San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-08-10

from other people was in her estimation
a cardinal sin; whereas | parted from
her with a still tirmer conviction that |
had chosen wisely. The calm, unselfsh
wisdom and s~teadfastness Of Mr.. Spence
seemed more indisputable to me than
ever; and in the way of companionship,
Paul Bars ~gallantries and sallies were
vastly preferable to any drawing room
Irritation.
1t was only when | thought of my ia
Their that felt any concern or doubt. |
knew that he had set his heart upon my
devoting myself to the study of practical
matters. He wished me to become cul-
tivated, but scarcely in the direction |
had chosen. What would he say if he
knew of my determination: and was it
tlial and just to let him remain in igno-
rance of it? Yet | reasoned that after
all | had made no final decision. | was
attracted, it is true, by what might be
called a visionary theory, but when |
had given the principles of moderation
further thought, | might conclude not to
devote myself to them. 1t would be
time enough later to speak Of the sub
ject. At present | was only too poorly
| prepared to present the ideas of Mr..
Spence in IN intelligent manner, and
should probably prejudice my father
against the whole system.
However, | could not refrain from a
few reflections on the apparent hostility
Of practical men to pure theory, which
after all must be the basis of all intelli-
gent action. How much nObler to help
to establish principles servlceable to hu-
mainly than to make later unconscious
use of those same principles to advance
ones own selfish interests. Why must
there needs be mutual disdain and cool
ness between those who thought and
those who acted? 1t had been easy for
me to perceive at a glance that there was
likely to be but little mutual sympathy
between my father and Mr.. Spence, and
! the consciousness grieved me.
But | did not falter in my purpose.
Mr.. Fleisch called to see me the follow
ing day and laid out an elaborate course
of study. He was to come twice a week
to examine me and give me suggestions,
! but he said that my progress was mainly
dependent on my own exertions. bought
a number of books of his selection, and
tried to devote five hours Each day to
systematic work. My tasks were largely
of a philosophical character, but poetry
and music of a restrained sort were also
| included in Mr.. Fleisch's instruction, and
he said that after the foundations were
laid | should be taught the dangers Of
extremes by studying examples CT the
overmuch and the undermuch.
AT last | was successful one day in
finding Aunt Agnes at home and alone.
1t was about a week after my visit from
| Mr.. Spence. | was disturbed at seeing
her brow contract at sight of me, but
my worst fears were realized when she
said:
II do not wonder that you have pre-
| ferred to keep away from me"
"Ol the contrary, Aunt Agnes, | have
called twice before this week"
when you knew | was out, | dare
say"
There was no answering such logic as
this.
Il seem never to 6e able to satisfy
| you" l said Dravely. had come to tell
| you that | am studying hard urler tho
| direction of Mr.. Fieis,n, a ~favorite pupil
| of Mr.. Spence, an .u doing all | can to
improve myself
"Fiddlesticks! Tel NET
But, Aunt Agnes, it is So"
Il have heard all about you. You
can't tell me anything about the matter
| don't know already. We shall hear
next of your carrying your habit of hirt-
ing into the sanctuary itself. You might
almost as well coquet with a minister Of
the holy Gospel as with him you have
selected to try your destinations N. |
might have guessed what would be the
result of introducing you to sober mind
ed people. 1t WAS none Of my work,
thank Heaven! LTcrn tia Kingsley has
herself to blame, for | heard her give
you the invitation from her own lips.
But | blush for you as my niece. No
amount Of proficiency or cleverness can
be a DalliatiDn Of voUr Behavior"
Il have been maligned, Aunt Agnes"
| cried, wiCh flashing eyes. Some one
has told you a puck of falsehoods. 1t is
not true that | have been flirting with
anybody. | have given up everything
of the kind, as I said should. Who has
been accusing he: | insist on knowing
who told YOU"
mo matter who IA Inc. My au-
thority is of the best"
Il suppose it WIS your friend Miss
Kingsley. | n@lf suspected that she
would ~misrepresent me in private"
You admit, t4en. that you are
guilty."
81 admit nothing. If. as your words
seem to imply, Miss kingsley says 1