LITERATURE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2396, 7 December 1881, Page 4

LITERATURE.

THE CRYSTAL BELL. I was seated in the bar-room of a halfway house one stormy winter night whore I was obliepd to st->p on my way to New York. The landlord of the inn was one cf the surly kind, who never spoke an unnecessary word and hardly vouched an answer to a civil question. This was doubly disagreeable to mo because there were no books or newspapers, neighbor or acquaintances within the premises with whom to chat and gossip, and so beguile a few hours that were hanging heavily on my hands. After various ineffectual attempts to enter Into a conversation with mjr host, who from the dignity of his manner was styled • General ’ Dnbley, I was just about falling asleep when the door suddenly opened and a man walked in. After ho had shaken the large flakes of »now from his coat, he walked to the fire, which was crackling merrily in the grate. He looked exceedingly shabby, his apparel consisting of a threadbare coat, which was buttoned to hia throat, old and thoroughly drenched shoes, which came within a few inches of meeting his pants. Poor fellow ! ho looked altogether as though he had not eabtn a meal for a week, with his pockets innocent of ‘ cash ’ during a still kanger time. When he entered, the General (who was seated at the bar counting hia money) raised hia head and inspected hia new customer from head to foot. I noticed the poor man waa somewhat frightened at the stern look, but he seemed to gather enough courage to ask, in an imploring manner, ‘ Can 1 find shelter for the night P’ ‘Full, every room full, sir!’ answered the General. ‘We seldom accommodate strangers.’ ‘ It is a bad night,’ answered the stranger. * And I shall not bo particular where you may place me, any small corner will bo welcome.’ 4 Sorry, sir, very sorry ; but I cannot help you,’ and the General coolly went back to his former occupation. The stranger oaat one longing look at the bright fire, another at the flinty landlord, then tamed and was about to leave the room, but all my fear and respeot for the General vanished at the moment.

‘ Stop !’ I cried, rising from my chair ; * wait a minute, sir, this weather is too bad to allow a man to spend the night out of doors. True, I have not the pleasure of knowing you, but my bedroom contains two beds, one of which ia at your disposal if you will accept it.' Tn my anxiety to see the effect my words produced on my landlord, I did overhear the thanks which the stranger expressed. I "do not remember ever having seen suoh a picture of surprise. My courage ebbed perceptibly after my speech was finished, for I expected nothing less than to be put out of doors in company with the stranger. 3Jo my greatest astonishment the General changed his manner and said—- • It Mr Massy wishes to practice such unselfish generosity, I have no objection to his plan.’ This change gave me my native courage, and I determined “to strike while the Iron was hot.” 1 peremptorily ordered a hot supper. • But yon have just eaten your supper, replied the General, trying to regain his former dignity. • That does not matter, I want to eat again, I often eat two suppers.’ In my victory over the General I began to ba impertinent. Suffice it to say that within half an hour we had a steaming supper between ns. During the meal the stranger and myself became the best of friends. I had never mat a more agreeable companion. He had been everywhere, had seen everything, and knew everything. No matter upon what subject I touched, he was at home. He amusod me to such an extent that we sat together in my room until nearly one o’clock, and it never entered my mind to ask whence he came, where he was going, or why ho travelled in a snowy country without a cent, in hla pocket. I even went to bed without locking the door or putting my watch under my pillow. Just as morning was dawning I was suddenly awakened and found somebody seated at my bed-side, I Immediately rose to a sitting posture and recognised the stranger. Ho was entirely dressed and looked like a departing spirit in the dim ghostly light. For a moment, before I had time to gather my thoughts, the idea seized me that he was about to rob me, and Instinctively I clutched arm. • Calm yourself,’ he said, smilingly. *My object in awakening you ia to thank you again for your extraordinary goodness. God bless you for it. I haven’t mneb, but what I have is yours. Here ia a crystal bell,’ and he showed me a clearly cut glass bell that looked like a child’s plaything. ‘lt was oast in a foreign country,’ he said, * and the master in creating It sang the magic form over It. It ia the touch stone of Truth. If an untruth be told to the person who carries it, the bell will make a soft ringing noise. You will laugh over it now, but please try my talisman—it will not disappoint yon. Farewell!’ He placed the bell upon the table, and before I had time to answer him ho disap. peared through the door, ~rhioh he quietly closed behind him. Mechanically I took the bell and examined It. It was of the clearest crystal, even the tongue was crystal, as pliable as the finest watch spring. I tried to ring it, but could not hear the faintest kind of a noise. I tried again and again, but fn vain. I arose to see whether my watch and valuables were in their places, and found everything as I had left them. My friend was evidently no thief. With renewed cariosity I took the bell and made the "same ineffectual attempts to draw a sound from it.

The whole day the little bell occupied my thoughts, and the last words of my mysterious friend haunted me : ‘ If an untruth be told to the person who carries it, the bell will make a soft ringing noise. ’ Annie Kay ! Dear, sweet, true, clear-eyed Annie Ray ! Why did your imago constantly appear before my vision, whenever I touched the bell ? And when I thought of yon why did the face of that hatefnl Aubyn appear at the same time ? I suffered terribly ! I waa engaged to the prettiest girl in the world, ehe loved mo and I waa rich enough to fulfil every wish of her . Suddenly this otranger comes, gives me a talisman aa he calls it, to teat the truth —and immediately I begin to doubt the truth of my beloved one, which, ere this had never entered my mind. Did she really love me, or my wealth ? Did ehe not encourage that detestable Horry Aubyn, who danced so charmingly and who could talk so winningly ? My efforts to repress these jealous thoughts only served to strengthen their certainty, until at last I grew so excited that I could not remain where I was, and determined to go to her and teat the wonderful little present. I knew well enough it was » stupid, orazy idea, but then I would try it ju»t because I knew my dear one waa true. But why did she tolerate the attentions of that fop Harry Aubyn P In a few hours I waa palling hastily at the bell of the house of Annie Kay. When I entered the reception room a gentleman passed out from within. A hasty glance convinced me it was Harry Aubyn. We passed each other with a cool recognition, but In that moment I would like to have strangled him. I must have looked somewhat pale and excited aa I entered Annie’s room, for she cried out. ‘ Oh, Gerald! What has happened?’ Dear, beloved creature! All doubt was dispelled aa scon as soon aa I saw the deep, tender anxiety of my beloved one. 1 kissed h«r forehead and quieted her. * But Annie dearest! What business has Mr Aubyn here daring my absence? You know that I cannot bear the fellow.'

‘Why, Gerald dear, I cannot prevent Ills coming. I assure you hia visits are perfectly indiff-jrenfc to me. but I cannot be rude to him, I have known him so long/ There —gracious Heavens!—waa it Imagination or reality ? Did I hear a soft crystal ringing? I succeeded in concealing my consternation, and continued with a forced smile, * And you really do not love him, my little pussy ? Now, do come and confess, that at one time you did love your schoolmate Aubyn, just a little bit.' * Why! what is the matter with you, Gerald f you look bo strange! I assure you Horry Aubyn has always been indifferent to me.’

• Ting-a-ling ! Ting-a-ling ! Ttng a-Ung!’

came from my pocket. I felt my blood rising, but I forced myself to be quiet. * And you love your poor Gerald more than anybody else, even more than your school-mate, whom you have known so long ! ’ 'How silly you are Gerald! Of course I love you above everybody else.’ And she kissed me fondly on my forehead. ‘ Ting-a ling ! Ting a-ling ! Ting-a ling !’ spoke my little bell; this time perfectly clear and distinct. Every tone of its voice made me shudder and grow sick at heart. I could not restrain myself any longer. 1 Traitor, 1 I cried, pushing aside an arm which she tried to fling around my neck. ‘ Contemptible hypocrite. Yes, Madam My eyes have been opened in time to prevent your laughing over the easily deceived Gerald Massy.’ ‘ Gerald, are you beside yourself ?’ 4 Not entirely ; but a week after the wedding I would have been deceiver! But now 1 know you ! I tell you, you did not lovo me at all. During the last half hour you have told me three falsehoods.’ Bhe tried to embrace me, but I oast her from me. Largo tears rolled down her cheeks, and her beautiful head was bowed. She clayed her part excellently well. 4 What can you mean, Gerald ? I have never deceived you, not even in my inmost thoughts. If you have any proof of my duplicity let me know them, but do not heap accusations upon me in this way.’ * My proofs are here !' I cried, holding the bell on high triumphantly—despairingly. 1 Here, look at this talisman and tremble, falsest of your sex I’ * But Gerald are you crazy ? I see nothing but a bell.’ * And this bell, as you call it, has told mo within the last hour that you are a wretched woman.’ She sprang upon me like a tigor, foroed the bell out of my hand, and flung it with all her might upon the floor, A crash like the bursting of a thousand bombshells —a medley of thundering bells that seemed to shake the earth to its foundation ; then I looked up and — saw General Dudley standing at my side. ‘Mr Massy, the supfer bell has been ringing ton minutes, but seemed to be sleeping so soundly that you did not hear it. Please come.’ So it was only a—dream. _No shabby friend—no talisman, no deceitful Annie Bay. I rubbed my eyes —and went to sapper. Not until we had been married four weeks did I tell my Annie the dream in which 1 doubted her constancy.