Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1884 — ALL HALLOWEEN. [ARTICLE]

ALL HALLOWEEN.

BY ALMA. H’KEE. PART L “Retract those cruel words, dear fathei) and call me your own Luella once more.” The speaker, a young girl of eighteen summers, with hair and eyes the hue of th| raven’s wing, cheeks flushed scarlet with^emotion, sat in the midst of evergreens, myrtle, and holly, pleading in rain with an erect yet aged man of sixty-odd years—her father. “Never!” came the firm, decided answer. “ Gilbert Ainsley shall never, be a son-in-law of mine: I swear it!” and he set his teeth firmly together. “But, father, dear, I love him. In days gone by, when* you were young, did you not love my mother even as we two love ? Think twice, dear papa, ere you doom me to a life of misery and seolusion.” She arose from her verdant seat and stood before her beautiful eyes full of a world-of in their liquid depths, her hands clasped beseechingly before her. Who could resist such eloquence and beauty ? “Enough!” he thundered. “Did you ever know me. to ’Sdy'otae thing and mean another? Accept Danton Memvale with his £SOO a) year, and all will be well ; refuse, and a father’s curse follows you. ” After this cruel threat, his form assumed its usual height, and he left the little salon, slamming the door behind him until the gla§£ trembled, by way of emphasis. With a heiirt-sick moamthe suffering girl threw herself upon her knees, and, burying her face in the,cushion of the friendly chair, wept aloud. The sound of many approaching footsteps aroused her to a sense of selfpride, and, springing <mickly to her feet, she hurriedly bathed her swollen, aching eyes in cologne water, kept there in case of an emergency, No sooner had she resumed her seat than the door opepgtl with a crash, and a bevy of pretty, teasing girls, 5 and as many fun-loving boys, entered the quiet sanctum. “Hei’iji ybu are, Eu,” exclaimed a couple of the moat care-free, “like a hermit in his cell, and, I presume, quoting the old words of Burns; ‘T oares naetjody, an’ naebody cares for me.’ To which witty saying all responded with a merry laugh, until the room fairly shook in striving to reecho the sounds with justice. “Oh, girls, do be quiet,” Luella Farleigh exclaimed, with a playful shake of one forefinger.. “Only see! I have bat one wreath ebfasl£ted and a cross begun. Had I b4tt# use this arbutus ? It is lovely! Bai how; beautifully it trails over the sfki(a japonicas aud fuchsias.” And held ,up the trailing vine admiringly, “Use your own judgment and taste, dear !” respondWF Nellie Arkwright sweetly, trying thefbffefcft of a bunch of white water-lilies' with scarlet verbenas. "Use your own taste, dear!” mocked Danton Merrivale, his bead cocked comically on one'side, in imitation of : the unconscious. Nellie. “Observe that dude!’’ exclaimed saucy Kitty Frazer, pointing one daii&y finger at the dauntless Merrivale. “Boys, why don’t you put him out ? He is a ■disgrace to our society. ” “Oh, for the Superior sense and wisdom of our forefathers,” exclaimed Sally Norton, a mock seriousness disfiguring her bright, merry fdee. “Well, I never!” ejaculated young Newman, with superior forethought. “If to-morrow eye isn’t Hallow Fen, and preparations, just begun. Why don’t you work faster, girls?” “Why don't you permit that wonderful gold watch to rest in your pocket for one moment, and Use your hands' at eomething useful ? It wiil do you uo harm, Mr. Newman (emphasizing the title), to be as useful as you have been hitherto ornamental.” And Kitty Frazer flourished her holly-branch tragically. “Will it take a ton of wreaths to trim that one hall ?” quizzically inquired Bob Merrivale, brother to Danton.

“We mfiii it to appear especially nice lor this particular occasion; for you know that is the place that we are to try all of our tricks,” explained Lucy Grey, brightly. Their gay sallies were interrupted by the entrance of a newcomer in their midst; the merry blue eyes and constant good-humor which characterised him made him a universal favorite among them all. The young ladies all arose, with the exception of one, with one accord, and ran toward him, exclaiming in a chorus Of great enthusiasm: “Oh, what lovely moss-roses!” “Do let us see them!” “Wherever did you find them?” “You’ll not refuse me one of those lovely buds; will you now, Gilbert?” “Oh, Gilbert, do say that you brought them for us!” etc. One figure sat as before—silent and motionless, except when one slender hand was lowered to capture a required branch or flower. The last comer slowly wended his way thither, and, bending one knee, gjlently placed a beautiful bud just dbening among the glossy, jet curls. Then, arising, the yellow and black hair for one minute mingled, as he fondly Whispered: •Darling, wear one to-morrow eve at the doings, if you accept my offering —my heart." A vjvxl blush, for a moment only, ataincd the fair cheek of the lovely Lu-

ella, then vanished, leaving her face as pale as before. Envious whisperings now went the rounds among the fair ones, while sig- ! nificant glances sped from eye to eye. “How can he admire that dusky ; thing?” asked a faded blonde, whose | gene.al make-up was artificial. “Indeed, I cannot imagine!” replied pug-nosed Belle Irvine, with a coquettish toss of her tow head. “Some people do have such queer tastes,” remarked Kitty Frazer, exhibiting a becoming pout. “The amount of the matter is, Gil,” Bob Merrivale wickedly remarked, “each and every one of these worthy young ladies over here is inclined to be very much offended that you do not slyly whisper something nonsensical in their delicate sea-shells vulgarly termed ears. ” “ Why, Bob Merrivale!” “How dare you?” “You bad, bad boy!” and many similar pouting expressions followed the daring speech. .£s the proposal was now made, and acquiesced in by all, to repair to the hall to hang their tasteful wreaths and garlands, the chatter for a time ceased. PART 11. \ Amone the bonny winding banks Where Boon runs, rippling clear," Where Bruce once ruled the martial ranks, And shook his carrick spear. Some merry, friendly country folk Togethec-dld convene, To burn their nuts and pull their stocks, And hold their Hallowe’en Full blithe that night, — Binvw.

The festival was at its height. Lads and lasses all had thrown grim care to the winds; all were blithe and gay. Tricks were all the Sportr. , r Cabbage had beep pulled, until timid Luella began to expatiate on the propriety or safety of continuing in that branch longer, as the garden was her father’s pride. Burning nuts next ensiled, until when near the close of this, she was well assured that 'the one designated Gilbert was in no wise to leave the, gid.e of the one named Luella, then she turned her. back upon them for soar of being detected watching'.th@m. . Then lots were 1 cast to’ determine, which of the ladies present should pio-' coed to the kiln, o quarter of a' mile away, and throw into tpepot a hall of blue yarn, wind it in a ball off of the old one, and towarcl the latter end, .when the expected something held thfe thread demand, “Who holds ?” theft afiswer would come from Alie kiln-pot, By naming the Christian and surname of her' future husband, . The lot'fell Upon Kitty Frazer, Who, with a rapidly beating heart, left the company for the kiln. While she was absent, the game of going alone to a looking glass with a caudle; eating an apple before it; ams combing her hair ■ the while; wajs conferred on the little faded blonde, who simpered charmingly at beholding the grinning features of Bob Merrivale peeping over her shoulder. g .. j|f By this time Kitty Fraser was back from the kiln Vrith a whibfe, Seated sage aud wild eyes, declaring that" she had seen a ghost ou the way back, all in white, and that it pursued her to the hall. • • ' ,

The young gallants all rushed out, but could .discover nothing in the extreme darkness.. Hemp was next, sown silently by two or three of the party, Luella Farleigh being one of the chosen ones to try the spell. Just as she was about to repeat the crowning words, “And he that is my true love to he, come after me and pull thee,” a dark' figure obstructed her path, and her father stood before her. “Why, papa, 1 how you startle me! Whatever is the-matter?” And she laid her band inquiringly upon his arm. “Hush! Be as secret as the grave! I have been thinking my Words of yesterday perhaps somewhat too hard, and have concluded to allow you your own way in the matter, on one condition only. ” Luella’s face brightoned With the radiance of pure love, and a degree of joy was observable in >■ the soft, sweet? tones, as she exclaimed: '“Oh, papa, and that is?” “This is the condition: At 12 o’clock precisely you are to leave here alone, and to-night proceed straight to the , old churchyard by the ruins, and, entering in, procure the skull which rests on the tomb of John McLeod; and, as a proof that you have been there, bring it to me in your hanging basket,” said the father, with a ring of triumph in his voice. “But, papa, the night is so dark And ghostly!” said Luella, a quiver of fear in her tones. * ■-, “I am putting ydur love to thePtest! Do you refuse?” “N 6n 6 J I will go. But remember that whatever happens, father, you are responsible for.” Tlie clear, "ringing tones ceased, and the stern parent turned away muttering: “Bosli! She was always timid. I knew that she dare not venture, else I should never have proposed it! She will soon marry the Merrivale fortune, and be as sensibble as I was. Yes,” he soliloquized. “I went in for money and beauty both; and got them, too. Bah! The idea of poverty and love dwelling beneath the slime roof is all nonsense.” And he drove his hands into his pockets viciously.

PART HI. Only save her. oh. Lord! With blanched cheeks and wildly beating heart, Luella sped on her lonely way, her heart seeming to stand still with terror at the jump of a startled rabbit or the silent careering of a bat. “Was ever two miles so long before?” At last she reached the gate leading to the home of the silent dead. Now her heart palpitated and her limbs trembled beneath their slight weight. “Give me courage, oh, Lord?” she prayed. “ ’Tis for Bertie’s sake.” She passed through the gate and tremblingly wended her way among the ghostly slabs and monuments to the McLeod tomb. She grasped the trophy with her handkerchief, and .it hurriedly into her basket. • Now for, home! Just as she was turning to fly homeward, something white ! and unslupely arose from the opposite s de. With a terrified shriek, to which the | apparition uto kingly answered, poor | Luella flew o\or the ground, os though

on wings, through the open gateway, and on, madly onward along the dusty roadside, never pausing to glance behind her until she had put over half the distance between her and the scene of her fright. She then beheld in the distance the unmistakable object in speedy pursuit. “Oh, if she could but reach her own door ere it overtook her.” On, on she flew now more dead than alive, her breath coming in quick gasps, the cold perspiration oozing from her forehead. At last she saw the light from her own window glimmering mercifully before her, and, praying that her strength might not forsake her until she was safe within, she flew onward, not dai-ing to look behind her.

Now she had gained the carriagedrive, and with tottering, failing steps, reached her door just as her pursuer floated in at the gate. Thank God, she had strength remaining to turn the knob, then, with a wild, dying shriek, still clutching the basket, fell senseless at the feet of her cruel parent. Startled by the appearance of his daughter, so like death, he rang quickly for Luella’s maid, who bore her young mistress to her chamber, disrobed her, and as quickly as possible administered restoratives. It was a long time ere the lustrous eyes opened again; then, with the unearthly shriek of a maniac, a bloodcurdling laugh, she again relapsed into unconsciousness. The father, grsatly alarmed,? now sent for- the family physician, who slowly shook his head. * - “She has sustained some fearful shock,*’ he said, “and it is doubtful if she ever fully recovers. Her body may, but her reason, I fear, is forever gone. ” '• “My God!” cried the father, falling upon his knees, his gray Jocks falling over his clasped hands; “Only save her, and I will devote my lifo, if need be, to undo the wrong I have done. ”

Brain fever had done ha work! All of the beautiful jetty curls hail been shorn from the head ol the raving girl. In her delirium she constantly repeated ■the details- of that horrible night, asking in a pitiful tone, “if the ghost had taken the skull from her?” and saying, Excitedly: “Oh, papa, I did go, fbT Bertie’s sake, and put itjn the baskets There it is,.don’t you see it? Up there! There, grinning so ghastly at me,” shewould Exclaim, pointing at th<e ceiling. The crisis came. Her life hung upon a thread. An hour would decide the case. It was now 11 o’clock at night. The beautiful eyes were closed, perhaps forever; the face seemed carved from marble.

The stricken knelt by the bedside of the child mom, in his way, he.re- , ally loved, tears streaming between his finger* and dropping upon the white coverlet enshrouding the unconscious girl- ' . ‘ - The physician stood with folded ftrnss, breathlessly awaiting the'result; He crossed over and, seating htirtsftlf nfta# tlie bow&Tform of the parent, gently clasped one of the dainty wrists, while with the .* other hand he held the slowly moving'timepiece. The hands pointed to 1 midnight. How <leath-likft the silence. . Was it a herald of coming death ? Slowly the waxen lids lifted; the hands stirred feebly, while a weak but perfectly rational voice exclaimed: Papa. Low though it was, it awoke the kneeling man from his death-like lethargy, and, with a joyful cry he rained kiss after kiss upon tee lips, brow and eyes of the weak btat tranquil daughter. Then turning to the doctor, lie said, gratefully: \ “Sir, you and the gobd, forgiving God have accomplished this miraole.” “I but did my duty, sir,” modestly exclaimed th| physician. “But, with a little care now, I think there‘is no trouble to be anticipated, in her case, for the futurte.” #Bw **#til —— iHiy«yy

PAitfr iv. RECONCILIATION At;i> MARRIAGE. Slowly but surely, Luella Farleigh became convalescent. -She praised the Lord from time to time that she did not give out that night until she had achieved her test. Gilbert Ainsley had haunted the sick-room like a shadow, and now his happiness knew no bounds when he was again permitted to enter the presence of Ids fair betrothed. One day as Luella was wandering past the library door, she ’tyfcard her own name spoken by her father, and slightly pausing, she overheard that which set hot to thinking deeply. The other vcfice belonged to Danton Farleigh, she felt assured. And this was what they said.: “If I had had the least suspicion that Luella would have even started for thfere, I should never have put her to the test; but when you saw by her actions that you were frightening her so severely, you should have desisted,” her father said, reprovingly. “But, by Jove, you put me up to tbe thing, you cannot deny that! I confess I thought, perhaps, she might marry me, or my money, rather; but beyond that I meant no harm.”

She heard no more, as she would not for the world be caught eavesdropping, and so moved on to her own apartment. A quiet wedding took place upon the eve of the following last day of October. The old hall was decorated more extravagantly than on the year previous, while Gilbert Ainsley aad the fair Luella were made the happiest of the »*9embly, being united in wedlock. *lllO sparkling Kitty Frazer and the irreproachable Bob Merrivale stood up with them. A beautiful and costly present was conferred on the bride, by Danton Merrivale, of a dainty white cottage, such as her fancy had often painted her, among a grove of evergreens. But her father’s blessing, given freely and heartily, was the, happiest of all to Luella on that Hallowe’en.