The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-07-07

Upon which Aunt Rebecea gave way
TO the combined Influences of her broth
er's unkind remark and the fright of
ghost-seeing. and fairly tainted without
further notice According 10 the usual
custom of womankind of such occasions,
Colonel Orme and all the other gentle
men Were hustled out into the hall.
while the victim of the female officials
was deluged with eau lie cologne. stifled
with burned feathers, and vigorously
treated with hot flannel
''She's coming to. poor. dear Great
ure,' was the final verdict hurled at
Colonel Orme through crack in the
door,
well. I'm glad of it, I'm sure" said
the Colonel, dolorously. rubbing his
hands. ''for it's cold out here in the hall.
Why, hilloa! is this YOU my little Violet?
What's the matter? You haven't seen a
ghost. hope2'
No, papa" faltered Violet. but
Suppose we three adjourn into the
library, Colonel Orme, and win under
take the task of an explanation. inter-
posed Charles Hazelwood, while Violet ;
checks flushed like flame.
We'll, may venture to inquire what
all this means?" interrogated the be-
wildered Colonel when the library door
was safely closed.
lit means, sir, said Charles, laugh
ing, Yet little puzzled how to proceed,
that Violet, your daughter, and | were
Just looking out at the stars, in the en-
brasure of the great hall window, when
we saw some one approaching with a
light. Violet went to see what the ap-
partition meant, when Miss Rebecea
(whom it proved to be) dropped her
candle and ran shrieking away"
80 Violet was the ghost, eh?n said
the Colonel, repreSsing very strong
inclination to laugh
"4ou see, papa interposed that
young lady, Il wore my long cashmere
mantle, for [ was afraid of taking cold,
and it was tied at the throat with red
ribbons. and''-
"And Aunt Rebecca took it for grant
ed that you were the murdered heroine
of our family ghost story" said the Col
onel, arehly. But allow me to ask,
young people. what you were so much
interested ing"
''Well, sir" said Hazelwood, Il had
just asked her if she wouldn't marry me
don't run away. Violet-and she said
yes that is, if i could win her fathers
consent"
..Well?"
'tAnd would like. to hear what her
father says to the proposition added
the young officer, laughingly. detaining
Violet, who was struggling to escape.
''He says" answered Colonel Orme,
that your intrepidIty in facing the
ghost deserves some reward. and he like
wise supposes that his daughter must be
allowed to have her own way. Take
her, Charley, and don't spoil her. No
thanks now, but let me 90 and see after
your Aunt Rebecca.
''Papam whispered Violet. as ne rose
with his hand on the door
well, my dearp''
''Don't tell Aunt Becky that-that''-
THAT you were the ghost? Just as
you please"
And he went, chuckling. to inquire
after his sisters health There is no
evidence that he ever did betray Violet's
secret; but two things may be regarded
as settled facts in the records of Alnwick
Place-one is that Aunt Rebecca strenu-
ously denies the existence of ghosts, and
abhors the very sight of her niece's white
mantle with cherry trimmings; the 9TH
er is that she is particularly careful new
er to pass through the solemn old haunt
ed ball alone after sunset