The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-05-31
CHAPTER II.

thought very little about ghosts, or, in
deed, anything else, when got to my cham
Der that night. was too tired for think
ing, and very soon went to bed. Next morn
ing was Christmas Day, and according TO
all immemoria legends and tales the country
ought to have been lying under close white
coverlet of snow the holly trees, with their
the powdery chrystals and the lanes should
have looked like the galleries of some ivory
palace under the intricate fretwork of snow.
laced boughs. But our Christmas Day was
mild'a and balmy-a green yue. A light-grey
fog lay in the hollows, a mellow sunshine
enlivened the moist air, and gided the bare
twigs of the trees against the blue sky. 1t
was quiet, still, genial day after the bolster
Gus night before, and there was Sabbath
calm about it in keeping with the time.
In the forenoon we all went to service in
the village church. | walked there beside
Miss Ethel, and returned with Miss Rose,
exchanging places with Mr.. Haywood. 1t
was only a short walk across the park to the
church, so We did not have much converse
ton; but it was happy time for me Ethel
seemed kind, charming, and witha so scn,i-
Bile, that | wished the time would never
change, the walk never, never come to an
end. Rose was in capital humor, and asked
me if had not had any communications
from the spirits during the night. said
they might have been in legions round my
night cap, playing at bopeep in my cars,
and pirouettng on my nose, for all | knew
or cared, was 50 tired out last night and
had slept SO soundIy..
4 see you are skeptic,' she said, you
are spirit proof Even Allie Slade' would
not convince YOU
4 am lawyer replied, 'and like to see
black on white
But / suppose you would be satisfied with
white on black, and that is what Allie
woul give you on her slate
Il think We lawyers rather exposed al
lies slate writing
That is a matter of opinion. You had
popular prejudice on your side, and play ed
upon it to great purpose. You couldn't ex-
plain the raps, and lights ard ringing of
bells. All there are more things in heaven
and earth, Horatio, than are comprehended
in Coke and Blackstone In the afternoon
Charley Deben and his brother Frank, who
had just come home from abroad, Mr.. Hey
wood and took long walk, and returned
to the hall in time to dress for dinner, which
was served earlier than usual.
| At dinner, found myself between Rose
Herrick and Ethel Deben. The meal was a
mas cheer refined by modern taste and
science. We were merry party. Charley
Deben and his brother Frank were especial
ly entertaining. The host and hostess looked
the picture of good-humorea happiness /;
and the old vicar of the parish, with his rud-
dy but refined features, and thin gray locks,
smiled again and again at the ready salies
of youth, and toasted Ethel with grave but
fatherly courtesy that was almost benedic
ton.
After dinner we had music and games
dancing and acting charades. Often during
the dance my eyes furtively sought out
Ethel, and stole gaze at her radiant beau
ty. 1t her eyes CHANGED to turn in my direc-
ton, was quick to lower mine or avert
them. | danced several times with her, and
found her ever the same charming, gentle
natural and true, with apparently no yes
tige of affection in her whole demeanor
Haywood led her to the floor great many
times, and seemed very attentive to her
Her manner was at least as gracious to hin
as to me. If any jealous feeling crossed me
| sought out Rose Herrick as soon as | coulc
in order TO rgain a proper tone.
Supper was another meal almost as sub
stantial as dinner BY this time the ole
vicar and one or two more bad taken thei
departure, SO that the party was smaller, bu
even more convivial. 1t was not very lat,
when we broke up for the night-at least
do not think it was. When got to the din
ing room, from which my bedroom doc
opened, drew an easy chair before the fir
and sank into it, | was in that deliciou
frame of mind, induced by good cheer, wei
seasoned with good wine, good company, bu
t above all with love. was deeply in low
! with Ethel Deben. There was no question
! ing it, My chamber was cosy, old flash
/ ioned place, with high wainscotipg OF carve,
! oak, blackened by time. There was quain
laak shaul fh.. anoianf nla.a and IL saan,a.