San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-09-13

LlLluJ Just CllOuSn, III ldCU, ID eudDI0 Ii5F
to appreciate a superior one. / said as
much to Charles, but he only laughed,
and said it was a subject on which opin-
ion had always varied.
How did he meet her3' inquired.
son the Rig, last SUMNER" said
Charles. II am thinking of going there
myself next year. Lovely orphan sat by
Lady Mary at table d'hote. Read tracts
presented by Lady Mary. Made ac-
quaintance. Lovely orphans travelling
companion or governess discovered to be
live sister of defunct travelling compan-
ion or governess of Lady Mary. Result,
warm friendship. Ralph, like dutiful
nephew, appears on the scene. Fort
night of fine weather. Interesting .ex-
petitions. Romantic attachment, ce-
mented by diamond and pearl ring from
Hunt & Roskells. There is the whole
story for you"
Evelyn Derrick Joined us as he finished
speaking. She was tall, graceful girl.
gentle and dignifed in manner, with a
pale, refined face. She was pretty in a
way, but not to compare to Aurelia.
Evelyn bad an anxious look about her,
too. Now / do not approve of a girl
looking grave; she ought to be bright
and happy, with smile for every one.
It is all very well for us men, who have
the work of the world to do, to look
grave at times, but with women it is diff
ferent; and woman always looks her
best when she smiles-at least think SO.
10
dazzling in white satin: then Sir George,
then Ralph, giving an arm to Lady
Mary, who suffered from rheumatism IL
her foot. Then came the gong, and
there was Il rustic down of more people,
young and old, friends se the family
who had come to act or to see their sons
and daughters act. As never could
get even their names right I shall not
attempt to give any account of them,
especially as they are not of Importance
in any way.
After dinner. on entering the drawing
room, found thas great excitement pre-
vailed among the ladies respecting Sir
Johns jewels. About his sad fate and
costly legacy they all seemed fully in
formed. l had myself almost forgotten
the reason of my visit in my interest in
my new surroundings, not having even
as yet given up the jewels to Sir George
Danvers or Ralph; but at the urgent re-
quest of al the ladies at once Ralph
begged me to bring them down to be
seen and admired then and there before
the rehearsal began.
''They will all be yours, you know"
Ralph said to Aurelia. "You shall wear
them on your wedding day"
"You are always talking about being
married." said Aurelia, with little
pout. Il wish you would try and think
of something else to say. was quite
looking forward to it myself until
came here, and now l am quite, quite
tired of it beforehand"
Ralph laughed delightedly, and Sir
George reminding me that everyone was
dying of anxiety, himself included, ran
upstairs to take the brown bag from
around my neck, and in few minutes
returned with it in my hand. They were
all waiting for me, Lady Mary drawn
up in an arm chair beside an ebony table,
on which small space near her had been
cleared, Charles alone holding rather
aloof, slipping his coffee with his back to
the fire.
Don't jostle." he said, as they all
crowded round me. Evelyn, let me
beg of you not to elbow forward in that
unbecoming manner. Observe how Aunt
Mary restraints herself Take time, Mid
dleton! your coffee is getting cold.
Won't you drink it frst?"
AS he finished speaking l turned the
contents of the bag upon the table. The
jewels in the bright lamplight seemed
to blaze and burn into the ebony of the
table There was a general gasp,
silence, and then a chorus of admiration.
Charles came up behind me and looked
over my shoulder.
Good gracious" said Lady Mary
Solemnly. Ralph, you are Il rich man.
Why, mine are nothing to Them and
she touched diamond and emerald
necklace on her own neck II never
knew poor Sir John had so much good
in him"
"Oh, Ralph, Ralph" cried Aurelia,
clasping her little hands with deep
sigh. "And will they really be my very
own?"
Ralph assured her that they would,
and that she should act in them the fol-
lowing night if she liked.
l think there was not woman pres
ent who did not envy Aurela as Ralph
took up flashing diamond crescent and
ko1l l., f,;, l,s, I