The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-07-15

" But, unluckily, May is not fond of
him, but of you," observed Tom, wick
edly.
"Well, he doesn't know that. He will
think it's his duty to ask her. And
when she says no, he will wait for some
spiritual light. You don't mind, do you
May ?"
May did mind very much at first, but
the two boys, aided by her own sense of
fun, at last persuaded her into it. Per-
haps the thought that it was sure to be
discovered, and that the professor could
not possibly carry his credulity to that
point, helped to quiet her Conscience
AT any rate, she not only yielded, but
after the fashion of womankind was the
one to originate the boldest part of the
scheme.
If 1 let you do that, boys, you must
let me do what / want to.''
Of course they both asked, "What
is it ?n
May refused to tell them. " You'll
know soon enough" she said, with the
mischievous sparkles coming and going
in her brown eyes. "Only, if I don't
say anything to spoil your fun you must
promise not to spoil mine"
They both gave the promise very
readily, finding new interest in the
project now that something not laid
down in the plan might possibly hap
pen.
In about week everything was ready
and the night set in for the ghostly Wis
itation. The professor, after putting out
his light was just getting into bed still
absorbed in the true Interpretation of q
difficult aorist construction, when the
door creaked gently, seemed to swing
open of itself, and presently, to his as
tonished eyes, a tall white figure pre-
sented itself, with faint blue light en-
circling it, and a general misty un-
certainty of outline that might be attri-
buted to the shifting of some thick va
por, but to an uninitiated person, was
highly suggestive of uncorporeal spirits.
"Bless me, bless mel" said Professor
Rensel, staring at this vison. "Who
are you, my friend?"
81 am disembodied spirit" ;" replied
sepulchral voice.
Dear, dear, what pity: Can't -
can't anything be done for you ?''
Nothing. I am sent to you."
" Well, my friend, am here''-aftera a
pause, in which he seemed to imagine
that the embarrassed spirit required
some encouragement. His face shone
with mild benevolence. "I am here"
he repeated, "what can do for you ~
The blue light was shaken for mo-
ment, as if the spectral visitor was dis
turbed by this tantalizing calmness, and
even disposed to back out of the situa-
ton. Then the sepulchral voice re-
piled:
"You are commanded to marry Mary
Kingsley"
How? Whatp My good friend,
you are talking like : ghost I" ex-
claimed the astonished professor. A
slight flush rose to his benevolent
face.
You are commanded to do it,'' re-
peated the spirit monotonously.
" Bless mel bless mel 1t isn't posi-
ble!'
with us, all things are possible"
Indeed 9'' said the professor, inquir-
ingly. Indeed 7" he repeated, with
as much deliberation as if he were ad-
dressing his classes. "Well, well. Let
us consider that settled, and-pass on to
something else," with certain mild
dignity, as if he objected to discussing
the lady they had named even with a
ghost. He was evidently disposed to be
hospitable, but somewhat at loss how
to entertain his visitor.
"You are not" said the professor,
glancing hesitatingly at the suggestive
blue light, " from the celestial regions, 1
am afraid 2"
"No."
Dear me dear me what pity 1t
must be very unpleasant. Yet if you
could-it you could be persuaded to give
me little information about the other
place. The truth is 1 have young
friend who is going that way, 1 very
much fear, and"
Here something not laid down in the
happened; the ghost incon-
bolted, blue light and all. Out
side there was suspicious scuffiing and
hurrying of feet that may have been