San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-08-04
nothing OF r7- III. '''-


cut adrift from the Objectionable asso-
Citations you have formed during the
past few months. With fresh start,
and surroundings calculated to inspire
in you desire for self improvement, it
will not be too late to hope for better
things | have every confidence in the.
natural stability of your character if
you are once put upon the right track.
blame your advisers more than blame
you.
| listened to her words with some dis
quietude. | had never crossed the At
lantic, and at any ordinary time would
have jumped at the chance. But had
already other plans in store for the sum-
mer that did not feel prepared to re-
linquish, even for the pleasure of a trip
to Europe.
at is very kind of you to think of
me" said.
mo, it isn't. It's only natural" she
answered shortly. You are my broth
er's child, and let alone any affection l
may have for you, it is my duty to save
you from harm if can"
WHO else is going?" | asked out of
sheer cowardice, for had already made
up my mind to decline the invitation
Who else? Nobody If woman of
my age has not learned to travel with
out an escort, it is time she did | sup
pose that's what you're driving at. Well,
what do you say? Go, or remain at
home as you like. Only shall regard it
as a choice once and for ALL"
Aunt Agnes" | answered, with an
endeavor to express in my tone and
manner the affection and gratitude
felt, II thank you with all my heart for
your kindness. Whatever you may say,
it was extremely kind of you to offer to
take me abroad with you, and | wish
could 60"
What is there to prevent you going%
she inquired sharply
hesitated an instant and then boldly
spoke the truth, though knew it would
operate like two edged sword:
Il have already promised to spend the
summer at Tinber's Reach with Aunt
Helen, and she would be disappointed if
failed her at the last moment, for all
her plans are made on that understand
ing"
"Ah! That is it," she replied, with
bitter calmness. Very well, disclaim
all further responsibility. You act with
your eyes open and must take the con-
sequences"
There was so much pain and concern
in her expression that for an instant l
hesitated, and thought Of changing my
mind went to her and knelt down
| beside her chair.
Aunt Agnes, you must not talk so. l
love you as dearly as love Aunt Helen;
and if had not promised to spend the
summer with her | should be delighted
| to go with you. Do not repulse me.
have so few relatives to care for me, and
| shall be very unhappy if you so away
| angry
But she refused to be Modified. She
did not scold me, and she coldly suffered
Inc to embrace her at parting; but her
air was more grim than | had ever seen
it, and was conscious of having wound
ed her deeply.
Perhaps it is needless to say that Mr.
Dale was at the bottom of my decision.
A few weeks previous had confided to
him that Aunt Helen had invited me to
spend the summer with her at her new
cottage at Tinker's Reach. He assured
me that there were few more charming
spots, that it was favorIte resort of his
own, and that he himself proposed to
pass his vacation there. Naturally, l
felt bound to a certain extent after this
to go torTinker's Reach. Indeed, | was
eagerly looking forward to a continu-
ance of our friendship under such happy
auspices
When | had spoken to Mr.. Dale re-
garding his business he replied, as have
already Stated, that it was "wool." But
noticed he was brief, and his manner
did not encourage me to ask further
questions. | ascribed his reserve to
modesty, or the proper reluctance some
people have to talk of private affairs
that in no way concern the interrogation.
This impression was heightened by the
Investigations which | quietly made in
regard to the point, feeling that though
| could not admit the possibility of a
doubt even in regard to his business
sagacity, it was well to have evidence
with which to rebuff the insinuatiOns of
my family. Every one of the young
men whom | questioned regarding Mr..
Dales prospects assured me that he was
doing very well, and attended his Office
daily.
This was pleasant tidings, and encour-
aged me to speak to him of the matter
| had at heart With all my tendency
toromancea and Indifference to the opinion
of others, | realized that it must be
delicately handled. | must not seem to