San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-02-19

thy says
rs it not sweet?"
1T is indeedp He is staring at her. Very
gently he takes the little hand that holds
the flowers and keeps it in his own. He de-
talns It so lightly that she might withdraw
1t If she pleaSes, but she does not. Perhaps
she doesn't please, or perhaps she sees moth
ing remarkable in his action. At all events,
she, who Is so prone to blush on all Occa-
sions, does not change color now, but chat
tiers to him gayly, in an uncOncerned man
ner, about the scented blossoms round her,
and afterwards about the people yonder,
behind the tall Towering shrubs that sur
round the tennis ground.
And still her little slender fingers lie pass
lively in his. CHANGING at them, he strokes
them lightly with his other hand, and counts
her rings.
"FOur-fve," he says; quite aburden for
such little hand to carry"
Il like Them" says Monica brooches
and earrings and bracelets / don't care for
but rings | love. never really feel dressed
| until they are on. To slip them on my fin
gers is the last thing do every morning be-
fore running downstairs. AT least, nearly
the last"
"And what is the last?'
81 say my prayers" says Monica, smiling.
THAT is what every one does, isn't it?'
II don't know" says Mr.. Desmond, not
looking at her. 1t seems to hima long, long
time now since last he said his prayers. And
then he suddenly decides within himself
that he will say them tomorrow morning,
1.-THE last thing before going downstairs"
he cannot have quite forgotten them yet.
He is examining her rings as he thinks all
this and now little pale turquoise thing at
tracts his notice.
"Who gave you that?" he asks, suddenly.
1t is to a jealous eye rather l0vable little
ring.
Papa when / was fourteen" says Moni-
| ca. 1T is very pretty, isn't it? have felt
quite grown up ever since he gave me that"
Monica" says Brian Desmond suddenly,
tightening his hold on her hand, had you
| ever lover before"
Before"
Eyes" slowly, and as if determined to
| make his meaning clear, and yet, too, with
| a certain surprise at his own question. Tad
yOu?"
"Before?' as if bewildered, she repeats
the word again. why, never had lover
| at dUr'
"DOnOt say that again, "says Brian, moving
| step nearer to her and growing pale: II am
your lover nOw-and fOreUerr'
oh! no, no." says Monica, shrinking
| from him. "DO not say that"
II won't, if you forbid me, but" quickly,
Il am, and shall be, all the same. l think
my very sOul-belOngs to you"
a crunching of gravel, sound of coming
footsteps, the murmur of approaching
voices
Monica, palid as an early snOw-drOp,
looks up to see her aunt Priscilla coming
toward her. accompanied by young man, a
very tall and very stout young man, with
rather drilled air.
"Ah! here is Aunt Priscilla" says Monica,
breathlessly "WhO is that with heT?'
"Ryde, one of the marines stationed at
| ClOnbree," says Mr. Desmond, Cursing the
| marine most honestly in his heart of
| hearts. ClOnbree is small town about
seven miles from RossmOyne, where a COM
| pany of marines has been sent to quell the
| Land League disturbances.
Miss Priscilla is looking quite pleased
| with herself and greets Monica with fond
| smile.
II knew should find you here, she says;
| ''howers have such fascination for you.
| You will let me introduce you to Mr.. Ryde,
| dear child"
And then the Introduction iSgOne through,
| and Monica says something unworthy OF
| note to this big young man, who is staring
at her in more earnest manner than IL
strictly within the rules of etiquette. Some
| how, too, she presently discovers she has
| fallen into line with her new friend, and Is
moving toward the lawn again with Aunt
Priscilla following in her train with Mr.
| Desmond. ---'.''''~ $1,000. ''-- '-->'. "'a'
Quaking inwardly, Monica at first cannot
| take her mind off the twain behind her, and
| all the consequences that must ensue If Miss
| Priscilla once discovers Desmond is being
| addressed by her with common civility.
She is, therefore, but poor company for
| the tall MARINE who seems, however, quite
satisfied with the portion allotted him and
| maunders on namely about the surround
ings generally. When the weather and the
| landscape have been exhausted, it mist be
confessed, however, that he comes to
| Stand-Still. 800 ".'"
Madame O'COnnOr, going up to Miss PriS-
| ella, engages her in some discussion, so that
presently Monica finds Brian beside her
again.
you will let me see you again soon" he
says, in a low tone, seeing Ryde is talking
to Miss Fitzgerald.
But how can l?'
"You can if you will. Meet me some
where, as l may not call; bring your broth.
er, your, sister, any one, with you; only
meet me-"
IF l did that, how could l look at Aunt
Priscilla afterward" says Monica, growing
greatly distressed. ut would be shameful;
l should feel like a traitor l feel like it al
ready"
''Then do nothing. Take a passive part,
If you will, and leave all to me-" says Des-
mOnd, with sudden determination in his
eyes. 81 would not have you veXed or made
rnhn my In, any WHY Rnt fiat | shall see