The morning call., 1892-11-18

here Is the son-in-law at last. Sylvia, my
child, bid him welcome"
u beg pardon. sir" cried Saint Andre,
but again his host interrupted him.
Don't tell me that 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 10 urge I'll hear Il later
bad news can always keep. Now let us sit
down TO breakfast Mt once and be merry
Sit by me. son-ln-law, aud give me ycur
opinion of this pigeon bisque."
The visitor was young and very hungry,
having tasted since midnight. The shock
OF his companions sudden death had uD-
neryed him somewhat. and so for the time
being he yielded to the force of circum
stances.
Come what will" he said to himself. CT
cannot bear to put a dampener upon thu
joy of these good people; at least not until
they have had their breakfast"
lie joined therefore In the general merri-
Ilment, smiled sweetly upon blushing
Sylvia, the bride-elect, and replied unhesi-
tatlngly to his supposed future father-in-
laws inquiries.
How is your Aunt Armande, my son P'
asked the OLD man suddenly. 81 remrm-
per her as charming young woman; when
l was 20 / came near falling in love ni5b
her! We must keep in her good graees Tor
she VIII leave a snug little fortune to her
nephew"
Dear auntp' exclaimed the youth in n
TONE OF aeep affection; Il hope she will en-
JOY lie Tor many, many years longer" and
MS plous wish was rewarded with a tender
glance from Sylyia's dark eyes,
Aunt Dolarice also listened to him with
delight "''N
"He has the instincts as we'll as the bear
ing Of born gentleman" she whispered To
her brother. "Who would think thai his
ancestors had always sold cinnamon and
nutmegsp anu
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopadias and
was thought very learned, retorted ouIcklv.
ana why should he not have as fine
sentiments as a nObleman? Ayay win
your absurd notions. sister, All men are
equal" "'o
The clock struck 2, and Saint Andre spd-
denly 1elt pang OF remorss for the part he
was playing, as he suddenly recoljected
that ne nad 10 arrange for his friends
burial and would be expected at the ho,ai
lie therefore rose from the table and an
Douncipg that he had important business RI
attend to prepared TO leave. His host nroo
tested In vain, Sylvia looked up in blank
amazement, and every one entreated him To
remain. "
Il DO not understand" began TIM old
man, following his visitor to the front door
Inc young man interrupted him, saving
Il will explain. At eleven o'clock this
morning i died, after short and s,,ddor
attack Of collie, and 1 gave the hotel nrourii
etor my word of honor that my body sbonld
be removed this afternoon Yon see thara'
lore II | were to absent myself any longer
ii would be very awkward"
With these words he disappeared. leaving
the old father overwhelmed with ama1a
meDt and disappointment.
When the rest Of the family heard what
had been said they decided that the yonth
was only joking. '"
HE has humOr." said Uncle DorivaL ~
snali congratulate him the next time sea
him. de Will be here In time for snnnar ;,
But supper time came and passed and
there was no sign of the sOn-in-law. The
family became anxious and alarmed and
toward O'Clock they sent message 10 the
hotel to inquire for the passenger who had
arrived there by coach that morning. The
proprietor sent back word that the gentia'
man named had died at II O'clock Of eolie
aud that the body had been taken away for
burial in the afternoon. N'-
This news was received with unboundad
astonishment. and little Sylvia burst in tn
tears as she declared that she would wear
mourning as III she were a widow,
1t was his ghost that came here - cold
the glrfs mother. In tone of awe. hut
Uncle Dorival shrugged his shoulders.
do ghosts eat and drink as he did sn ba
asked. That fellow was merely soma
young scapegrace who wanted to NAV q
trick on us and get good meal at the same
time" VIC sa'he
Nevertheless the ghost story went the
round OF the servants hall, and the footman
boosted OF having seen spirit Ia broad dav-
light The tale spread until 1t became
subject Of wonder in bo0doirs and drawing.
rooms, and the fair young widow WIN had
never been married wore a black gown and
veil and shed passionate tears for The am
ancec husband whom she had seen but once
Two weeks later she was wandering ahout
tie garden one evening. listening saaIv -
the songs of the nightingale The sfars
were shining brilliantly, but the sight Of
their beauty only served 10 Increase her
sorrow. wv