Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1892-10-03

/ remember her as charming young
woman; when I was twenty I came
near falling in love with her. We
must keep her in good graces, for she
will leave a sung little fortune to her
nephew"
s'Dear aunt!' exclaimed the youth
iu tone of deep affection; 81 hope
she will enjoy life for many years
longer" and his pious wish was re-
warded with tender glance from Syl-
vania's dark eyes. Aunt Dolarice also
listened to him with delight.
ssHe has the instincts as well as the
bearing of a born gentleman" she
whispered to her brother. "Who
would think that his ancestors had
always sold cinnamon and nutmeg!"
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopedias
and was thought very learned, retort-
ed quickly:
"And why should he not have as
fine sentiments as nobleman? Away
with your absurd notions, sister? All
men are equal"
The clock struck 2, and Saint Andre
suddenly felt a pang Of remorse for
the part he was playing as he recol-
lected that he had to arrange for his
friends burial and would be expected
at the hotel He therefore rose from
the table, and announced that he had
important business to attend to, and
prepared to leave. His host protest
in 10 II
amazement and everyone entreated
him to remain.
ct do not understand" began the
old man, following his visitor to the
front door. The young man inter
rupted him, saying solemnly:
81 will explain. At IL O'Clock this
morning I died, after a short and sud
den attack of collie, and [ gave the
hotel proprietor my word of honor
that my body should be removed this
afternoon. You see, therefore, that
if I were to absent myself any longer,
it would be very awkward" With
these words he disappeared, leaving
the old father overwhelmed with
amazement.
When the rest of the family heard
what had been said they decided that
the youth was joking.
ssHe has humor,'' said Uncle Dori-
val IT shall congratulate him the
next time I see him. He will be here
in time for supper"
But supper time came and passed,
and there was no sign Of the son-1n-
law The family became anxious and
alarmed, and toward s O'Clock they
sent a messenger to the hotel to in
quire for the passenger who had ar
rived 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 af-
ternoon. The news was received with
unbounded establishment, and little
Sylvia burst into tears as she declared
that she would wear mourning as if
she were a widow.
cit was his ghost that came here"
said the girls mother in tone of awe,
but Uncle Dorival shrugged his should
ers
EDO ghosts eat and drink as he did?"
he asked. 'sThat 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
servants hall, and the footmen boast
ed Of having seen spirit in broad
daylight. The tale spread until it be-
came subject of wonder in boudoirs
and drawing rooms, and the fair young
widow who had never been married
wore a black gown and veil and shed
passionate tears for the afianced hus-
band whom she had seen but once.
Two weeks later she was wandering
about the garden one evening, listen
ing sadly to the songs of the nightin-
gales. The stars were shining brilli-
antly, but the sight of their beauty |
only served to increase the sorrow.
ssAlas!" she sighed, eff he were but
here to stroll with me along these
pathways!"
AS she spoke cracking Of boughs
near her made her start with terror,
and in another instant man broke
through the Towering shrubs and
xnelt at her feet. The stars were
shining to some purpose then, for by
jheir light she recognized the face for
which she had been longing, and in a
/ voice which betokened mingled joy
md dread she cried:
'Then you are not dead!"
mo indeed, sweetheart" he an
;wered softly: II am alive, and [ hope