davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07
From the misunderstanding se
A NEWPORT ROMANCE.
e2a BF BRET HAnrl-

- BT BRET HAKrE
They say she died OF a broken heart,
Otell the tale as twas told me-,
But her spirit lives ard her soul Is pars
or this sad old house by the sea-
Her lover was fiekIe and 1ne and Freneh;l
1t was nearly ahundfed years ago Is
When he sailed away from her arms-poor
with the Admiral Rocnafnbeau.
Imarxsl much what periwigged phrases
wonthe heart of this sentimental ouaker..- :
At what gold-Iaced speech Of those modish days
She listened-the mischief take heri s.
npt she kegstl,e postes or m nlgriobette = ~ y
Thst hegaye, and ever as their bloom failed
Aud faded Lthough her tears still Eet) 81.
Her youth with their own exhaled.
TnIOps nigA.3ysen the gsse7fes wrapped q
ROfbd spear an dspire sssis 'tarn and tree. 4
Her soul Rentiup on thatlifted cloud
From Il, sad house bytthe sea.
% itar ift-lH - slFk - sii+5sts a. ~. z
And ever since then. when the clock strikes
She Eafixs unbidden from room 10 yoom,
And the air is.filled thatshe passes through
wItha su5tie, sadpegfupe,
The de.ieate od6r of = - = = -
Tue ghostof a dead aud gone bouquet. = -
Is that tells Of her story, vet - iiss '4si,i
Could she think Of a asweeter way?
- .gs@f jisOls.l "a
Isit IN the sad old mouse :slst-,so, .,..is,
M.seif and ghost from a fnrEhsr sea- =.
And1 tEust that this Quaker No1nsgi might
In courtesy, visit me. -, y , .fit,; 49,.
T.. . -, f.,,,, .,,., and To ,,,,,
and shs epsEedied frstn fhe fospen fhe hill.
And the Htliltrd gltls pllthe stssrs y eplis,i
And ths grad piano 4 4 stin. zaso5 sssss.
sorneyrs n I, tAezs clock sislkes two.
And.thsreis ne eseRnd ia thesad odd house,
Blu: the long o%sraaaAh dripping with dew. = .
AndiH 5ts aiipiFeSt ii a mouse "a, siza1Ii ~
TIE light OF by study lamp steams ont. etss.s
From tie library doar. but has gone asirsy
IN thendHfHf 1fls6a ldarksnsd hall. Small
d4psi HUH IaiA HE5 dltAl 1
Busfrss askersssr knows The way le7.ss
Was 5ff.5Iile * qf q. sense o'erwrongbt
With outwe rd ssasching and lHwal d fBetS .
But swear tAas tiie arr Just now was fraught
Wiz the 5dor res salisssFsepst stsei srZa.5f.
I open shsszsndoEland seem alssost s.
So still ites the bsean7-to hear the beat 81
OF ltsgreaS euif A+sery eff the coast, . Z -s' =
An4zo ltasis fss IT'S tropic aeat,.s ssr +,
In my-nsfsh 5pr,s vi yidov : The gas-lights flare
As the dancers sx ing IN a waltz OF ssil auss
And 6sVoaS9rno% codl,i r fit that air =
To the song of this-ssd old mouse.
sdAI ID VI -A14L
And noo5or Of Infgnoneite there Is
Bat The breath OF morn on the dewy lawn.
And Iffiy fsse from causes IS slightss this
-
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07
WORK AND PLAY.

DESTRUCTION with amusement. The best,
Z cheapest, and most popular Magazine for The
hoint,g only Sl.OC perlyear. The Occupation
AmuSements and Instruction OF the wiinls
laInliy y g specially. New Games, Hnme A IN use.
meuls, Instructive Sketches, Drawing Lessons
splendtu Puzzles and beautiful Oil Chrumos are
prominent features ia this original Magazine
--Suire Tor ~ ~ The news rooms, or send en-
tps PnDiishers for sample copy, wit h
win all the popular Magazines. Spiendid
premiums and cash commissions offered 10
ladies WHO secure Clubs. faf7 81 n :,
MILTON BRADLEY & Co, Publishers,
tvc=YVilni N rs.1q. % ed Springfield, Asss. %
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

L t,APrUREp. A lot or the finest and hes
- Brands OF Tobaeeoes the market can prot
Snxale at (ocl2om) OSBORNE'S :
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

8 EQ3E &<cctcs : .t's::. ~. .......zEE.s.zsy
asag ..l.l Ctr: {; fisss'i1. lS5s s'ss. ;l'ie .
ft As-sl 80 Mysteries and roFsiatiouz q
u t.-e sesuaisystera. theissezt
ois-7gr-i,s-1 p-gJ1sH rfyerli-r hor y
K-c a~ts tEerfIa lrzssas2 = ~ -
1.s IS Il il-cFcssis cf h-- I'D and t-rerfz.
hlqE pase, nafrpiss <,, n 4 -r1 contains vi
.at : 1-cs cvre married, oreonterapi.e
lSeE u. ~, AL NJ hi e-elssfr ssost tas h5rss.
Iaafi.' II. Ll.ss; Bsl ss1y &. 3 4. LEAD >.
. St Louis, 10. =
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

= ts9 fa5 Es11b O. s3iD19 b9aGe.j
- - y s.GG!9haiifg aiu-l los7i.
: T--ini ,ssa lf1 81 .ssdsssG -siaalr
.~f1t tsa t.seic icsEsEif zs-s{ .r-..,ig .s7
y --tl5 -i-Is.t>i ssri.i lf
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07
a Raro CoNection.

AND'5 EECETPTS Magic Arts Dis-cr--,--
sor eon7-isi,s valuable iEs=a=;ioa for everys65r
hy n.iltiree Psst.-s,fo- FsRIF- Cents. Aadrsss
= - NORMANDY, Nc. u Nersa EishA 81, St, Loas, Gs.
lRAkES CoLLECT1os = ofacar.y oaa Auaired reccf-sa
- icF laaki br1ntg. Al kis = l.c. Gin Alc Bser
Sorlas Superior Cbir tsd EcA other useful insora-
on Tor these dealing zaaetu-ias any ef TIE Eb1Ss
eitfer for the trade c. Eoass uss.
sent hy nla tfee fpSxs.se1. Sr F5sy Cszts. Adfrsa
Ek,hORAASD 4. spf f-Ncr Ei-sssh 81. St I.suia. No
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

I 5I t'G i'1aV isss-2 f-f gcffRE
I WOULD respectfully inform tfie y
III 3lQsicHl Public that have receiy-
led Wholesale and Retail Agency for
lthe above flanoes and Organs, and
can furnish parties, desiring an In
istfunsen on as favorable terms as any a,
j agent ia the Stats.J, My yguarautees
are from the Manufacturers iirect
and last for five years. / would earn
iestly request any contemplating buy
liDg Piano or Organ 90 call on or
!adlreSs they En4eTsigneds Dealer
who live in Cities are not alEFavs fbs
best Tarties'to finnish instrumersfs
land In proof Il only yask q fun com,
4parison OF Styles aud Prices. g..
j Call on or address
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

sit IN the sad old house sIit5soa -.,,.i.,,
Myself and a ghost from a fnrIhsr sea- -
And1 sFust That this Quaker No1nagi might,
In cetrtesy, visit me- 80 +" ! .-tfi. II,
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07
Notica . tbo Ael;ets3 ~ IN.

Noticat' the Afflicted and Un;S. rsuusts
Sefore arriyirg % ths noiov;eas s-as' -s..,..,.
Bgtis Eu.S no - Sa,S. renedics peruSn d
ale yeercen sssafa ~ -se1sa i, o. A5u ae7i1r
Si1sase5 uasRosa IN ~ Ct ;asir en q
Sz .s..Ses seEs> s., cssp,, s. Iss; = T
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

They say she died OF a broken heart,
Otell the tale as twas told ms).
But her spirit lives ard her soul IS part
or this sad old house by the sea-
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07
JNo. ID r AIsBorr,

/: !. -: 4 !. . ...... 4. .
IL .I.p Inc .-'ocij ~. s47
'sz TO- 'siiss 10, ,ee......, agi.iese-1s .....
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

with a su5tie, SAD peEfune- sr. =
z.fctt g IL 81 y - X al y
Tue ghosto Of a dead and gone bouquet. = -
Is allthat tells Of her story, vet iiss 's.i,i
Could she think Of asweeter way?
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07
Ayers Aye:
.Sarsaparilla

Is widely known
as one of the most
efectual remedies
ever discovered for
cleansing the sys-
tenn and purifying
! the blood. . 1t has
! stood the test of
years, with a con-
stantlygrowing rep
utation, based on its
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-07

As ethree brotheFs. named Schafras
pripcfoal TuS streets Of + Bagdsa. % the eldest
OF them stopped suddenly. and point
ing teia Stranger on the other side Of
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07

cody. "Sorry that I have been the
means of subjecting you to its influence. F."
As we passed by, I noticed that the
door of the church tower stood aiar.
The beu-ringers had been there that
morning, and had, no doubt, forgotten
to close it. SO I opened it little way,
and peeped in.
"Polly," I said, "there's no enc
here. Wouldn't it be capital fun-to go
up the belfry steps, and see how
the village looks from the top OF the
tower tonight The moon will give
sufficient light through the loopholes
for us to find our way up the stairs
CHOW delightfully."- romantic! What
a charming adventure for Christmas
Evel =" she exclaimed.
care you sure you'll not be frighten-
cd, dear2"
Frightened! What at9 I don't
believe in the supernatural, Willis, !"
she replied, like the courageous little
girl that she was
"But perhaps you'll catch cold"
| "Im not afraid of that, either. I'm
as warm as toast. Come along, Willis. !"
And she began to ascend the tower.
Halfway up, we came to an iron bound
door, which, luckily for us, was also
open, or. it fwould have arrested our
progress.
81 say, Willis! Whatever would
people say of us, if they could see us
nova" she cried, as we stopped for q
moment to rest and take breath.
Flap! flap flap! "Tu-whoo tu-
WHO'D tu-whoo " And a large owl
flew past us, evidently disturbed by our
| intrusion.
ooh, Willis, whatever was thata "
she said, Selling me by the arm.
"Only an owl, dear"
"Is that all How the horrid thing
frightened me
Il thought that you we're never
frightened, Polly"
"Not by the supernatural, she re-
piled. "But owls do not come under
that category"
A few steps more, and we had reach
ed the summit, and were standing just
beneath the bells.
ooh, Willis-Willis The view
from here is enough to make any one
poetical she cried, clapping her
hands. 81 had no idea that it was
half 80 beautiful. Look at the lights
in the village-look at the Grange
look at the shadows on the blinds
wonder if they've missed US yet"
. Just then there came a sudden gust
of wind, followed by loud bang.
"Whatever was that, Willis2"
l guessed It's meaning Immediately,
and hurried down the stairs, to find
that the middle door had blown to, and
that we were securely fastened in.
Here was a pretty position to be placed
in! Laugh as much as you please, but
how would you like to be shut up in
the belfry of an old Norman church.
tower, just before midnight on Christ
mas Ever
"Oh, dear oh, dear What are
we to do nowa Whatever Will become
of us asked Polly.
"Be calm, dearest-compose your
self. Our case is not utterly hopeless,
after all. have box of fuzees in -
pocket. I'll light +I~~ @ as oz
and ~ III re-. =
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07
CHRISTIANS EVE IN A BELFRI.
"a popular reading of Mr.. ]. NJ. Bellews.)
BY LTTCHFIELD MOSELY.

"a popular reading of Mr.. j. NJ. Bellews.)
We were a merry party at Merton
Grange. Somersetshire, on Christmas
EVE forget the date, but it must be
twenty wears ago, at the very least. I'm
Gle Goodman-or Uncle George, as we
always called him-was thorough
specimen of an English gentleman of
the old school-genial, warm-hearted,
and hospitable Indeed, the greatest
pleasure of his life seemed to consist in
making other people happy.
On that Christmas Eve, the oaken
parlor at the Grange presented its usual
festive appearance. A huge wood fire
blazed on the hearth-not that it was
wanted, for the weather was almost as
warm as June, but simply because the
season demanded it; the spacious room
was festooned with holly and evergreen
from a massive beam in the centre
drooDed mighty bough of mistletoe
and the richlv-carved walnut wood side
board actually creaked beneath the
weight of good cheer it bore. For
Christmas was almost always kept by
Uncle George in iovial English fashion.
[ may as well say at once that my
name is Willis Trotman and at that
time 7 was rising young barrister,
vegetating in grimy chambers in the
delightful locality of Verulam- build
ings, Gray's Inn.
Uncle George was widower, with
three daughters Emily, the eldest,
was engaged to Jack Bates, of Merton
Abbey; Charlotte, the second, dis
engaged, oifciated as her fathers
housekeeper and Polly, the youngest,
also disengaged-a little merry-eyed,
fair-haired, saucy girl of eighteen, who
was an especial favorite of mine, and
who delighted in teasing me whenever
opportunity offered. Bless her heart +!
She married an officer, after all, and
went to the East Indies. who - e-
rnafa Gcor~ #-.a ..-.
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07

THE SUGAR CRoP.-The New Orleans
papers state that notwithstanding the
Interruptions caused by the election ex-
elements, the progress of the planters,
In gathering their sugar harvests, has
been considerable, the only drawback
being the lack of water to supply the
mills. Many of the planters, it is
stated, have run their pipes out into
the river, and employed pumps, both
on land and on tug-boats, to force the
water into their ponds. The grinding
of the cane, however, is going on very
rapidly, and the yield of sugar and mo-
lasses, it is estimated, Will exceed that
OF last year by 20, 900 to 25, 600 hogs
heads. Previous to the war there were
IN Louisiana 1,261 sugar houses, pro
ducing 459,41O hogsheads, averaging
200 pounds each and valued
at $25, O96,271. After the war
the plantations which had been idle
were again placed under cultivation,
and In 1859 the yield from BIT sugar
mills was 81, 600 hogsheads of sugar,
worth $12, 00O,O 900. This year there are
LII sugar houses in operation, which,
as estimated above, will produce 49,,
600 hogsheads. It is stated that if the
planters had had good and reliable
hands to cultivate the sugar-cane early
I'D the season, the crops would have
been larger. The increase is due to
the season, which has been unusually
favorable. Labarers are very difficult
to obtain, even at the high rates of $50
and $40, and even $50 a month. Sew
eral planters have secured gangs of
Chinese laborers, and are preparing to
begin work early next year.
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07
Summary Of Late News.
AT HOME

AT HOME.
The Welland Canal was closed Thurs
day for the season.
Two thousand three hundred and
eighty one emigrants arrived in New
York last week.
In fight at Sherman Station, on the
9Th, man named Wood was struck on
the head with stone and killed.
ELLEN BURKE, aged 1O5, was sent to
Blackwell's Island by the New York
Commissioners of Charities on Tues
day.
A SNEAK thief stole $4,000 in dia-
monds from the residence of B. L.
Babbitt, the soap man of New York, on
Friday evening.
REAR ADMIRAL Samuel L.. Breese, q.
S. N, died Saturday at Mount Airy,
near Philadelphia. He was seventy
six years of age.
THE annual report of the Michigan
salt inspector shows 628, 97s barrels IN.
spected this year, an increase of GO, 92]
barrels over last year.
THE entire stock of the American
Steamship Company, of Philadelphia
has been subscribed for, and double
the amount required was offered.
E. JOHNSON. of Louisville, train boy
on the Memphis branch Of the Louis
vile & Nashville railroad, fell from the
rear platform on Saturday and was
killed.
HON. JAMES B. BLAKE, Mayor of Wor
cester, Mass, died Sunday, aged forty
four years. His death was the result
of injuries received at the explosion O
the gas works on Friday night.
THE German Catholics of Evansville
Ind, held large meeting Sunda.
night, at which they denounced Veto
Emmauels occupation of Rome
pledged themselves to fidelity in sup
port of the Pope's sovereignty.
THE Philadelphia Commercial say
the suspension. of fourteen firms, com
prising manufacturers, commission
houses, and jobbers in the shoe trade
during the past two weeks, has caused
not only excitement, but alarm for tn
credit and future course of business.
A LARGE gas-wen was struck on tn
grounds of the Erie Car Company
Erie, Pa, on Saturday, the waste ga
of which lights several squares
is now illuminated
/ Uao tEarH-
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07
THE DEAD FAvORITE.

Put by the cage, dear! One more link
Ia lost us from the chains that shrink
So sadly fast, year after year!
Now human love unfolds its wings
And leaves us; and now humber things
Depart, that helped to make life dear.
TITS but tiny bird, indeed,
That lies there mid the wasted seed;
But, ali, tits one songs sunshine fed
To us 1t was a sound of home,
And though a thousand songsters roam,
Our one small welcome guest is dead
Among the roses, that viii shed
Their snow and blood above is bed,
Come. let us scope little grave.
Our sweetest flowers where 1t lies
Shall whisper of the tropic skies
That were its home beyond the wave.
SO let 1t sleep! And we? We wait
For what shall be beyond The Gate,
Where our own loved shall glad our eyes.
We know tire are cure to meet!
But when the loved and lost we greet,
Say. viii there be fresh surprise?
And shall we in that dim Beyond
Find all the small links, true and fond,
That chung so closely round us here7
Home IL go dear on earth, we doubt
If we should know our Home without
The humble things that made it dear.
Put nv the cagei No more, love, here
Twill dabble In the water clear,
Or ripeued stalks Of plantain pull.
But we shall recognize the note
Among the myriad songs that float
In the great world All-Beautiful.
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07

i. -, uluC LIN
te nav .-,e equally deficient,
.Aere is not 20 Frenchman or Ger
man who cannot do both.
NEWS from the diamond fields near
Cape Town, to Oct. ID, report fresh dis
coveries and Startling SUCCESS" One
party of tramps, without tools, turned
out thirteen diamonds. One who re-
turned to King Williams Town reports
the diggings as dreadful place, and
very hot. There would probably be
much sickness.
oECURE nOME.-A man with fam
lily should own at least the house in
which he dwells, if it be in his power
to make such an acquisition. When a
working man owns his home, he feels
stronger, more confident, more cheerful
and much happier, in the midst of all
worldly trials, than he would or could
feel If he were without 80 substantial
an anchorage, so to speak, for his pur-
poses, aims, resolutions, affections and
aspirations. Bonds bearing gold inter
est, and well secured, all all very well in
their way. But a home is the most as
surfing bond for the head of family,
and the love, and hope, and trust, of
which it will become the center, will,
under the blessing of heaven, yield
golden fruit through all his future years
on earth. AS the poet well said, "There
Is no place like home"
Glow sweet to turn, at evenings close from all our
cares away,
And end in calm serene repose the swiftly passing
day:
The pleasant books, the smiling looks Of children
and of BRIDE
All fairy ground doth make around ones own dear
freside! ~
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07

This was one of the fuzees; and he
had evidently seen Poor Polly in her
white dress, with my handkerchief
over her head.
"Doan't run AWAY, David, wl'out
me! Doan't leave me here alone, We
coward l-doan'tl +" cried Giles ; and
away trotted the two old men towards
the village, leaving their lanterns be-
hind them, and shouting loudly, GA
ghoast! ghoast! ghoast "
"We're in q worse mess now than
ever, dear Polly" said, as | returned
to her. "Those two old idiots have
taken you for ghost, and they'll raise
the village"
ooh, dear! What will become of
us! What are we to do9" she an
swered.
"Face it ont bravely," l said, as
Selling rope, / began to ring one
of the bells. Ding, dong! ding, dongl
ding, dong"
"Whatever are you doing, WillisG "
Sounding the tocsin, Polly-ring
ing the alarm bell. Go back into that
recess, and muffie yourself up as well
as you can" Ding, dong ding, dong!
''The garrison is waking, see Ding
dong ding And, looking through
the loophole, I saw lanterns fitting
about in the garden of the Grange, and
could hear voices shouting at dis
lance.
| "In a few minutes reinforcements
will arrive, the citadel will be stormed,
and we shall be restored to our anx-
ious friends"
ooh, Willis, what a disturbance we
are makingl And what will papa say
This adventure will be the talk of the
village for years, and shall be asham-
ed to show my face in it again"
Uncle George will only laugh at
the Joke" Irejoined and as to being
ashamed to show your face in the vii
lage, come to London with me, and be
my own dear little wife !! And ]
flung myself on my knees on that
cold stone floor of the abominable bel
fry. "Polly adore you, Polly!
am your devoted slave. One little
word from you will make me the hap
piest of men"
"Sir, am ashamed of you. This il
not the time for such nonsense"
"Polly, do you consider my love
nonsense2 Listen to me for a moment
Refuse me and I'll do something des
perate I'll throw up the law, and en-
list as q common soldier Iu-I'n-'
clark ! F" she cried.
There was a roar of many voices be
meath, and, looking down, 1 saw {
crowd of villagers armed with rakes
hoes, shovels, spades and pitchforks
Presently heard the voice of Uncle
George say
"a ghost, Ell Don't believe wore
of it. What cock-and- bull story is al
this-ehl A sovereign to the first mar
who goes up the belfry."
81 doan't want your money, zquire
and bean't frightened O. ghoasts
here goes" said Abra t-.
of Uncle Georges
"Tak' care, Alb, aa7
TAX the pitchfork III.
| ghoast mo as.s 6
!
The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-01-07
,oorge. +" It's
(. there. +"
g him, I gave
IA mil


=. Inat's strange =" he cried.
That bell did not ring itself. Follow
me, lads
"Aye, aye, sir" was the reply.
Then l heard him mount the steps,
and rattle the wooden door.
VINO s tiicIos lie onUuUcu.
Something prompted me to have a
Joke at his expense; so, in reply, ]
gave loud howl, something between
yell and shriek-an accomplishment
[ had learned at school. Away scudded
Uncle George, five steps at tine, fol
lowed by his five supporters.
"By Jove No mortal made thai
sound, I'll wager" 1 heard him say
And again I tugged at the bell Ding,
dong. ding, dong. ding, dong!
"Ten pounds TO the man who breaks
open the door " said Uncle George.
"Gi'e US hold of your zhovel, Jacob
Ghoast or no ghoast, I'll soon have 'u1
out" said Abraham White
"That's right, my lad; I Like you,
pluck" shouted my uncle "'Pon my
word, this matter is getting Interestingly
And, Immediately afterwards, the
door was attacked with heavy blows by
the besiegers.
Somewhat fearful of the result, /
whispered to Polly
Retire upstairs few steps, while
[ capitulate."
For the truth was, I was afraid that
the first man who entered, if he caught
sight of her white dress, might brain
her with his shovel. Seeing that she
was out of danger, [ shouted
Halo, there What are you MAX
ing all that noise, about, eh y
"Why, that's Wilhs's voice!" ex-
claimed Uncle George.
"Of course it is, uncle; and there's
somebody else here as we'll"
The door at this moment gave way,
discovering Polly and myself
ooh, papa, dear, don't be angry "
she cried.
"Angryl What have I got to be an
cry for, eh But how on earth did you
get up there2 Come, tell me all about
it. Why, what's that you're wrapped
up inf Ha, ha, ha! You're beauty
now, and no mistake ~
Poor Polly certainly cut rather q
queer figure, as she was enveloped in
a dirty old sack that we had discovered
in q corner of the belfry and her hands
face, and dress were smothered with
thick black dust
s'Ha, ha, ha My dear, it's a shame
to laugh at you; but I really can't help
1t. Bless mel how cold you are! Come,
wrap yourself up in my coat, and we'll
go indoors at once"
In few moments I had explained
the whole affair to Uncle Georges sat-
lsfaction; and ] never heard a man
laugh more herrtily.
"Well, friends" he said, turning TO
the villagers, ''you see there was no
ghost after all. So come up to the
Grange, and have something to warm
you, before you go home again"
"Three cheers for the squire and
Miss Mary, and long life and merry
Christmas to 'em!" was the reply.
"And now, David and Giles cried
my uncle, addressing the bell-ringers,
pull away with viii, and ring out a
merry Christmas peal on the grand old
bells; and let us hope that no worse
ghosts than these will ever be seen in
Merton belfry on Christmas Eve.
l repeated my offer to--Pouy the very
next day; and what do you think was
her reply2
III give you your answer, sir, the
next time we are locked up together on
Christmas Eve in belfry !"