Hilda's Mascot

out on the train to remain over night at "Friede

and Mrs. Courtney, and when supper was finished and they returned to the li

am thinking of housekeeping. What

"I think it would be charming thus having you for a neigh

said Rev. Carl. "Are y

st make the trial, if I can

tone. "Of course we give no credence to such foolishn

of being frightened, but Ralph and James have a plan in view which I will not disappoint them by divulging. In the meantime Hil

a housekeeper. It is Nora's aunt who wishes a p

rs. Merryman in regard

nd am sure that Mrs. Merryman will ac

ked to "My Lady's Manor" with the intention of discovering, if possi

, and Ralph's contained a stiff rope with a noose at

and decided upon occupying the two

hey decided to lock, that any unquiet spirit that chose to vi

y slept peacefully until the white sails upon the Pat

m, which was void of furniture or articles of any kind, but f

ajar which led into it from the bed-room which Mrs. Farnsworth and Anna had used as a library, and to place a lighted lamp near the st

h the door and ascended several steps toward the attic room, threw the noose about her neck and brought her to a halt so suddenly that she had to cling to the banister to keep from falling. A piece of marbl

usha shed a torrent of tears, but whether from sh

re. Only the sound of the shutting of a distant door in some part of the large building could

of a spectre, and the motive that prompted her was quite as much of a mystery. But before the day closed the matter was made plain by Miss Jerusha,

could scarcely raise her eyes to her neighbor's face when she stood beside

e said, as she signified her wish for her visitor to take

ir in silence and Miss Fli

ed me; and if I could have remained with her I would not be the desolate, unhappy, malicious creature I am. It was a bitter blow to us when we were cast out of that beautiful home. We both loved it, and I say in all sincerity that I grieved more for her sake th

ot belonged to Mr. Farnsworth for several years. He gave it back to An

d turning very pale. "She had it to bequeath, yet never told me

rt time before her death. She was coming to see all h

e whom she promised to give a home if she ever had one to share with me! God help me! I thought I h

n, Miss Flint. I feel sure it was her

the thin lips of Jerusha,

ife a failure, there is no one i

on rewarded this

, "how you could act the part of a spec

dishearten Mr. Farnsworth and cause him to restore Anna's property to her. They never saw me, b

ttic room, yet James and Ralph, who examined

this end of the house, and noticed a locked door for which I could see no use. I spoke of it to Anna and she explained that it led by flights of narrow steps to

ocksmith, had keys of every shape and size. I took the impression of the keyhole in wax and never gave up trying keys until

from the meat room to o

ng the outer door. It fitted so perfectly that no one could detect it except by the knob, which I took care should be remo

me of Mrs. Jos

n it. The meat room having no window, the light from my shaded lamp could not be seen from the outside. Here is t

ismissal and arose to go; moreover Mi

ou?" she asked. "It grieves

k it," replied Jerusha haughtily, her black eyes gleaming with unshed tears,

n was ready any day to assume the duties of housekeeper at "My Lady's Manor," an

n perfect order for his reception on his return from the city the first evening of tak

to depart to take up her abode as cook at "My Lady's Manor," and the evening of the home-coming was sent over by Mrs.

y ware, once the property of Mrs. Joshua Farnsworth. She was absorbed in admiration of a tea plate, almost transparent when held between her and the ligh

ey. Archie has often looked for it," he said, rubbing his hands in

Don't like folks to come in that way nohow," r

All the houses he goes

ouse and I am boss of this

fore Chloe could make further protest he had leaned

feeling of relief that she saw the carriage w

ak to them, and Mrs. Courtney, ever mindful of the pleasure

t an unexpected pleasure proved her eagerness to accept, and

worry about me," she said, as Chloe, in new plaid

intend Cecil to drive over and te

lda eagerly; "I will put on my pink cash

sh it, but you look very neat

the beauty of her expressiv

our coming home this evening," enjoined Mrs.

Chloe, leading the way to the supper room and watching

he said in delight. "I never s

ted and you see that table with the fried chicken and oysters and pounded biscuit and m

hs as was Chloe to have her, Hilda pr

plates and a large one in the center of the t

es to the flowers. There's oceans of 'e

nk rosebuds at home. I will bring t

you get t

lanted by Aunt Ashley. And Miss Jerusha gave it, although she knew it was for me. I knew nothing o

t don't care for flowers, o

ing away when she caught s

r, dear Archie!" and running to him, sh

honey?" asked Chlo

, Chloe, he s

y found you in the snow. Mighty fine girl h

the first sound of Hilda's voice. "Archie looks all

n the baskets, was waiting for her. She ran out

ys," thought Cecil. "They wo

easant visit and entertained Cecil while she ran up to her ro

autiful hair. "I am to go as soon as our supper is over, and will stay all night with aunt, f

Norah; I am sure your aun

uds in hand, Hilda reached "My Lady's Manor" and was assisted fro

ome, gladly welcome her to my home," and, taking her ha

went past here to school this morning I

o you to be here as it is to me

hink 'My Lady's Manor' the l

," he returned smiling with pleasure.

retty book; I am readin

ry, which since the days of Mr. Reginald Farnsworth was on the first floor, across the hall from the

r cheek showed her appreciation of the offer, for wh

en, in company with his sister, her husband and sons and H

ustomed to Kitty's and Chloe's culinary achievements all th

orton Station, was seen coming with her aunt. Hilda ran to the gate to meet them, and Mrs. Courtney received Mrs. Fl

amp of goodness in her face and felt satisfied that she

was now in the parlor listening to the cheerful conversation, now in the tea room with Mrs. Flynn and Norah

sleeper. "He's gwine to stay all night, that's certain; I knowed that as soon as he was done suppe

Courtney, Chloe?"

ney, 'cause the h

side Mr. Valentine Courtney until he fini

over night," she said somewhat anxiously; "

se tell Chloe to see that he has a comfortable bed,"

ping to turn a fellow pilgrim away, would it

oing right to invite him to st

e to go through the rooms in the back building and see w

"He has gone to his room without waiting for anybody to tell him," she s

ned. "That is the style of visitors to have, brother Val,"

her-in-law. "I hope my home will be a place of r

t he knows the room that Lois gave him. I am quite sure it was not in Mr. Joshua Farnsworth's time, or in

allowed him to sleep here, and no doubt were gla

he snow, Diana Strong mentioned that she had seen him on the road

mentioned that he frequently met him, and said that he was a mystery to him, reminding him

is an air of refinement about him that one does not see in the ordinary wayfarer

n to "Friedenheim," and

and pass the night with me. I will bring Ralph and James often, and wish

you every happiness in your home," replied his sister affectionately. And thus ended the ha