Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-01-23


cry cottage in the village, to beg sou or II
few sticks that they might help to build n
bonfire to st. John. North, cast, south, in
the very midst of the village aud in all di-
rections, huge boRfircs have been silently
constructed in honor of St. Johns Eve.
Some of these piles Of faggots are adorned
with flags in some squibs and crackers have
been thrust in among the faggots one, and
this is the very largest, has been made ON the
point where the abbey ruins stand, near the
rocky ridge where Jehan and Marie sat watch
ing the sea II year ago.
Barba has not questioned her daughter,
but Marie told her of her own meeting with
Louis Mellac
"Do not fear, mother" the girl said, ''all
will go well"
The day has gone all too slowly for many
impatient spirits but now evening has come,
and the expectation that has all day smoul-
dered among the lads and lasses of the village
bursts into excitement.
Here comes the cure at last. He goes 10
the nearest pile, and as he gives his bless
ing, the fire is lighted The dry wood kin
dies and crackles, and a fierce burst of flame
shoots up on high. Then the smoke spreads
itself over the flame like pail, but the wind
blows it back, and see, the red tongues of
flame leap up wildly, the fire spreads and
broad, ruddy glare lightens the village. The
cure goes on solemnly from one pile to an
other. till all are lit, and heavy canopy Of
smoke darkens the dusky evening.
Trooping silently one after another comes
u bevy of maidens dressed in the embroider-
ed bodices and skirts that are only worn at
pardons and great festivals They join hands
aud dance slowly round the first bonfire, but
not for long. They have to dance round
all they can find to.night for she who dances
4 60 IL =.
be married by the end Of the year
The elders of the village were grouped
round some of the fires, but the larger mum
Der Of them had seated themselves round the
large bonfire on the point. 1t had been
lighted last of oil, and a. yet the flames had
not burst clearly through the veil of smoke.
The figures around were, except at intervals,
in deep shadow Benches had been placed
here at some distance from one another. and
even on these the spectators did not sit close
ly together-Raps were left here and there.
Barba and Marie sat on one Of these bench
es, but Barba set wide space between her
self and her daughter, and she gave Marie a
significant look as she pointed TO this space
The girl smiled sadly.
1T is a kind thought, mother" the girl
said but think if my Jehan comes TO me
it will be in life. He is not one of the de-
parted who sit among us tonight"
Barba put her finger over her lips and
looked timidly at the empty places.
just then tall, dark -browed girl came up
to Marie.
Come, little one" she said you must
have one dance with us, or" she whispered,
for Marie shook her head, have you no mes
sage to send to night -
Marie did not answer, and the girl darted
back to her companions who had already be-
gun to dance round the fire. A tall peasant
stood near Barba playing the binion and its
Wild, shrill music seemed in harmony with
the scene. The flame had burst through the
centre, but on this unsheltered point the
wind blew it backwards and forwards. There
was constant battle between smoke and
flame, which made the glare fitful. and gave
a weird aspect to the gloom
In this the dark skirts of the dancers were
merged, but now and then there leaped up
long, thirsty tongues of fire, which threw a
vivid and ruddy light on the white caps and
glowing faces as they circed slowly round
the huge pile of cracking faggots. All at
once the dance ceased. A fierce burst of
smoke spread over the circle, almost sitting
those near. There WAS an outcry, "A general
movement. Some even of the quiet watch
ers on the benches rose from their seats
Marie got up hastily in the gloom no one
but her mother saw that she flung letter
into the flaming mass. The girl stood an in
stant with both hands pressed on her heart,
her head bent slightly forward, as il she wait
ed for an answer-only for an instant, then
she sat down again beside Barba.
You have sent message to Jehan." Bar
ba felt that it was easier to say this under
cover Of the darkness.
Yes mother, if an answer comes, then
will do all you wish but if there is no an.
swer, if / sleep through this night with no
warning, no sign TO tell me that my beloved
has seen the shores OF the dead, then, moth
er you must trust me, and all will go we'll"
But il was growing late, ard the fires must
be left to burn themselves out under the
guardianship of the beggars, one of whom
had begun to sing ballad in drawling, ma
sal voice that was not enticing TO listen TO.
Slowly. one after another, the villagers
went home, and the eve of St. John was
over.
Mother and daughter lay awake that night,
but no sound disturbed them till the cocks
began to rouse in the early morning hours
Marie had listened with unbelief, yet with
a secret dread lest some token should quench
her hopes, but Barbas ears had all night
been strained for the drip, drip, of falling
water, which would be so unanswerable
token of Jehan's death.
Marie rose first, and when she came in
from the fountain with full pail and pitcher.
her mother saw that the girls eyes sparkled
in most unwonted fashion.
"Has anything CHANGED, Marie 2" she said,
for there was bright flush on the girls face.
II do not know if it will trouble you,
mother. it does not trouble me. Louis Mel |
lac has been threatening me with the power
he has over you. have said l do not fear
him. Believe me, mother, he is not good |
man, he would be neither a good son or a
good husband"
Barba sighed.
mo one shows his best side to Those who |
ihwart him." she said sadly. II wish l |
could think you will in this matter, but l |
cannot"
Days went by, Mellac sought ont Barbn,
and after long discussion, in which she re-
NAMED patient and passive while he was
harsh and inheXible, he settled that he would |
wait yet little longer but at Mchaelmas |
This must come to an end he was then de- |
-ermined that Marie should be his wife.