San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-20

mas saved nan. But l am not to know
it-for my sake. The disparity in our
years, our relations, the pain of dlsclos-
ure, my embarrassment, the claim it
would give him. the danger of gratitude
spec ing for loye-au these reasons shut
his iron lips; and, because he Is truly
magnanimous, he win carry his secret
with him to the grave, unless
There was the point. Louise slept lit
tie that night for thinking of that mo-
mentous unless" Nor did the morning
bring a solution. But as the day wore
on she found one alternative outlining it
self-they should still be as they had
been, or closer; the truth should not sep
arate them.
To get thus Tar was progress, and gave
her standpoint on which she could
meet her benef&cGor with the grace and
outward calm, if not the peace, of yore.
The rest could be poStponed; and, as it
happened, she had not long to wait.
That night as-after boiling the world
out-they drew up before the open fire
ON the hearth, for the happiest hour of
the day, the colonel seemed strangely
nervous and i'll at ease. For a time he
sat silently watching the prancing flames;
then turning suddenly toward Louise he
said, gently, but III his frmest manner:
Louise, you will be thirty in March.
think you ought to marry"
What did he mean! Her heart began
to throb quickly and unsteadily. She
could not speak or look at MIN. But if
he noticed her confusion he did not
choose 10 heed it, ami cor timed
professionalism offers no career for a
female celibate. Individual cases there
may be of spinsters who have chosen a
single life and found satisfaction in it.
But don't think you would, especially,
if may say so, after my death.
Louise, who hung breathleSs upon his
words, now legNn to perceive their drift.
He went on:
Il think you ought to marry. adj
wise you to marry. And, Louise, recog-
nize that am, in this cornselling against
myself. | assume that the marriage
would be n wise aud happy one: that
means you would love your husband;
that mean | should lose YOU"
And | you!" exclaimed Louise, i'm
pulsiveIv, drawing nearer to the colonel.
Uncle, l shall never leave you!"
mo, no. he reph"d calm, but so only
by visible effort. No, you must not
say that, dear! Nc, you don't lose me;
that is different. No, | want you to
marry; to taste the sweetest joys and
the finest COrrows of life. I've read that
in Corea The male human being no IS
unmarried is never called ma, "a =
ever his eye. That is right, and y. u.,,,.-
riage is even more to the woman than
the man"
LAS to persons" he continued, Il
shouldn't think of advising, though I
should hope TO have your confidence.
But | have been thinking of this young
Mr.. Bassett. lie is handsome, honest,
agreeable man, about your own age
"Oh, don't uncle." she interrupted.
Very we'll, Louise" he said; Il see
l pain you. Let il rest there for the
present, aud let your heart be your guide.
Fortunately you are Independent. You
inherited some money, and may as well
say now that at my death my property
will continue to be yours"
"You good, kind, noble man!' ex-
claimed Louise, her eyes brimful of
tears. And yet you would drive me
away
For Your good, Louise"
Uncle, | shall never leave ~~rt" she
cried, with passionate ear.leotaes5.
Never You are everything to me,
and you shall be always, and if you die
first, which heaven forbid! I'll hove your
memory alone!'
"Why, my child" said the colonel,
his own eyes filling, this is extrwa-
gance."
Listen" exclaimed Louise. Lately
by accident-no, by the blessed provi-
dence o; God-I learned a secret. Ny
darling. noble benefactor and friend,
how can l thank you for your life long
kindness to a poor, homeless, friendless
waifr'
The colonel stared at her IN conster-
nation. "WnaL Is this you say? he
gasped; and as l.e spoke suddenly an
ominous change came in his face; his
cheeks and lips grew pale, his features
became rigid, his eyes shone with an I'M
natural brilliancy, and with stified
groan of pain he pressed his hand upon
his heart.
Louise was at his side in an instant.
BE calmw she cried, herself as white as
death. "Be happy; it is well. Calm
yourself. Live! Live for me!7 and,
stopping, she printed a kiss of love on
those firm, cold lips.
The vial!' he said.
She flew to the desk and snatched