San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-12-08
A WREATH OF ORANGE
BLOS> OMS.


her like one stupefed, at is Ethel Dan
vers! And what terrible expression is
upon her features! What does this
meant What mystery is here2 All, she
goes in the direction of the summer
house. 1t is dishOnorable thing 10 do,
hut l must see what this mystery is,
Ethel Danvers."
Buttoning mp his coat, he followed her
slowly but cautiously.
=
"My darling, only little longer, and
we shall he one!"
And Rowland, STOPPING full in the
moons rays, imprinted passionate kiss
upon the beautiful face upturned to his,
beaming with world of love.
"You make me very, very happy, Row
land. ] often wonder whether there are
any young girls in the world so happy
as l."
"Of course there are, my pet. Thou
sands and thousands of hearts at this
very moment are filled with love such as
ours"
Heaven bless them allg' said Grace,
softly.
"Amen 10 THAR replied Rowland, as he
pressed the slight form closer to him.
"And now let us go to our old spot, my
dear. There we can talk about the fu-
ture"
So, with their arms entwined, and hap
py beyond expression, walked the lovers
towards the summer-house.
81 am sorry Ethel is indisposed," said
Grace.
80 am l, indeed; but she has not
seemed well lately. There has been
restless, strange look in her eyes, l fancy.
l should not be at all surprised if she
were to be very ILL.,"
"Do you think she frets2'
"Fretsf No; don't know what she
can have to fret about"
81 wish she would yield to Leon. He
loves her so very, very much; and he is
handsome and rich. can't think what
more she desires"
"You are quite right, but"
Rowland was interrupted by the sud-
den appearance of one of the foOtmen,
who, bowling respectfully, said:
"Beg pardon, sir, but Sir Rowland said
that should very likely find you here,
A boy has just delivered this note, sir"
And he handed Rowland letter,
"How very annoying" cried Rowland,
tearing off the envelope, "Who can this
be fromr
AS he read 1t his face assumed an ex-
preston of wonder, and when he had fin
ished he sat down and read it to Grace.
Listen" he said, "what a strange
thing. To Rowland Saxby. Esq.-Sir.-
The writer Of this has most important
communication to make to you. He is
now waiting for you at the outside gates
Of the house. Strictly private What do
you think of thati"
IL don't know what to think Rowland.
But you had better see what it is, had
you mott"
II suppose so. Well, this is extraordi-
nary. Very WE'LL" he added to the man,
II will follow you"
81 will await you here, Rowland. You
will not be longf'
"No, not more than few moments, /
dare say. If l am rather long, come on
to the house."
And away sped Rowland.
Grace left the summer-house and walk
ed to the edge Of the lake.
The moon was shining in all its brillian-
cy, and the lake looked really grand.
Save for the slight ripple of the wat er,
everything was perfectly silent.
"What a happy girl 1 am" thought
Grace, as she held up her wrists causing
the diamond bracelets upon her arms to
be reflected in the lake. II am, indeed,
very, very happy, and shall be happier
still when am dear Rowland's wife,"
A smile Of pleasure Lit up her pretty
face as she thought of this. She felt in
clined to break the stiffness Of the night
with bright joyous song.
Little did she dream that pair Of
fierce eyes were directed upon her.
Suddenly, like the rush of snake
through the grass, tall dark figure
sprang from behind the summer-house.
Then came a wild, piercing shrek, and
Grace Thorne went headlong into the
lake-sent there by the cruel hands of
Ethel Danvers. Only for one second did
Ethel look at the white figure battling
with the water, then, gathering up her
skirts she fed like the wind.
She did not see the form of man dart
from out the other side of the summer
house. 1t was Leon Cathcart.