Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-12-18

In shieh De ohosl storr eome. true.

THIRD EPISODE,
In ohich the Ghost Story comes true
"What made her faint, do YOU think, Dr. Mac
donaldC | heard Fanny ask the question, and
became aware that | was lying on a soft couch
opened my eyes. They rested on a face | had
never seen before one that l thought the most
beautiful It were possible to imagine | thought
so then think nov; | shall think 50 to the
end Of my life. 1t was lowered near mine, watch
ing nae. as 1t has so often done since. The deli
catelyiormed lips were slightly pressed together;
tue clear blue ewes shone like orbs of light in
their earnest gaze the dark auburn hair hung in
confusion over the fair and opeu brow
'' Where am | z | asked. The words caused a
bright expression to come over the face that bent
over me- they caused the lips TO part, and the
eyes to sparkle IN an answering smile. Where
am | ~
Here. in my room" returned Fanny. do
you feel better, dear?'
"Y Yes. But, OH Fanny come nearer. What
was it? When did see these dreadful creatures?
Tell me what it all means, Fanny
What creatures? What do you meanY What
made you faint, Bessie Z
"Ohl | remember it all now. The ghosts
your brother spoke OIL saw them. They woke
me up, walking up and down, and then | saw them
in the avenue, and as | coming to you heard
them rafting their chains Oh, Fannyln | shud-
deied to think of it, but Fanny burst into merry
laugh.
You dear, silly little thing Why Alec had
been to spend the evening at n neighbours and
was returning home with DR. Macdonald, whom
he brought here for the night to save his going
twenty miles to bis own house. They must have
been the ghosts you saw
1--WE are very tangible ones, at any rate said
DR.. Macdonald.
"was it really you?n asked, unbelievingly,
d" II really was"
=" But why were you dancng?"
Dancing only remember walking home
most sedately aud properly"
The figures | saw were dancng---at ltSst they
were bowing and performing all sorts of queer
antics up aud down the avenue. They went back
to do after they had first been to the front
door,
"Obln said DR.. Macdonald laughing as hear
tlly as Fanny had done When we first CAME
to the doorewe found we had dropped the key,
and therefore returned to find it, which we did af-
ter a considerable hunt in the avenue This ac-
counts for our dancen
hid my face for very shame that should have
been so foolish to allow my Imagination to be-
come so excited.
I'm very sorry to have caused such a disturb
ance,n said, humbly.
DIR. Macdonald smiled, and walked to the door
" 1t is we who ought to apologize, Miss Lynn
Come in, Alec" he said, :" and help me ask pard-
on for the fright we have caused Miss Lynn. l
/ am glad it is nothing worse, j could not make
1t out at all at first.n
"I'm not going TO admit Alec, interrupted Fan
ny. at is too late Tonight besides Miss Lynn
might prefer being introduced in rather fuller
toilet. So. goodnight. Alec, Miss Lynn will
take her revenge tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr..
Macdonald. You too, will have to answer for
spohng our beauty sleep. unless your kindness in
looking after the principal sufferer prevent it."
81 trust the sufferers generosity will, and that
she will sleep well the rest of the night Good
night Miss Carrick. Goodnight Miss Lynn"
My visit to -- castle drew TO close, and
the evening before my departure arrived.
dreaded to think Of the morrow for | knew
that IN leaving Scotland should be leaving what
| cared for most in the world. 1 should be leay-
ing him who had become my very life. ! dared
not own this, and vet knew it to be true. had
seen Duncan Macdonald first on the night Of my
arrival bad met him since at skating parties at
evening parties, in walks and in rides. ! had
learned to admire, esteem reverence hmto love
him. And what more than that was possible?
Now the last evening come, aud the dream
was over. So thought l.
We had been out riding all the afternoon, and
on our return we retired to our respective rooms
TO make the necessary alteration in dress be-
fore tea Mine accomplished, | went down into
the drawing-room. One person only was there.
He came forward to greet me as | entered.
Good evening, Miss Lynn
Good evening, Mr.. Macdonald. did not know
you were expected this evening" | stammered.
"Did you think ! should let you go without
saying good-byin he said gently. "Perhaps |
ought to have come earlier, but hope am not
too late now. | am come to ask If you will allow
me to escort you to London tomorrow, am GO
ing there"
What joyous light seemed to burst upon me-
Then the dream was not over yet-not just yet.
This is rather sudden determination, is it
not p said
IL have thought of it for some time" replied
Mr. Macdonald; "but did not make up my mind
till to-day-in fact have not ct. IL depends
on you--whether you will let me 60. | want to
see your father and mother, Bessie if you will let
me-,f you will
What need to add more? lie asked me to be
his wife, and--now we are married
1t was a mystery to me how il none of the
children elders Of the Carrick family came into
the drawing that evening. They did not
for when, after having heard the gong twice sound
ed we went into the teA-room we found them all
seated around the table, ready to greet duncan
and me with smiles which | am sure contained
hearter welcome than was warranted by outward
Circumstances.
Thus the ghost story came true in that | first
saw my husband at tho end of the long avenue.
/ II it was not at the terrace end 1t was at the
other; and # did not go to see him, he came TO
see me, which think by far the better plan
In.