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“The lady dreamed on, and her dreams were vivid, for the color in her face came softly, and went. She was not listless; she was reveling in the soul’s fairy-land of phantasy.”

BY

Edwin Faxon Osborn .

Kalamazoo, Mich.

Sylvan Press

Copyright 1909, by E. F. Osborn

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Dedication

Let this be a respectful and loving tribute to the woman who, in her happy youth, joined her destinies with mine; and who has descended with me, without reproach, into every dark valley of my life; and, with sweet appreciation, has climbed its sunny slopes with me.

Chapter X - Chapter XI

CHAPTER XH

CHAPTER XHI

CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XV r* i - V n- , •■’ sTi-Js'c l-n* e$

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Onar

Chapter I

Mark Burndale was enjoying his vacation in the jack-pine regions of northern Michigan when a strange thing happened.

One day, walking about in a listless, dreamy mood, he was wakened by the thought that those regions, so resembling extensive lawns, were haunted. The thought was uncanny, but not wholly unpleasant. His companions were off on some wild tramp or other nearly all the time, while he went his own way in solitary rambles. He had not been lonely; but when this thought of a haunting presence came to him, there came, simultaneously, the consciousness of solitude. He stood still to listen. Not an animate thing was to be seen or heard, neither the chirp of a

ONAR bird nor the sound of a far-distant cowbell — nothing, except only dwarf pines, generations of pine-needles, and the varying monotony of the soughing and sobbing of the wind through the pine-trees.

As the silence forced itself upon Burndale, a sensation that some person was near at hand grew very strong. “Who is here ?” he tried to say ; but his vocal organs refused to act. There was a spell upon him. He wanted to move, but did not. He could have moved. He was not afraid. The sensation was strange to him. He was spell -bound, or awe-stricken, or something of that kind ; and was doomed to remain in that condition until the spell should be removed.

“Here he is, Harry I Bring water, qnick !

Water was brought, and Burndale ’s friends were not sparing in the use of it.

Slowly Burndale came to his senses.

“See here, old man, what does this mean?” asked Fred Jobson.

Burndale called home his wandering wits as best he could, and finally answered: “I think I saw a vision.”

“Tell us about it, Burndale ; it must have been a terrible vision to leave a man in the condition in which we found you,” said Harry Franklyn.

can’t tell,” said Burndale, ‘‘wlietlier I saw a vision, or a real physical object. I think that I saw a white horse and his rider ; and the rider was the most beautiful 'woman ever dreamed of. I was feeling mighty strange when suddenly she came riding into the range of my vision, followed by a Great St. Bernard dog.” After a moment’s pause, he added; “I wish I knew whether they were real, or whether I saw a vision.”

Franklyn answered promptly; ‘‘You saw a vision, beyond possible doubt, Mark. It could not have been a real flesh and blood woman, for you have seen too many of them, and survived, to be suddenly overcome, now, by a rustic beauty, riding a white horse.”

During the early part of the night Burndale was very restless. He finally promised himself that, as soon as his companions had left on the following morning, he would examine the spot where he had fainted. Having thus reached a more settled state of mind, he fell asleep. For several hours he slept soundly, but finally he dreamed. Again he was under the spell of the haunting presence, and again the presence became visible. Horse, dog, and woman were before him ; and the beautiful face and form of the woman fascinated him. But, in his dream,

ONAR he kept from fainting, and looked fully into the face so far surpassing, in its quiet beauty, any woman’s face that he had ever seen before.

The lady sat her blooded, snow-white mare with the utmost ease, evidently being unmindful of the fact that she was riding. The beautiful creature that she rode seemed, like herself, to be wandering about, at will, not going anywhere in particular, but walking from one rise of ground to another, in a dreamy way, enjoying the fragrant air, and letting time go quietly by.

On a little hill, near by, the horse stopped and lifted high her comely head, her trim ears pointed forward, and her nostrils dilated until Burndale could see the fiery red within. She saw him, and was curious. The attitude of the horse did not arrest the lady’s attention, however, and Burndale was permitted, for a short time, to see her, in her beauty. Her features were regular. Her forehead was perfectly smooth, and indicated a fine grade of intelligence and a mind at rest. The eyes were a deep blue, with a very remarkable power of variation and expression. Her hair was golden, in the sunlight; and very abundant, falling away in natural waves over the tips of delicate and shapely ears. The lines of the shoulders and neck were faultless, and the head was perfect in its radiant comeliness.

Perhaps a sculptor might have done so much. But the transparent complexion, alive with the most delicate tints ; and the warmth of the well-rounded face and form ; and, above all, the clear light in her eyes, as she revelled in her dream — these were not of art, but were of abundant and rapturous life.

The lady dreamed on ; and her dreams were vivid, for the color in her face came softly, and went — She was not listless ; she was reveling in the soul’s fairy-land of phantasy.

But the less preoccupied creatures that accompanied her evidently thought that Burndale’s ‘‘dream of fair women” had continued too long; for the horse gave a decided whistle through her distended nostrils, aud the dog accompanied the whistle with a deep growl. Then, with a little start, the lady awoke ; and in a voice, rich, full, and perfectly modulated, said; “What is the trouble, my pets?”

Her quick eye followed the pointing nose of the dog; and fell, with magic destruction, upon Mark. The rich blood quickly tinged her face ; but her wit was as quick as her blood, and her manners as good. “Your pardon. Sir I” the sweet voice said ; and she was gone.

ONAR

When fever runs Higli, the most dangerous time for the patient is when it breaks. Even in his sleep, Burndale showed dangerous symptoms.

Water, quick, Jobson! I do believe this idiot is fainting in his sleep!” cried Franklyn.

The sound of the voice, the splash of water, and the frantic effort to swim, awoke him.

Well, you may be sure that, after the dream, Burndale was more than ever determined to find out, if possible, whether this vision was wholly and only a dream ; or whether there was a substance, of which his waking vision and his dream were the shadow. Therefore, as soon as he had dressed, he declared his intention to look over the ground of his recent adventures.

You better have breakfast first,” said Jobson, and then I will go with you. I am getting quite interested.”

^^No, Fred,” said Burndale, ^^your heart is not strong enough for this investigation. If the lady should appear again, it would kill you outright. As to breakfast, I will help myself when I return. I am not hungry yet.”

So saying he turned away, and left Jobson looking anxiously after him. He went at once to the spot where he had his strange experience the day before. The distance was not great and he was soon on his knees, carefully examining the ground for the prints of hoofs. Before he was able fully to satisfy himself regarding the matter he was startled by a voice, saying ; Is yer all right, Marster?”

Burndale rose quickly, and saw an old negress, accompanied by the dog that he saw in his vision. The old woman’s shining black face, surrounded by a circle of closely curling, white wool, wore an expression of amusement somewhat shadowed by anxiety.

Mark started quickly to his feet; and, facing the old woman a moment in silence, answered :

am all right. Auntie. But arn’t you rather late in your inquiries after my safety? Several hours have passed since I fell fainting here from a sudden attack of heart failure. I might have been dead, long ago, if I had been dependent for help upon the lady who was attended, yesterday, by that dog.”

^^Yes, Mas’r, I ain’t doubt ’twuz heart failure ailded yer,” said the old negress, with a knowing wink, and a laugh that showed all her white teeth intact. Haw, haw, haw! I bin seen dem tuck dat ar way, befo’. Haw, haw, haw! Per delan’ sake, Mas’r, deyer allers tuck dat ar way.”

The hearty volubility of the old woman seemed

ONAR to relieve the dog, who had kept a stiff position by her side, for now he came up to Burndale, and touched his hand with his cold nose. Burndale hastened to make friends with him. By the time he had succeeded in this, he had succeeded also in regaining his composure, and now he was ready to try his wits again with the old woman.

^'But, Auntie, whatever may have been the trouble, is your mistress so hard-hearted that she would not send help before the next day, or at least see whether help might be needed?”

^'Hard-hearted, yer say! Dat ar is mighty quar talk ’bout my Missie Onar. No suh! My Missie Onar’d nebber let a fly suffer, ’cept she do sumpin fer ’im.”

"But she seems to have left me all night.”

"Missie Onar ain’t know you bin hurt, twel de dog yer make ’er look back by pullin’ at ’er bridle rein. When she seed how yer wuz, she broke and run to fin’ me, an’ she sen’ me back yere right smart off to ’tend you ; but when I got yere I seed yo frens ’tendin’ you, an’ I lay you all ain’t need me. An’ come dis mornin’ nuthin’ would do but I mns’ tote my ole bones ober yere to fin’ out how you feelin’. Now dat I fin’ you des as game as eber I bleedz to git back.”

She turned as she spoke, and Burndale stepped after her, saying; will go with you and thank Miss Onar for her thoughtfulness.”

^^Dat nebber do, Honey, no how. You nebber been in’duced to Misse Onar. She’s a mighty high lady. I ’low you’s n’t got no chance to see ’er, ’lessen yer get in’duced.”

^'But, Auntie, how can I get 4n’duced’ out here in the wilderness, unless you will perform the ceremony,” replied Mark, with a twinkle.

Then the old woman laughed again, saying; don’no you. Honey ; an’ my Missie Onar, she don’ look fer me to in’duce my fren’s to her! Haw, haw, haw!”

Burndale laughed with the old woman; and then said, with dignity; ^^You are quite right in that. Auntie ; but you may show the way to Miss Onar, and I will introduce myself.”

^'Marster better not. Misse’ll be mighty cool, and Mas’r might be tuck bad again,” she added, with her knowing wink.

will take care of that,” replied Burndale, ^'show the way.”

The old Auntie looked at him sadly, but she was wholly subdued, and turned homeward with not another word.

When the dog saw Burndale following, it was a sore trial to the newly formed friendship. He

ONAR looked doubtfully at Him, gave a low growl, and was decidedly inclined still farther to resent the the intrusion. Burndale tried to pacify him ; but he finally stopped, and Burndale thought best to stop also.

''Take care of your dog! Don’t you see that he is inclined to be cross to me?”

"Yes, Marster, but dat dog’s all the poteckshum my Missie hab up year ; an’ de Lo’d fo’bid dat I should call ’m off. No doubt you’s all right, but I don’no dat an’ he don’no it.”

She did not say anything more, and walked away without looking back. The dog stood, stiff, for a moment, until he saw that Burndale did not insist upon .following farther; then he slowly relaxed his position, licked his jaws, and turned, growling, and followed the old negress, looking back occasionally to see whether Burndale were daring to follow them. Burndale waited until the woman and dog were nearly hidden in the foliage, and then proceeded to follow them home, keeping at a safe distance. He did not feel fully justified in this conduct ; but, conscious of his own integrity, he excused himself by thinking that such a beautiful young woman certainly needed better protection than could be afforded by an old negress and a dog.

The dog must have known that he was following, for he stopped several times and turned back fiercely, showing all of his beautiful teeth, and growling ominously. Bnrndale could hear him, even at the distance that he kept. Presently the dog bounded away with a joyous bark ; and he could hear him making love to some one, with all the keen expressiveness of canine language and acting. Mark did not have any doubt as to the object of the dog’s love, and sympathized with him fully. Stooping down, and peering under the low pines, he saw the beautiful angel of his vision and of his dream, standing with her graceful hand and arm extended, forbidding the wild caresses of the dog, who whirled around and around her in his mad delight. The dog soon became quiet, and stood, rigid, at her side, at ^'attention,” his eyes burning into the shrubbery in Burndale’s direction. Onar, standing with her hand still in the prohibitory pose, and leaning forward slightly, eagerly qnestioned the old negress. From the gesticulations of the old woman in his direction, Burndale very easily saw that they were speaking of him and of his desire to meet Onar. They spoke also of the faithfulness of the dog; for Onar patted his head, and spoke pleasantly to him. Casting a last glance

ONAR of inquiry toward the shrubbery where Burndale was supposed to be, she turned away, followed by her two companions.

Burndale did not feel free to follow her, as he had followed her servants, and determined to discover her abode by some more open means. He therefore returned to the tent to make his plan.

It was nearly mid-afternoon before he had decided upon his course of action. As soon as he had decided, however, he did not lose any time ; but took his camera, and walked rapidly away to see what he could find.

He made a circuit in a different direction from that of the scene of the morning, intending to come upon the abode of Onar by some other path.

He strolled on and on, and became more and more absorbed in his own fancies. Presently he found himself at the western end of a beautiful sheet of water. He was surprised, for he did not know that any such sheet of water lay so near the tent. The water stretched away from the shadows that were lengthening from the west, and reaching out many yards upon the glassy surface, — away from the shadows into the slanting sunshine, and afar to the eastern shore, a mile or more distant, where now and then a sparkle showed that a hardly perceptible ripple was breaking on tbe farther beach. The lake was nearly round, and exceedingly picturesque. Its wooded shores, here falling to a gently sloping beach, there rising to the pine-clad hills, cast their shadows into the deep bosom of the water.

As Burndale’s eye followed the margin of the lake, it was arrested by a moving object, perhaps three-quarters of a mile distant, near the north shore. As he watched, he saw the flash of a paddle ; and discovered that the object was a boat, steadily approaching the place where he stood. As the boat drew nearer and nearer, he learned, first, that the boat was of a peculiar shape ; next, that it was built to resemble a great swan ; then, that it was paddled by a woman ; and, finally, with a keen thrill, that the woman was Onar.

Wondering just where she was intending to make a landing, Burndale’s eye followed the direction that the boat was taking, and was suddenly arrested by a little cove at the foot of a pine-wooded knoll, only a few rods from where he stood. Looking on up the hill in the same direction, he saw, in plain sight, on the summit of the knoll, what he would have seen before, if he had not been so intently watching the girl, — a beautifully turreted castle, a miniature of the old world castles of heraldic fame.

ONAR the castle of Onar !” exclaimed Burndale.

Still the light craft came on ; it must land near him. Should he run away? Certainly not! He was now untroubled by any qualms of conscience, and he would wait and have it out. He resolved to keep his senses this time, and to make the most of them.

Onar now drew near. Presently she stopped paddling, the swan floated silently and gracefully into the cove, touched the white sand gently, and stopped. Onar did not leave her seat. She was in the land of the muses.

The boat was a luxurious affair. The seats were arranged with high backs, and with rests for the arms, so that one could sit as reposefully there as in an easy chair.

Onar sat still in the ample seat in the stern; and, with her right elbow resting on the arm of the seat, leaned her head upon her hand and back against the head-rest. From her wrist the loose sleeve fell back to the elbow, revealing a most exquisitely moulded forearm, as pure and delicate in tint as that of a little child, and quite as well-rounded and fair. The light summer dress fell loosely about her, continuing the suggestion of a form alive with inspiration for a sculptor. Her beautiful eyes caught and reflected the tint of the evening sky, and the light of the sunset in the tree-tops glowed in them as a living fire. It was the fire of the muses, that burns quietly, slowly, and deeply. The face at once became pensive, almost sad. Nevertheless, Burndale saw that she was happy — deeply, quietly, but exceedingly happy. The sunset that glowed in the tops of the trees into which she was looking was touching her soul, as well as her eyes, with its rare glory. Burndale had loved Onar from his first vision of her. That first love had been inspired largely by her marvelous beauty of face and form. As he watched her now, he was moved by the pensive quiet of her soul ; and his love enlarged a thousand-fold. It became dignified, virtuous, tinged with fear. Though Onar was a rapturously, voluptuously beautiful girl, she was also a divinely chaste and high-minded woman. Within that perfect body, lived — yes, lived and reigned — a vigorous and triumphant spirit.

After this deeper vision into the real nature of Onar, Burndale felt more at ease. He at once decided to make his presence known, and to speak to her ; and he did not have any fear of offending her by so doing. He felt that she would search him through, at a glance, and that she would

ONAR know Him, with all His faults, to be a true man.

He quickly arranged His camera, and pressed tHe bulb. Some slight movement of Burndale’s aroused Onar, suddenly, to a listening posture. He could not resist tHe temptation to take a snap sHot, tHe contrast between Onar’s first attitude and this was so delightful.

Her eyes rested on Him, instantly ; but, though evidently startled, she could not escape.

Pardon, lady ! lam Mark Burndale. Are you willing to Help me settle the question that is Haunting me, as to whether or not I saw a vision yesterday, by letting me assist you from your boat? I certainly did not hope to see a young woman Here in the wilderness.”

Onar did not Hesitate the fraction of a second ; but that soul-searching look which Burndale Had purified Himself to receive Had made Him known to Her while He was speaking. She came forward gracefully, in spite of the unsteady footing, and extended Her Hand for his assistance, saying; must Have been a frightful vision, Mr. Burndale. As to the wilderness, evidently neither of us can claim a monopoly of it any longer.” Just the faintest possible sigh passed Her lips as she gave Him the tips of Her fingers, and stepped upon the beach. So light and airy was Her movement, and

SO delicate her touch, that Burndale received but slight proof of her physical being.

cannot echo your sigh,” he said.

Gallantly spoken. I fear I am selfish,” said she, smiling.

am selfish,” said he.

She looked into his face, and laughed a soft, short laugh that was full of mirthful appreciation, and of sorrow.

The thought of a possibly awkward pause had not yet entered their minds when they were put beyond the danger of it by the tumultuous rush of the dog. With sharp barks and beseeching whines and frantic whirlings he came to meet his lovely mistress. Seeing Burndale, he at once became extremely dignified. With majestic spirit he demanded an explanation of Mark’s presence. Burndale remained perfectly still ; and again he saw that prohibitory lifting of Onar’s delicate hand, which the great beast licked, yielding his will to hers.

''You have a faithful and efficient guardian,” said Burndale. "I must be more inclined to do you harm than I think I am, or else that noble fellow is lacking in intuition.”

"Huraldo’s intuitions are not at fault. His great love and keen sense of responsibility often

ONAR oversliadow them, until better acquaintance with the object of bis suspicion assures him of the safety of bis charge,” Onar replied. Then she added; ^^Hu, this is Mr. Burndale. You are to trust him. Mr. Burndale, this is my friend and almost constant companion, Huraldo. Be good friends.”

This was done with inimitable grace and quiet pleasantry ; and the dog came forward promptly, putting up bis great paw to shake. Burndale shook, and sincerely hoped that thenceforward he might be free from the danger of being shaken.

This impressive ceremony over, Onar said, as she led the way up the hill ; Will you walk up to my cottage? You are permitted to become acquainted with my dog in more conventional form than that in which you were introduced to me, unless — ” and she stopped abruptly in the path — ^'we deny ourselves acquaintance, for the present, at least, because there chances to be no one here who has been introduced to us both, but who may not know either of us, to present us to each other in conventional form. Perhaps we had better wait,” she added, looking up with an arch smile.

Burndale answered; ”Pray do not deny me your acquaintance. Miss Onar — Pardon me, I do not know another name.” He waited with an interrogation in his eye and voice.

Onar hesitated a moment, and then answered, a little sadly; am only Onar, Mr. Burndale.”

There was some covert meaning in her words and manner that Burndale did not understand. It troubled him, and filled him with a strange sympathy. He said something about it being a beautiful name, and that he was greatly favored in being permitted to call her by it, and they walked into the cottage in silence. Onar excused herself, and Burndale was left to make a survey of the house, in so far as he could from his seat.

The room in which he sat extended entirel3^ across the middle of the house. On his right he could see, through draperies slightly parted, a table, laid with a snowy spread and china and silver. It looked very cosy and inviting after his tent fare.

Burndale, himself, will relate his experience while in Onar Castle, and the events that immediately followed.

From a room not far away I could hear the voice of the old negress, singing, as she rattled the cooking utensils. Onar had left the room through a door at my left and a little behind me. Through open portiers at my left and in front of

ONAR me, I could see a grand piano, surrounded with various smaller musical instruments and several music racks. So far as I could see, in my hasty examination, everything about the house showed money enough, and an unusually refined taste.

But from the moment that I entered the house I had felt the same strange, haunting presence that had held me fast among the pines, and had culminated in the vision of Onar. I could not tell then, and I have not been able to tell since, what gave me that feeling. Chairs, and all the ornaments on the walls, carpets, and rugs, and draperies, were such as one sees in any tastefully equipped house. Neither could I see anything unusual in their arrangement. But the general effect was certainly unusual ; very charming, but a little uncanny. Possibly the isolation of the locality may have contributed somewhat to this sensation.

I was becoming awfully oppressed, when Onar appeared in the opening of the portiers. She was dressed wholly in white, without an ornament of any kind. She was ideally, radiantly beautiful. I found myself about to lapse into a senseless, stupid stare ; but finally pulled myself together sufficiently to rise and meet her. She advanced a step or two, and said: Please come in here.

Mr. Burnbale, and notice some of my curios.” I followed her into a room that was itself the most wonderful curio. From my seat in the living room I bad caugbt a glimpse of tbe music corner. But now, as we approached it, the whole corner was seen. to be full of the musical instruments of all countries. Some of them I had seen in my travels ; but many of them I had never seen. Probably the finest instruments in the room were a harp of splendid workmanship ; and a small, but perfectly made, pipe organ.

Her collection was not large, but it was rarely perfect in every piece ; and the grouping of the instruments was in keeping with the weird effect of the whole house. When one went into that room he entered the enchanted land of dreams. I was mightily moved. All the hardness of life was refined away, and I realized the largeness of the soul.

After we had looked carefully around the room Onar, at my request, took her place at the piano and motioned me to a large chair, saying, with a radient smile; ^'You are not to stir until I release you. If you do, you will break the charm and I cannot play. Neither must you speak. I am used to the applause of silence.”

I sat quietly as her fingers touched the keys.

ONAR

Her teclinique was wonderful beyond expression. Sbe was inspired. I have no idea what she played. It was perhaps something of her own composing; unless, indeed, is were improvised. The music was too like herself, too wild, too free, too exalted, to be the mere rendition of another’s thought. Her prelude was mazy, bewildering. It seemed as if something awful were about to happen. After a few moments, the music had taken me into a wild wilderness, where nothing relieved the monotony of the wind, moaning and wailing through the trees. But there was progress in the wilderness. We were going forward in the midst of the moaning. It was night. The solemn undertone was slowly changing. There began to mingle with the sound of the wind a sound like the roll of distant waters. We were certainly drawing near to some great wind-tossed billows. Ah ! the ocean and the rushing of the tide among the rocks ! The wind is slowly rising, and the waves come rolling in upon us. A storm is brewing. Now and then the roll of distant thunder comes in upon the rising wind — or was it the boom of breakers? Aha! It is both thunder and breakers; that crash was near at hand. And — that is neither thunder nor breaker. Listen again. That certainly is a gun at sea !