The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-08-04
unhesitatingly to his supposed future
20 10

remember her as charming young VIC
man; when | was twenty | came nea
falling in love with her! We must keel
her in good graces, for she will leave
snug little fortune to her nephew"
Dear aunt!' exclaimed the youth il
tone of deep affection; 81 hope sh,
will enjoy life for many, many year.
longer" and his pious wish was reward
ed with a tender glance from Sylvia'
to him with delight.
"He has the instincts as well as the
bearing of a born gentleman" she wits
pered to her brother. "Who would
think that his ancestors had always SOLD
cinnamon and nutmegsw
Uncle Dorival, who read encyclopedias
and was thought very learned, retorted
quickly:
"And why ahould he not have as fine
sentiments as a nobleman? Away with
your absurd notions, sister! All men
are equal!"
The clock struck 2, and Saint Andre
suddenly felt pang Of remorse for the
part he was playing, as he recollected
that he had to arrange for his friend s
burial and would be expected at the
hotel. He therefore rose from the table,
and announcing that he had important
business to attend to, prepared to leave.
His host protested in vain, Sylvia looked
up in blank amazement and every one
entreated him to remain.
81 do not understand" began the old
man, following his visitor to the front
door. The young man interrupted him,
saying solemnly:
81 will explain. At II o'clock this
morning died, after a short and sud
den attack of collie, and l gave the hotel
proprietor my word of honor that my
body should be removed this afternoon.
You see, therefore, that if were to abb
sent myself any longer it would be very
awkward" With these words he dis,
appeared, leaving the old father over.
whelmed with amazement.
When the rest of the family heard
what had been said they decided thGt
the youth was joking.
"He has humor," said Uncle DorivaJ
81 shall congratulate him the next TINA
l see him. He will be here in time for
supper"
But supper time came and passed, and |
there was no sign of the son-in-law. The
family became anxious and alarmed, |
and toward 8 o'clock they sent a mes
Senger to the hotel to inquire for the |
passenger who had arrived there by |
coach that morning. The proprietor
sent back word that the gentleman
named had died at II o'clock of collie,
and that the body had been taken away
for burial in the afternoon. This news
was received with unbounded astonish-
ment, and little Sylvia burst into tears
Is she declared that she would wear
as if she were a widow.
''It was his ghost that came here"
laid the girls mother in tone of awe,
1ut Uncle Dorival shrugged his shout
lers.
"Do ghosts eat and drink as he did?"
lie asked. "'That fellow was merely
ome young scapegrace who wanted to
)lay trick on us and get good meal
Vt the same time" Nevertheless the
,host story went the round of the serv-
lnts hall, and the footmen boosted of
having seen spirit in broad daylight.
The tale spread until it became sub
ect of wonder in boudoirs and drawing
ooms, and the fair young widow who
lad never been married wore q black
,own and veil and shed passionate tears
or the affianced husband whom she had
cen but once
Two weeks later she was wandering
bout the garden one evening, listening
ably to the songs of the nightingales.
The stars were shining brilliantly, but
he sight of their beauty only served to
Increase her sorrow.
"Alas!" she sighed, "if he were but
lere to stroll with me along these path
Ways"
AS she spoke cracking of boughs
lear her made her start with ter
or, and in another instant man
,roke through the Towering shrubs and
melt at her feet. The stars We're shin
ng to some purpose then, for by their
light she recognized the face for which
he had been longing, and in a voice
which betokened mingled joy and dread
he cried:
"Then you are not dead"
"No indeed, sweetheart" he answered
oftly; 81 am alive, and l hope to live
md love you for many long day yet"
When the two young people entered
he drawing room the family were play
ng backgammon. A look of amaze
nent greeted the appearance of Saint
Andre, and every one being dumfound-
ID the young baron had no difficulty in
cling his story, which he concluded by
lsking for Sylvia's hand.
The marriage took place as soon as the
proper period of mourning had elapsed,
md Aunt Dolarice was triumphant.
did | not tell you he had the bearing
# nobleman?' she cried.
"All's well that ends well, and a baron
S as good as grocer" said Uncle Dori-
'al.-Translated from the French by |
sabel Smithson for Romance.
Training Youngsters to Sling Stones.
1t has been said that Asiatic nations |
.yoa11a1 ot1,orS in tho ,,co Of 4bo e1;,cr |