San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-08-27

me. We nau OuIR agreed JnaT the Ola mai
OT-hOUsr should look its faiTest and best on
Christmas Eve. Every picture-frame, every
pillar was wreathed with holly and laurel.
. There was no doubt about Its being Christ
mas, and the gay appearance Of HeTOn's Nest
Enthusiastically proclaimed IL
Sir Adrian was 10 come that night lust a.
he had done on Christmas Eve the year be-
fore, through the starlight over the snow.
Oh, happy Christmas that was 10 bring him
10 me! / did not reflect whether his stay
would be long or short; did not try tO fore
see any ending; all my thoughts were con-
centrated on the fact that was 10 see him.
Lady CaTyl had ordered my dress-pale
rose silk, trimmed with white tulle-and |
wore diamond ornaments. Yes, l-iracia,
who last year was iTicndlesS dependant
wore the Dtcrc diamonds, and at my throat
and in my hair was fastened sprig Of lau-
rustinus. May Heaven forgive me II, as
looked in the glass, felt thrill OF pndel I
could not help seeing then that was beauti-
full; and was glad
The bells Of Heronsdale Church had not
ceased Ginning, and the moon was shining
white and high in the heavens. Feeling
restless and inpatient 1 went 10 one OF the
windows of the drawing room, whence ]
could see the drive. This was my home now,
and must bid him welcome TO IT, When at
last saw the carriage, l never thought OF
etiquette, but fastened TO the hall door TO be
the first % greet him; and | remember no
more until a handsome face, cold with the
fresh air. touched mine, and the voice loved
best on earth cried "GTaciap' Then babe
him welcome home. After that both of us
must have forgotten everything else In the
world but each other, as we stood on the top
OF the great flight of steps by the wide-Open
hall door, the ruddy light streaming out up
on the snow.
Presently he unclasped his arms, and, go
ing into the hall, he took down a large fur
cloak that was hanging there and wrapped
II round me.
Come with me, Gracia," he said. 81 have
something 70 say to you; and can say II no
where else but at the old pOstern-gate."
l went with him down the terrace-steps,
across the lawn, and over to the pOstern-gate.
The iyy-mantled wall was covered with
snow, as II had been a twelvemOnth before,
and the bright Christmas star was shining
overhead. did not tTemble; but feeling
OF awe came over me. He had not spoken
as we walked along; but when we stood
near the ivy and the wind stirred the green
leaves and the snow fell he caught me In his
arms and kissed me paSSOmately.
"Oh, Graca," he cried here, where the
light Of the star first led yOu to Inc, let me
ask yOu-will you be my wife?'
took courage, and looked up into his face.
What of Lady AdithaY | asked, blush
ing deeply.
"Lady Adtha is going to marry the Duke
Of Cortland" he laughed. She was very
fond of me when was little boy; but TO
tell you the TRUTH GraCia, she ceased to care
for me when she found that had lost Her
on's Nest"
did yOu careT' asked falterngly.
Not at all. Why. Gracia, | have always
loved you, and no one but you'll On the
night / first saw yOII-yOu, with your beauti-
full dark eyes and sweet quaint name-I low
ed you. / loved you then, and ! have loved
you ever since. Will you be my wife,
Gracia?"
| could not speak for very excess of Joy.
Il shall never love any one else, " he went
on. MY love for you, Gracia, will never
change; Will you be my wife%
said Yes" and then in my turn told
him how had loved him.
So we plighted our troth under the light OF
the stars, with the Christmas snow lying
white on the ground and the bells Ginning
a troth that has never been broken, and will
be kept while life lasts.
1t was thither that the light of the Christ
mas star led me, and its rays shine warm In
my heart even now.
THE END.