San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-08-18
A Romantic Young Lady
BY GEORGE GRANT.

favorable. But much preferred to de-
fer any definite proposal: and according
Iy, with all the tact at my command,
tried to avoid giving him an opportunity
of being left alone with me for any
length of time. without making it notice
able to him. Finally, as he seemed
likely to become unmanageabe despite
my precautions, and as he put off again
and again his day of departure, re-
solved to take refuge in fight.
When communicated this to Aunt
Helen she said was crazy. The idea of
returning home just on the eve of real
ization seemed to her preposterous; she
would not hear of it. But was equally
fir" and announced my intention of
leaving On the morrow
But before went wished TO have One
more glimpse of the condition of the bank
ing house of Francis Prime and Com
pany, and in order to make my scrutiny
as thorough as possible planned not to
close look at my hero, and this seemed
most feasible when he was leaving the
office for the day. At that time there
would be little likelihood of any one
noticing me if | stood by the door as he
came out.
The afternoon passed without Incl
dent, save that | saw the Honorable
Ernest Ferroll go into Mr.. Dale's Office,
where he remained some time. He hap
pened to meet me face to face on the
street, but justly had acquired by this
time complete faith in my disguise. He
betrayed no sign of recognition, and the
flush that rose to my cheeks was badge
of quite unnecessary alarm. The hours
slipped by and the street grew still. The
gas was lighted in the inner offices, and
few but clerks, figuring up the profits or
losses of the day, were left down town
1t was getting dark, and ! was growing
impatient. sat down in the doorway
of the building next adjoining to rest,
| had purposely made myself look as
dilapidated as possible, and the natural
presumption in the mind of any one
would have been that | was friendless
and needy, for felt tired enough to
make weary air very natural at the
moment.
As it CHANGED, my old enemy the po-
liceman came sauntering by, and his
cold eye fell on me with chilling scru-
tiny. He stopped and said:
Didn't tell you to move on, young
vo.nan?' We don't went the likes of
you loafing about here"
II am tired and resting. am wait
ing for some one" answered, too much
alarmed to take much account of my
words.
Yes, | dare say He's forgotten to
keep his engagement, and has gone
home for the day. He asked me himself
to tell you so, Come, move on, and
don't let me see you hanging around
any more, or I'll find an engagement
for you that will last sixty days. Come,
marchr'
SIR exclaimed in tone of indig-
nation, having partially recovered my
presence of mind, what right have you
to insult lady? tell you have bust
ness here If you don't instantly leave
NE will have you discharged tomor-
row."
DO, my beauty! and lest you should
oversleep yourself in the morning and
not be ON hand to keep your word, come
with me now"
He reached out his hand to seize me
by the arm, and all my fears returned.
But at that instant heard a voice, and
to my mingled relief and CONSERVATION
the face of Francis Prime appeared over
my tormentor's shoulder.
What is the matter, officer"
Nothing, your honor, except this here
young woman. She's for reporting ME,
she is, and losing me my situation. But
as happen to have seen her congregat-
ing by herself mostly every day for the
past fortnight around these offices, /
thought I'd run her i'll rs disreputable
lot, and we'd see who's who.
"Oh, sir!-Mr Primer cried, forget
ting my discretion in the excitement of
the moment, don't let him take me off!
What he says isn't true. I'm lady
that is, poor girl who's perfectly hon
est, and is trying to earn her living.
"A nice lady you are, trying to lose
Woodworking folks their situationsr
You called me by name" said Mr..
Prime. DO you know me? Come here,
Ike!'' The dog was shifting around my
feet.
Yes, sir-no-that is, have seen you
come out of your Office" $780,.
He looked at me searchingly and
turned to the policeman. "What was
she doing when you arrested herr"
Indeed, sir" broke in, II was mere
ly sitting here resting myself. when this
this man spoke to me. was doing
nothing wrong"