was an awkward pause.
What an interesting night this has
BEEN" said Stevens, finally.
Very" said Floy, softly! Then an
other pause.
81 wish" gasped Stevens, "that you'd
give me one of those roses to remember
it by-Tve kept the last one you gave ME
five years."
Floy raised her gentle eyes inquiringly,
but lowered them quickly again under
his gaze.
"How SOP she asked.
why, l saved one from the bouquet
you threw me at the graduation. Please,
Miss Bassett; hope my genie isn't going
to fail me now"
She smiled rather family and seemed
i'll at ease, though not offended, and for
a moment she hesitated. Then she
plucked the choicest bud from the clus-
ter at her waist and handed it, little
nervously and with heightened color, to
her companion.
Thank you," he exclaimed, eagerly:
"Pll keep it, never fear, and can con-
jure with this charm if with anything"
"Why, Mr.. Stevensf" said Floy, look
ing down.
Eyes, there's magic in it," he went ON,
desperately; the hour of fate had come.
I'm not much now, but I'll be Aladdin
if you'll be the Princess. Yes, if my life
can have the magic of your love I'll be
anything"
ooh, dearI' exclaimed Floy with
startled look across the car to the larger
group This is such serious matter,
you know"
Serious! guess it is!' said Stevens,
all in tremble. Its all l care for in
lifer'
Here there was another pause, very
short one, but long if we count time by
heart throbs.
please let me hope" then said Stew
ems. '@Only that. l can wait; IN do
anything; only l must hope"
She raised her eyes at this and looked
kindly and sweetly at her lover.
DO you love me SO much?' she said,
wistfuIly.
'sLst me prove it; only let me prove IT"
Il don't mind" she said, shyly.
I'm so glad l can hope" he said,
hussily. eff you had said No l be