Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-08-12

out pausing an instant added, "NIy wife,
Uncle Dorival, Aunt Dolarice, here is the
son-in-law at last; Sylvia, my child, bid
him welcome"
81 beg pardon, SIR crici Saint
Andre, but ee;sin his host interrupted
| him.
Don't tell me you wish to draw back
at the last moment, my dear fellow
Everything has been arranged by my
esteemed friend, your father, but if you
have any objection to urge, will hear
it later; bad news can always keep. Now
let us sit down to breakfast at once, ami
be merry. Sit by me, son-in law, aud
{ give me your opinion Of this pigeon
bisque.
The visitor was young and very hun
cry, having tasted since midnight. The
shock of his companio1's sudden death
had unnerved him somewhat, and so, for
the time being, he yielded to the force
of circumstances.
"Come what WILL" he said to him
self, az cannot bear to put dampener
upon the joy of these good people; at
least not until they have had their break
fast"
lie Joined therefore in the gener al
merrimcnt, smiled sweetly upon blushing
Sylvia, the bride.elect, aud replied uu-
hesitatiDgly to his supposed future father
in.law's inquiries.
''How is your Aunt Armaude, my
SOM" asked the old man, suddenly. 81
remember her charming young woman;
when was twenty, l came near falling
in love with her We must keep in her
good graces, for she will leave a snug
little fortune to her nephew"
"Dear Aunt" exclaimed the youth, in
q tone of deep affection, "I hope she
will enjoy life for many, many years
longer" and his plous wish was reward
cd with tender glance from Sylvia's
dark eyes. Aunt Dolarice also listened
20 him with delight.
''He las the instincts, as we'll as the
bearing, of born gentleman she whis
pered to her brother. "Who would think
that his ancestors had always sold cinua-
mon and nutmegsr"
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopedias
and was thought very lelrnel, retortei
quickly
"And why should he not have as fine
sentiments as nobleman2 Away with
your absurd notions, sisterl All men are
equal"
The clock struck two, 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 blauk amazement, and every one
entreated him to remain.
III 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 eleven o'clock
this morningI died, after a short and
sudden attack of collie, and l gave the hO-
tel proprietor my word of honor that my
body should be removed this afternoon.
You see, therefore, that if l were to alb
sent myself any longer it would be very
awkward" With these words he dis
appeared, leaving the old father over
|
When the rest of the family heard
what had beea said, they decided that
the youth was joking.
''He has humor," said Uncle Dorival.
81 shall congratulate him the next time
l see him. lie will be here in time for
supper"
But supper time came and passed, and
there was no signs of the son-in'law.
The family became anxious and alarmed,
and toward o'clock they sent mes
senger to the hotel to inquiry for the
passenger who had arrived there by
coach that morning. The proprietor
sent back word that the gentle.
man namel had died at IL o'clock
Of collie, and that the body had
been taken away for burial in the after
noon. This news was received with un-
bounded astonishment, and little Sylvia
] Dufsb lnlD ltti5 uo oAAC iCCiulNNt hu0N ShO
would wear mourning as il she were
widow
'It was his ghost that came here"
said the girls mother in tone of awe,
but Uncle Dorival shrugged his shout
ders.
"Do ghosts eat and drink as he didl'
he asked. "That fellow was merely
some young scapegrace, wio wanted to
play trick on US, aud get a good meal
at the same time Nevertheless, the
ghost story went the round Of the ser
wants hall, and the foOtmcn boasted OF
having seen a spirit in broad daylight.
The tale spread, until it beca ne a sub
iect of wonder in boudoirs and drawing
rooms, aud the fair young widow wh) .