San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-04-13

COiuulOH anu plQudul ABOUT HtT WHICH was
doubtless very attractive; and the little note,
so simply charming, bewitched auntie and
Inc. In couple OF months Guy returned
home. He looked well and happy; but there
was change in his manner which we could
not fail 10 remark, an added steadfastnesS in
his dark gray eyes, a sweeter, graver smile
CURING his lip.
"Bertie and Mrs. Leonhardt will be here
early next month, he said quietly to me. II
think you will love her. Jean: she is very
frank and true. You are not sorry, dearg'
'Sorry?' echoed Nothing in tile world
could make me happier! Love her? OF
course | SHALL
1t was in that fairest time of the year which
Charlotte BrOnte 80 prettily describes as
The marrage-time of May
With her young lover jane"
that BERTHE came among us. We drove over
one evening, Guy and l, in the pony-carriage
to the little rOadSlde-statiOn which was the
nearest 10 TredegaT TO meet our guests.
remember wildly all the details of our hap
py drive. Guy, radiant with happiness like
a schOOlbOy out for holiday, drove along
recklessly, leaving the wagOnette which was
to convey the servants and trunks far behind
The soft evening air famed lis in our rapid
passage; the little station itself seemed en-
fete for the statiOn-maSter had taste for
horticulture, and, had placed plants and flow
ers wherever he could lind space for them
his own little cottage being perfect bower;
while his mother AN old familS servant of
our own, had decorated the little waiting
room in honor of Bertie's arrival Guy stood
talking to the statiOn-master; l. by his side,
waited a little anXiOuSly. After quarter of
an hour had elapsed, the train came in. As
it did 50. an elderly sewaI, out of livery
sprang out of a SecOnd-caSS carriage, and,
catching sight Of Guy, came forward with a
smile lighting up his pleasant face.
MY mistress is h rr, sir" he said, touch
ing his hat.
Guy Went forward; waited, looking at the
little station, the train with its red CLEAN, the
steam of the engine stealing through the
green foliage, the pOrterS hunying hither and
thither our carriages and servants in the
background, my ponies paving patiently.
Presently saw little figure in soft gray
coming swiftly towards me, and very sweet
voice said half timidly, half gladly, with Q
little French accent
Jean, is it yOu?'
put my arms round her for moment,
whispering few loving words. She was
smiling in reply when Guy came tO us with a
lady on his arm whom | greeted as Mrs.
LeOnhardt. Gabrielle LeOnhardt was that
rare being. beautiful French blonde, her
delicate regular features, her luXuriant fair
hair turquOiSe-bue eyes, and stately figure
forming a tout ensemble 50 rarely lovely
that looking on her, the thought crossed me
for a moment why Guy had not chosen the
Step-mOthcr, who was SO much more beauti-
full than his tidHCCe. She sat by Guy as we
drove hOmeward that soft summer evening
BERTHE by my side, with one little hand clasp
ing mine, her eyes studying my face and
then Straying to Guys and resting there with
perfect cOntentment.
THAT dear little StatiOnr' BERTHE said, as
we drove away. is it not pretty, Gabrielle?
Jean, am English; but this is my first visit
to England. love that little statiOnT
II hope you will like England also," re.
turned, smiling at her eager warmth. She
was child to me.
"Ah, but certainly; how could l do other
wiSe?"
The English was almost perfect, here and
there French idiOm making it piquant and
pretty; her voice too was Singularly sweet
and rich. And yet, more than once during
our drive wished little regretfully that
Gabrielle had been my brothers choice, which
regret made me all the more tender, remOrSe-
fully so perhaps, towards BERTHE.
This is Tredegar, BCTtie,' Guy said quiet
ly, as we entered the park; and, though her
eyes met his with loving light in them, she
did not speak.
When we reached the house, the large
doors Were opened, and in the great hall the
servants were waiting. Guy helped out Mrs
LeOnhardt and myself, and then he lifted out
BERTHE
do you think you will be happy here,
dearest?' | heard him whisper.
"AUec tOi, Guyr she whispered, in reply,
prOnOmcing his name in the French way.
And then, with her hand still in his, he led
her into the hall where auntie Oracle stood.
Berties lip quivered IA little as my aunt took
her in her arms; but she looked round and
smilingly acknowledged the servants saluta-
tons; then Guy drew her away little impa-
tiently, and the library door closed after
them. A few minutes later the dressing-bell
rang; there was a sound of rustling silken
robes and the Gathering of little pointed heels
in the corridors, sweet laughter and wOmen's
voices minging with mems deeper tones,
then a sound of closing doors, and all was
still.
was dressed, standing talking TO my maid,
when little tap came at my door. Wears
opened it and said Miss Leonhardt, ma am"
and BERTHE entered. She was dressed in some
fieecy black material, the only touch of color
about her being a creamy yellow rose which
nestled near her white throat. Her face
looked little pale, thought.
JEAN" she said, may go down with
you? 1t is foolish, | know; but feel little
nervous at seeing so many strange faces"
'Of course, dear" | answered, smiling;
and we left the dressing-roOm, which, like
many Of the bedrooms opened into the large
gallery which ran round three sides of the
house and which was lined with old family
portraits and pictures.
"llave we time to see One-Only One?' she
said. Jean, will you show me your and
Guys mothers picture%'
did so. She looked at ii earnestly
what dear little baby you were, Jeanp
was the only remark she made.
We descended the broad 'eScdlier dhOll-
neur," as she called it, and entered the din
ing-rOom. Our guests as yet were not numer-
Gus, though we generally assembled house
full to do honor to Guys birthday, which was
in the middle of July. Three or four pretty
girls, about double that number of eligible
men, Guys college-friends, two or three
pleasant chaperons was all. Mrs Leon
hardt was already there when we entered.
She stood talking to Guy and young Lord
Oldham, who was great friend of Guys,
and who took BERTHE in to dinner. During
dinner he kept her well amused; and BERTHE
evidently talked well, though she was trife
nervous. An occasional glance at Guy gen.
eraIlv mot with a lnvinr nnn in rntlIrn. hut