Chapter V
UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Unusually gay and charming the three young friends looked, dressedalike in fleecy white with holly wreaths in their hair, as theyslowly descended the wide oaken stairway arm in arm. A footman waslighting the hall lamps, for the winter dusk gathered early, and thegirls were merrily chatting about the evening's festivity whensuddenly a loud, long shriek echoed through the hall. A heavy glassshade fell from the man's hand with a crash, and the young ladiesclung to one another aghast, for mortal terror was in the cry, and adead silence followed it.
"What was it, John?" demanded Octavia, very pale, but steady in amoment.
"I'll go and see, miss." And the man hurried away.
"Where did the dreadful scream come from?" asked Rose, collecting herwits as rapidly as possible.
"Above us somewhere. Oh, let us go down among people; I am frightened todeath," whispered Blanche, trembling and faint.
Hurrying into the parlor, they found only Annon and the major, bothlooking startled, and both staring out of the windows.
"Did you hear it? What could it be? Don't go and leave us!" cried thegirls in a breath, as they rushed in.
The gentlemen had heard, couldn't explain the cry, and were quite readyto protect the pretty creatures who clustered about them like frightenedfawns. John speedily appeared, looking rather wild, and as eager to tellhis tale as they to listen.
"It's Patty, one of the maids, miss, in a fit. She went up to the northgallery to see that the fires was right, for it takes a power of wood towarm the gallery even enough for dancing, as you know, miss. Well, itwas dark, for the fires was low and her candle went out as she whiskedopen the door, being flurried, as the maids always is when they go inthere. Halfway down the gallery she says she heard a rustling, andstopped. She's the pluckiest of 'em all, and she called out, 'I seeyou!' thinking it was some of us trying to fright her. Nothing answered,and she went on a bit, when suddenly the fire flared up one flash, andthere right before her was the ghost."
"Don't be foolish, John. Tell us what it was," said Octavia sharply,though her face whitened and her heart sank as the last word passed theman's lips.
"It was a tall, black figger, miss, with a dead-white face and a blackhood. She see it plain, and turned to go away, but she hadn't gone adozen steps when there it was again before her, the same tall, darkthing with the dead-white face looking out from the black hood. Itlifted its arm as if to hold her, but she gave a spring and dreadfulscreech, and ran to Mrs. Benson's room, where she dropped in a fit."
"How absurd to be frightened by the shadows of the figures in armor thatstand along the gallery!" said Rose, boldly enough, though she wouldhave declined entering the gallery without a light.
"Nay, I don't wonder, it's a ghostly place at night. How is thepoor thing?" asked Blanche, still hanging on the major's arm in herbest attitude.
"If Mamma knows nothing of it, tell Mrs. Benson to keep it from her,please. She is not well, and such things annoy her very much," saidOctavia, adding as the man turned away, "Did anyone look in the galleryafter Patty told her tale?"
"No, miss. I'll go and do it myself; I'm not afraid of man, ghost, ordevil, saving your presence, ladies," replied John.
"Where is Sir Jasper?" suddenly asked the major.
"Here I am. What a deuce of a noise someone has been making. Itdisturbed a capital dream. Why, Tavie, what is it?" And Sir Jasper cameout of the library with a sleepy face and tumbled hair.
They told him the story, whereat he laughed heartily, and said the maidswere a foolish set to be scared by a shadow. While he still laughed andjoked, Mrs. Snowdon entered, looking alarmed, and anxious to know thecause of the confusion.
"How interesting! I never knew you kept a ghost. Tell me all about it,Sir Jasper, and soothe our nerves by satisfying our curiosity," she saidin her half-persuasive, half-commanding way, as she seated herself onLady Treherne's sacred sofa.
"There's not much to tell, except that this place used to be an abbey,in fact as well as in name. An ancestor founded it, and for years themonks led a jolly life here, as one may see, for the cellar is twice aslarge as the chapel, and much better preserved. But another ancestor, agay and gallant baron, took a fancy to the site for his castle, and, inspite of prayers, anathemas, and excommunication, he turned the poorfellows out, pulled down the abbey, and built this fine old place. AbbotBoniface, as he left his abbey, uttered a heavy curse on all who shouldlive here, and vowed to haunt us till the last Treherne vanished fromthe face of the earth. With this amiable threat the old party left BaronRoland to his doom, and died as soon as he could in order to begin hischeerful mission."
"Did he haunt the place?" asked Blanche eagerly.
"Yes, most faithfully from that time to this. Some say many of the monksstill glide about the older parts of the abbey, for Roland spared thechapel and the north gallery which joined it to the modern building.Poor fellows, they are welcome, and once a year they shall have a chanceto warm their ghostly selves by the great fires always kindled atChristmas in the gallery."
"Mrs. Benson once told me that when the ghost walked, it was a sure signof a coming death in the family. Is that true?" asked Rose, whosecuriosity was excited by the expression of Octavia's face, and a certainuneasiness in Sir Jasper's manner in spite of his merry mood.
"There is a stupid superstition of that sort in the family, but no oneexcept the servants believes it, of course. In times of illness somesilly maid or croaking old woman can easily fancy they see a phantom,and, if death comes, they are sure of the ghostly warning. Benson sawit before my father died, and old Roger, the night my uncle was seizedwith apoplexy. Patty will never be made to believe that this warningdoes not forebode the death of Maurice or myself, for the gallantspirit leaves the ladies of our house to depart in peace. How does itstrike you, Cousin?"
Turning as he spoke, Sir Jasper glanced at Treherne, who had enteredwhile he spoke.
"I am quite skeptical and indifferent to the whole affair, but I agreewith Octavia that it is best to say nothing to my aunt if she isignorant of the matter. Her rooms are a long way off, and perhaps shedid not hear the confusion."
"You seem to hear everything; you were not with us when I said that."And Octavia looked up with an air of surprise.
Smiling significantly, Treherne answered, "I hear, see, and understandmany things that escape others. Jasper, allow me to advise you to smooththe hair which your sleep has disarranged. Mrs. Snowdon, permit me. Thisrich velvet catches the least speck." And with his handkerchief hedelicately brushed away several streaks of white dust which clung to thelady's skirt.
Sir Jasper turned hastily on his heel and went to remake his toilet;Mrs. Snowdon bit her lip, but thanked Treherne sweetly and begged him tofasten her glove. As he did so, she said softly, "Be more careful nexttime. Octavia has keen eyes, and the major may prove inconvenient."
"I have no fear that _you_ will," he whispered back, with amalicious glance.
Here the entrance of my lady put an end to the ghostly episode, for itwas evident that she knew nothing of it. Octavia slipped away toquestion John, and learn that no sign of a phantom was to be seen.Treherne devoted himself to Mrs. Snowdon, and the major entertained mylady, while Sir Jasper and the girls chatted apart.
It was Christmas Eve, and a dance in the great gallery was the yearlyfestival at the abbey. All had been eager for it, but the maid's storyseemed to have lessened their enthusiasm, though no one would own it.This annoyed Sir Jasper, and he exerted himself to clear the atmosphereby affecting gaiety he did not feel. The moment the gentlemen came inafter dinner he whispered to his mother, who rose, asked the general forhis arm, and led the way to the north gallery, whence the sound of musicnow proceeded. The rest followed in a merry procession, even Treherne,for two footmen carried him up the great stairway, chair and all.
Nothing could look less ghostly now than the haunted gallery. Firesroared up a wide chimney at either end, long rows of figures clad inarmor stood on
each side, one mailed hand grasping a lance, the otherbearing a lighted candle, a device of Sir Jasper's. Narrow windowspierced in the thick walls let in gleams of wintry moonlight; ivy,holly, and evergreen glistened in the ruddy glow of mingled firelightand candle shine. From the arched stone roof hung tattered banners, andin the midst depended a great bunch of mistletoe. Red-cushioned seatsstood in recessed window nooks, and from behind a high-covered screen ofoak sounded the blithe air of Sir Roger de Coverley.
With the utmost gravity and stateliness my lady and the general led offthe dance, for, according to the good old fashion, the men and maids intheir best array joined the gentlefolk and danced with their betters ina high state of pride and bashfulness. Sir Jasper twirled the oldhousekeeper till her head spun around and around and her decorous skirtsrustled stormily; Mrs. Snowdon captivated the gray-haired butler by hercondescension; and John was made a proud man by the hand of his youngmistress. The major came out strong among the pretty maids, and Rosedanced the footmen out of breath long before the music paused.
The merriment increased from that moment, and when the generalsurprised my lady by gallantly saluting her as she unconsciously stoodunder the mistletoe, the applause was immense. Everyone followed theold gentleman's example as fast as opportunities occurred, and theyoung ladies soon had as fine a color as the housemaids. More dancing,games, songs, and all manner of festival devices filled the evening,yet under cover of the gaiety more than one little scene was enactedthat night, and in an hour of seeming frivolity the current of severallives was changed.
By a skillful maneuver Annon led Octavia to an isolated recess, as if torest after a brisk game, and, taking advantage of the auspicious hour,pleaded his suit. She heard him patiently and, when he paused, saidslowly, yet decidedly, and with no sign of maiden hesitation, "Thanksfor the honor you do me, but I cannot accept it, for I do not love you.I think I never can."
"Have you tried?" he asked eagerly.
"Yes, indeed I have. I like you as a friend, but no more. I know Mammadesires it, that Jasper hopes for it, and I try to please them, but lovewill not be forced, so what can I do?" And she smiled in spite ofherself at her own blunt simplicity.
"No, but it can be cherished, strengthened, and in time won, withpatience and devotion. Let me try, Octavia; it is but fair, unless youhave already learned from another the lesson I hope to teach. Is it so?"
"No, I think not. I do not understand myself as yet, I am so young, andthis so sudden. Give me time, Frank."
She blushed and fluttered now, looked half angry, half beseeching, andaltogether lovely.
"How much time shall I give? It cannot take long to read a heart likeyours, dear." And fancying her emotion a propitious omen, he assumed thelover in good earnest.
"Give me time till the New Year. I will answer then, and, meantime,leave me free to study both myself and you. We have known each otherlong, I own, but, still, this changes everything, and makes you seemanother person. Be patient, Frank, and I will try to make my duty apleasure."
"I will. God bless you for the kind hope, Octavia. It has been mine foryears, and if I lose it, it will go hardly with me."
Later in the evening General Snowdon stood examining the antique screen.In many places carved oak was pierced quite through, so that voices wereaudible from behind it. The musicians had gone down to supper, the youngfolk were quietly busy at the other end of the hall, and as the oldgentleman admired the quaint carving, the sound of his own name caughthis ear. The housekeeper and butler still remained, though the otherservants had gone, and sitting cosily behind the screen chatted in lowtones believing themselves secure.
"It _was_ Mrs. Snowdon, Adam, as I'm a living woman, though I wouldn'tsay it to anyone but you. She and Sir Jasper were here wrapped incloaks, and up to mischief, I'll be bound. She is a beauty, but I don'tenvy her, and there'll be trouble in the house if she stays long."
"But how do you know, Mrs. Benson, she was here? Where's your proof,mum?" asked the pompous butler.
"Look at this, and then look at the outlandish trimming of the lady'sdress. You men are so dull about such matters you'd never observe theselittle points. Well, I was here first after Patty, and my light shone onthis jet ornament lying near where she saw the spirit. No one has anysuch tasty trifles but Mrs. Snowdon, and these are all over her gown. Ifthat ain't proof, what is?"
"Well, admitting it, I then say what on earth should she and Master beup here for, at such a time?" asked the slow-witted butler.
"Adam, we are old servants of the family, and to you I'll say whattortures shouldn't draw from to another. Master has been wild, as youknow, and it's my belief that he loved this lady abroad. There was atalk of some mystery, or misdeed, or misfortune, more than a year ago,and she was in it. I'm loath to say it, but I think Master loves herstill, and she him. The general is an old man, she is but young, and sospirited and winsome she can't in reason care for him as for a fine,gallant gentleman like Sir Jasper. There's trouble brewing, Adam, markmy words. There's trouble brewing for the Trehernes."
So low had the voices fallen that the listener could not have caught thewords had not his ear been strained to the utmost. He did hear all, andhis wasted face flashed with the wrath of a young man, then grew paleand stern as he turned to watch his wife. She stood apart from theothers talking to Sir Jasper, who looked unusually handsome and debonairas he fanned her with a devoted air.
Perhaps it is true, thought the old man bitterly. They are well matched,were lovers once, no doubt, and long to be so again. Poor Edith, I wasvery blind. And with his gray head bowed upon his breast the generalstole away, carrying an arrow in his brave old heart.
* * * * *
"Blanche, come here and rest, you will be ill tomorrow; and I promisedMamma to take care of you." With which elder-sisterly command Rose ledthe girl to an immense old chair, which held them both. "Now listen tome and follow my advice, for I am wise in my generation, though not yetgray. They are all busy, so leave them alone and let me show you what isto be done."
Rose spoke softly, but with great resolution, and nodded her pretty headso energetically that the holly berries came rolling over her whiteshoulders.
"We are not as rich as we might be, and must establish ourselves as soonand as well as possible. I intend to be Lady Treherne. You can be theHonorable Mrs. Annon, if you give your mind to it."
"My dear child, are you mad?" whispered Blanche.
"Far from it, but you will be if you waste your time on Maurice. He ispoor, and a cripple, though very charming, I admit. He loves Tavie, andshe will marry him, I am sure. She can't endure Frank, but tries tobecause my lady commands it. Nothing will come of it, so try yourfascinations and comfort the poor man; sympathy now will foster lovehereafter."
"Don't talk so here, Rose, someone will hear us," began her sister, butthe other broke in briskly.
"No fear, a crowd is the best place for secrets. Now remember what Isay, and make your game while the ball is rolling. Other people arecareful not to put their plans into words, but I'm no hypocrite, and sayplainly what I mean. Bear my sage counsel in mind and act wisely. Nowcome and begin."
Treherne was sitting alone by one of the great fires, regarding the gayscene with serious air. For him there was neither dancing nor games; hecould only roam about catching glimpses of forbidden pleasures,impossible delights, and youthful hopes forever lost to him. Sad but notmorose was his face, and to Octavia it was a mute reproach which shecould not long resist. Coming up as if to warm herself, she spoke to himin her usually frank and friendly way, and felt her heart beat fast whenshe saw how swift a change her cordial manner wrought in him.
"How pretty your holly is! Do you remember how we used to go and gatherit for festivals like this, when we were happy children?" he asked,looking up at her with eyes full of tender admiration.
"Yes, I remember. Everyone wears it tonight as a badge, but you havenone. Let me get you a bit, I like to have you one of us in all things."
"Maurice, save me, help me!" cried a voice of fear and agony, andbefore anyone could reach her, before he himself knew how the deed wasdone, Treherne had thrown himself from his chair, wrapped the tigerskin tightly about her, and knelt there clasping her in his armsheedless of fire, pain, or the incoherent expressions of love thatbroke from his lips.
The Abbot's Ghost, or Maurice Treherne's Temptation: A Christmas Story Page 5