4 ACORN The Uninvited Guest "Is that you, Marjorie?" called a cheery voice from the veranda, where horrible faces dimly lighted the place. "Sure, but I didn't think that anyone would recognize me as soon as you did, Helen," answered the little white ghost. "I'm so glad you've come early, for I want you to help entertain. Say, do you know, I feel like a real ghost tonight. Come and see my decorations," said the hostess as the two went into the house. Corn stalks, autumn leaves and huge yellow pumpkins greeted the eye everywhere. In the halls the jack-o'-lanterns threw grim shadows around, showing wondrous figures. The two ghosts walked from room to room, where skeletons peered out from dark corners and creaking sounds were wafted from different parts of the house. At the first landing on the stairs two faces stared at them, and just above, overhung with leaves, was the wonderful "Mirror of Fate." This mirrow would reveal the face of her future husband to the girl who was brave enough to go alone, and, as the clock grimly struck the hour of 12, light the candle and watch for a face to appear. After all the regions had been explored, the hostess and her friend went down to receive their guests. Following instructions, each one came alone and so found much amusement in trying to distinguish their friends. When all the guests had arrived there certainly was an assemblage of ghosts. After many curious games were played and experiments of the spirit realm tried, they went to explore the mysterious regions of the house. They wound around through dark and difficult passages which led to the thread of fortune where many a secret was revealed. Marjorie slipped noiselessly from the crowd and stole down to the parlor, there to arrange for a new trick to be played when the ghosts should return. As she entered the room she saw someone disappearing through the opposite door. Quickly she followed and found it to be Ned, who was laughing heartily. "I'm playing a capital joke on sis, but it's a secret and you'll have to wait and see. I've been calling her "charming hostess" and other such things. Gee, she's mad!" and Ned exploded with laughter again. All were dancing to music from an unseen source, when a large pumpkin rolled in on the floor and other things followed. A search was made, but the unruly spirit was not found. ACORN 5 When the time for unmasking came, the ghosts selected their partners with great care, thinking that by this time they could surely tell who was who; but some were sadly disappointed on discovering that they had chosen one of their own sex. When the doors which led to the dining room were pushed back, there stood a large table groaning under its heavy load of Hallow'een delicacies, and surrounded by brownies. The last course was in order, and to the utter astonishment of the entire party it was brought in by great awkward giants. The amazed hostess said nothing, but could not conceal her look of surprise. After supper they went into the parlor, where they told creepy stories of goblins and ghosts. Helen, seeing that the guests were enjoying themselves, wandered out into the hall and sat alone on the dark stairs. She had no partner tonight. Suddenly she thought of the mirror. "Dare I try it," she asked herself; then summoning all her courage she ascended to the place of fate, lighted the candle and stood for several minutes thinking of Jack, who had gone away to college. Nothing happened, she was turning away when she was startled by the sudden appearance of a face in the glass and Jack's voice said, "Little girl, let's make it true." Then Ned's calling was heard from below, "all come and see how my plan has worked out. I'll bet sis won't scold me this time." Who cares to see our school tree grow, Just like the oak tree tall? Then, when the "Acorn" gives a dance, You'll all be at the ball.