Los Angeles herald., 1892-08-14


a tone Of deep affection; II he 10 she
will enjoy life for many, mo ny years
longer and his pious wish r.sas reward.
ed with tender glance noan sylyia's
dark eyes, Aunt Dole doc also listened
to lin with delight.
'sHe has tho ,.nstinots as well as tho
bearing of b.en gentleman" she whis-
pered to hsr brother. "Who would
think that his ancestors had always sold
cinnamon and nutmegsr
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopedias
and was thought very learned, retorted
quickly:
"And why should he not have as fine
sentiments as nobleman? Away with
your absurd notions, sisteri 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 friends
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 a1nazement and every one
entreated him to remain.
~ 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 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 alb
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 that
the youth was joking.
"He has humor," said Uncle Dorival.
"I shall congratulate him the next time
/ 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 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
as she declared that she would wear
mourning as if she were a widow.
sit was his ghost that came here, y
said the girls mother in tone Of awe,
but Uncle Dorival shrugged his shoul-
ders.
''Do ghosts eat and drink as he did?'
he asked. s'That fellow was merely
some young scapegrace who wanted to
! play trick on us and get a good meal
at the same time" Nevertheless the
ghost story went the round of the serv-
ants hall, and the footmen boasted OF
having seen spirit in broad daylight.
The tale spread until it became sub
iect of wonder in boudoirs and drawing
rooms, and the fair young widow who
had never been married wore black
gown and veil and shed passionate tears
for the affianced husband whom she ha6
seen but once.
nL---S---ee7., lst0I 511e was wandering
about the garden one evening, listening
sadly to the songs of the nightingales
The stars were shining brilliantly, but
the sight of their beauty only served to
increase her sorrow.
'sAlasr" she sighed, ''if he were but
here to stroll with me along these path
waysl"
AS she spoke a cracking of boughs
near her made her start with ter
ror, and in another instant man
broke through the Towering shrubs and
knelt at her feet. The stars were shin
ing to some purpose then, for by their
light she recognized the face for which
she had been longing, and in q voice
which betokened mingled joy and dread
she cried:
"Then you are not deadP'
'sNo indeed, sweetheart" he answered
softly; 81 am. alive, and hope to live
and love you for many long day yet >
When the two young people entered
the drawing room the family were play
ing backgammon. A look of amaze
ment greeted the appearance of Saint
Andre, and every one being dumfound
ed the young baron had no difficulty il
telling his story, which he concluded by
asking for Sylvia's hand.
The marriage took place as soon as the
proper period of mourning had elapsed
and Aunt Dolarice was triumphant.
'sDid not tell you he had the bearing
of nobleman?' she cried.
Calls well that ends we'll, and baron
is as good as a grocer" said Uncle Dori-
al.-Translated from the French by
Isabel Smithson for Rornanca