San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-01-12


mIsCbIeyOus, yet 50 charming, that
Craven, while acknowledging himself
shameiuily taken in, laughs, too, in
spite OF himself.
Listen 10 me-" he says, hastily. If
the Major goes to bed early, which, OF
cOurSe'-tn disgusting won't do. be-
cause he ought-may I hope for a cup
OF tea from Mrs. Richardsi"
Il Am re"-demurely-"she will be
delighted to give II toyOu." Then, see
ing The disappointment in mis- face, she
adds kindly, and with pretty smile,
Yes. do come. YOu will be quite wei
cOmel"
And for once in his life the Major,
though unconsciOusly, does the right
thing, or, rather, the govt does il for
him; lie goes TO bed early, and leaves
his grateful host 10 follow his own de-
vices.
The next morning, what a change ap-
pears! YESTERDAY the world was white,
but dull. TO-DAY il is white, too. but
sparkling. as though with innumerable
diamonds. The snow has ceased 10 fall,
the sun Is shin ng brayely, lighting up
with million rays each spray and
bough. on which The snow still lngers.
The iir-treeS have shaken on a little of
their chilly burden, and now show
again in parts some evidence of green.
\ few b rdS. though III somewhat
weak and melancholy fashion. are
chanting hymn of praise. and preen-
ing i"nguldly their dragged pluIGage.
C,SSy IS SO delighted with them that
she opens wide uer bedroom window
and throws Or to them the TIM slice
of bread and butter sent up to her with
her tea half an hOdr he ore. They fly
down 10 t. TO her intense satisfaction,
and chatter aDDd: II. an tighu over 1t,
before IL comes To an end.
AT the foot OF the Staircase. as she
runs down To- breakfast. size encounters
Craven. who has been waiting for her.
WAS not right" she says, gavly,
giving him her hand. The weather
has changed. See what delicious
morning it is! No doubt my being able
to get home to-day. is there"
Il hardly know if the horses can trav-
ell yet-the snow is 50 deep in some
parts" he replies. avoiding her eyes.
Il shall walk if | can not 20 any other
way" says C.ssy. with quick determine
ton and some faint doubt of him eG-
pressed in her tone.
IF it comes to that and you must go.
you certa My Shu nj walk" he returns.
Il suppose, with care, a horse can he in
duced to go 50 far" Then reprOach-
fully-"In what haste YOU are to be
gone!"
lie is looking SO honestly grieved at
the thought of her departure that her
heart smites her.
Only in haste TO see the two at
home" she says gently-"not to leave
this house, where every one has
been so kind to me. and where have
been QIile happy You must not for
one moment think me ungrateful."
She saws this so Sweetly that he is
COnfOrted, and, when she has so far
gwen in To his wishes as to breakfast
with him. and has made herself special
~ charming throughout the meal, he is
almost himself again. Directly break
fast is ut An end. because he sees and
understands her hurry to be gone, he
orders the dog art TO be brOughtround;
III Cissy. once more tnwrapped in her
mrs. is handed utO il. Craven, seating
u m>eII beside her takes the reins, the
groom Jumps up behind. and together
they start for home.
The drive. though slow. and in parts
difficult. is a rat!.pr silent one: but. just
as they enter the Yates OF Branksmere,
she. tuning 10 il nj, says impulsiyely:
What long time it seems since last
| was here-WPrkS almost"
81 told you luu were bored to DEATH
he replies, with Il curious smile, though
YOU We're too gOnG-nItured to acknOwl-
edge it. See how heavily the time drag
ged."
"Nonsenyr! You know | did not
mean that. | VAS only trying to ex-
PLAN to myself how III So short time
could learn 10 regard you in such
friendly light. 1t seems absurd. doesn't
itp Two short days-hardly two-and
yet leel quite rs if you were my broth
err"
Not in the least like your brother"
says Craven. hastily. your brother
would be far haniSomer fellow than l
can ever hope 10 he. don't feel a bit
| ke your brother
We'll then. you seem to me like
very Old friend"-smIllng.
Il am glad Of that. II tells me am
not quite out in the cold" he answers,
heartily; and then they pull IN at the
hall-dOOr aid the groom jump, down,
and Cecil has barely time to reach the
ground when ROnnie comes running
out and, catching her in her arms, holds
her until her mother releases her.
. The Iii Grated prisoner is embraced
and kissed and examined with fearful
eyes: and then, turn ng, flushed and
sInI ng, toward Craven. she says,
brightly:
This is Mr.. Craven, mamma. You
must thank him for his kindness to me-
Mamma is secretly rather taken
ai,ark. AS she has been pictIjr,ng an I'M
aglnary Alr Craven TO herseii asa stout,
middlc-aged gentleman of fatherly as
iouabiy dressed yowng man who stands