The Leon reporter., 1901-03-07

Z sOA3p (AdAhlul 1OI LIS Wl1S .
temporary brightness, was Gervis, too
much encountered by his robes Of ici-
cles and snow to join the dancers, and
holding his hand vas little, misshapen
Syb-she, too. perforce, being spec
tator and never an actor in the merry
games Of life.
It's pretty sight, isn't it, little
Syb?" heartily said Gervis, determined
In his honest, manly fashion 10 be
proud Of the wife he had won.
GLADLY, light as sprite, was dart
Ing up and down in the old-fashioned
dance. and every eye was fixed upon
her dainty figure, in Its dress of sill
very brocade. She, too, had blood-red
berries fastened in the folds OF her
wedding gown and great bunch on
her left shoulder.
If Leila had on dress of silver
brocade, and diamonds on her neck,
she would look a thousand times pref
tier than that thin girl!" was Syb's
harsh reply, as she glowered at the
shining little figure dancing up and
down the middle.
Before the startled Gervis could COL
lect himself to reply disagreeable,
low laugh made both syb and he turn
quickly.
Temple-Dene was liberty hail. and
the scientist had again shut himself
up in his room all day, deep in some
abstruse calculations, doubtless. But
the music and laughter had drawn
the hermit from his cell. and. he stood
close behind them, with strange,
mocking smile on his thin lips.
Little missy has distinct powers Of
discrimination, evidently" Paul Ans
dell said, fixing his black eyes full on
the frowning face Of the deformed
child. At the same time he lifted his
right hand, but, on second thought,
dropped it at his side furtively.
you ought to have been among the
merry dancers, Ansdell.' said Gervis,
little puzzled by his new friend
"The merry dancers?" repeated the
scientist quickly. why, do you know
what you are saying? The merry
dancers are the famous northern
AA3ASC, anu VIC lOlh dClOoS IuS ucIIlllH
pond have a superstition that they
are never seen save before some ter
r.Dle calamity"
While Paul was speaking his gaze
grew more intent, and his dark eyes
seemed to be drawing out the soul
of the deformed child. The frown had
faded from her uplifted face and in
its stead an expectant look leaped. 1t
was as though she were saying dumb
ly:
II am ready! What would you have
with me, my master?"
Well" retorted Gervis, whose eyes
wandering back to the quaint old
dance had lost the byplay, ''if the mer-
ry dancers are to bring calamity,
1t must be upon yourself, Ainsdell, see
ing we have no such superstition
among us that know off, And he
moved off, with train Of clamoring
children at his heels.
The dance was over, and laughing
chattering and fluttering, the dancers,
old and young, gathered around Lady
Jane, who, determined to have va
riety of entertainment at her Christ
mas party, was urging shrinking,
shy boy to recite THE Mistletoe
Bough."
"You know, Bobby, you can do it
so beautifully, and Mrs. Templeton
would like to hear it SO much!"
Bobby Vane was the big brother
from Elton of the small lisper in blue
velvet who clung to Gladdy's skirts
when he could.
Bobby was a born reciter, but, un-
fortunately, shy-horribly shy.
However, at last, cajoled, hustled
and goaded, the boy, with his ears
pink and his knees knocking together
for he had never faced so large an
audience rushed at his task.
After the first line Bobby felt his
feet. His voice was good, clear. sweet
and round as bell; it showed no hint
Of breaking as yet
The gay company, breathless and in
tent, closed round the youthful reciter
as the old legend in verse fell in clear,
dropping syllables from his lips:
The mistletoe hung in the castle hall,
And the holly-branch shone on the old
oak wall,
AAnd the baron's retainers were blithe
and gay,
keeping their Christmas holiday.
Md as the poem went on all were
chilly impressed by the curious SINH
" Of their present surroundings
ose detailed by the reciter.
old world ballroom, with its
dark oak rafters, its rows of glittering
armor-for Temple-Dene was noted
for its armor-the "goodly company"
OF gallants and fair danes. the merry
children, the old paneled walls blush
ing red with lavish wealth Of scarlet
holly berries: while here and there
Rnd everywhere, in the most unex-
ected places, large punches of mistle-
hung to tempt and entrap the un-
And, above all, there was the
feature, the bride
star of that goodly company.
ink we ought to carry it out
etter!" excitedly cried GLADLY,
recitation was over, and the
applause cause shame-faced
ee for shelter behind suit
ermor.
lid child, this new daugh-
blandly said Lady Jane
r cronies, as GLADLY sped
hall to the distant stair