The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-29
THB NEWS DEMOCRATS DAILY STORY
To be published in daily instalments on this page
The House of a
Thousand Candles
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
MEREDITH NICHOLSON
Copyright by
The Bobbs Merrill Company

But the light led me. remembered with
bitterness that I had always followed her.
whether as Olivia, trailing in her girlish
race across the snow. or as the girl In
gray. whom I had followed. wondering.
on that night Journey at Christmas Eve:
and I followed now. The distrust, my
shattered faith, my utter loneliness, could
not weigh against the Joy of hearing that
laugh OF hers breaking mellowly on the
night.
paused 20 allow the two figures to
widen the distance between us az they
traversed the path that curved away to-
ward the chapel I could still hear their
voices and see the lantern fash and dis
appear felt an impulse to turn back. or
plunge into the woodland but | was ear
ried on uncontrollably. The light glim-
mered. and her voice still floated back
10 me- II stole through the keen winter
dark like n memory Of spring; and so her
voice and the light led me.
Then I heard an exclamation OF dismay
followed by laughter I'm which my grand
father Joined merrily.
"Oh. never mind; we're not afraid she
exclaimed
I had rounded the curve In the path
where should have seen the light: but
the darkness was unbroken. There was 81
lence for p moment, In which drew quite
near 10 them.
Then my grandfathers voice broke out
cheerilY.
-nsuw must 20 back with you! A fine
person you are 10 guide an old man! A
foolish virgin. indeed, with no oil In her
lamp
please do not OF course I'm going IN
see YOU quite TO your own door! I don't
intend to put my hand to the lantern and
then turn hack!'
This walk isn't what II should be-
said my grandfather. wen have to pro-
vide something better In the spring"
They were still silent and 7 heard him
futilelv striking q match. Then the Ian
tern fell. its wires rattlnR az N struck
the ground. and the two exclaimed with
renewed merriment upon their misfor-
tune
IF YOU will allow me-" I called out. my
hand fumbling In my pocket for my own
matchbox.
have sometimes thought that there
q really some sort Of decent courtesy In
me An old man caught in a rough path
that was none too good NJ best And =
girl. even though my enemy! These were.
fancy. the thoughts that crossed my
mind
"Ah. its Jsckl" exclaimed my grand
IdIner. Marian WAS SUNWlnk Ah'
way 10 the gate and our light went out
Miss Devereux," 7 murmured. ! have.
hope. an icy tone for persons who have
incurred my displeasure. and | employed
II then and there. with. no doubt, Its full
est value.
II beg your pardon she murmured
frostily.
Then found and grasped the lantern.
"One moment" 7 said. and I'll see
what's the trouble"
thought my grandfather took N. but
the flame Of my wax match showed her
fingers. clasping the wires OF the lantern.
The cloak slipped away showing her
arms soft curce, the blue and white ~ her
bodice. the purple blur OF violets: and
for second saw her face, with a smile
o1lvering about her lips. Ny grandfather
was beating impatiently with his stick.
urging us 20 leave the lantern and GO on.
let II alone" he said "tn GO down
through the chapel; there's a lantern in
there somewhere"
I'm swfully sorry she remarked.