The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1875-04-08

crashing of glass, and the storm actual
" swept INTO the room. We glanced
around Us in dismay. The bonghs of
a large elm tree, that stood IN front of
the house, had fallen against the win
dow. sA&tA ~ u e &AA
Charlie gave me a peculiar look as I
covered over the fire, and then barred
the window in such a manner as to keep
out the rain. A strange gloom envel-
oped us both, and we did rot return
again to the spbject we had been dis
eussiug Our conversation was fitful-
and it seemed relief when We separated
at bedtime.
There is no use in denying that 1 was
troubled 3 little with superstitious
fears. ! peeTed round anxiouslY into
every corner of the room Elbef0se retir-
ing, but found no Sign of any 14gs-
terious visitant. had such fear of
the darkness, however, that I left the
candle burning.
The Jury of the storm had not abated,
and lay awake some time listening to
the wind. At last, however, I fell into
an uneasy slamber. How long I had
slept know not, when was awakened
by an icy touch upon nav forehead.
I started up, with a thrill of appre-
hension. The light emitted faint,
sepulehral gleam. Oh, horror what
was that I saw? A figure. roped in
white, came gliding toward ne from
the foot of the bed. The face was hid
den from my view, but I knew from
the form that it was the ghost of Anas-
tasia.
4" William Raymond" came in a
hoarse voice from the figure I" I am
here to avenge your infidehty, and to
drag you down to the grave in my en-
brace"
I s6rieked with terror as I felt her
clutch my threat, and cried, family,
I" Mercy mercyt" er
90 You would marry Katie Nelson,
would you? whispered the ghost,
mockingly. eff you do not wish 20
die and here the icy fingers pressed
SO tight that I gasped for breath
'promise me that you will not take a
second wife. "
''Oh, l promise I promise " said I,
half dead with terror.
Woe be unto you, if you deceive
me " answered the ghost sOlemnly.
And I heard no more.
It was some time, however, before I
ventured to cast timid glance around
the room. The ghost had disappeared.
lie bLOL4Lls- AOOg WIS .DCglauA1R " EllU-
side but / could not go to sleep again,
for l found it impossible to forget that
phantom and its deadly clutch upon my
throat I Iresolved to say nothing about
it. OF course, people would ridicule
the idea of a ghost. Nevertheless, I
did not dare to wed Katie Nelson yet
how could I explain this sudden change
of purpose? I feIvently hoped that
she would not die of q broken heart,
the poor child! What should say to
her? fGIl j
After considerable reflection, I re-
solved to trust this delicate affair to
Charlie. The proposed marriage was
so odious in his eyes that 1 knew he
would justify my apparent treachery to
her, if possible.
Morning came, and arose in fever
ish state of mind. How dreaded to
meet Katie at the breakfast table but,
fortunately, she did not make her appear
ance. Charlie looked so troubled that
I almost fencied he, too, had seen the
ghost
After breakfast, I said to him, with
an embarrassment that I strOye to hide,
MY dear boy, do you remember what
we were talking about last evening? 1
have been thinking over the matter Sc
riously, and am afraid that a marriage
between Katie and myself will result in
unhappiness; but I have not the cour-
age to brave her reproaches. Now,
Charlie, will you act as mediator, and
make known this change in my views p
'Why, uncle" he answered, and I
was almost sure that saw CLEAN of
mischief in his eyes, &" something extra
ordinary must have happened. You
are not usually so tickle -
''We won't discuss the matter" said
I, IN an irritated tune. 81 VIII you, CT
will you not, grant my request?"
OF course, / will, ;" he replied ;
"but it is a difficult task The poor
child will be so disappointed u
1 detected a Joyous ring in his
voice, and 1 looked at him rather sus-
piciously.
His diplomatic mission was success
/ full, however. Late in the afternoon,
Katie came down into the library where
l was sitting. 1 had never seen. her
/ look prettier.
"Oh, Mr.. Raymond ~ she said,
eagerly. 81 am SO glad that you have
! changed your mind It was so unex.
! pected yesterday. I never dreamed
before that you loved me in any other
way than as a daughter"
Was this acting? was she trying tc
deceive me in her sweet unselfshness
Then you never loved me ??
asked. t
"Dear Mr.. Raymond, You know bet
ter" she answered only it was moi
exactly the kind of love one ought Il
feel toward a husband. You are ai
dear to me as if you were my own faith
er f.; but you are so much older than /
| that-that-"
She hesitated, and did not finish hel
sentence. I remembered my gray hair
with pang of mortified vanity. Wa
not the ghostly visit enough? Must
be tortured in this manner afterward
The veil was torn away from the de
lusion I had cherished. Alas I haC
misinterpreted her childish affection
1t might be that she leved another.
! looked down into the face where a viviC
scarlet glowed, and read her secret.
"My dear child" I exclaimed. at
tempting 20 control my agitation, s. tel
me everything"
fOh, Mr.. Raymond" she answered
in confusion. ''Charlie has asked me t.
be his wife"
The rascal I No wonder that he re
NAMED with her such long time tina
morning no wonder that he boosted o
the satisfactory manner in which every
thing had been explained.
"The impudent fellow r. I muttered
impatiently. what did yOu answer
child? Do you love him p
Low and soft the answer came =
"Yes."
The Leart of woman is a myster,
that I cannot fathom. I was certainly
outwitted by my nephew. He NIGH
have been afraid, however, that m,
conscience would reproach me if Katii
showed her disappointment. I hav
little doubt that she loved me far bette
than she would confess.
All, welli they were married in dU
time, and we are all living together
The dear children do everything the,
can to add to my happiness.
Katie is still a beautiful woman, AM
Charlie is the staff of my old age,
I never saw the ghost again. In fact
] have good reason to think that tn
mysterious visitant was a certain grace
less nephew of mine, who had fallen i
love with Katie. OF course I forgav
the deception long ago, as il saved II
from q fprrib mistake.