The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-06-23

vows With only the gray OLD 1orest % near
them. long hafore he was born.
K. oae time the whole forest seemed TO
have been a grand park, but allowed TO
run wild, it had become labyrinth OF tan
gled underground and vines. Throwing
himself on the rustic seat Allen gazed into
the spring, which, gushing out from Tue
aiaa Of tina hill formed sparkling r1Vulet
that glimmered over BED OF many coloreu
pebbles. This cool retreat was a haven OF
rest to the tired editor, and he hattered
himself that here he might frequently
find security from the prosecutions and an
noyances of poets and politicians.
But the afternoon was wearing away, ana
az he had determined to visit that mystic
rious old stone house, he could waste no
more time at the spring
AS he rose to return to the main ROAD,
something bright on the side of the path
caught his eye He stopped to see what it
WAS. and discovered golden chain partly
covered with leaves and dirt. He drew it
cut and found buried beneath the leaves,
but attached to the oheip a golden locket.
# was a lady's (ocket and Allen knew at 9
Glance that It did Dot belong to any one at
f1s65's p9iat.
4 &hat shall lido with it9" he asked him
SEX. hGSt IL dHo euf'S1 u!S0 its AAAoo ID
the best I can do; but suppose open it and
take peep within"
He pressed his thumb on the spring and
the lid flew open, revealing only a short
tress OF soft, golden hair, which had evil
ia,satly been clinned FROM the head Of a child.
Reaching the main road he assembled the
Hill toward the great house. The road be-
tween the spring and top Of the hill bore
cf hoH
nearly reached the top Of She hill when he
found a ladys kid glove lying at the side of
the road.
The glove was too small and of a quality
GOO fine to belong to any Of tho women
whom he had met in the village.
"Of two things I an certain" soliloquized
Allen. "There is a lady at the stone house
ON the hill, and she takes strolls."
Allen began to wonder what kind Of a per-
son she was. Was she young Or old, beau
tiful or 2lglvE
The top OF the hill was reached, and he
found himself on broad plateau with q
large, magnificent mansion before him. A
high wall, Oh the top Of which We're sharp
iron pickets, surrounded house and grounds
as far as he could see. The gate was tall,
surnounted by a high arch supported by
pillars Of stone. All the nursery stories OF
enchanted castles which he had ever heard
or read csne with wonderful freshness to
his memory. There was something SO
grand and yet SO weird in that imposing
pile reared as it seemed in the very heart
oil the wilderness. that Allen was inspired
with a feeling OF awe, II rot fear. For some
time he stood gazing at the vast building.
Then he went a little nearer, and from o,
slight eminence could sec fountains playing
on the lawn, while the gentle breeze came
to him laden with the fragrance OF sweet
est flowers. notwithstanding the grandeur
and beauty Of The house and grounds, there
was something so weird and strange about
them that he felt strongly inclined to re-
treat.
"Oh, pshawl an, getting almost as silly
and superstitious as the villagers,' said
Allen to himself.
After examining the front as well as he
could, he decided to walk completely round
it. Those people might have good reasons
for living lives of seclusion, and he would
not question their rights That they were
people OF refinement and taste the palatial
residence and fairy-ike grounds were am
pie evidence. They might be even better
than represented, The people at the village
had doubtless znisconstrued their conduct,
and given their neighbors on the hill worse
names than they deserved.
With these thoughts in his mind Allen
wandered around to the rear of the great
mansion and halted. The great wall ill.,
closed about ten acres, and from what little
Allen could see Of the grounds they seemed
III excellent order. The wall in 1he rear
was boards, two inches thick and eight
feet high, and through the cracks the editor
had very good view of the garden.
A well-wocn path, leading from the garden
gate to the river bluff fourth Of mile
away attracted Aliens attention, and,
wearied with gazing at the house. he
thought to go to the bluff and watch the
sunset.
He had almost reached the great Cliff
when he came to o sudden halt and stood
transfxed with amazement There, stand
ing on grass plot, gazing acrose the dark
river beneath, was beautiful girl about
eighteen years Of age. She was very pref
ty, with large blue eyes, a wealth of golden
hair and a form which might have been tae
envy Of a sculptor.
Her eyes were fixed upon the river, and
she was not yet aware Of his presence. AS
the rays of the setting sun fell upon this
angelic being, Allen thought he had never
seen one so lovely. That she was an inmate
of this wonderful house seemed to give an
additional charm to her beauty, and he
found his heart beating with a hitherto IN
known emotion.
At last the sun dipped behind the tree
tops across the river, and, heaving a deep
sigh Of regret, the young lady turned to re-
trace her steps ho1neward, when she dis
covered a handsome young stranger stand
Ing in her path.
CHAPTER v.
AIMING FOR TIE CONFLICT.
It was difficult to tell who was the most
confused, Allen Gray or the beautiful girl
before him.
Her dress and manner indicated culture
and refinement, and he felt That be must
apologize for his presence.
ell beg pardonp' he stammered, after
an awkward silence of a few moments. II
came for stroll to the bluff, not aware Of
your presence, Ihope have not annoyed
you7''
There was an honest franxness in his
voice and manner, more reassuring than
his words A change from surprise and
terror to pleasure, as instantaneous as it
was remarkable, came over her tace.
ooh, don't blame yourself, sir,' she said,