St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1888-07-28

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move in the right direction already,
she added, as the housekeeper appeared
with the tea-tray.
"Mabel, can't We have muffns?'
! pleaded the younger voice.
"Muffins! Not on such short notice
dear; but you may have toast and
eggs"
you'll disenchant me with youl
enormous appetite" whispered the
young man, and he got saucy SLAP
for his pains
| kidding hours and hours on that hor.
rid train is enough to starve any one,'
was the ready defense; ''you only came
from New York"
Mabel and Jessie Winthrop were
orphan sisters, one fifteen years the
elder, and mother as well as sister to
| her ldolized charge. Her own life
romance was buried chapter, and now
she was chiefly concerned for the happi-
ness OF the two young persons seated
| there.
George Barret was a distant cousin,
| and was to be married to Jessie Win
throp in two weeks time. They had
come down to make ready the villa
which was their favorite home. It
stood upon winding river, close to
the seashore, and commanded view of
the surrounding country for many
miles. 1t was an immense house con-
tanning some twenty-five rooms, and
full OF unexpected inches, hooks and
crannies. 1t was kept, thoroughly
furnished, but locked up through the
winter months. An unexpected cold
wave had made the coming of the
prospective bridal party a somewhat
dreary affair.
A few happy touches here and there
transformed the gloom into cheer, and
it was with renewed animation that
they arose from their repast an hour
later.
George was to return to the city next
day, but.would run down frequently be-
fore the wedding. Meanwhile, this.
their first evening, passed agreeably and
quickly for all.
The ensuing week was busy one. A
whole army of sweepers, busters and
renovators, We're turned loose in the villa
and the good work went on with will.
Michael took charge of pony and
phaeton, and the sisters often drove to
the village shops, two miles away,
where the nearest railroad station was
1t was very necessary, however, that
Mabel should make final trip to the
city, to purchase some indispensable az
ticles, and she arranged her time so that
George could return with her on the |
last evening train.
You won't be afraid, darling?" was
fond question as she made out
her long list of purchases.
'.Afraid?" echoed the other. .sWhy, !
is there to be afraid Of? It |
is perfectly safe"
''Yes, l know. Otherwise I would
not leave you"
THE house is big" said Jessie, "but
we have near neighbors. Besides,
there is Mike and Katie and Mrs. Law
rence.O Oh, I'm all right, Mabel, darling"
''See that the house is securely fas-
5ened, dear, and look for us tomorrow
night, was Mabel's parting injunction,
Is she kissed her and said goodbye.
'1ndade, Miss jessie" said Katie,
title later, ''indade it's not right for
he loikes ov yees to be here all alone"
why, Katie, what's the matter?"
aughed Jessie; ''you don't call this be-
ng left alone do you?"
''Ah, but haven't you heard the quare
loises in the tower, Miss Jessie? An
hure an there is ghost in this house
iowly Mother defnd us!' and Katie
'iously crossed herself in real terror.
"a ghost, Katie! Tn ashamed of
ou. 1t is only the wind. 1t always
lows here fearfully. You might turn /
regiment loose in the house, and they
ould scarcely make more noise than
hese big, rafting windows"
''Arrah, me jewel" protested Katie,
there's terrible walkin' about in the s
over livery night these two nights.
md didn't yees hear about the awful
lurther in the town beyant us, and I
he murthered iscapin'? Sich quare t
lurther, too. with the fnger-rings all Z,
1T on, and the money purse in the
ocket. All, Miss Jessie, murtherin'
host won't niver be laidr' G
You silly Katie" said Jessie, mer- '
ly. Don't be afraid I'll take care
the ghosts. We are all right t
The night passed without incident,
nd the next day Jessie devoted her en- s
'gies to an important task, which she
I'D lazily deferred till now.
Mabel was to take supper in the city v
I'D reach home about nine o'clock; so, a
ter an early tea, Jessie amused her. q
If for an hour at the grand piano, then c
tired to her coy room in the second c
Dry, which had been elegantly fitted n
}. IL
The high winds from the sea had o
lied, and for once the house was utter a
quiet-so quiet that the stiffness be- y
me oppressive. Mrs. Lawrence had y
tired with nervous headache. Mike u