Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-11-29

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and over the walnuts and wine, it
was moved and adopted that Emily
Davis should be the story teller. Emil
ly was tall, stately girl, with eloquent
blue eyes and fair hair that curled
naturally over pretty low forehead.
On this particular occasion she wore
handsome blue cloth gown that set
off her blond beauty to the very best
advantage. Opposite her sat her hand
some, darl1-eyed rival, Maud Evans.
Maud had been asked to be the story
teller. She declined. Then some one
turned to Emily, and she promised to
tell real true Halloween story, but
then Emily could afford to be gracious.
Of the two handsome rivals she had
been the chosen one. Next month she
would become Mrs. j. Sidney Orr, wife
of the rising young attorney.
Making graceful little bow to the
company, Emily began in her low,
sweet voice: Once upon time, there
was convent situated on the pref
test, most graceful, and picturesque Of
slopes, far from the noisy din of city
life, and but short distance from a
beautiful winding river. On the east
ern bank of this river, and within
sight Of the convent, stood an old mill
that had long since fallen into decay
and ruin.
Zone afternoon late in October a
group Of convent girls decended the
slope facing the river. 1t is true
story, you know, and was in the
party. What romantic place an
old mill is remarked one Of the girls.
One always thinks of the millers
daughter, and her life is sure to have
had sad beginning and sad ending
"Yesl and the villain contemplating
foul murder Is sure to lure his limo
cent victim within the four walls of
an old tumbled down MILL" added an
other.
Every time I look toward this old
mill am reminded of Tom and poor
Maggie Tuliver," came in plaintive
little voice from the rear.
With one accord we all turned to see
who was reminded of that sad story
every time she looked toward the west.
1t was Kittie Mather, and merry peal
of laughter echoed along the hills at
the bare idea of anything making Kit
tie sad. She was the most hardened
little rebel in our school, but we all
loved her; she was as true as steel and
always kind and sympathetic.
But, to go back to my story, we had
had all this time been approaching
nearer to the ruined mill
Wouldn't 1t be splendid place to
come on Halloween" said Bell Mon
teith, ito learn the name of ones fu-
ture husband?"
We were all interested; we had never
heard of finding him out In this way
Tell US about 1t, Bell; what do you
doP" we chorused
"Why, I don't know exactly what
words you repeat, but you throw ball
OF yarn into ruins, keeping hold Of
the end of your yarn, and ask his
name"
Oil 1t would be splendid, but who
was brave enough to say it? We dis
cussed the subject on the way back
to school, but nothing was decided
upon. The next day, however, the
subject was brought up again, and Bell
informed us that she had recalled the
words to be repeated. I. for instance,
! as I throw my ball of yarn into the
ruins, would say, as Emily Davis un-
winds: Oh! ruins, canst thou tell
who winds?" repeating this three
times. Each girl supplied her own
name, of course.
Well. we decided to try it, so we wait
ed anxiously for Halloween. Finally
it came. clear, moonlight night, and
about 40 girls were ready for the lark,
each supplied with her ball of yarn.
The trouble now was to get out. We
were not allowed outside the building
after six o'clock. We decided to 90 in
little parties of three and four, and in
that way we would not be missed, but
about l5 minutes before the fl rst party
was to start Sister Mary Agnes, our
project, told us she was called away
for awhile and would leave Kittie
Mather in charge of the recreation
room AS soon as the door closed be-
hind Sister Agnes, kittie rose and
said: Now, girls, for the ruins. Did
yon ever know anything to come so
timely as that summons? A meeting
Of the faculty, I suppose. Let othexs
talk of the irony Of fate. we at least