The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-06-17
The GHOST Of WiIloWdale.

Lizzie Edwards, and Kate Armitage were
FAST friends, linked together by common
orphanage, and a lwomanly struggle for
daily bread. All through the first, bright
years of their youth they had toiled side
by side-one as teacher, the other as a
copyist - sharing the one meagre room
which they called home, and which they
mana ged to transform into something not
unworthy of the name. Together they
enjoyed every chance which came in tine,
way, and, when the death of half-forgot-
ten relative placed Lizzie in possession OF a
small property, away down on the "Eas-
.ern Shore" there was no vexing question
Of "mine and thine" to mar their rejoic-
ing. Those who had been partners in
poverty could not be less in prosperity.
A single friend appeared at the depot
to wish them God speed. This was MIR.
Carroll, knight of the latter, nobler chiv-
airy which reveals itself in aiding women
to help themselves. Otherwise, a bachelor
of torty-a substantial tea-merchant, y
school director, warm supporter OF every
social reform, and man of weight and
influence generally.
And yet the girls laughed at him.
Why, it would have been hard to tell.
But even as he held hand of each, la
menting the necessity, their eyes sparkled
with merriment, and when, after feint
of departing, he returned to lay package
of cream chocolates in Lizzie's lap, their
suppressed fun threatened to burst oil
bounds of lady-like decorum.
"I trust you will find everything COM
Portable" said the polite agent of the
property, as he placed them in a carriage
in front of his office, in the little town
nearest their destination. 81 have taken
the liberty of engaging an old servant.
could not we'll do otherwise, for aunt
Debby seems to regard herself as a fixture
on the estate. I dare say you will be able
to manage her nicely"
A servant already engaged, and an at
tached family servant at that !! Both girl
agreed that it was grand.
Arrived at the old homestead, Debb.
was not far away. Her great eyes wer'
cleaning few feet back in the hall, and
as the shivering girls pressed in, she cam
sulkily forward.
"'Pears like we didn't Expect you, la
dies, it's so stormy" she mumbled.
"'Pears not, indeed !" mimicked Kate
Then, aloud to the little maid, "What'
your name, sis ?"
"Lute," answered the child.
"Well, Lutte, see how quickly you Cal
get us fire made here. A rousing one
mind"
In few minutes royal fire was bla2
ing in the chimney roaring and cracklin
among the messy logs, and sending fort
waves of light and heat into the chill
room. Even the welcome tea, which 500
after made its appearance, must hav
owed something to their cheering in
fuence.
"Well, Lizzie, this amt so bad, afte
ALL" said Kate. "Even this jingling oil
pano-near me wonder who played o
it last? III tighten the strings and tune
up tomorrow, and we"
She was interrupted by the entrance {
aunt Debby with bed-candle. "Whic
room you ladies gwine to sleep in?" sh
asked.
"The one where you carried our wraI
} pings will do as we'll as any, answere
, Lizzie, quietly. "You can leave the ligf
burning, and we will 60 when we al
ready. The fire is too pleasant to leay
yet awhile.
1t was midnight ere they could tee
themselves away from its glorious con
fort.
"Now look out for aunt Debby's ghost,
said Kate, with light laugh, as the
: gained the landing on the wsy to I'll
chamber.
"Stop, Kate" replied Lizzie, pausir
and speaking grayely. Don't let |
mention that nonsense, even in fun"
A wild, mocking laugh cut short h