" Great Anniversary Spell.

to the spot and aAvaits its arrival , Avhen—can he believe his eyesight ? Is it really the ghost of Lucy ? These thoughts rushed through his brain as the figure hastened to speak to him . He shrunk in terror and fell fainting on tho floor , ancl Lucy leant over him with concern . She applied the contents of her scent bottle to his face , and he revived . At first he stared wildly , ancl then he asked her what it all meant ? Where Avas he ? Had he been dreaming ? No

, he was still in the church , and Lucy , whom he could now feel was warm flesh , was bending over him . He saiv it all . He remembered IIOAV she Avas cognizant of his visits to the church , and how he had confided in her his secret , while she had tried to dissuade him from his foolish belief . Yes , it ivas all plain now ; there had been no ghost at all , and he ivas convinced . Yet what agony it had cost him ! But he saiv that she too was pained aud grieved for his sakeancl her

, soothing words fell on his ear like sweet music as she asked his forgii'eness , which he readily granted , nay , he Avas ever grateful to her . He felt ten years older ancl wiser , ancl kissed Lucy , who Ai'as weejiing . "Much better , much better , "he murmered , " to be thus fearfully coiiA'i-nced than to be for ever fast in the trammels of superstition and dread . My poor aunt ! "

His voice sounded to him like someone else ' s speaking a long way off , yet quite distinct , and he-cast a wistful glance at the old pew . The last words recalled him , and he remembered her looks aud superstitions and the years of useless labour she had spent in studying them , and he wondered how she too could be convinced . " Now you have forgiven me , Charlie , I must explain , " said Lucy . "I did

not tell you of my intention of coming to the church , and had not at first a notion of acting as I have done ; but when I got here I saw the door open , ancl you sat at your organ expecting the Avraith of your mother , I thought the best method of proving to you the nonexistence of spirits was the cruel practical one I suddenly adopted on the spur of the moment , but I am afraid it has been too severe for you . "

" Not at all , not at all . " " My second object was your aunt , whose sole energies seem to be wrapt up in this subject . " " But this will not convince her ; it will rather " " Wait a little , " said Lucy , quietly , " we cannot proceed with your aunt in an ordinary maimer ; she is too confirmed for that . You must tell her you have seen the spirit of your mother " " But "

" And that she spoke to you , " continued Lucy , " and expressed her sorrow at her sister ' s proceedings , having otherwise died happy . " " Capital ! that will ease her much , ancl she will rest happy on that score , " " Yes , " said Lucy , " and it will perhaps ultimately convince her of her error ; and , from the experience you have had , you are well qualified to dilate upon the horrors of your mother ' s appearance . "

" Yes , indeed , " said he , half reproachfully . " Now I must go back with my maid , or they may find out my absence at the hall . Oh ! you needn't fear , she won't tell anybody . You must accept my sincere regret . " " Don't mention it ; I am eternall y beholden to you . "

Five years have elapsed , aud Charles is still the same happy fellow . He married Lucy Lovell at the appointed time , and they are now blessed with two fine healthy children . One they have called Charles Robert ancl the other Lucy Laura—pretty names . Charles Rova has been successful in business , ancl ¦ the lawyer ' s firm is now under his name . Poor Miss Moon was dissuaded from