Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-12-13


time Squire Doylc's eldest son having
been killed in the hunting-feld, Mis-
Their Edward was written for by his
father. But before be went he had this
oottsgc built and furnished for Miss
Kathleen, and he and Mrs. Major Gay
worthy Miss Ellen Doyle that was) set
tied q. small pension on my mistress,
that keeps her in comfort. Here we've
lived for over thirty years and except
for the longing she has to see her cousin
il hasn't been altogether an unhappy
time for my poor lady. l used to worry
myselfthinking how lonesome she'd feel
if were taken first. But since she's
come TO know and love you, Miss, I've
been quite easy; for should anything
happen to ould Mally, | know you'll
never see her at loss"
The old Irish woman had told her
tale with emotion. Nor could for the
moment help crediting the supernatural
element in the story. But at this mo-
ment Miss Moonshee's voice was heard
calling me by name, and hurried to the
sitting-room. Never had | seen her
more animated. Her eyes were spark
ling, her cheeks crimson, and she
smiled gaily as ! entered. my DEAR"
she cried, Il have had such a sweet
dream. all about the dear friend you
have often heard me mention-my
Cousin Shane. But | must show you
his likeness" And with fingers that
trembled sadly the poor lady opened a
locket she always wore, disclosing the
miniature of fine-looking youth, with
pleasant expression on his frank,
open countenance.
is he not handsome " she in
CURED, gazing fondly on the smiling
face. ~.
"He is indeed" / returned, feeling
the tears gathering in my eyes.
"Dear Shane What a deal he must
have gone through. But he is really
coming tonight All, yes, and then
how happy we shall be I may not
tell you my dream to-day" she added,
with little laugh; " but tomorrow
you will look in tomorrow before you
60 to church? Then, my dear, you
shall know ALL"
i gave the desired promise, and
shortly after bent my steps homeward,
meditatiDg on poor little Miss Moon
shee's sad history and harmless delu-
sion. The morrow found me an hour
before church time at her door. 1t was
opened by Mally. "Miss Kathleen
has oversight herself" she said l.; "but
III just tap and ask if she won't see
you in bed"
Repeated knocks at her MISTRESS
door elicitiDg no response, the old Irish
woman turned the handle and peeped
in. "She's sound asleep, poor dar.
ling" she whispered. "Just cast your
eyes on her, Miss, and see how pleased
she looks"
did so. The expression on her face
was indeed happy one, but there was
that about it which caused me to steI
quickly forward and lay my hand light
ly on the brow Of the sleeper. 1t wa
icy cold, Yes, he had come for her a
last-the long-expected lover. For
gazing on the placid cOuntenance Of thu
dead, who could doubt but vision o
the beloved one had gladdened the sou
of the sleeper and left its impress OF
her smiling face ere death had claimed
its prey?
" 'Twould be a sin to wish her back
so happy she looks" walled poor OLE
Mally. "But oh, Miss Kathleen, dar
ling, why didn't you take me witt
you?"
The separation was but of brief du
ration. The faithful old Irish woman
soon followed poor Miss Moonshee t.
the grave, and white marble cross il
a corner OF the Melbourne cemeter,
marks the spot where mistress and mai'
sleep their last sleep.