Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-03-18

'"DJVo'o iio llupii coulu not enjoy in his
weak state. However, Darcy had n fund
Of amusement in his own active mind
He read q great deal, thought as much
and when he grew tired of both con
trived to draw out of an excellent con-
certlna music enough to astonish the r1s-
ties.
He was lying on his sofa in the twi-
light one evening, when the air was so
balmy that a half-glass door leading ia
the garden stood open, playing at inter
walls snatches OF plaintive old Scotch bal
lads till Wyett came in The man had
made himself SO useful that Darcy. who
had always nourished a secret dislike of
his uncle's obsequious attendant, was
learning to feel ashamed of his cauge-
less prejudices.
Alone, Mr., Darcy? l thought Mr..
Haynes was here, or | would not have
left you so long
Its no matter I have not been
dull was the good-humored reply. "I've
been evoking the oldest echoes you ever
heard. Are YOU superstitious, WyettY
The valet looked perplexed. Not par
ticularly So Why do you ask?'
Because this place is haunted by a
lazy Win AilC oN tcltSl voice lnlnRlD1-
BILE Darcy laughingly responded. Don't
you believe me? Then listen. and judge
for yourself"
Very slowly he played the first eight
bars of "Ihe Birks of Aberfeidy;" then
enjoininG silence upon his companion, he
laid down the instrument. In the course
of a minute or two the air was repeated,
softly, heSitatingly-as if the singers
memory We're sometimes at fault, but al
ways III tones repletc with sweet fresh
mess as rare as it was charming.
Darcy locked triumphantly at the
valet.
did | not tell you so? Who can it
be? This is not the first time l have
heard my notes repeated by the same de-
licious voice"
Play again. sir, and | will soon ascer-
tain for you whether your echo is aerial
or mortal" Wyett whispered, as he
no;selessy stepped to the door.
Darcy obeyed, then paused as before.
The first few bars of the tune were
taken up-then there was a terrified cry,
Slight scuffle, and Wyctt. who had
crept out into the garden, returned, bear
ing in his arms the diminutivc figure OF
Essie.
Darcy laughed uncontrolably at the
drol appearance of the girl, whose close
ly cropped head peered out of an old
red cloak in which she had wrapped her
self. His mirth, however, soon gave
place to compassion, for Essie sank on
the floor as soon rs she was released,
her teeth chattering, and her eyes d-
lated with terror.
Poor little mite. Don't brighten her
any more. Wyett."
Il didn't mean no harm" she painted.
Il was only listening. Don't tell her,
and III never do it no more
Tell who? Mrs. Price? or course
III not" answered Darcy, extending his
hand to her. Come here. you elf, and
sit on this stool beside me-"
She made gesture Of dissent, and
seemed to be meditating fight through
the window, but this Wyett prevented
by closing it, and Darcy renewed his eff
forts to soothe her.
80 you came here to listen? Then
YOU are fond of music? l wish we had
not disturbed you. Let me make amends
by PLAYING the tunes you like best"
Her bright dark eyes began to lose
tnplf wiz cADlCSSlblt, anu t,iHiiNN NN'A
ously at the concertna. Amused with
this queer instance Of the divine power
OF melody, Darcy struck some chords.
Her hurried breathing was subdued, the
color came back to her face, and pres
emily she ventured step nearer to his
sofa. He pointed to a stool.
"Sit there, you funny child. and II
nlay for you as long as you like. 1t $
quite 1attering to have such an attent-
i've auditor" he added to the valet.
With her elbows on her knees, ana
he,. chin supported on her hands, the girl
sat motionless till the player grew tired
and paused Then the glow faded from
her cheek, and she said entreatingly,
please let me go.
Not till YOU have sung for me. Oar
cv interposed "Who taught you to war
bic so -sweetly?"
Again the small features frightened,
and she asked timidly, ''Do | sing well
Would people give me money If | went
about the country, and sang at their
doors?' =,
"Wbv. you'd never do such wild
thing rs that. you little foolish creature.
he exclaimed. What made you think
of it,"
She made no reply, and he went on
questioning her.
You are Essie, aren't you--the young
GIRL | heard my cousin Percy talking
about? You saved his dog, didn't you!
And only fancy, Wyett, by his own CON
fession, the little rascal scarcely thanked
her for her pains. / must give you
something in his name, Essie, he added
kindly. what shall it be--a book e
The girls face crimsoned. Il can't
read Nobody never taught me-
That's a pity. Shall it be new
frock. then And pray where is your
own?" asked theSamused youth. DO
YOU generally wander about the garden
without oneY
Essie drew the old scarlet cloak more
closely around her.
Il didn't dare get out o window with
it on, for fear of tearing it
Then you actually crept out ut your
lattice to crafty your love of harmony
the laughing Darcy commented. You
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