The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1884-11-06
ALL HALLOWEEN.
by ALMA M'KEE.


PART /.
"Retract those cruel words, dear
father, and call me your own Luella
once more"
The speaker. a young girl of eighteen
summers, with hair and eyes the hue of
the ravens wing, cheeks flushed scarlet
with emotion. sat in the midst Of ever
greens, myrtle. and holly, pleading in
vain with an erect yet aged man OF
sixty-odd years-her father.
"Never!" came the firm, decided an
swer. Gilbert Ainsley shall never be a
son-in-law of mine: swear it," and
he set his teeth firmly together.
But, father, dear, l love HIM. In
days gone by. when you were young,
did you not love my mother even as we
two love? Think twice, dear papa, ere
you doom me to life Of misery and Sc
clusion."
She arose from her verdant seat and
stood before him, her beautiful eyes
full OF world OF pleading in their
liquid depths, her hands clasped be-
seechingly before her. who could re-
sist such eloquence and beauty?
Enough" he thundered. "Did you
ever know me to say one thing and
mean another? Accept Danton Merri-
vale with his $500 year, and all will be
we'll; refuse, and fathers curse fol-
lows you." After this cruel threat, his
form assumed its usual height, and he
left the little salon, slamming the door
behind him until the glass trembled,
by way of emphasis.
With heart-sick moan the suffering
girl threw herself upon her knees,
and, burying her face in the cushion of
the friendly chair, wept aloud.
The sound of many approaching
footsteps aroused her to serse of self
pride, and, springing quickly to her
feet, she hurriedly bathed her swollen
aching eyes in cologne water, kept
there in case Of ON emergency.
No sooner had she resumed her seat
than the door opened with crash, AMI
bevy of pretty, teasing girls, and as
many fun-loving bows, entered the
quiet sanctum.
Here YOU are, i.u," exclaimed n
couple of the most care-free, like a
hermit in his cell, and, l pr SINE.
quoting the old words of Burns
Il cares for naebody, an naebody
cares tor me- To which witty saying
all responded with a merry laugh, until
the room fairly shook in striving to re-
echo the sounds with justice.
"oh, girls, do be quiet. Luella Far
leigh exclaimed, with playful shake
Of one forefinger. Only see! have
but one wreath completed and a cross
begun. Had better use this arbutus
1t is lovely. See how beautifully il
trails over the white japonicas and
fuchsias." And she held up the trail
ing vine admiringly.
Use your own Judgment and taste,
DEAR responded Nellie Arkwright
sweetly, trying the effect of a bunch OF
white water-liies with scarlet verbenas.
use your own taste, deari" Knocked
Danton Merrivaie, his head cooked
comically on one side, in imitation ol
the unconscious Nellie.
"Observe that dude" exclaimed saucy
Kitty Frazer. pointing one dainty finger
ut the dauntless Merrivale. "Boys
why don't you put him out? He is a
disgrace to our society"
"Oh, for the superior sense and wis
dom of our forefathers," exclaimed
Sally Norton. a mock riousness dis
figuring her bright. merry face.
We'll, / never." calculated youn 8
Newman, with superior forethought.
IF tomorrow eve isn't Halloween
and preparations Just begun. VIII,
don't you work faster, girls?"
why don't you permit that wonder
full gold watch to rest in your poke
for one moment, and use your hands a
something useful? 1t will do you nc
harm, Mr.. Newman emphasizing the
title, to he as useful as yon have beer
hitherto ornamental" And Kitty Frazel
honrished her holly-branch tragically
will il take ton of wreaths to trim
that one hall ?" quizzieallv inquired Bol
Merrivale. brother to Danton.
I'VE wish it to appear especially nic'
for this particular occasion: for yo,
know that is the place that We are I,
try all of our tricks" explained Lue,
Grey, brightly.
Their gay sallies were interrupted b,
| the entrance of newcomer in thei
midst; the merry blue eyes and con
slant good-humor which characterize,
him made him universal fasorite anon,
them all.
The young ladies all arose. with tn
exception of one, with one accord, ant
ran toward him, eNelaiming i'll Il ehoru
of great enthusiasm:
oh, what lovely moss-roses!' ID
llet us see them" wherever did yol
find them!" "loull not refuse me on
OF those lovely buds; will you now
Gilbert?" "Oh, Gilbert, do say tina
you brought them for us!" etc.
One figure sat as before-silent an
motionless, except when one slende
hand was lowered to capture a reIuire
branch or flower.
The last conner slowly wended hi
way thither. and, bending one knee
silently placed beautiful bud jus
opening among the glossy, jet enrls
Then, arising, the yellow and blac
hair for one minute mingled, A. he fandl
whispered:
Darling, wear one Tomorrow eve u
the doings, ii you accept my otierin
my heart"
4 vivid blush, for a moment only
stained the fair cheek Of the lovely Lr
ella, then vanished, leaving her face a
pale as before.
Enyious whisperings no. went til
rounds among the fair ones, while sig
nificant glanees sped from eye to eye.
How can ha admire that dusk
thing?' asked faded blonde, who's
general makeup was artificial.
Indeed, | cannot imagine !" replie
pag-nosed Belle Irvine, with eoane
tish toss of her tow head.
"some people 10 have such anee
tastes" remarked Kitty Frazer, eShil
| ting "A Incoming uunI