The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-08-19

I s
The fury of the storm had not abated,
and lay awake some time listening to the
wind. At last, however, fell into an un-
easy slumber. How long had slept
know not, when l was awakened by an icy
touch upon my forehead.
l started up with a thrill of apprehen
sion The light emitted faint, sepulchral
CLEAN. o horror! what was that saw
A figure, robed in white, came gliding
toward me from the foot of the bed
The face was hidden from my view, but
Knew by the form that it was the ghost OF
| Anastasia.
William Raymond, - came in hoarse
voice from the figure, 81 came here to
avenge your infidelity, and to drag you
down to the grave in my embrace" q
l shrieked with terror as l felt her
Mercy! mercy!'
You would marry Kate Nelson, would
you:" whispered the ghost, mockingly
"If you do not wish to die''-and here
the icy fingers pressed so tight that I
gasped for BREATH promise me that you
will not marry Kate Nelson"
"Oh, l promise, l promise!" said I,
half dead with terror.
"Woe be unto you if you deceive me!'
answered the ghost, solemnly. And l
heard no more.
1t was some time before l ventured to
cast glance around the room. The ghost
had disappeared. The storm, too, was
beginning to subside; but l could not go
to sleep again, for found it impossible
to forget that phantom and its deadly
clutch upon my throat. l resolved to say
nothing about it. OF course people would
ridicule the idea of ghost. Nevcrthe-
less did not dare to wed Kate Nelson
yet how could l explain the sudden
change Of purposes l fervently hoped
that she would not die of broken heart!
What should say to the poor girl?
After considerable reflection l resolved
to trust this delicate affair to Charlie
The proposed marriage was so odious
in his eyes that l knew he would justify
my apparent treachery to her if possible
3 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 l
almost fancied he, too, had seen the ghost.
After breakfast said to him with an
embarrassment that strove to hide: My
dear boy, do you remember what we were
talking about last evening? have been
thinking the matter over seriously, and
am afraid that marriage between Katie
and myself will result in unhappiness !;
but / have not the courage to brave her
rcproaches. Now, Charlie, will you act
as mediator, and make known this change
in my vicws?"
"Why, uncle" he answered, and was
almost sure.that saw CLEAN of mischief
in his eyes, "something extraordinary
musthave happened; you are not usually so
tickle"
1--WE won't discuss the matter,' said |,
in an irritated tone "Will you or will
you not grant my requests"
"Of course WILL" he replied; "but
it is difficult task. The poor child will
be so disappointed"
detected a joyous ring in his voice,
and looked at him rather suspiciously.
His diplomatic mission was successful,
however Late in the afternoon Katie
came down into the library where l was
sitting. l had never seen her look so
pretty.
"Oh, Mr. Raymond!' she said, eagerly,
&C. am so glad that you have changed your
mind! 1t was so unexpected yesterday. l
never dreamed before that you loved me
in any other way than as a daughter
Was this acting? Was she trying to de-
ceive me in her pure and sweet unseltish-
ness?
"Then you never loved me-"
Dear Mr. Raymond, you know better,
only it was not exactly the kind of love
one ought to feel toward husband. You
are as dear to me as if you were my own
father, but you are so much older than
that-that-'
She hesitated and did not finish her SEN
Il pang of mortified vanity Was not the
ghostly visit enough? Must l be tortured
in this manner aferward?
The veil was torn away from the delusion
l had cherished. Alas! had misinter-
preted her childish affection. 1t might be
that she loved another. l looked down
into the face where vivid scarlet glowed,
and there read her own secret.
MY dear child" exclaimed, attempt
ing to control my agitation, tell me every
thing"
"0h, Mr.. Raymond" she exclaimed, in
confusion, "Charlie has asked me to be
his wife,"
The rascal! No wonder he remained
with her such long time that morning :;
no wonder that he boosted of the satisfac-
tory manner in which everything had been
explained.
patiently. "What do you answer, child
DO you love him."
Low and very softly came the answer
Eyes"
The heart of woman is mystery I
cannot fathom. I was certainly outwitted
by my nephew. He might have been
afraid, however, that my conscience would
reproach me if Katie showed her disap-
appointment. have little doubt that she
loved ME far better than she would con-
TESS.
All, well they were married in due
course of time, and we are all living to-
gether. The dear children do everything
they can to add to my happiness.
Katie is still beautiful woman, and
Charlie is certainly the staff of my old
age.
never saw the ghost again. In fact,
l have good reason to think that the
mysterious visitant was certain grace
less nephew CT mine who had fallen in
love with Katie. OF course forgavc the
deception long ago, as it saved me from a
terrible mistake.
Il am much happier, probably, than if
l had married the young girl whose heart
belonged to another. l am not certain,
however, that she did not accept Charlie
from pique at my rejection. Any way,
he has made her a good husband.
Fruit in Ceylon.