CHAPTER XLII.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10333, 29 April 1899, Page 2

CHAPTER XLII.

"You ore the very man, Senor Dene," the President said, "whom I most desired to see. I heard that you had arrived, and I was looking for you*" "I am," Dene said, recovering his breath, "quite at your service." '-.-..-. The President led the way to a most retired port of the garden. In fact, they returned to the very seat on which Dene and Lucia had been sitting. "How is Eugene?" the President asked, liftintr the tails of his frock coat and sitting down, "He is much tetter," Dene answered. "In a week or two I think that he will be quite recovered. His wife is nursing him, - and I really believe,- President, that your son is a changed man.". "I am glad to„hear ib," Senor Rimarez declared. ' "And Sagasta?" -, , "He will never give you any more trou ; ble," Dene said, gravely, ""His reason is altogether gone. He is quiet, and perfectly harmless." * Tho President was silent for a moment;' Then he took a black cigar from his pocket 'and began to smoke. * - "It is about my daughter, Lucia, that I wished to speak with you," he said at length. "I want'to''ask your advice on a certain m^ter'concerning her." "I shall-rbe very glad to give it,'"T)ene murmured; •;'

."Her mother and I," the President contin;ued, "have, just ?. made a very curious and disturbing..discovery. A person ' from Buenos Ayres, who appears to be the matron of a hospital.there, has written to, us, as Lucia's parents, and acquainted us with' a fact which, his .been a severe shock to both of us. To 'be brief, it appears to us that Lucia, without our knowledge or .consent,. has engaged, herself to go to this hospital and undergo a-course of training there, with a view to becoming a professional nurse." "So," Dene remarked, "she hes just been telling mc." ■ The President looked honestly amazed. "You have seen her since your arrival, then?" , ~' "She left me/'i-'-Dene wad, "as you approached," ;..^ ; . *-•■ -j- . • -- " «*> :•■ There wae-a short pause. ...' ■ ' "And sh® told you," the President .repeated slowly, "she toJcU you herself—of her own, accord, and to us, her parents she has never breathed a -word." "I think," Dene explained, "that in a general way she felt sure of my sympathy. On the other hand, as regards yourself "and the Senora Elmore?;, she was equally certain ©If.your disapproval." " The ''Prudent .visibly. -„He turned to Dene with.* t Jrown upon vhw face. '•'Am "I to understand BroQr\*TJeney that j you: have' encouraged - herw in,. this---mad | scheme-—that you could for a moment regard it as a fitting occupation for her?" "Not altogether," Dene admitted. Tf must confess to an entire sympathy with the spirit which made her discontented with her •lot here and-seek to alter it. Apart from that I would. rather, very much, rather, .that she did not go to Buenos Ayres." - The President unbent a little. '£ am glad to hear you say that," he declared heartily. "I have spoken to you upon, this matter because you are the only person I know who seems to. possess the smallest amount of influence'over my daughter. I must confess that my ideas as to thet>ringing up and the province of young women are of .the bid world.' I believe.that in European countries, in England there are new opinions, in vogue with, which you: I haro'no doubt, are in sympathy. I might, perhaps, be inclined to modify my own views if I were convinced that it was for my daughter's happiness, bat I could not for one moment tolerate the thought of Lucia's having, anything to do with this Buenos Ayres, scheme; She has been very carefully and very, delicately brought up. All her in-, stincts are. refined to. a fault, • the routine work of a hospital wonld be hideous to think •of in.connection with her. .She has. not even the physical strength for its. ' She would be disappointed, ana her health would suffer.l beg of you, Senor Dene, to talk with her, to endeavour to dissuade her oi her own accord from such madness." ,

! "T had intended doing -so—on my own ac--1 count," Dene .answered, slowly." "In fact, , if you wiH give me-yo»r permission, Presi- >' dent, I want to ask her to be my wife.". The President's affectation of complete rrarprise was admirable. His joy and relief ' Were discreetly concealed. "You have taken my breath away, Senor Dene,'* he declared/ **I may at once, however, and without hesitation—yes 1., There is no man whom I would bo soon have for a son-in-law. But, about. Lucia. She is not like other girls, add she has already refused Sremptorily the. two- best matches in San artina."' .-;'- '- ''My proposal is, of course; only subject to her consent," Dene said. "I shall ask her to-night." j '"' '• ' "She likes you," the President remarked, thoughtfully j .**l am sure of that." ..."" { "I hope'- so," Dene answered "I believe that I can make her happy.'-' <- "With regard," the President began, clearing his throat, "to her dowry. I regret very much that-—-" - "Please do not mention it," Dene interrupted. "I have the fortune to. be a very rich-man. 1 do not require any money with Lucia at all- In fact, it would be an embarrassment to me,''

""he President concealed his feelings by lighting another cigar. What a son-in-law! "Dene," he said, "if Lucia accepts you, you should take some interest in San Martina! If yog have nkmey to spare I believe that/ the development of this place would pay you." Trhave thought of it," Dene admitted. "There are several schemes Jn my mind which I should.like to talk over with you." The Presiden*. sighed. Tor myself," he said, *T am getting an old man, and lam looking: for rest. The government of this State without finances, without credit, and in hourly fear of assassination lias aged mc terribly." I admit frankly, Senor Dene, that I have made mistakes, but I have hod fearful difficulties to contend with. Mv tenure of office now is nearly at an end. But I see better times in store for San Martina.''

"You want schools," Dene said, . "A thoroughly representative assembly, a strung police force, hospitals,' and a revised code of laws." ',"■-' > "Just so," the President murmured. . "Let us go and see my wife. .This news will delight her." 'Tliera must be no .constraint put upon Lncb." Dene raid, rising. "Accept my word, Senor," the President

answered, "that there shall be none. In fact,; you yourself shall beithe first to mention (the matter to her.--Come with mc into the, ! house." t - ! They found the'Senora resting in' a quiet, corner ofthepiasxa. Jil* the morning she had been bnsy superihtehdin'g ji .small, army of; servants. The President laid hjs hand upon Dene's shoulder. v ~->-'" ,■'""' >. "Julia," he sa£d, : *after ail, I think that | "Lucia's future need'Ttrouble us no "longer, Senor Dene has just asked mefoi her." ; The Senora wiped her_eye&, Then she.held out both her hands. 7 - "Lucia is very fortunate," she said, "and you also ,Senor. ,You will be happy, I know it." . "■",'-■ "If Lucia wfllhave me,** Dene murmured,; "I, too, am sure of it." • (To be concluded next week.)