The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-01-20

ohihh thub his ancestors naU always
sold cinnamon and nutmegs T.
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopadia.
and was thought very learned retorted
quickly:
And why should he not have as fine
sentiments as nobleman ? Away will
your absurd notions. sister 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 ho-
tel. 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 amazement, and
everyone entreated him to remain.
u do not understand, began the old
man, following his visitor to the front
door. The young man interrupted him,
saying solcmnly:
Il will explain. At II o'clock this
morning died, after short and sud
den attack Of collie, and gave the hotel
proprietor my word of honor that my
body should be removed this after
noon. You see, therefore, that if 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.
HE has humor," said Uncle Dorival.
Il 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 s o'clock they sent a 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 IL 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, aud little Sylvia burst into tears
as she declared that she would wear
mourning rs if she were a widow.
1t was his ghost that came here"
said the girls mother in tone Of awe,
but Uncle Dorival shrugged his shoul.
ders
DO ghosts eat md drink as he did ?"
he asked. That fellow was merely
some young scapegrace who wanted
to play trick on us and get good
meal at the same time" Nevertheless
the ghost story went the round of the
servants hall, and the footmau boasted
OF having seen spirit in broad day
light. The tale spread until it became
a subject Of wonder in boudoirs and
drawing rooms, and the fair young
widow who had never been married
wore black gown and vail 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 bril-
liantly, but the sight of their beauty
only served to increase her sorrow.
Alas she sighed, IF he were bnt
here TO stroll with me along these path
ways y
As she spoke cracking of bougis
near her made her start with terror. and
ID another instant man broke through
the Towering shrubs and knelt at her
feet. The stars were shining to some pur-
pose then, for by their light she recog-
nized the face for which she had been
longing, and in Il voice which beto-
kened mingled JOY and dread she cried ::
Then you are not dead r.
No indeed, sweetheart, )" he answered
softly; - am alive, and hope to live
and love you for many long day vet. &"
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 dumb
founded, the young baron had no din
Guilty in telling his story, which he con
cluded 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.
Did l not tell you he had the bear.
ing of nobleman ?" she cried.
"All's well that ends well, and a
baron is as good as a grocer, said I'M
Gle Dorival. from tho
French by Isabel Smithson for Ro-
nance.