The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-03-27

noncc rs messenger boy.
Startled beyond expression. Efiie was
about to fly, when the demon smoke.
well, ma'msclle, I've been waiting
for you II long while," was his charac-
teristic remark. II came so far to save
time. Won't you get a roastng!"
Then he tossed the parcel into her
arms. turned and fled.
Eiiie fled also. What the demon had
given her she did not know, but she me-
chancally clutched it as she flew along
the lonely street, and by mere accident
took the right direction aud found her.
self at tho corner of an avenue she
knew. She arrived at her own door
just in time-at least, so her mother de-
clared-to save that lady going out of
her mind with terror. She had no pa
per, but she had the parcel which the
demoniac parsonage had crammed into
her hands to prove that she had not
merely imagined the meeting with him,
and now she unfastened the many pins
that held it, unfolded the paper and sun
dry muslin wrappings within, and be-
hold-a dress--the loveliest ball costume
of gold satin and black lace that could
be imagined!
The demon had presented her with a
dress in which to attend the ball.
"What does it mean 2" she exclaimed.
3Really, feel as if was out of my
mind"
ut must be providential, said the
mother "Try 1t on, my dear"
ola
perfectly.
"You look like an angel" said the
mother, aimiringly.
But the demon said should have a
good roasting. said Etfie.
1T was only man in some queer
dress, said the mother.
"Of course. At least, I suppose So
And now you can go to the ball
Shall l dare2 Will not find my
costume vanishing, like poor Cinderel.
las, in the midst Of my dance, with
whatever stands for the young prince at
the officers ball of the regiment? l
doubt if it will be here in morning; be-
side, Iought to advertise it: If the fend
who presented a young lady with
black lace ball dress, in u dark alley, on
the night OF the -th, will kindly call,
or something of the sort.
"Oh, we will look in the papers, of
course" said her mother. But don't
believe we shall find anything-fate in
tends you to go to the ball.
So it seemed indeed.
Ellie went to the ball, and her dress
was pronounced charming. In passing,
i will mention to the reader that it WAS
there that she met the gentleman who
afterward became her husband, and that
much happened aud all good fortune
came to her through the demons gift Of
the ball dress
No one ever advertised for the dress,
and it hung in Enie's wardrobe until
her wedding day. She never expected
| to solve the mystery that surround it.
Efiie had nla ri.d u rich man and lived
| in very elegant style, and u man servant
WAS one of the necessaries of the house
hold. Mrs. Ackluud-who lives with
her daughter-sugge-ted u Frenchnian.
| and having advertised for such person
| u candidate presented himself. lie had
but one reference. but that was good
| one.
II will tell you the reason have no
| more, madame" said lie. II have had
my ambitions-desireL to go upon the
l stage. ! even obtained n position-l
/ played demon in the last act Of great
spectacle at the - Theater. There
were IS demons-It was glorious But
| alas! got into difficulties there
through my good nature. The re-
nowned Sonora V. had been playing at
the thealer, and left behind her lace
dress. She telegrapl,ed hat she would
send her maid for II, w Dhs was to wear
it that night. Every moment was
precious, aud the old lady who had
charge Of Inc had sprained her ankle.
My friend she said to me, ii you
would but go down the long stairs and
10 the end Of the passage, and wait
with the parcel until Ma 'nselle Fanchon,
the senora's maid, comes for the dress,
you will save us all much trouble-you
will not be wanted for an hour
II obliged her, of course. even went
into the damp alley Of the back entrance
and waited there. l was kept u tire.
mendous time, and when at last
young woman rushed in, gave her the
parcel--like an idiot-without asking
who she WAS. gave it to the wrong
woman. Fifteen minutes after the real
maid arrived. Oh, there was row!
All was worth would not have paid
for the dress. But l was dismissed at
once. deserved it. 1t was the act Of
an idiot. How we'll do l remember
what | said to her: you'll get roast
ing, ma'mselle.' Well, it was who got
the roasting. At first they accused me
of stealing the dress, but"
IL am sure you tell the truth" said
Ellie, and engaged the man at once.
That day Sonora V. was astonished
by receiving box which contained the
| long lost dress uninjured.
A letter which was inclosed told the
story in full, but without giving any
| names, and Camille-the new waiter
never guessed that the liberal gift lie
received at Christmas time was offered,