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

How WE'LL l remember that dismal
November 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 l
not received adelicious promise from Kate
Nelson that very afternoon?
1t seemed odd, to be sure, that gray
haired old widower like myself was to
marry this girl of eighteen. Her mother
had been housekeeper in our family, but
died soon after Katie's birth. So it hap
rcned that she was adopted by us, as we
had no children of our own. My wife
treated her kindly but without much
warmth of feeling. Anastasia was of such
peculiar disposition that l actually be-
licve she was jealous of this infant.
Poor Anastasia. she warned me solemn
lv on her deathbed 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 boarding
school: and as business called me abroad,
did not see her again until my return,
eight years afterward. l was somewhat
bewidered to find lovely woman in
stead OF the little girl l 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 at
tachcd to me. l 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 except
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 talkative and sociable
that could not help plying Charlie. He
wonder sometimes at her antipathy. Poor
fellow, How I dreaded to tell him of my
approaching happiness. 1t would be a
great blow to his hopes, for he expected to
inherit my fortune.
katies wasn'ta bit like other girls that
l had ever known anything about. In
stead of hluShing at my confession that
afternoon she turned pale and shivered as
if struck by sudden chill. 1 noticed,
too, that there was strange culver IN her
voice when she finally consented to be my
wife. l was apprehensive that Charlie
had told her what Anastasia had said on
her death bed. And yet l could not be-
lieve he would be so inconsiderate. Some
how l couldn't forget that warning.
Anastasia was a remarkable woman and
would surely keep her word, if ghosts are
permitted to walk the earth. Thinking
thus, l began to grow frightened at the
shadows in my room, and hastily rang the
bells for lights.
"Why are you so late, Bridget?" l
asked, sharply, as the servant entered the
room.
Indeed. sir, and it's meself that's been
with Miss Kate every blessed minnit, and
Could this be the result of our CONVEX
sation that afternoons Considerably
startled, l questioned Bridget eagerly.
Charlie came in while we were talking.
Katie i'll ~ he said, with a shadow on
his brow. 'Is it anything serious, un-
clc:"
What business had he to take any special
interest in Katie? &
"Only headache,'I answered, coldly.
"Shc is subject to such attacks. Bring in
the tea, Bridget
1--WE shall haye . lonesome evening""
Charlie sighed.
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 untasted. My
jealousy was aroused and watched him
kccnly.
AS soon as We were alone said, half
angrily: 80
look as if you hadn't friend on earth.
didn't know, before, that you liked Katie
so well.' -. go,
The crimson leaped up to his very
brow -...,.-- .-.-... ----.
Il am glad that you do,'' continued,
hastily, " for you will soon be connected
by the ties of relationship. She has prom
ised to be my wife,
You are testing, uncle, he said doubt
ingly. 90
Il was never more serious in my life"
l answered.
Charlie showed evident signs of agita-
ton. .f..
You have no right to sacrifice that
young girl" he said bitterly. You are
old enough to be her father. Of course
she accepted you from gratitude. How
dare you think of such thing?"
mo wonder that you rave,'' replied,
with hooking smile; you arc disap-
pointed of your Inheritance"
At that moment the wind gave fearful
shrek outside, and thought Of Anastasia
Are you not afraid to marry again?'
Charlie inquired maliciously. " You re-
member the warning?'
Nonsensev / answered; sit 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 crashing
of glass, and the storm actually swept into
the room. We glanced around us in dis
may. The boughs of large elm tree that
stood in front of the house had fallen
against the window.
Charlie gave peculiar look as cow
cred over the fire, ana then barred the
Window in such . manner as to keep
on the rain. A strange gloom envel.
onee us both, and we did not return
aga, to the subject We had been discuss.
ing. Our conversation was fitful, and il
seemed relief when we separated atb0d.
time.
There is no use denying that I was
troubled a little with superstitious fears
l peeredi anxionsly into every corner OF
the room before retiring, but I found no
sign of my mysterious visitant. 1had such