The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-30
Select Story.
A Story of All Hallow Fen.

Drip, drip, patter, patter, came the rain
against the window of Squire Graham S
lofty mansion, at which stood Helen, his
only daughter, her little nose pressed on
the pane, her eyes strained to catch some
indication of clearness.
Rain rain Will it never cease zone
would think the heavens had been exhaust
ed by this time,' and the pretty lips form
ed decided pout
Indeed, Helen was not the only one who
watched the clouds that day, and the rain
brought disappointment to more young
hearts than hers, for the Graham mansion
was to be thrown open that night to near
ly all the youth of Devonshire, lovely
little town in Virginia. 1t was the ami
versary of Helen's birthday, besides being
All Hallow Zen, but the party to be
given was not to be grand affair at all,
for the young girl had not yet made her
debut in society, which the old Squire de-
clared she should not do until she attained
the age of eighteen. The day on which
the story begins she was seventeen, and
had yet before her long year of study
and discipline under her respective masters.
Regularly, once every year, the young
folks of Devonshire had met at her bidding
to enjoy her hospitalities Knowing what
a good time was in store for her, she had
fed her imagination on it for over week;
so, of course, when it began to rain two
days before, and was still raining, she was
very uneasy lest her expected company
should fail to come. Her indulgent father
wished to make this years entertainment
better than those preceding, but to this she
would not listen.
"No, no, papa" she said II want just
one more of the plain companies I've
always had. | do not want the girls in
fine dresses, the boys in stiff black suits,
but just set Of jolly boys and girls, to
play tricks and have fun, papa"
The old man yielded, as usual, and let
her have her way.
With such good time in prospect, we
can readily excuse the impatient exclama-
ton which the rain caused her to utter as
she turned from the window. 81 do hope
they will come" she continued; and then
suddenly remembering the barometer in
her fathers study, away she ran to con-
suit it. Opening the door softly, she saw
her father busily engaged reading letter
which had come that morning. Stepping
lightly across the room, that she might not
disturb him, she examined the instrument,
the indication of which gave her great JOY
Her cry, "Oh I'm SO glad made her
father aware of her presence.
"Come here, little one," he said. ~
think 1 will show you this letter. You're
seventeen, dear, and papa must try to
realize that he has no baby now Well,
well, how proud your mama would be of
her girl, had she lived. Dear Eleanor
how miss her But, darling, you are
her counterpart. l trust you will make as
noble woman" Here the old Squire
bowed his head, and remained silent for
few moments; then he said: "Helen, love,
tell me of what you are glad; you must
have no sad memories on your birthday"
This brought the happy look to her
eyes again, and she replied:
"That precious instrument says it will be
clear, papa, and then they will all come,
Iva, and-and all.
ais Nathan coming, dear p
'.Why, yes, papa. Is there any
reason
"No; only l fear he is getting too fond
of you. OF course, it is only childish
nonsense, but it will be well to nip it in the
bud.' He is only farmer lad, you know,
Nellie, and though I wish my daughter to
entertain no foolish pride, still 1 have bet
ter prospects for her than to wed farmer.
l guess had better show you this letter.
1t can do no harm and may do world of
good. Come sit on this stool at my feet,
and l will tell you all about it.
"Well, when | was young man, my
dearest friend was Jerome Stanley; he was
also my schum at college. We were more
to each other than most brothers are.
When grown we went visiting together,
and finally married girls who were cousins,
and much devoted to each other. He
married first-a year before me-and
when his son was born, he named him
William, after me, and / stood for him in
baptism. In return, when a son was given