The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1875-11-29
TIE ENCHANTED STONES.



In tho country of Vannes, near the
sea, lies TIL, village OF plouhinec, in n
dry, sterile tract of land, SO unproduc-
tive that it affords scarcely grass or herb.
age cnough to Keep the cattle alive, and
where the swine even look half starved
and thin. Instead Of cultivated fields
there are moorlands only, and forests of
pine trees. But tho country is covered
with M immense number Of stones, large
and small, viii n would furnish material
enough to build agS,at city. The largest
OF these stones had iu olden times been
planted by the dwarfs in two long rows
in order to form au avenue.
At Il short distance from this stately
avenue flowed n river, and near its banks
in former times lived Mnrcinnc, the
richest Of the people thcreabouts. His
lardcr always contained n Eountiful sup.
ply OF salt pork and black bread, and on
Palm Sunday, at tho consecation OF the
laurel, he invariably wore, in honor Of the
ceremony, pair OF new wooden shoes.
Marcinno was proud. and his petted and
indulgGd sister Rosa had hitherto re.
fused to listen to any offer Of marriage,
because none Of her admirers had sufli.
cient wealth to gratify her ambition.
Among t1sa's many Mdorcrs was one, n
worthy Christian youth, named Berncc,
who Ind lot his parents when young,
and receiving for his inheritance only his
fathers good will, was obliged to sup
port himself by the work of his hands.
When 10 entered the parish us au arti-
sau's apprentice lie was lad, and Rosa
Int n little girl. Unler his eye she bad
grown to be fair mud beautiful maiden,
aud he deemed herthe lovelicst creature
III the whole land. The people Of the
parish, however, knowing how matters
stood, would frequently say "Bernec
loves r 81, but he eau never win hor !;
truly, n hereto might rs well hope 10
enter heaven"
But Rcsn proved not inscnsible to
Brrncc's evident devotion, aud shG
secretly returned his love. Above all,
her brother too had liking. for the
young fellow, and was moro tllnl half
inclined to grant him his sisters hand.
One Christmas eve Marcinne, having
invited 10 his house all tho youths aud
maidcns hom the ncighborhoOd, had
Hospitality prepared ior their entertain.
meut generous rGpast of sausages,
wheat p0rrilgn and honey. But the
weather proved unfAvorable. A storm
howlcd and shricked and whittled
around, so that only few Of the hidden
guests came, and even these did not ap'
pcnr until II late hour. The moment til y
arrived dinner was served. All except
Bernpc viewed with complaceucy the
smoking sausages and wheat porrilgc
upon the hearth he alone gave no heed
to either, but Ind only eyes for the
hlushing countonance Of his beloved
ROsa.
Just as tho company were seated the
door opened, and IN old man entered.
Although clothed i'll boggars rags, he
walked in without tho slightest cere
mony, and requested something to eat,
No one gave HIM word Of greeting,
such As ordinary beggars would receive
for this strange being was feared and
Stunned ly all the parish. lie was never
scen ut church, aud it was believed that
he was II sorcercr, who could cast spcl
ever animals, h!Hcken the corn in thu
rAr, anil that hu even had power Il
change person who displCAscd him int
IL wehr.w"li. Not tlnring to do other
wise, Marcinne hestowcd upon tho ok
mau portion Of tho rcpast, and gave
him Il seat by the fire.
When, after satisfying his hunger, tin
beggar inquired where he should sleep
M0rcinno directed him to stable occu
pied by his scrubby donkey aud very al
tcnuated OK. There directly betWco,
these animals this miserable being Ia,
down, i'll order to keep warm. He place.
n pillow Of moorland grass under hi
head, And was well nigh lost in slumbe
when twelve strokes announced tho hou
uf midnight.
Scarcely had tho last stroke sonndc,
when the old donkey shook his long ears
and turning to tho lean OK, asked, il
friendly tones "Well, cousin, hoy
llast thou been since last Christmas ?"
Nhn Ox caStinp n sideward plAncO n