Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-04-03
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charger, bearing her away to the tomb, all
ability; for events of the kind are ex
lremely common in Germany, as many
we'll authenticated histories bear witness.
What a lamentable situation was that of
poor Baron! What a heart-rending iii
lemma for fond father, and a member OF
the great family of Acknowledgment !
His only daughter had either been rapt
away to the grave or he was to have some
wood-demon for son-in law, and per-
chance group of goblin grandchildren.
As usual, he was completely bewildered,
and all the castle in an uprOar. The men
were ordered to take horses, and scour ev-
cry road and path and glen Of the Oden-
valid. The Baron himself had just drawn
on his jack boots, girded on his sword,
and was about to mount his steed to sally
forth on the doubtful quest, when he was
brought to a pause by a new apparition.
A lady was seen approaching the castle,
mounted on a palfrev attended by a cavi-
lier on horseback. She galloped up to the
gate, sprang from her horse. and falling
at the Baron's feet, embraced his knees
1t was his lost daughter and her com
panion the spectre bridegroom!
The Baron was astounded, He look
ed at his daughter then at the
spectre, and almost doubted the
evidence of his senses. The latter
too, was wonderfully improved in his APP
peararce, since his visit to the world of
spirits. His dress was splendid, and set
off noble figure of manly symmetry. He
was no longer pale and melancholy. His
tIup f1ncbol with tka
glow of youth, and Joy rioted in his large
dark eyes
The mystery was soon cleared up. The
cavalier Oor in truth. as you must have
known all the while, he was no goblin)
announced himself as Sir Herman Won
Starkenfaust He related his adventure
with the young Count. He told how he
had fastened to the castle to deliver the
unwelcome tidings, but that the eloquence
of the Baron had interrupted him in every
attempt to tell his tale. How the sight of
the bride had completely captivated MIN,
and that to pass few hours near her he
had tacitly suffered the mistake to con-
tinue. How he had been sorely perplexed
in what way to make decent retreat, I'M
til the Baron's goblin stories had suggested
his eccentric exit. How fearing the feudal
hostility of the family, he had repeated
his visits by stealth-had haunted the gar
den beneath the young ladv's window
had wooed-had won--had borne away in
triumph-and, in word, had welded the
fair
Under any other circumstances the Ba-
ron would have been inflexible for he was
tenacious of paternal authority, and de-
voutly obstinate in all family tends; but
he loved his daughter he had lamented
her as lost he rejoiced to find her still
alive; and, though her husband was of
hostile house, yet, thank Heaven, he was
not a goblin. There was something, it
must be acknowledged. that did not ex-
acilv accord with notions of strict veracltv.
in the joke the knight had passed upon
him of his being dead man; but several
old friends present, who had served in the
wars, assured him that every stratagem
was excusable in love, and that the caval-
Ter was entitled to especial privilege, hav.
ing lately served as trooper.
Matters. therefore, were happily ar
ranged. The Baron pardoned the Young
couple on the spot. The reves at the
castle were resumed. The poor relations
overwhelmed this new member Of the
family with loving kindness he was so
gallant, so generous. and so rich. The
aunts. it is true, were somewhat scandal
lied that their system of strict seclusion
and passive obedience should be- so badly
exempified. but attributed it all to their
negligence in not having the windows
grated. One of them was particularly
mortified at having her marvellous story
married, and that the only spectre she had
ever seen should turn out counterfeit :;
bat the niece seemed perfectly happy at
| having found him substantial flesh and
| blOOd-and so the story ends