The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-01-30
SELECT STORY.
THE 0GRE'S CASTLE.


Aud now he kept singularly secud
ed, and the girls from the seminar,
called him the Ogre. a party of then
passed there every morning and after
noon, but not once dii they see tn,
Mysterious stranger.
"Surely he has committed a murder
and is in hiding said Nelly Blakesly
one afternoon, peeping between thu
bars of the gate.
She was a brown-eyed, brown .haireC
girl of about seventeen, soft-voiced
generous-hearted, and a very imp fo
mischief. You would not judge from
her face, so demure and sweet bu
those bright dark eyes were sparkling
with mischief, though they could b,
very soft and tender, and even fill with
tears when her sympathies were rous
ed.
"Now, to-day you said you could
dare to do anything, Nell, and yet
wager my ruby ring you would no
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 Nel's fair cheeks.
"Now 2
"Yes, now"
"Then take my books, and | will &c
in and ask the Ogre for some of thos,
roses blooming by that window aud
will 60 in at the one opened down tt
the floor, and not run the risk of being
turned away from the door,"
She raised the latch of the gate anC
pushed it boldly open. 1t creaket
loudly on its rusty hinges, and tn,
girls hurried away short distance, al
but Nell. She stood her ground brave
ly and walked in. No one appeared
The Ogre's Castle might have been de
serted for all the sounds around it tha
summer afternoon, and the girls ligh
steps echoed on the veranda, and hel
heart beat quick in a sort Of fear wher
she stretched out her hands to part the
lace curtains hanging straight dowr
over the window to the floor.
The room beyond looked so dark a,
first, that she, just coming from the
yellow glare of the sunshine, could no,
distinguish objects.
"Who enters !" suddenly inquire q
deep voice, and a 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 a step or two
secretly wishing herself outside of the
gate again.
"Tis Nell Blakesly, a chool-girl,
she faltered then, plucking up cour.
age, and stepping in, ventured to look
at the ogre.
He was slender and handsome, with
a refined face, and manly, well-cut
features, but something in his express
sion puzzled the girl.
"Come in" he said, rising to his feet,
and speaking politely but coldly. "Ex-
,use me for asking you to get your
own chair, Miss Blakesly. 1 am
blind"
"Oh, how sorry l am, sir !" cried
Nell, with the deepest pity in her
voice and eyes. "Pray pardon this in
.rusion, Mr.. Chichester; came in SIM
ply because the girls said | would not
lare to do it."
"Ah yes; | am the OGRE he said
with a faint smile.
"Now did you hear that p exclaim
I'd Nell in confusion.
"Ogres have many mysterious ways
)f hearing remarks-particularly if
hey are about themselves. Do not be
n haste to 60. l am blind and harm
ess."
Such look of gloom overspread his
face, that, in pity for him, the girl lost
,er embarrassment. She longed to do
for him-to tighten, if posi-
Die, that darkness which, night and
lay must, envelop him.
sit has been good while since re-
'eived a caller"
What could she say to him-a stran-
would comfort him 2 She
aw new uncut magazine on the ta-
lie.
"Would you like me to read little
o you ?" she said rather timidly.
"If you are good reader you may,
nless you have other and more press
ng engagements. My aunt sometimes
nakes an effort to read; but her voice
, weak
1t was not very graceful accept
nee, and for moment Nell felt the
olor rise in her cheeks; but one glance
{ the pale weary face of her ogre, and
rose uppermost again. She
ad clear young voice, well modula-
ed, and read with iuterest-in fact,
be almost forgot her listener, until
lately, elderly lady entered the room.
lr. Chichester introduced her as Mrs.
.anel, his aunt. She looked somewhat
urprised at his company; but, as
hough he knew her thought, he quiet
y explained that Miss Bakesly called
o gather few roses, and kindly CON
ented TO read for him.
Nell rose to go, not waiting TO hear
he gentleman's courteous thanks. She
lastily pulled a handful of roses and
hurried away, but her companions had
zone on home.
Next morning they gathered around
Ter to hear the news, but she gave only
! very brief, subdued account of her
.all.
"Girls, be is blind"
"How does he look 7"
"Nery pale and sad"
SIS he handsome =
"Yes, | suppose so. He is a perfect
gentleman. 1t must be dreadful
hing to be blind, said Nell with a
hudder.
That afternoon Mrs. Lanel stood at
he gate when the girls passed by, and
he called Nell,
"Will you come in again, my dear 7
edward desires IT..
The girl hesitated. She had no du.
les to call her home, and she would be
Wiling to study her lessons at night if
he slight sacrifice would benefit or
'dd anything to the pleasure of that
,oor prisoner. She went in.
''He talked of you last night, and
eamad mora cheprfnl than usual Ha