Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1892-09-02

"How is your Aunt Arpande, my
son2" asked the old man, suddenly. az
remember her charming young woman |;
when l was twenty, l came near falling
in love with herl We must keep in her
good graces, for she will leave u snug
little fortune to her nephew"
"Dear Auntl" exclaimed the youth, in
tone of deep affection, ~ hope she
will enjoy life for many, many years
longer" and his plous wish was reward
ed with tender glance from Sylyia's
dark eyes. Aunt Dolarice also listened
to him with delight.
"He has the instincts, as we'll as the
bearing, of born gentleman, she whis-
pcred to her brother. 'tWho would think
that his ancestors had always sold CHINA
mon and nutmegs!"
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopedias
and was thought very learned, retorted
quickly:
".And why should he not have as fine
sentiments rs nobleman2 Away with
your absurd notions, sisterl ALI men are
equalp'
The clock struck two, and Saint-Audrc
suddenly felt a pang of remorse for the
part he was playing, rs he recollectcd
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 Amusement, and every one
cntrcated him to remain.
al do not understand" began the old
man, following his visitor to the front
door. The young man interrupted him,
saying solemnly:
al will explain. At eleven o'clock
this morning died, after short and
sudden attack of collie, and I,gave the no.
tel proprietor my word of honor that my
body should be removed this afternoon.
You sec, therefore, that if were to alb
sent myself auy longer it would be very
awkward" With these words he dis
appeared, leaving the old father over
whclmcd with amazemcnt.
When the rest of the family heard
what had been said, they decided that
the youth was joking.
''IIe has humor," said Uncle Dorival.
az shall congratulate him the next time
see him. lie will be here in time for
supper"
But supper time came aud passed, aud
there was no signs oil tho son-in law
The family became anxious and alarmed,
and toward 8 o'clock they sent mes
scngcr to the hotel to inquiry for the
passenger who had arrived there by
coach that morning. Tho proprietor
sent back word that the gentle
man named 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 I'M
bounded nstonishment, and little Sylvia
burst into tears us she declared that sho
would wear mourning rs il she were Il
widow
at was his ghost that came here"
said the girls mother in n tone of awe,
but Uncle Dorival shrugged his Shout
dcrs.
"Do ghosts cat ami drink us he did2"
he asked. "Tnat fellow was merely
some young scapcgrace, who wanted to
play trick on us, and get good meal
ut the same time" Nevertheless, the
ghost story went the round of the SER
vant's-hall, and the footmcn boosted of
having seen spirit in broad daylight.
The tale SPREAD, until it became sub
ject of wonder in boudoirs aud drawing
rooms, and the fair young widow who
had never been married wore black
gown and veil, and shed passionate tears
for the atliancca husband whom she had
seen but once.
Two weeks later, she 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.
"Alas" she sighed, eff he were but
here to stroll with me along these path
ways!"
AS she spoke n cracking of boughs
near her made her start with terror, and
in another instant q man broke through
the Towering shrubs and knet Mt her feet.
The stars were shining to come purpose
then, for by their light she recognized
the face for which she had been longing,
and, i'll voice which betokened mingled
JOY and dread, she cried:
"Then you are not dcad2"
"No, indeed, sweetheart" Unanswered
softly, ~ am alive, and hope to live
and love you for many long day yet. u
When the two young people entered
the drawing-room the family were play
ing backgammon. A look OF amazement
greeted the appearance of Saint Andre,
and every one being dumbfounded the
young baron had no difficulty in 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 Doaricc was triumphant.
"Did not tell you he had the bear
ing of nobleman2" she cried.
"All's we'll that ends we'll, and O
baron is as good as grocer" said Uncle
-Dorival.-From the French, in Ro.