The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1875-06-17
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 yet
there was nothing apparently to make
me gloomy. On the contrary, / ought
to have been more than usually cheerful
had / not received a delicious promise
from Katie Nelson that very afternooni
1t seemed odd, to be sure, that gray.
haired widower like myself was to marry
this girl of eighteen. Her mother had
been housekeeper in our family, but
died soen after Katie's birth. So it hap
pened that she was adopted by us, as we
had no children of our own.
My wife treated her kindly, but with
out much warmth of feeling. Anastasia
was of such peculiar disposition that
actually believe she was jealous of this
infant.
Poor Anastasia! she warned me SOL
emnly on her death-bed never to marry
again, and threatened to rise from her
grave in such an event.
Katie was in her tenth year when my
wife died. sent her away to a board
ing school; and, as business called me
abroad, did not see her again until my
return, eight years afterwards.
was somewhat bewildered to find a
lovely woman, instead of the little girl /
had left in short dresses. OF course you
can guess the sequel. l fell in love with
this charming adopted daughter. There
was something in the frank tenderness
of her manner that completely won my
heart.
1t was evident that she was deeply
attached to me. could not help seeing
how much higher she valued my society
than that of my nephew, Charles Ray
mond, 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 selfpossessed, and so talkative
and sociable that could not help pity
ing Charlie.
He was really good-looking, and l used
Poor fellow! how dreaded to tell him of
my approaching happiness. 1t would
be great blow to his hopes, for he had
expected 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. noticed,
too, that there was strange culver in
her voice when she finally consented to
be my wife.
was apprehensive that Charlie had
told her what Anastasia had said on her
death-bed. And yet could not believe
he would be so inconsiderate. Somehow
/ couldn't forget that warning. Anasta-
sia was remarkable woman, and would
surely keep her word, if ghosts are per-
mitted to walk the earth. Thinking
thus, began to grow frightened at the
shadows in my room, and hastily rang
the bell for lights.
"Why are you so late, BridgetT /
asked, sharply, as the servant entered
the room.
"Indeed, sir, and it's meself that's
been with Miss Kate every blessed min
nit, and she's almost kilt with pain in
her head"
Could this be the result of our conver-
sation this afternoon? Considerably
startled, / questioned Bridget eagerly.
Charlie came in while we were talking.
"Katie ill?'' he said, with a shadow on
his brow. els it any thing serious,
uncle?"
What business had he to take any
special interest in Katie?
"Only headache" / 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 cherries, though, without
Katie. / missed her bright face behind
the tea tray. Charlie left his cup un.
tasted. My jealousy was aroused, and /
watched him keenly.
As soon as we were alone, l said, half
angTWi7EE; ggWE.. !, the matter. Charlie, You
look as if you hadn't friend on earth.
/ didn't know before that you liked
Katie so WE'LL"
The crimson leaped up to his very
brow.
'T am glad that you do" continued,
hastily, "for you will soon be connected
by the ties of relationship. She has
promised to be my wife,"
"You are jesting, UNCLE" he said,
doubtingly.
81 was never more serious in my life,"
] answered. ~
Charlie showed evident signs Of agita-
tion.
"You have no right to sacrifice that
Young girl" he said, bitterly. "Youare
old enough to be her father. OF course
she accepted you from gratitude. How
dare you think of such thingT
"No wonder that you rave" i replied,
with a mocking smile; "you are disap-
pointed of your inheritance"
At that moment the wind gave fear
full shrek outside, and I thought of An
astasia.
care you not afraid to marry again?"
Charlie inquired, maliciously. "You
remember the warning"
"Nonsensep' answered; "it will take
something more than a ghost to frighten
me out Of this marriage"
had scarcely finished speaking when
there came gust of wind, and a crash
ing of glass, and the storm actually
swept into the room. We glanced
around us in dismay. The boughs OF
large elm tree, that stood in front of the
bouse had fallen against the window