The Holly chieftain., 1901-04-05
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CHAPTER IX.-(06Htinu4d.. =, 7
Looking on, thankful for his wifs's
temporary brightness, '&as 0sEyis. too
much encumbered By his robes of ici-
eles and snow to join the dancers, and
holding his hand was little. misshapen
syb-she. too. perfofce. being spec
tator and never an actor in the merry
games of life.
ITS pretty sight. isn't 1t, little
Sybe" heartily said Gervis. determined
in his honest. manly fashion to- 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 sll-
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 q 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 coll
lect himself to reply. a disagreeable,
low laugh made both syb and he turn
quickly. fss'i
Temple-Dene was liberty hall. 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, a strange,
mocking smile on his thin lips. sis M
Little missy has distinct powers os.
discrimination. evidently" Paul Ai4s
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 1t 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
lights. and We folk across the herring
pond have q superstition that they
are never seen save before some ter
r.oie calamity"
While Paul was speaking his gaze
grew more intent, and his dark eyes
seemed to bes drawing out the soul
u the deformed child. The frown had
faded from her upliftsd face and in
its stead an expectant look leaped. It
was q though she were saying dumb
ly:
"I an. ready! What would you have
with mo, my master?"
WELL" retorted Gervis. whose eyes
wandering back to the quaint old
dance had lost the bypiay.. ''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 Of" And he
moved Of with a train Of clamoring
children At his heels.
The dance was over. and laughing,
chattering and huttering, the dancers,
old and young. gathered around Lady
Jane. who. determined to have = va
riety Of entertainment at her Christ
mas party. was urging q shrinking.
shy boy to recite 'The Mistletoe
Bough."
You know, Bobby. you can do II,
so beautifully, aud Mrs. Templeaon
would like to hear 1t SO much!"
Bobby vane was the big brother
from Eton, Of the small lisper In blue
Nlvst who clunE to Gladys skirts
lShen he could.
Bobby was born reciter. but. un-
fortunately. shy-horribly shy.
However. ct last. ca3oied, hustled
and ceadsd, the boy. With his ears
pink and hiA knees knocking together
- hyhad never faced. 70 large an
sSet - rush9d at his task.
@Aftsr tbs hrst line Bobby felt his
feet: His voice was good, clear, sweet
and round - . bell; It showed no hint
Of breaking q yet.
The gay company. breathless and in
tent. closed round thaa 6uthful reciter
az the old legend In vIa, Aell In clear,
dropping syliables from fps:
Tho mistlstoe hung in thS ssts hall.
aud tho holly-branch shops on, the old
oak wall. ysssfs
And the baron's retainsrs were blithe
and gay.
Kesoinx their Christmas holiday.