The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-12-15
The Lady of Lone Lake.

mantle lakes in the west of Ireland. The
day had been hot one, and the mid
summer sun looked like ball Of fire, as
it slowly sank behind the horizon.
1t was beautiful scene The lake lay
like a sheet of silver. TO the right were
high banks frluged with dark trees, and
perpendicular cliffs almost hidden by
clinging vines. To the LETT stretched
level meadows, dotted with grazing cat
tie. Above Us was the mellow sky, while
from the east arose the full moon to re-
place the fierce rays of the day god with
her mild radiance. In the distance we
could see the dark outlines of al old
baron;al castle, almost hidden by inter-
vening trees. This, my companion in
formed me, was Larrimoor Hall.
We laid aside our oars, and for time
floated silently over the CLASSY surface
of the lake, cnraptured by the beautiful
scene was yonng artist, living in
London at that time, and now taking my
summer vacation. 1t WAS my first visit
to the "Emer.ld Isle. and | have been
wandering with delight among the ro-
mantle mountains, glens, and lakes, fill
ing my soul with beauty and my portfo-
lilo with sketches. My companion was
the young Lord of Glendale, whose ac-
quaintancc had made while travelling
on the continent. Happening to meet
him in my wanderings, he had insisted
on my accompanying him to his country
seat, assuring me that the scenery around
it surpassed unyth 'ng had yet seen.
The scenety was indeed charming; but
as yet had been moe charmed with
nv hosts fair sister Nora, who. as their
parents were dead, and the heir yet un-
marriel, was acting as the lady of Glen
d lie.
As we Aoated the glow ia ded. and the
soft moonlight blthed lake and rocks
and meadows with silver The lake was
quite olatcd, being on the border be-
tween the tates Of Glendale and Lari-
moor, and was seldom visited by any
oac but the members of these two fami
lies. To-nish we were its sole visitors.
Imagine my surprise after floating for
some time in silence, to see q small boat
'rowcd by a figure in white gliding
swiftly over the surface. eve are not
alone" said I, pointing to it.
"Ah," said my companion, 'that is
only spectre. Did you never hear the
story of the lady of Lone Lake2"
NO." said I, ''but she rows remarka-
bly, we'll for spirit; let's chase" l
seized the oars and rowed rapidly after
the receding boat. AS soon as the ROVER
perceived that she was followed, she
turned her boat toward the high banks,
and in an instant disappeared mystic
riously among the ivv clad rocks. Out of
breath I dropped the oars and said:
"Tell ME the story of which you spoke.
My companion, who had sat silent during
my rapid chase, smiled sadly as he began:
''The present Lord of Larrimoor, who
lives in the hall yonder, is very hard,
stern man, aud he rules everything in his
power with IN iron hand. His wife,
beautiful woman, has been Gead these
many years. He married her to gain
possession of her large estate. While
wooing her he overca ne his harsh mrn-
uers as much rs his nature would permit.
But after the prize was fully his, he re-
laxed into his natural. lev sternness.
She lived q most secluded life, and died
in few years, had one child, much like
its mother, only more high-spirited. Her
father idJlized her, and. until she was
twenty years old, never crossed her by
word or deed Then his avaricious na-
ture got the better of his affection. He
desired her to marry baron nearly as
Old as himself, but possessed of vast es-
tates. The high-spir.ted girl rebelled.
The father insisted and, in spite Of her
remonstrance, preparations were made
for the wedding. The daughter said no
more and the father thought he was 60
ing to have his way. The wedding night
came. The guest were assembled. The
bridegroom was waiting. The hour came
but the bride came not. Complaining
of wcariness she had retired to her room
.oon after dinner, promising to appear at
the appointed time if they would not
disturb her. At last her father sent for
her. She was not in her room. The
house was selrched. the grounds, the
neighborhood; bat she could not be
N1d
"Ncxt day shawl belonging to the
girl was found down by this lake. Ash
was the only trace of her, people con-
cluded that, to escape fate 50 repulsive
to her, she had drowned herself. A lit
tie after that the spectre you have just
seen began to frequent those waters.
Many have tried to overtake It as you
did, but it always vanishes among those
rocks; and so they think it is tn. spirit
of Lucia, the lost heiress of Larrimo or. /"
The young lord seemed greatly moved
by the sad story he had just related, and
I could not help but feel that he had
taken more than passing interest in the
unfortunate girl. Aft tr moment of ST.
lcnce, during which he began to p I'll for
the homeward shore, I said: Had the
lady no Other admirers?"
"rh, yes; many" he replied; ''but
few dared to approach, and these her
father repulsed" After minute he con
t;nued: "It is useless for me to try to
conceal my feelings from you, for feel
that you have ready OWNED them. L,
also, loved the ,autifu! lady, though she
knew not of my affection. My parents
were the only people in the country with
whom Lord Larrimoor was on friendly
tie ms, and during hi lady's last sick
ness nv mother attended her constantly.
After !.er death she took great interest
in the child, who was about the age of
nv sister, and used to bring Lucia home
with her to stay week at time.
Then we three would have grand
times romping about the hall, and
playing in the park. Some times we
were allowed to accompany Lucia home
and stay to tea; but never enjoyed
these visits. The old hall seemed 80