The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-12-25
THE OGRE's CASTLE.

This Ogre's castle was a big white
house set on hill overlooking the vii
lage, and it had been a deserted castle,
until one summer the owner suddenly
appeared and took possession He
lived in London, and had not been to
this quiet out-of-the-way place since
boyhood.
And now he kept singularly secluded,
and the girls from the seminary called
him the Ogre. A party of them passed
there every morning and afternoon,
but not once did they see the mysterious
stranger.
"Surely he has committed a murder,
and is in hiding" said Nelly Blakesly,
one afternoon, peeping between the
bars of the gate.
She was brown-eyed, brown-haired
girl of about seventeen, soft-voiced,
generous-hearted, and a very imp for
mischief. You would not Judge SO
from her face, so demure and sweet;
but those bright dark eyes were spark
ling with mischief, though they could
be very soft and tender, and even fill
with tears when her sympathies were
reused.
''Now, to-day you said you could
dare to do anything, Nell, and yet 1
wager my ruby ring you would not
dare to enter the Ogre's Castle" said
Sadie May.
81 would dare to do it,
.'Prove it-prove it!'' cried half-a-
dozen eager voices.
The color rose to Nelfs fair cheeks.
"Now?"
''Yes, now."
Then take my books, and will 90
in and ask the Ogre for some of those
rose; blooming by that window; and l
will go in at the one opened down to
the floor, and not run the risk of being
turned away from the door,"
She raised the latch of the gate and
pushed it boldly open. 1t creaked
loudly on its rusty hinges, and the girls
hurried away short distance, all but
Nell. She stood her ground bravely
and walked in. No one appeared. The
Ogre's Castle might have been deserted
for all the sounds around it that sum-
mer afternoon, and the girls light steps
echoed on the veranda, and her heart
beat quick in sort of fear when she
stretched out her hands to part the lace
curtains hanging straight down over
the window to the floor
The room beyond looked so dark at
first, that she, just coming from the
yellow glare of the sunshine, could not
distinguish objects.
''Who enters?" suddenly inquired
deep voice, and man who was sitting
in large armchair, with his head bow
ed on his hands, raised up and turned
towards the window. Nell grasped
her breath and retreated step or two,
secretly wishing herself outside OF the
gate again.
'''Tis Nell Blakesly, schoolgirl" )"
she faltered; then, plucking up courage,
and stepping in, ventured to look at
the ogre.
He was slender and handsome, with
a refined face, and manly, weli-cut
features, but something in his express
sion puzzled the girl.
"Come in," he said, rising to his feet,
and speaking politely but eoldly. 'Ex-
cuse me for asking you to get your own
chair, Miss Blakesly. am blind"
"Oh, how sorry |. am, ,sir!' cried
Nell, with the deepest pity in her voice
and eyes. pray pardon this intrusion,
Mr. Chichester; came in simply be-
cause the girls said would not dare to-
do it,"
'.Ah yes;I am the ogre" he said
with faint smile.
Now how did you hear that?' eX-
claimed Nell in confusion.
''Ogre's have many mysterious ways
of hearing remarks ks-particularly if
they are about themselves. Do not be
In haste to go. l am blind and harm
less"
Such look of gloom overspread his
face, that, in pity for him, the girl lost
her embarrassment. She longed to do
something for him-to tighten, if pos
sible, that darkness which, night and
day, must envelop him.
at has been good while since re-
ceived a caller
What could she say to him-a stranger
that would comfort him? She saw a
new uncut magazine on the table.
Would you like me to read little
to you?" she said rather timidly.
eff you are a good reader you may,
unless you have other and more press
ing engagements. My aunt sometimes
makes an effort to read; but her voice is
weak"
1t was not a very grateful acceptance,
rise in her checks; but one glance at
the pale weary face of her ogre, and
compassion rose uppermost again. She
had clear young voice, well modulat-
ed, and read with interest-in fact, she
almost forgot her listener, until state
ly, elderly lady entered the room. Mr..
Chichester introduced her as Mrs. Lam
el, his aunt. She looked somewhat
surprised at his company; but, as
though he knew her thoughts, he quiet
ly explained that Miss Rlakesly called
to gather few roses, and kindly con-
sented 10 read for him.
Nell rose to go, not waiting to hear
the gentleman's courteous thanks, She
hastily pulled handful of roses and
hurried away, but her companions had
gone on home.
Next morning they gathered around
her to hear the news, but she gave only
a very brief, subdued account of her
call.
Girls, he is blind"
..How does he look?"
..Very pale and sad"
sIs he handsome?"
"Yes, suppose so. He is a perfect
gentleman. 1t must be a dreadful
thing to be blind" said Nell with a
shudder.
That afternoon Mrs. Lanel stood at
the gate when the girls passed by, and
she called Nell.
"Will you come in again, my dear?
Edward desires it."
The girl hesitated She had no du-
ties to call her home, and she would be
willing to study her lessons at night il
the slight sacrifice would benefit OF
add anything to the pleasure OF that
| poor prisoner. She went in.
He talked of you last night, and
seemed more cheerful than usual. He
thinks you are little girl" said the
lady, her eyes glancing over the young
graceful figure at her side.
Nell smiled.
How long has he been blind?' she
ventured to inquire.
almost year now. The doctors
think there is hope that his sight may