The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1875-03-11
ANASTASIA'S GHOST.

ANASTASIA'S GHOST.
How well remember that dismal No
vember night. Some vague present.
ment of evil weighed upon my heart, as
| sat alone in the twilight. And vet
there was nothing apparently to make
me gloomy. On the contrary, I ought
to have been more than usually cheer
full; had [ not received delicious
promise from Katie Nelson that very
afternoon?
1t seemed to be odd, to be sure, that a
gray-haired widower like myself was to
marry this girl of eighteen. Her mother
had been a housekeeper in our family,
but died soon after Katie's birth. So it
happened that she was adopted by us. as
we had no children of our own. Nv
wife treated her kindly, but without
much warmth of feeling Anastasia was
OF such a peculiar disposition that I act
ualy believed she was jealous of this
infant.
Poor Anastasia she warned me SOL
EMMY on her death-bed never to marry
again, and threatened to rise from her
grave In case of such an event.
Katie was in her tenth year when nv
wife died. I sent her away to a board
ing school and, as business called me
abroad, did not see her again until nv
return, eight years afterwards. I was
somewhat bewildered to find a lovely
woman, instead of tho little girl / had
left in short dresses. Of course you can
guess the sequel. I fell in love with this
charming adopted daughter. There was
something in the frank tenderness of her
manner that completely won my heart.
1t WIS evident that She was deeplv at
tached to me. I could not help seeing
how much higher she valued nv society
than that of my nephew, Charles Ray
mend, who had accompanied me from
abroad. She never addressed him ex-
cept in monosyllables, and would flush
all over with embarrassment if he but
entered the room. But with me, she
was always self-possessed, and so talka-
tive and sociable that I could not help
pitying Charlie. He was really quite
good-looking, and I used to wonder
sometimes at her antipathy. Poor fell
low how [ dreaded to tell him 'of nv
approaching happiness. It would be a
great blow to his hopes, for he had ex-
pected to inherit my fortune.
Katie wasn't bit like other girls that
I had ever known anything about. In
stead of blushing at my confession that
afternoon she turned pale, and shivered
as If struck by sudden chill. [ no.
ticed, too, that there was a strange
culver ia her voice when she finally con
sented to be my wife. I was apprehen-
sive that Charlie had told her what An
astasia had said on her death-bed. And
yet couldn't believe her would be so in
considerate. Somehow, I couldn't forget
that warming. Anastasia was a remark
able woman, and would surely keep her
word, if ghosts are permitted to walk the
earth. Thinking thus, I began to grow
frightened at the shadows in nv room.
and hastily, rang the bell for lights.
Why are you so late, Bridget" [
asked, sharply, as the servant entered
the room.
Indade, sir, and it's meself that's
been with Miss Katie every blessid min
nit, and she's almost kilt with pain in
her head"
Gould this be the result of our CON
versatiOn that afternoon? Considerably
startled, questioned Bridget eagerly.
Charlie came in while we were talking.
"Katie ill.," he said, with shadow
on his brow. Z" Is it anything serious,
uncle"
What business had he to take any
special interest in Katie.
"Only a headache" I answered,
coldly. "She is subject to such attacks.
Bring in the tea, Bridget"
eve shall have lonesome evening""
Charlie sighed.
I half believed that he was in love with
the girl himself.
1t was cheerless, though, without
Katie. missed her bright face behind
the tea-tray. Charlie left his cup I'M
tasted. My jealousy was aroused, and [
watched him keenly.
AS soon as we were alone, said, half
angrily, "What is the matter, Charlie9
You look as if you hadn't a friend on
earth. I didn't know before that you
liked Katie so WE'LL"
The crimson leaped up to his very
brow.
8" / am glad that you do" continued,
hastily, I" for you will soon be connected
by ties of relationship. She has prom
ised to be my wife,
"You are TESTING, uncle!" he said,
anrll>+ir nlu