Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-10-24
POPULAR TAI.H
THE DEAD GUEST.
AraLE AsnIDeED IRON rms GERMAN.

TALE ABniDGEp PROM TuE GERMAN
In a small German town called Her.
beshelm, \ tradition prevailed, that
once IN every hundred years during
advent, appeared q supernatural visi.
ter, known by the name Of the Dead
Guest, who amused himself with wiring.
ing the necks Of new married brides:
aud the year $40, CON ple,iuc the fated
century. was TO bring for the third time
so formidable an apparition. In the
autumn OF that year, a Herbeshiem
youth named George WaIdrich, who
hsd run away from school or college TO
join as a volunteer, in the war against
the French. and had since entered the
regular army. returns to his native
town, IN command Of the troops quar-
tered there, and is bi!leteJ upon his
former guardian, Bantes, a rich and
Kind hearted, but whimsical manufac
turer. Here the runaway schoolboy,
IS not recognized in the n,usfaciioed
ofiicer, Who, on his part, as little re-
cosnized his childish playmate, Fred.
erica Bantes, in the beautiful Girl seat
ell with him at the dinner table. and
enjoys the pleasure Of hearing himself
reprobated rs a scapcgrace by the "a
'ner, and gently but earnestly defend
ea oy the daughter. Some prettily
playful scenes lead to the disclosure
OF Waldrich's name TO Frederick: fthe
mother quick witted excellent person
bad early discovered her cide.von
ward y but the young people again be-
come as brother and sister, and no pros
pect OF romance appears.
The slow and minutely detailed pro-
sress of affairs is, however, somewhat
Prccipitated by some old fashioned
customs of the house. All birth DAYS
were regularly celebrated by a grand
family dinner, before which every bo.
dy made apresent to the king or queen
OF the feast, aud after which, every bo.
ny kissed the same august parsonage
Tor the time being.
The Kisses exchanged between Wal.
drieh and Frederick upon the birth Jay
OF the former, who has become 4 prime
iavorlte even with his formerely cross
guardian, effect much in opening the
eyes of the soldier and the made n TO
the unfraternal nature Of their mutual
feelings. Frederica's birth day pro-
duces stronger results. After reeeiy.
ing her presents the lady sits down TO
table. and lifting her napkin, finds up
on her plate q diamond ring and neck
lace, with 4 letter. From this last
1t appears that her father has engaged
her to the son of the wealthy and no.
BILE banker. Herrvon Hahn, aud that
her intended, being in too delicate
hea't To travel IN the bad weather then
prevailing, had sent his offerings with
tins billet dour instead of presenting
them IN person. Father Bsntes, who
expected the utmost Joy from this nup-
tial announcement, is COMPOUNDED NJ
the general gloom that ensues. Ills
vile, however, too adrOit to oppose
him. says little. and that little ap
Provingly, whilst Frederick begs hard
to see her bridegroom at least before
she " required to accept him. The
kisses OF this day complete the misery
OF the lovers. An explanation soon al.
forwards occurs between them, and
Frederica pledges her word never 10
marry young Hahn.
Meanwhile Advent approaches
herbeshle'n is absorbed in discussion
touching the Dead Guest, aud, although
the holder aud more enlightened pro.
Tess their contempt for the 50 perstiiious
lear, lovemaking is, Professionally and
temporarily we'll nigh suspended; and
the shrewd Mrs. Bantes, who clearly
dIscerns her daughters horror Of an
unseen bridegroom. urges the general
apprehension as plea TO obtain res.
pite. The rational manufacturer de.
rides her sUpersiitious folly, but her
words nevertheless are not altogether
without effect: followed up. as they &C.
cidentAlly are, by a circumstanlial mar.
ratiVe Of the old tradition. During
he gossip Of the fashionable world OF
iIeroeshiem assembled one evening AZ
Bantes' house, il appears that the old
legend Is general, forgotten, the only
thing really known, being that ~ the
Church Register tire death Of three
brides are recorded IN the year 1920
with the additional word, With their
faces urged 10 their backs az lOG years
agO-GOd have mercy on their DOOR
souls" Waldrich hereup0n declares
that I've learned the story in his child.
hood from a grey headed forester, aud
at the request Of the company relates
Il.
Late in November Of 1890, when
Frederick, Eleotor Palatine and elect.
ed king Of Bohemia, was flying from
the superior and victorious arms Of the
Emperor, Ferdinand ~. three betroih.
eel brides Of CAihOlic Herbeshsim anus.
ed themselves Que evening with wish
ing their bride grooms could earn the
rewards. especially the title offered a.
he price Of The hereto usUrper's head
WHILST they chattsd, they saw thirieen
men ev'dently iugitives, and a. evident.
" one superior rank TO she rest, gallon