Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1890-03-28

history" hnlShed Uertruue, snli'
ing through her rising color and
revealing a very merry dimple.
'T feared you would think me SEN
timentsl to shed tears over Napo'
cons troubles"
"But why can't you come," in
sisted Katharine, returning the
emile.
Her companions evident con-
fusion seemed to suggest that the
Investigation had been carried far
enough, so she hastily added
"Well, come if you CAM and they
separated.
"What did she say ?' questioned
Fanny, as Katharine Joined the
bevy of girls.
"She doesn't think she can come,
but will do so if possible" was the
4
answer. When Katharine reached
home she sought her mother and
told her all about Gertrude. 81
am sure SIZE wants to come, and
the only trouble is how she shall
get here"
"WelI, DEAR" said Mrs. Burton,
"if that is her reason we will try
to manage it. Suppose you write
o note and invite your friend to
come early in the morning, and
William can call for her when he
goes with your father. The note
can be delivered this afternoon
while l am shopping"
Saturday dav ned bright and
clear. Jack Frost had been at
work all night opening the chest
nut burrs, as though to have an
extra supply ready for the Hallow-
ZEN ceremonies.
After William, Mr.. Burton's
colored man, left his master
at his Office, be droye to the mod
est home where Gertrude lived,
and soon the little girl triPped
down the walk and entered the
carriage. When Oak Hall was
reached Katharine was awaiting
her arrival.
81 am 80 glad you are come p
she exclaimed, kissing her. "Now
we can get really we'll acquainted
befor the others arrive"
Mrs. Burton's greeting made her
little guest feel at home, and the
time passed very pleasantly until
the other girls arrived. After
luncheon, a merry, chatteriug
party set out, armed with baskets
aud pals, for the chestnut trees,
and the squirrels had reason to
worry as to their Winters supply
The girls had all worn dresses
suitable for a nutting expedition
and with their bright faces and
gay ribbons seemed IN harmony
with the autumnsl scene. Wher
all the nuts which they could fine
on the ground we're gathered, they
began to cast anxious glances to
wards the opening burrs above
their heads. 1t is no easy matter
to throw either stones or sticks II
such a way as to dislodge the nut
as they soon discovered.
"Suppose some one climbs mp,
suggested Fanny. However, thi
plan was voted impracticable, g.
they started to return home.
"Shsll we go through the wood
by the furnace 7" asked Katharine
"Mamms said we might"
"Where we were last year ~ in
quired one of the girls. "Oh, tba
will be dellghtful~
They coon came to an old bricI
furnace which had been in ruin
for many years. Ivy and bitter
sweet grew over the old walls, an
it was very picturesque spot
sit looks like haunted tower,
suggested Florence Rice.
b 1t would be a nice place IN whic
to spend Hollow'en," replies
! Fanny. 81 do not doubt it is
q trysting blace for witches; the
r could make fire in the old chin
, ney-place and boil their potatot
for the coming year, and no Oh
would be the wiser"
IL fancy we are the only witch'
o who have eyer visited it," sal
q Katharine. laughing. "I don't b
lieve in those things at all. Vi
r Florence, don't go too near"
b Too late the warning, Floren'
r. bad ventured near the edge
r. to look down, slipped, and befol
/, her companions could catch h'
d had fallen over the edge. Whe
3 the frightened girls could loc
y over they saw their comnanio
II suspended by her dress, which ha
3. caught on a bush growing fro
the side of the old wall, sever
IN feet beneath them.
4 The nOsition was very dang6