Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-12-28

ty--uuu uor IutHer ls us Iici TN ihu'i anu
she's been brought up with all sorts of
expensive ideas and it would be wrong
and cruel to ask her to become poor
mans wife"
"Myungrammatcal and gushing young
friend" interiected Hal, as Jack paused
for breath, "that's all in your eye"
"And l am trying to make up my
mind" continued Jack, not needing the
interruption, to dismiss her from my
thoughts forever. I will sacrifice myself
rather than her."
A final decision to that effect Jack had
made on the very day before the ghost of
his defunct ancestor appeared to him.
As he strobe along toward the Professors
he turned the subject over in his mind
and endeavored to fortify himself in his
determination finding the process, ms
spoony young people are apt to find it,
somewhat painful and unsatisfactory. At
last he was ushered into the presence of
the Professor and after the usual soul
stirring remarks of meteorological char
acter Jack approached the subject of his
visit
professor" said he to the proprietor
of vast abysses of learning, professor,
'sie sind Elm esel'-what-"
"Sir," shouted the Professor, leaping
from his chair and manifesting heat
quite unprofessorial, "why have you
come here to insult me, adding injury to
insult by using incorrect German, pro-
nouuced in manner that is simply
beastly ?"
Jack apologized in n suitable and salts
factory manner for his unlucky method
Of propounding his question, and was
fortunate enough to soothe the Profess
sor's agitated feelings. Explanations then
ensued, and the ghostly visitors mys
terious words were duly translated. The
translation did not at first solve the mys-
terry, and Jack left the abode of learning
more puzzled than ever. At last new
light broke upon his bewildered mind.
Eureka ~ he shouted. TO the intense
surprise of passing citizen-"1 have it !!
My venerable ancestor would have me
marry Anne Askew-he reproaches me
for my determination to think of her no
more He is all right and am all wrong
Spirit Of my aged progenitor, I thank
thee p
The walk to the Askew mansion was,
under the light of this revelation, Joy
ous one. All Jacks gloom was gone.
With Horace, his sublime head struck
the stars.
That night the ghost was on hand again
Mt the usual time, but Jack wos ready for
him. As the venerable Teuton repeate d
the mysterious words of the previous
night Jack sprang ul and fairly yelled at
him-"Yes, 1 an donkey-'ein esel'--
but by Heaven you shall never have n
chance to tell me so again y
The ghostly visitor took this not too
polite reply in excellent part-indecd, he
smiled broad, expansive. full-moon sort
of smile, and with nh unutterably saga
cious and encouraging wink sailed out OF
the window as gracefully as so broad
beamed and unethereal n ghost could be
expected to sail.
The next day was Christmas, and Jack
took the earliest opportunity and with n
beating heart offered n very trembling
hand for Miss Anne's acceptance. Need
I add that the acceptance was forthcom-
ing, with some maidenly coyness? The
wooing thus prosperous, the wedding iol-
lowed, after suitably decorous interval.
And as the wedding patty left the church
on the momentous day. Jack saw, away
mp aloft, like the cherub who traditional
ly watches over the hardy mariner, the
ghostly Dutchman, arrayed as before,
except that wedding favor was osten.
tatiously displayed ON his coat. There lhe
was-.-at least Jack said SO, and Jack resemb.
led the Fatherof His Country in more re.
spects than one-sitting comfortably upon
a projection of the woodwork, with his
ethereal legs dangling in the ecclesiasti-
cal air. He was smoking his big pipe as
vigorously and with as much relish as ii
in the calm retirement of his own private
den-if ghost may be supposed to have
q private demand appeared to feel per
fectly at home. And as he caught Jacks
eye cherubic and intensely satisfied
smile broke over his face. He favored
Jack with an elaborate wink Of the most
knowing description, and, extending 4
pudgy hand as if bestowing his blessing
upon the happy couple beneath him,
floated airily off through the ceiling.
| And that was the last ever seen by NOR
tai eye of tho ghost Of the festive Teu'
ton.