The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1888-11-10
MABEL'S GHOST.

MABEL'S GHOST.
Here we are, safe and sound!
cheerily said the driver of huge blacl
ambulance as he pulled up before til,
front piazza of Crestdale-the beauti
full villa whose tower had been tantal
izing the travellers for two miles.
A party Of five descended from thu
wagon as the wide doors were flung
open by the housekceper, and a kind
ly welcome greeted them, as well a.
comfortable fires.
My! how cold it is.'' exclaimed a
fresh young voice, as the speaker hur.
ried close to the generous heater.
''Be careful, dear, you may burn
your coat" warned an older lady,
while stalwart young fellow, the pict-
ure of ruddy health, tenderly loosened
the seal wrap in question.
Placing the fair wearer in a great
armchair he said:
''There, Mademoiselle Jessie, be a
good girl-if you can. Now, sister
ours, what can do for you?" turning
gallantly to the other lady.
y
pleasant rejoinder, ''look after those
parcels and those live commodities
shivering there"
The live commodities were 4 Malt
ese cat, a canary bird, and two rather
raw recruits from Erin, and the .'fool-
ish boy" at once set about assigning
places for things and people.
There's kitchen somewhere back
here-come ahead, Michael All right,
Katie, follow me, and fetch the meua-
gerie along"
Properly installing them in their do
main, the young gentleman made his
way back through the wide, chilly
rooms that interviewed, and joined the
ladies, who were fast making them
selves at home.
"a tritle bleak, this. isn't it?'' he
said, rubbing his hands before the fire.
'.But just take note of that fragrant
beefsteak. Say, girls, don't see any
table set anywhere" And he looked
around.
''Give us time, young man." remon-
strated the elderly lady. Here is a
move in the right direction already"
she added. as the housekeeper appear
I'd with the teatray.
mabel, can't we have muffins?"
pleaded the younger voice.
Mullins! Not on such short notice,
lear: but you may have toast and
,ggs."
You'll disenchant me with your
normous appetite" whispered the
'oung man, and he got a saucy slap
or his pains.
'Riding hours and hours on that |
orrid train is enough to starye any
me-" was the ready defense: "you only |
anne from New York"
Mabel and Jessie Winthrop were
rphan sisters, the one fifteen years
he elder, and mother as we'll as sister
, her idolizcd charge. Her own life
was a buried chapter, and now
he was chiefly concerned for the hap
iness of the two young persons seated
here.
George Barrett was distant cousin.
nd was to be married to Jessie Win
hrop in two weeks time. They had
ONE down to make ready the villa,
'hich was their fayorite home. 1t
tood upon winding river, close to
le seashorc, and commanded view
the surrounding country for many
lilies. 1t was an immense house, con-
lining about twenty-five rooms, and
Ill of unexpected inches, hooks, and
1t was kept thoroughly
FINISHED, but locked mp through the J
inter months. An unexpected cold !
ave had made the coming of the pro-
,ective bridal party a somewhat drea-
affair.
A few happy touches here and there '
ansformed the gloom into cheer, and S
was with renewed animation that
ey arose from their repast an hour
ter. !
George was to return to the city next Il
y, but would run down frequently a
fore the wedding. Meanwhile. this, Q
cir first evening, passed quickly and .
for all. y
The ensuing week was busy one. u
whole army of sweepers, busters, 5
d renOvatOrs, were turned loose in q
e villa, and the good work went on q
tn will.
Michael took charge of pony and .
acton, and the sisters often drove TO U
} village stores, two miles away,
Lere the nearest railroad station was. u
was very necessary, however. that =: Il
bel should make final trip to the II
Y, to purchase some indispensable
icles, and she arranged her time SO q
It George could return with her on &c &c
last evening train. y
You won't be afraid, darling?" was le 7
bells fond question, as she made "
her long list Of purchases.
echoed the other. "Why b:
what is there to he afraid Of? 1t til
perfectly safe. 81
Yes, I know. Otherwise would til
leave you" bl
The house is big," said Jessie, "but
have near neighbors. Besides, ed
re is Mike and Katie, and Mrs.
yrcnce. Oh, I'm all right. Mabel hs
ling" II
See that the house is securely fast hi
d, dear, and look for us tomorrow m
ht," was Mabcl's parting injunc- lu
j, as she kissed her and said good to
II