San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-10-21

That enough" the duke asked her.
oh. It's enough TO light the way
from here to the pole, Id not have
said there were 50 many candles in
all the world
Right" said the duke to his servi-
tors briefly. That's all, then. Good
night
And the quick hands and the quick
feet were gone. and the duke was left
alone with his duchess.
Its not too cold?' he asked.
No. no. she said. Its fine and
warm"
Its not too dark?'
NO. no-it'S fine and bright! :"
My little heart. you don't hate il?
You're not afraid"
"Afraid?" cried his heart. alight
with laughter. Afraid with you by
me? Am l mad:"
lie knelt at that apd put his arms
about her. Even knceling his black
head was higher than her bright one.
"Its l who am .fraid. Biddy. what
il | made you stop smiling: Biddy,
Biddy. don't ever stop smiling"
Never fear" she cried. Never
rear. NJ utuT low. II utNfI All AiiS
world stop smiling She caught
her breath, and shook her curls, and
laid her laughing lips gayly and
bravcly against his. Nor in the next
one. cithcr.' said Her Grace.
She kept her word. That shining
mischief of hers never wavered-
nothing touched it. not the frozen
hatred of the four outraged ladies or
the surly insnlence of the three dark
boys. or the Indifferent disdain OF the
county neighbors. or the blank indig-
nation of the court. He watched over
her with terror and rage in his heart ;
they. they to scorn his miracle,
That first dinner. with the ladies
Pamela. ClariSSa. Maudc. and Char
lotto. looking down their high noses
at the radiant intruder--
Say the word" he told her
through his teeth, safe in the sane
tuary Of their beautiful room. and
the four of them shall walk TO Lon
don :"
well. if they crawled there. 'twould
be no more than they deserve said
Her Grace with decision. The cross
faces they have, and the mean
tongues, They'd wear the patience
out of a Saint"
They can start packing now" he
cried. and made ,or the door.
No. no." Her laughter checked
him like . hand. what does it mat
ter at all. since I'm no Saint? I'll not
need patience; all Ill need is grace 10
keep a straight face and a civil
tongue. Let them be, darlin'; It's 4
- ,,,sl 81
died without laying eyes on them.
They're like her own sisters. Did no
one ever give that fine Roddy of yours
a good cuff?'
"I'n give him two and 4 strapping."
said the duke. The glowering young
cub"
You'd never steal such pleasure for
yourself" she implorcd. I'm no time
ut all they'll be gone to their schools
and colleges. and III set what mind |
have TO growing tall enough to reach
their ears if | stand on my toes:
Would you like me better il | reacAed
up higher"
Their world was I'm thaL room-its
forr blue walls held all their heaven
and earth. From its windows they
saw dawns break and nights fall;
when they crossed its threshold they
stepped under spell that held them
safe from all disaster. No one had
ever loved any one as he loved his
little golden duchess; sometimes he
smiled gravely and indulgently when
he thought Of the poor traveSties that
passed in the world for alteration.
When winter hung the world in
silver frost they piled fhe fra higher
and drew the curtains closer and sat
i'm dreaming happiness white the winds
roared and dashed over the world.
shall l take You 10 London he
asked her.
~London?" she cried in wonder.
"Oh. whatever fort"
You're not dull here? You're not
lonely:"
Dull? With you? Loncly-lonely
with you:"
After awhile she lifted her head
and locked her fingers fast in his
and asked.
when is your birthday"
"In July-thc tweDty-fifih. Why
! all have 4 grand present for you,