San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1895-10-20
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
l got together 5000, ont of the sum
left us after paying Don Sanchez his e10,-
900, and delivered 'em to Mr.. Goodwin
against his note of hand, telling him at
the same time that, having slept upon
his proposal, was resolved to be his
steward for three months, with freedom
on both sides to alter our position, &C
cording to our convenience, at the end
of that time, and would serve him and
his lady to the best of my power. Thank
ing me very heartily for my friendly
service to him, though, God knows,
with little reason, he presently left us.
And Moll, coming back from taking
tender leave of him at her gates, appear
ed very downcast and pensive. However,
after moping an hour in her chamber,
she comes to me in her hood, and begs
1 will take her walk to dispel her va
pors. So we out across the common, it
being a fine, brisk, dry morning and the
ground hard with a frost. Here, being
secure from observation, showed her
how 1 had settled matters with Mr..
Goodwin, dividing the estate in such
manner as would enable her to draw
what funds she pleased, without let,
hindrance or any inconvenient question.
At this she draws a deep sigh, fixing
her eyes sadly enough on the perspective,
as if she were thinking rather of her alb
sent lover than the business in hand.
Somewhat nettled to find she priced my
efforts on her behalf so lightly, 1 pro-
ceeded to show her the advantages of
this arrangement, adding that, to make
her property the surer, had consented
to manage both her affairs and Mr.. God
wins when they were married.
"And so, says in conclusion, "you
may have what money you want and
dispose of it as you will, and I'll answer
for it Mr. Goodwin shall never be penny
the wiser.
'Do what you find is necessary" says
she, with passion. But for mercy's
sake say no more on this matter to me.
For all these hints do stab my heart like
sharp knives. !"
Not reading rightly the cause of her
petulance, was at first disposed to re-
sent it, but rejecting that a maiden is
no more responsible for her tongue than
q donkey for his heels in this season of
life, but both must be forever a-hying
out at some one when parted from the
object of their affections, I held my
peace, and so we walked on in sullen
silence for a space; then, turning sud
denly upon me, she cries in a trembling
voice:
"Won't you say something to me?
Can't you see that / am unhappy"
And now, seeing her eyes full of
tears, her lips quivering and her face
drawn with pain, my heart melted in a
moment, so taking her arm under mine
and pressing it to my side babe her be
of good cheer, for her lover would re-
turn in day or two at the outside.
mo; not of him-not of him" she
entreats. Talk to me of indifferent
things"
So, thinking to turn her thoughts to
another furrow, told her how had
been to visit her father at Greenwich.
my father!" says she, stopping short
"Oh, what heartless, selfish creature
am I have not thought of him in my
happiness! Nay, had he been dead /
could not have forgot him more. You
saw him. Is he well?"
AS hearty as you could wish and
full OF love for you and rejoiced beyond
measure to know you are to marry a
brave, honest gentleman. Then told
| hour xyn hal l,.,,,Ir 10 tt.Asr hAa1tl
how her father had smashed his mug
for fancy, and this bringing smile to
her cheek went ON to tell how he cray
ed to see Mr.. Goodwin and grip his hand.
ooh, if he could see what a noble,
handsome man my Richard isp' she
cried. 81 do think my heart would ache
for pride"
"Why, so it shall, says 1, "for your
father does intend to come hither before
long"
''He is coming to see my dear hus,
band," says she, her face aglow with
joy.
Aye, but he does promise to be most
circumspect and appear as if, returning
from a voyage, he had come but to SEE
how you fare and will stay no longer
than is reasonably civil.
"Only that" says she, her counte-
nance falling again, 1--WE are to hide
our love, pretend indifference, behave
toward this dear father as if he were
naught to me but a friend. 2"
my DEAR" says 1, 4" tbs no new part
you have to play.
81 know i'll" she answers holly, "but
that FkarSNnly the worse. F"