The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-05-19

"sDon't be afraid. " he said-ssI shall not let
her see me; and sne cannot hear me SPEAK I'M
less I address myself to her, which l do not in
tend to do"
I suppose looked grateful
$50 you need not trouble yourself about
that, /" the ghost continued; but it seems to
me that you are not getting along very well
with your affair. II l were you should speak
out without waiting any longer. You will
never have better chance. You are not
likely to be In errupted; and, 80 Tar ~ can
Judge, the lady seems disposed to listen to you
favorsbly; that Is, if she ever intends to do so.
There is no knowing when John Hinckman
win 60 away again; certainly not this sum-
mer. II were in your place, should never
dare to make love to Hinckman's niece II he
catch any one offering himself to Miss Mad
cline, he would then be terrible man to en-
counter" -eC sTeF
Iagreed perfectly to all this,
Il cannot bear to think OF him" ejacu-
lated aloud. as ~ $3.50
.Think Of xhom'" asked Madeline, turning
quickly toward me.
Here was an awkward situation. The long
speech OF the ghost, to which Madeline paid
no attention, but which heard with perfect
distinctness, had made me forget myself.
1t was necessary to explain quickly. OF
course it would not do to admit that it was
Of her dear uncle that l was speaking; and
Sc mentioned hastily the fret name thought
.Mr. Vilars,'' said. g q.
This statement was entirely correct, for
never could bear to think of Mr.. Vilars, who
was gentleman who had, At various times,
paid much attention to Madeline.
1t 10 wrong for you to speak in that way
Of Mr.. Vilars," she said. "He is . remarkably
well educated and sensible young man, and
has very pleasant manners. He expec;s TO be
elected to the legislature this fall, and l
should not be surprised il he made his mark.
He will do well in legislative body, for when
ever Mr.. Vilars has anything to say he knows
just how aud when to say it." lTa'
This was spoken very quietly, and without
any chow of resentment, which was all very
natural, for II Madeline thought at all favor
ably of me she could not feel displeaeed that
sh uld have disagreeable emotions in regard
to possible rival: The concluding words
contained hint which was not slow to UNI
derstand felt very sure that If Mr.. Vilars
were in my present position he would speak
quickly enough.
81 know It is wrong to have such ideas
about person." said, 'tbut cannot help il. !"
The lady did not chide me, and after this
she seemed even In softer mood. As for me,
| felt considerably annoyed, for 1 had not
wishedto admit that any thought Of Mr.. Vilars
had ever occupied my mind.
"You should not speak aloud that way"
said the ghost, Tor you may get yourself into
trouble. I want to see everything go well
with you, because then you may be disposed
ofany assistance to you, which hope 1 shall
be-"
I longed to tell him that there was no way
in which he could help me SO much as by TAX
ing his instant departure. To make love to q
young lady with ghost sitting on the railing
near by, and that ghost the apparitiOn OF q
much-dreaded uncle, the very idea of whom in
such position and at such a time made me
tremble, was difficult, if not an impossible,
thing to do; but forbore 20 speak, although
may have looked my mind.
81 suppose" continued the ghost, that
advantage to me. OF course, am very anxious
to hear, but if you have anything to tell me, l
can wait until you are alone. l will come to
you tonight in your room, or will stay here
until the lady goes away"
'sYou need not wait here" said; II have
nothing at all to say 10 YOU"
Madeline sprang to her feet, her face flushed
and her eyes ablaZe.
swat here!'' she cried. "What do you
suppose am waiting fora Nothing to say to
me, d!-I should think SO! What should
you have to say to mes"
''Madeline,"I exclaimed, stepping toward
er, s'let me explain"
But she had gone.
Here was the end Of the world for mel
turned fiercelY to the ghost.
'sWretched existencep' cried. 'sYou have
ruined everything You have blackened my
whole life. Had it not been for you"
But here my voice faltered. L could say no
more.
ssYou wrong me" said the ghost 81 have
not injured you. have tried only to encour-
age and assist you, and it is your own folly
that has done this mischief. But do not de-
spair. Such mistakes as these can be ex-
planned. Keep up brave heart. Good-by."
h. .k4 <hn inn Ia q
bursting soap bubble.
went gloomily to bed, but Isaw no appari-
tions that night except those OF despair and
misery which my wretched thoughts called up.
The words I had uttered had sounded to
Madeline like the basest insult. Of course,
there was only one Interpretation she could
put upon them.
As to explaining my CALCULATIONS, that was
impossible. 1 thought the matter over and
over again as lay awake that night, and
determined that would never tell Madeline the
facts of the case. 1t would be better for me
to suffer all my life than for her o know that
the ghost of her uncle haunted the house. Mr..
Hinckman was away, and if she knew of his
ghost she could not be made 70 believe that
be was not dead. She might not survive the
shockl No, my heart could bleed. but lwould
never tell her. ...... -
The next day was fine. nei her too cool nor
too warm; the breezes were gentle, and nature
Madeline. She seemed to be much engaged
during The day, and saw bu5 little of her.
When we met at meals she was polite, but very
quiet and reserved. She had evidently de.
termined on course of conduct, and had re.
solved to assume that, although had been
very rude to her, she did not understand
the import of my words. It would be
quite proper, Of course, for her not to know
what meant by my expressions OF the night
before.
Twas downcast and wretched, and said but
little, and the only bright streak across the
black horizon of my woe was the fact that she
did not appear to be happy, although she af-
fected an air Of uncOncern. The moonlit
porch was deserted that evening, but wander
ing about the house found Madeline in the
library alone. She was reading, but went in
and sat down near her. felt that, although
could not do so fully, I must in q measure
explain my conduct Of the night before. She
listened quietly to a somewhat labored apology
I made for the words had used.
81 have not the slightest idea what you
meant" she said, ''but you were very rude. !"
earnestly disclaimed any intention of rude
ness, and assured her, with . warmth Of speech
that must have made some impression upon
her. that rudeness to her would be an action
impossible to me. said q great deal upon
the subject, and implored her to believe that
II It were not for . certain obstacle could
speak to her SO plainly that she would under
stand everything.
She was silent Tor time, and then she said,
A.