The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1883-01-02

lnat II Heaven were as OeautlIul IL must III
deed be beautiful. | felt then as if wished
could transport San Antonians to the interior
OF the theatre, give them a night there, lie
them experience its comfort, convenience ano
grandeur, because l knew if they did sc
Turner Opera Hall and the Casino would be
things Of the past as a stage for plays and
operas, and the new San Antonio theatre OF
opera house would rise Alladin-like on the
scenes-a thing of beautify and joy forever.
On making my exit proceeded to the Mid
land Railway section of the Lime street sta
ton and engaged berth in the Pullman car
where slept soundly until awaked next morn
ing by the attendant sintimation that we were
near London. then arose, made an hasty
toilet, and as dawn was appearing the train
drew into the magnificent London termInl
known as St Pancras. On consulting BRAD
shaw's guide" found that could get to my
destination, Fleecehampton, little station,
about fifty miles from London, by the three
o'clock train, and as one of the main objects
of my visit was TO see my parents who resided
there and who did not expect me. | was par
ticularly anxious to arrive there to-day, above
all other days, because it was St. Sylvester'S
day, the night would be New Years Eve, and
on that night | should assuredly find many
relatives assembled under my fathers hospi-
table roof would telegraph my arrival, I
thought, and follow by the train, but on Sec
ond thought / said no, will give them all an
agreeable surprise. Like my friend, Lord
Beaconsfield, am man for surprises, and
the idea tickled my fancy. The greater part
of the day was spent in personal ard business
visits, but managed to catch the train and
felt considerable satisfaction when | entered
the Paddington termini of the Great Western
Railway, and secured hrst-class ticket for
Fleecehampton. Taking window side seat
of compartment in the railway carriage,
awaited the start of the train, which was
promptly made, and then | felt that really
was on my way to home. On we went
through the pleasant scenes of English rural
life, catching very fine view OF the historic
Windsor Castle, the principal residence
of England's royalty, some pretty views
of the beautiful winding Thames we were
soon at Reading. Onward still the train went
and ere long it ''slowed," and as the day
wss declining we drew into Fleecehampton,
where the aged railway porter rang the station
bell, and called out its name. 1t Was cold
day, especially after mild climate of Texas,
and as was well wrapped, and covered by
huge sombrero none recognized me. "Do
you want carriage, sir" said the porter.
mol answered ''but / II trouble you TO mind
my luggage-you call 1t baggage until sent
for" This done, passed out and prepared
for a walk home. Such a walk to an active
man is one of pleasures of English winter
life, moreover although the moon had not
risen, the night was sufficiently light to see
dimly all that lay around. And did not know
The way. The plan of the district lay so deeply
in my heart that could find any part OF IT
On went by the old Castle Inn, and |
heard the noisy revelry of its many inmates
who assembled there on such occasion. One
dear old friend, knew, would be absent, the
genial OF Jimmy Castle who had passed to
his rest, and many would miss his timely
Jokes aud dry humour. l could not suppress
a sigh for the poor old man as passed on my
way. Ascending the hill | came in sight of
the old home "Fleecehampton Hall' and
caught a glimpse of the picturesque old
church that was erected to the memory Of his
wife by Squire Gay, a London ship-owner,
who, at one time owned the hall as a country
residence. Fleecehamptown Hall, was one
Of those old one-story buildings which have
the appearance of an ordinary two or three
story mansion being compressed from the
roof into one story, but what it loses IN
height is gained in breadth and width. 1t
had not any particular style of architecture,
and was designed by one who evidently sac
rifced beauty to convenience, when II was
erected in the 18th century as a residence for
Lord Falmouth. The Hall was indeed spa
cious, stood on the crest of a hill, command
ing splendid views, and good air, and was
surrounded by a CapaClOuS and we'll wooded
park. AS gazed upon it felt considerable
in he
once more.
As | entered the lodge gate and passed down
the drive | could see that lights were burning
brightly in all the rooms and SoundSof mnscthat
then fell on my ear told me plainly that the in
mates were en- fete. walked up to the front
door and rang the bell, which was promptly
by the butler Chink. He admitted
me, and suppOsing me to be merely an invited
guest inquired my name in order that, in
accordance with etiquette, he could announce
It loudly as he ushered me into the reception
hall By this time | mad removed my wraps
and nat and stood before the astonished SER
want in evening dress. why Master AIRY,
he exclaimed; goodness, how came you
here. On, the Guv'nor will be so glad. |
heard him say little while ago do wish
AIRY was here II don't seem complete with
OuL ulul DuL you huD"J SIS lllG Su' nOl Hao
chair and cover at Master 'Ary's place at
table, and none dare sit there since you left.
Shall call the GuV'nor out?' "No, thank
you, Chink," replied, "but tell you what
you can do. Usher me in as a stranger"
Chink laughed and lead me 10 the reception
hall, opened the door and announced my full
name. He had always a good voice for that
part OF his duties, but this time he seemed to
be regular StentOr. The effect was magical.