San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-08-12


fered on many subjects, we have been
friends. But after what have heard
and seen today we must meet hence
forth as strangers" said Mr.. Spence,
with fire had never known him to dis
play before.
Il adore her, and am human. See
there! He pointed to the portrait which
hitherto had escaped their attention.
Il would give even that for another
kiss
At the sight of the picture Mr.. Spence
gave Il start, for the likeness was mar
velous. As for Miss Kingsley, she whis-
pered in my ear:
Did you sit for it. dear?"
No, did not" answered.
"Detestable philosopher continued
MIR. Spence, looking from the canvas to
the artist. There was the making of a
man in you-thiS portrait shows it. But
it is too late. The brute is rampant, and
genius is no more"
She could have nodded me in her
hands like clay" said Paul Barr.
could not help feeling touched by the
despair in his voice
How distinctly piteous!" murmured
Miss Kingsley
Il have no more to say. You have
heard my decision, Paul Barr"
Mr.. Spence seemed greatly moved and
excited. | could see him tremble 1t
was very bitter to me to feel that on my
account friends Of lifetime were to be
separated. The big artist pulled at his
beard, and with another of his fawnlike
looks "Xclaimed:
IL understand You want her for
yourJelf. But you cannot rob me of
those kisses, ha! ha! They shall lie in
the grave with me, and | shall still
Smile.
Mr.. Spence grew paler yet. He seemed
about to speak. but controlling himself
by an effort turned to leave the room,
mOtioning us to precede him.
How distinctly piteousr' repeated
Miss Kingsley, as we went down stairs.
He acted shamefully, of course, and
there is no excuse for his conduct. But
though it is impossible to Justify him, l
can pity him, can't you? His nature is
so impressionable; and when he is inter-
ested in anything there is no half way
with him; he wants the whole or moth
ing. If you will excuse my saying so.
several of us have been afraid of some
thing of this sort. | wanted to warn
you; but | said to myself, it may be
Virginia really likes him. so decided
not to speak. If had done so all this
might have been prevented, for it was
very evident to the rest of us that he
was desperately in love with you. And
by such a man of course the very small
est marks of favor are construed as more
significant than open encouragement
would be by a less poetic temperament. |
have no doubt the poor fellow wears over
his heart every rosebud you ever gave
him, and knows by rote every word of
sympathy you ever said to him. And then
that portrait-what volumes it tells of
itself! Fancy that ardent soul toiling
over the canvas 10 reproduce from mem
DRY your image you tell me you did not
sit to him), and when the masterpiece of
his life was finished inviting you to his
studio las | suppose he did, and then, in
a moment Of deep ard passionate love,
casting himself at your feet-and-and
forgetting himself. Oh, Virginia, there
is something rNQ disitely pathetic in the
Thought. But how fortunate. too, for
you that We arrived when we did! In
his sober lenses Paul Carr would rather
die than injure h;.ir If your head: but
none Of us, however s-lf reliant, is free
from dread in the presence of Il man who
has Lesn over iIIuis. ug in stimulants,
even though sure of his affection. My
poor DEAR how you must have suffered
What will your Aunt Agnes say? 1t was
only two days ago she said to me she
hoped the affair was at an end. told
her then that one can never be sure of a
thoroughly Bohemian nature; it is liable
to burst into fame at the moment when
one least expects it. The result shows
the correctness of my prediction. Poor
Mr.. Barr! What will become of him /
wonder? | only hope he will not at
tempt his own life; that would be worse
than anything"
Neither Mr.. Spence nor | had spoken
as she ratified on in this manner, going
down the long flights of stairs to the
street There was just enough of truth
in her remarks to make my frame of
mind still more wretched, and | could
barely refrain from requesting her to
keep still. Mr.. Spence was evidently
much disturbed by what had occurred.
The expression Of his face showed that
he yas under the Influence of violent
emotions Once or twice, too, saw
him glance almost impatiently at Miss
Kingsley, as if her prattle annoyed him.
But she was so trimming over with
vnlnhility as TO be blind to everything