Ward, Mary Augusta: The Testing of Diana Mallory. v1. 10 Jun 2014
 

Mary Augusta Ward née Arnold; (11 June 1851 – 24 March 1920), was a British novelist who wrote under her married name as Mrs Humphry Ward.

Excerpt
“The Star of Bethlehem!—and Christmas Day!”
Diana Mallory had just drawn back the curtain of her bedroom. Her voice, as she murmured the words, was full of a joyous delight; eagerness and yearning expressed themselves in her bending attitude, her parted lips and eyes intent upon the star.