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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..69cb96e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #61005 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61005) diff --git a/old/61005-0.txt b/old/61005-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0261d7f..0000000 --- a/old/61005-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7654 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Floating Fancies among the Weird and the -Occult, by Clara H. Holmes - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Floating Fancies among the Weird and the Occult - -Author: Clara H. Holmes - -Release Date: December 23, 2019 [EBook #61005] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLOATING FANCIES AMONG WEIRD, OCCULT *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - FLOATING FANCIES - AMONG THE - WEIRD AND THE OCCULT. - - - BY - - CLARA H. HOLMES. - -[Illustration] - - F. TENNYSON NEELY, - - PUBLISHER, - - LONDON. NEW YORK. - - - - - Copyright, 1898, - - by - - CLARA H. HOLMES. - - - - - TO MY FRIEND, - - WILLIAM MONTGOMERY. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - NORDHUNG NORDJANSEN 7 - - IN THE BEYOND 29 - - THE TRAGEDY OF THE GNOMES 51 - - AN UNFAIR EXCHANGE 67 - - LIMITATIONS 99 - - A TALE OF TWO PICTURES 119 - - A NINETEENTH CENTURY GHOST 152 - - WHAT BECAME OF THE MONEY? 169 - - HIS FRIEND 196 - - A TALE OF THE X RAY 214 - - AN AVERTED TRAGEDY 231 - - - - - FLOATING FANCIES. - - - - - NORDHUNG NORDJANSEN. - - -Very many years ago, in an age when departures from the regular line of -thought were accounted but vagaries of a diseased brain, when science -was a thing of dread, and great knowledge deemed but sorcery, Nordhung -Nordjansen was born, and grew to early manhood on the far northern coast -of Norway. - -Through all his boyhood days—whenever he could steal away from his -father and his father’s plodding work—he would climb the bold crags -which overlooked the Northern Sea, and gaze with hungry eyes over the -vast expanse of water. - -“If I could but know what lies beyond that cold horizon,” he would sigh. - -He expressed this longing to his father. - -“Get your mother a bundle of fagots, and pry not into the unknown,” -answered his father, so sternly that Nordhung dared not mention it -again, and being an obedient boy he went into the forest; but with every -stick he gathered, he also gathered a doubt of his father’s wisdom. - -“How can it be wrong to wish to know what lies in that beautiful -beyond?” - -He gathered another stick or two, and idly twirling them in his hand, he -murmured, “My father says it is a sin to pry into that which is hidden; -perhaps it is not hidden, but just lies there waiting to be admired, as -did our beautiful Norway, long, long ago.” - -He piled the sticks in a little heap, and sat beside them, idly throwing -pebbles at a little bird which sat on a branch, and mocked his -restlessness with happy song. - -“I wish that I could know what lies beyond my sight. The sky has stooped -down to meet the waves, and they are so glad that they leap and dimple -in the sunlight. Oh, it must be very beautiful in that far country! Why -must the longing for all things beautiful be a sin? It is no sin to -work, to pick up fagots to make the pot boil, but I do not like to do -this! My father says it is a sin to sit on the crags, and look across -the sea, and wish and wish that I were a bird, so that I could fly; but -I love to do that. I wonder why the sinful cannot be ugly, and those -things which are right be beautiful and nice to do!” - -Thus the battle went on in this mind, thirsty for knowledge; a battle as -old as man himself, with his ignorance, and the prejudice of false -teaching. - -One day Nordhung climbed the boldest of the crags overlooking Tana -Fiord, and gazed long and wistfully over the many islands which lay -along the coast. - -A stately ship sailed out of Sylte Fiord, and made its way around the -headland to the open sea. With fascinated gaze he watched it spread its -white wings; the waves lapped and beat about its prow, it kept on its -majestic way as though scorning their childish gambols. His heart -swelled with eager desire; if he could but own that wonderful ship and -sail away into the unknown! If he could but reach the home of the -beautiful Aurora Borealis and search out its mysteries! - -There sprang into life in that hour the firm resolve that some day he -would know—that some day _he_ would stand on the deck of a beautiful -ship of his own, and proudly sail away into the pale glory of those -northern skies, and discover the wonderful things lying beyond those -opaline tints. Then the mist creeping up from the sea began to envelop -him, and he cried aloud, thinking it a spirit sent to punish him for the -sinfulness of his desires, and he ran home as fast as his legs could -carry him. - - * * * * * - -Fifteen years later Neiharden Nordjansen, father of Nordhung Nordjansen, -died and was buried in the little churchyard; he was born, he breathed, -he ate, he slept, he died and was buried with his ancestors; what more -could man desire? Before the tears were dried upon his cheeks Nordhung -remembered that he was free, and his heart throbbed with impatience. -Three years more passed by; he stood upon the deck of an outgoing ship, -his shoulders thrown back, his head erect; proudly conscious that he was -commander. He bawled arrogantly to the sailors; he cast his eyes over -the great spread of canvas, set to catch ever little flurry of wind, and -lifted his chin a trifle higher. - -“Commander Nordjansen!” he murmured delightedly. - -Away to the north-northeast he sailed. Threading his way carefully past -the many rocky islands, he entered the frozen sea; ever in danger, -trembling at the near approach of icebergs, or crouching awe-stricken in -the shadow of their immensity, yet never did Nordhung forget that he was -“Commander Nordjansen.” - -After long, weary months of sailing, when provisions ran low, when cold -and hunger had pinched the sailors sorely, they openly grumbled at -Nordjansen’s rule; they wearied for home, for wives and sweethearts. - -“Why seek further?” cried one; “we are already too far from home!” - -“What do we seek?” said another bitterly. - -“A fool’s desire! The commander’s Jack-o-lantern!” answered a third -derisively. - -But though they grumbled and cast many black looks, the tones were low -and they were careful that they spoke behind his back. - -Nordjansen paced his deck with fierce impatience; he strained his eyes -for indication of that which he sought—the North Pole. The beautiful -Aurora Borealis lighted his way with streaming flames of red, that -quivered into golden glory, or faded into palest silver—only to flame, -and shoot, and dart across the heavens again like fantastic, serpent -tongues; he approached the beautiful wonder—it seemed to him not one jot -nearer than in the beginning of his journey. His heart lay heavy within -him. - -He surprised the fierce, scowling glances of his sailors, as by twos and -threes they grumbled together. He sternly ordered them about their -business; they grumbled still more as they obeyed. - -His heart sank with dread; the chill wind blew through the frozen -cordage, and whistling shrilly, mocked the lure of his lifetime. Was all -his effort to end in failure; were all his hopes and lofty ambitions to -yield no fruition? Was he never—never to fathom the secret of the -Unknown and the Wonderful? - -For hours he paced the deck; true, at his command the sailors had slunk -away, but with scowls of bitter hate; each heart filled with wrath and -grievous longing. Habit of obedience is strong, and Nordjansen was -commander, as he was careful that they should remember. - -In his pacing to and fro he passed the compass; he paused in -astonishment, the needle was vibrating strangely, and he became -conscious that the vessel was no longer going steadily on her -course—although the water appeared smooth—but was pitching in short, -sudden lurches; now slightly to the right, then to the left; -quivering—quivering—like some frightened living thing. - -Strange thrills ran through his body; a terrible fear shook him. - -The flames of the Aurora seemed to hang directly over the ship, and to -be of a fiery hue, anon changing to all the prismatic colors of the -rainbow, so brilliant as to frighten him; a thousand fiery tongues -seemed to lick at the reeling ship, as though to devour her, and all -contained therein. He covered his eyes with his shaking hands to shade -his tortured eyeballs from their satanic gambolings. - -One by one the terrified sailors crept on deck and huddled together, -talking in awed whispers, or crouched around the mast in abject fear. At -last three, more bold—or more desperate—than the others, walked up to -Nordjansen; one, a grizzled old fellow, pulled his tangled forelock -awkwardly. - -“What do you wish?” asked Nordjansen sternly. - -“If you please, sir, me and my mates wants to know if so be as you’ll -turn back. We’ve naught to eat, and it’s sore goin’ without feed, when -it’s growin’ cold—c-o-l-d-e-r e-v-e-r-y m-i-n-u-t-e,” his teeth -chattering so that he could scarcely speak. - -“Go below! You cowards!” shouted Nordjansen fiercely. “Cold! You are -frightened! No wonder your teeth chatter like the boughs of the trees in -the winter wind!” he shrieked, hoarse with rage. They crept away, more -affrighted of his wrath than of the cold or the fiery phenomenon over -their heads. - -Nordjansen drew himself up proudly: - -“Let them not presume to dictate to me; _I_ am the commander! But it -_is_ c-o-l-d; y-e-s, c-o-l-d;” his lips trembled, and _his_ teeth -chattered so that his speech halted. - -The strange thrills increased in force, and shot through him in more -rapid succession. - -A wind had arisen, which each moment increased in velocity. Of a sudden -the ship lurched wildly, then spun half around, and with an awful thud -the iron sheathing of her bow adhered to the North Pole, as the cambric -needle is attached to the magnet with which children play. One glimpse -of icebergs so awful, so terrible in their magnitude; higher than the -highest peaks of the Himalayas, numerous beyond computing; each one a -perfect prism, lighted into a blinding radiance of color by the midnight -sun. Nordjansen knew that he had found the home of the Aurora Borealis. -He had scant time to notice these wonders; all that he saw in that -fleeting glance made a horrible impression upon his awe-struck mind, yet -no one thought was distinct or clearly defined—one awful throe of fear -possessed him. - -The wind had increased to a shrieking gale, and although the force of -magnetism held the vessel sealed to the pole, it quivered, groaned, and -strained for release like a living thing. - -Nordjansen’s knees trembled; he turned his terror-stricken gaze away -from the awful illumination—the dizzy commingling of rays of every -hue—from the vast, unnumbered prisms of ice; his eyeballs ached with the -glare; which, though so brilliant, was permeated with a chill more -terrible than the rigor of death. - -As in affright he turned his eyes away it was but to encounter another -horror; before him lay a cavernous entrance, glooming downward and -forward, into the very bowels of the earth; he loosed his hold upon the -mast—to which he had been clinging for support—to wipe the cold drops of -perspiration from his brow, brought there by terror. He wished his -sailors were on deck that he might hear the sound of a human voice. He -wished—he wished that he had been less harsh. When all is well we are -filled with self-sufficiency, but when adversity comes upon us we crave -human sympathy as much as does the little child who holds up a hurt hand -for mother’s healing kiss. - -He had no sooner loosed his hold upon the mast than the strong wind -lifted him bodily, and carried him—feet foremost—into the terrors of the -abyss which swallowed him up in darkness. He had no time for thought as -he was borne rapidly forward; swept along as a feather is borne on the -autumn gale; he lay on his back, as the swimmer floats on the water, his -arms pressed closely to his sides, his feet held stiffly together. The -strange incongruous thought occurred to him: “This is the position in -which I shall be placed when I am dead; my feet will lie thus, side by -side; my hands should be crossed upon my breast—” he tried to raise his -hands and so place them, but found that he had no power to stir them. “I -wonder if I am dead! Is this the dread change?” He laughed whimsically, -for at this instant the strong wind, sweeping his hair backward, made -his head itch; that was no _post-mortem_ sensation. - -A strange rumbling noise greeted his ears; the clank of ponderous -machines, the whirr of enormous belts, as the earth turned on her axis. -The wind, which had been bitterly cold, grew gradually warmer; a -strange, dreamy lassitude stole over him, a wavy, half-light helped to -soothe his senses. - -On—on, he floated; how long he knew not; days—weeks—he had no idea as to -time. A desperate hunger assailed him; he fancied that trees loaded with -luscious fruits mocked him as he was swept by; odors strange but -delightful seemed to fill his whole being with longing; his mouth -dripped with moisture. Oh, how dreadful the onward sweeping! Would it -never end? - -All sound had died away—I should say—had been left behind; no more -creaking and groaning of the horribly ponderous machinery; but a silence -still more horrible reigned. We have little realization of what perfect -silence would be. Our world is one vast hubbub. Who ever knew the day or -night, the time or place, that we did not hear the rush of the wind -among the treetops; the calls of birds; the lowing of cattle; the bark -of a dog, or the blow of an ax; perhaps the crack of a whip? Noise, -noise everywhere, and at all times. Were perfect silence to reign for -one hour, the tones of the human voice would strike upon the ear with -the force of a blow. - -Nordhung must have swooned; how long he remained in this unconscious -state he had no means of knowing; indeed, he felt that here time was -not. As his faculties once more became active, he noticed, first, that -he was being carried forward much more slowly; secondly, that instead of -going straight ahead, he was describing an immense circle, with an -occasional sharp turn. He also observed that the wavering light had -increased to a steady white glow, a brilliancy almost blinding to his -unaccustomed eyes; faint sounds came to him from time to time, not like -the ponderous noises which had affrighted him, but human -sounds—laughter—a child’s cry—but with something strange in the tone. -His heart swelled rapturously! Was he nearing the earth’s surface again? -Oh, that he might once more sit on the crags of Norway, and look upon -his beautiful land! - -We are prone to consider that most beautiful which we looked upon while -the heart was young; then, all the world was fair, and we loved much. - -When disappointments have come to us, and hope has grown jaded, we look -back, even upon a rocky desolation, and say in all sincerity, “How -beautiful it was,” not knowing that it was but our hearts’ hopes that -were beautiful. Alas, _that were_! - -Nordhung sadly thought: “My father was right, and I am well punished for -prying into the unknown.” - -Sounds became more distinctly audible; the wind had fallen to a gentle -breeze, and he felt himself settling, settling as you have seen a -balloon descend as the gas gradually escaped. - -Gently he floated into the midst of an excited group, who scattered with -cries of fear and wonder. Strange sounds issued from these strange -beings; tones of dismay, and astonishment, in which no one voice -differed from another; a thin sound, lacking timbre; as the wind blows -with the angry force of the storm, or gently sighs of a placid summer -day—so these voices were in anger high and shrill, in joy softly -reaching the consciousness. Their bodies—if that could be called a body -which possessed no substance—were as strange as their voices, being but -a vapor surrounding the soul—the shadow of a form; each emotion, thought -or impulse was therefore plainly discernible. Of speech there was no -need, consequently there was none; all sound emitted was but that of -spontaneity; laughter, cries of wonder, horror, and the like. - -The shriek of amazement that greeted his ears; the strange appearance of -the people; the weird surroundings so impressed Nordjansen that little, -cold shivers chased each other down his spine. He saw their thought, -their wonder and fear; as I have said, there was no need of language; -each spirit saw, and perfectly comprehended the thought of the other; it -was cause of amazement to these people that they could not see his -thought—the working of his mind; this wonderful fact—much more than the -mode of his advent, or of his presence—dominated each intelligence. - -He raised upon his elbow, and watched their growing awe; presently, he -saw this thought leap into one mind: “It is a God!” Instantly half a -dozen minds followed suit, the spark igniting the tinder as readily in -these strange intelligences, as it does among us. He watched with -fascinated curiosity the skepticism, the doubt, the hesitation, changing -to a slow growth of belief in the various understandings. - -Above all his wonder, above all his curiosity—a minimum of awe, and much -gratified vanity—one fact made itself felt; he was hungry, and he said -so. - -The panic was terrible! A multitudinous shriek answered him; no -variation in sound, no distinction of voices—a single, horrible note of -fear—and they flitted away—I cannot say walk, or run—for how can a vapor -do either?—they floated away in affright. - -He, seeing their dismayed thought, laughed; he arose to his feet, -stretched his muscles; it seemed enjoyable to stand upright once more -after lying inert for so long a time. - -As he moved about another shriek arose; the sound held an element of the -horrible in that one level, unvarying tone, and sent a fresh shiver -adown his spine. Soon, however, curiosity overcame their fear, and one -by one they timidly floated toward him; one, more courageous than the -rest, came so close that the vapory body half-encircled him; a -wonderfully pleasant sensation went through all his being; a moist -warmth, which conveyed a sense of fellowship—a kinship of soul, pure and -delightful. - -One after another gained courage, and approached, until he was -completely enveloped in the living mist. He saw the growing worship in -every mind; that adoration of the mysterious, which ofttimes serves for -a worship of the divine. - -“It is well,” thought Nordjansen, “Nordhung, people always look up to -you; these people recognize your superiority!” - -Notwithstanding his satisfaction, and self-laudation, he did not forget -that he was very hungry; he opened his mouth and pointed down his -throat, and used his jaws as though masticating; only bewilderment -greeted his most eloquent pantomime. How could they understand? Being -without body or substance they needed no food except that which entered -each vapory environment by absorption. Then occurred a strange thing to -Nordjansen; he cried out in anguish: “My God! Must I starve?” - -He sighed; a long, deep inspiration, and was instantly conscious of a -delicious sweetness in his mouth, a taste like a strange, but most -luscious fruit. He repeated the indrawing process until he felt -perfectly satisfied, without the unpleasantness which repletion gives. - -He wandered around a space which seemed inclosed, to which he could find -no limit; he had no conception of distance, perspective was lost in a -bewildering unreality of all surroundings; for instance, Nordhung -thought that he beheld a most beautiful tree, he desired a nearer view; -he wandered on and on until exhausted before he realized that here, -space, like time, had no known law; such being the case, of course, -Nordjansen had no means of knowing how long he dwelt in this strange -place. - -All these fantastic beings, with one exception, worshiped him as a God -sent among them for some great, but unknown purpose; he, seeing their -awe and worship, took pains to foster and increase it. To himself he -said: “Nordhung, you are indeed great; these beings know it; they are -fine creatures!” He lifted his shoulders a trifle more, and endeavored -to assume a godlike tread. - -The one exception of which I have spoken was a female; she worshiped him -as a woman often does, when she should but love. She hovered around him -by night and by day, she enveloped him, she would have permeated him; -she watched his every act, she hung upon, and learned to interpret his -looks; she suited herself to his moods, and her thoughts to his desires -as nearly as she could divine them; in fact, she would have thought his -thoughts could she have seen them as he saw hers. - -He learned many things which to him were very strange; he found the -source of the illumination of this place, a light that shone with steady -radiance; not as our sun shines for a few hours which we call day, and -kindly gives place to the darkness of night, that many may rest from -toil, and a few may sneak into evil under cover of its shadow. The two -poles, one entering from the north, the other from the south, here -formed a positive and a negative; which, with the power engendered as -the world turns on her axis, was made to produce an electric light of -wonderful brilliancy. He also learned to communicate his desires to -these beings with whom he mingled. Their amazement at his flesh, bone, -sinews, hidden mind, in fact, his entire personality grew continually; -they could not understand how such a condition could exist; _he_ was to -them a miracle, consequently to be worshiped. - -Nordjansen grew to admire these souls, so perfectly pure; so free from -all deceit, and truthful perforce; loving and faithful, as no taint of -evil _could_ find lodgment in their transparent minds. - -Pure and sweet as they were, his heart at times grew sick for his own -kind, and instead of the faint, moist, languorous atmosphere, with never -a disturbing storm, he longed for the rocky promontories of his Norway; -the reverberation of the rolling thunder among the hills, and the wild -lashing of the sea on the rocky base of the cliffs. Sometimes he -dreamed—half-awake, half-asleep—that the briny spray was dashing in his -face, and thought that he could taste the pungent savor of the salt, and -awoke to find the tears trickling down his cheek, moistening his tongue. -His heart grew faint unto sickness for the light of the sun, and the -shifting shadows of the clouds on the distant hills, where the grass -grew like a flower-decked carpet, and the white sheep bleated lovingly -to one another. And oh! for a sight of the stately, white-robed ships as -they sailed away into the unknown which he now deplored. He numbly -wondered what had become of his good ship, Nord Rhyn. - -Alas, that he had not been content with his father’s land, and his -father’s homely ways! - -He grew unutterably weary of the unreality of all things surrounding -him, he longed for the interchange of day and night; he longed for -food—actual food—with a throe of maddening pain, so keen was his desire; -he longed for creatures of flesh and blood, with their inborn -predilection for evil, which gave the doing of right things so much -sweeter flavor. He wearied of the love of the She which so completely -enveloped him, as men ever tire of that which is so wholly their own -that they cannot for one fascinating hour escape it; it is worse than a -diet of sweets, although the effect is the same, a nauseated surfeit. - -She, poor soul! She learned to dread his scowling brow, his harsh tone; -to shrink and tremble in wild affright whenever he ordered her away; she -sought ever to win a more kindly regard by added devotion, by hanging -more fondly and constantly about him. After all she differed not so -greatly from her sisters on the face of the earth. He grew more -intolerant of her presence, and violently ordered her to leave him; he -noted her agony of fear, her deathless devotion, and her hopeless pain -with indifference, as with a cry of despair she turned away. - -He seized the opportunity and fled, whither he knew not; he could but -die, which meant surcease from all the wild longings that so beset him. -On, ever onward! How far! How long! Oh, it was terror not to know—to -have no account of time—no knowledge of distance; it was like sailing a -ship through eternal void, no landmarks—no limit—just on, and on—so far -as he had knowledge of it. - -Ah! A change came over him. The spirit of the explorer stirred once more -within him. He felt that he was once again describing an immense circle, -as had been his experience upon entering; he felt that there was a -reason for this, and his mind became busy trying to solve the problem. - -“There is some purpose in this; come to think of it, there is a purpose -in most things, and I shall arrive at an understanding of this one,” he -murmured complacently. - -His surroundings were visibly changing, distance seemed tangible, all -things more real. A strange awesome stillness had fallen around him like -a mantle of dread, and every instant seemed to deepen its intensity; the -air, from being languorously balmy, had grown chill, and a strong -current hurried him forward. - -His perplexed mind began to grasp the solution which had evaded him; -were it not for these many turnings, and the immensity of the circle, -the cold draught from Pole to Pole would sweep through with all the -devastating force of a cyclone. He stopped and straightened himself, -bringing his hands together with a resounding thwack: “To be sure! Why, -of course! Nordhung, I thought you would master the problem; there is -very little that baffles you!” he cried approvingly. - -His voice sounded horrible; it echoed, and re-echoed like the laughter -of a thousand demons; in wild affright he started to run, but stumbled -and fell; a groan was wrung from his lips as he tried to rise; he -thought he heard a soft sigh, and a moist, warm vapor swept his bruised -cheek like a tender, clinging kiss. He stumbled to his feet regardless -of his wounds, and screamed out, as he struck furiously into the -darkness: “Go back; go to your own kind; I hate you!” he screamed, -crazed with rage and his fear of restraint, and as he was—as purely -animal fear ever is—brutal. A single, sad note answered him; sad as the -wail of the autumn wind when the last leaf floats down to earth; sad as -the cry of the Soul which—seeing Heaven’s wide-open gate—must still pass -by on the other side; as sad—oh, saddest of all, as when all love’s -hopes lie slain by one’s best beloved. Adieu! adieu! - -His hand was again lifted to strike, and—“Ah!” he caught his breath in a -sharp gasp; a gust of wind lifted him off his feet, precisely as in -entering, forcing his hands close to his sides, feet pressed -together—toes up—like the feet of the dead. Swift, swifter he sped; all -thought, all feeling lost in that mad rush; a vague consciousness alone -remained to him. It seemed that for ages he was borne along, then into -his dim consciousness entered the same rumbling sounds; heavy, jarring, -indistinguishable noises; cold, colder grew the atmosphere, the wind -pierced to the marrow of his bones; his very vitals seemed freezing. -Happily he lost consciousness. - - -For many days a wild storm swept the far southern sea, and a half-dozen -sailors, with their small boat, were thrown upon a rocky point which was -continually lashed by the icy waves; there they found a gaunt, -white-haired old man, who sobbed at sight of them. When, after weeks of -suffering from cold and hunger, they again put to sea in their small -boat, they took the old man with them. - -After many days of suffering—days which were like a horrible dream of -cloudless sky and lapping water, with never a drop to quench their -thirst; a ball of fire by day, which yet gave no grateful warmth, and a -maddening calm of moon at night; a nightmare of wandering thoughts, and -gibbering tongues, amid which the face of Nordjansen looked like a -fabled Gorgon, with eyes of restless fire—after many days of this -inexpressible horror they were taken on board a ship bound for the East -Indies. - -Nordjansen had crouched down by a coil of rope, his long gray beard hung -in matted strings, his scant white hair tossed wildly in the breeze. A -seaman, attending to his duty, stumbled over a loose end of the rope and -came near falling; he gave vent to an impatient exclamation in his -native tongue—Norwegian. No matter how fluently one speaks a foreign -language, in moments of emotion the tongue falls naturally into its -national speech. - -Nordjansen sprang to his feet, his eyes glowing wildly; his words came -tumbling over each other in voluble incoherency; he clasped his -compatriot’s knees and kissed the hands that would have pushed him away; -the fiery light died out of his eyes, leaving them sad and pathetic; at -last the man understood, and lifting him to his feet said kindly: - -“Tell me what you wish?” - -“I want to go to my Norway! I wish for my friends! I am weary of strange -lands, and stranger things! I long for the land of my birth, and would -once more hear our beloved language spoken by all!” he poured forth -volubly. - -“Yes, yes!” answered his friend soothingly, as he hurried away. - -Nordjansen’s eyes followed him hungrily, and from that time he watched -the leaping waves with glad delight as he stood for hours at the prow of -the boat. - -“Fly! Begone! Away with you, that the more speedily I may see my beloved -land,” he would cry with all the happy abandon of childhood. - -He waylaid Varman, and plied him with endless questions until the man -took every means of keeping out of his sight. - -Day followed day in sickening monotony, until Nordjansen laid his aching -head upon his coil of rope and wept in weariness of heart. - -“I shall never see my land again; Varman is deceiving me. I wish that I -had been less unkind to She; I should know _her_ thought; _She_ would -not deceive me!” - -He was so soon regretting that which he had cast side so carelessly, -forgetful that dead love knows no resurrection; neither can the divine -passion be put on or off as easily as we can reconsider our decision as -to cast-off garments. - -Thus he fretted until the hours were as days, and the days interminable; -when they hailed a passing ship, and he was transferred to the -homeward-bound vessel, and thus at last he reached the haven of his -desire—Norway. - -As his old feet tottered through the streets of his native place, all -things looked sad and strange; he looked piteously around, seeking a -familiar countenance, and when he found not one, he hid his face in his -shaking hands and wept aloud. - -Little children hid in their mothers’ gowns, and the old people shook -their heads stolidly when he asked in trembling tones if they knew his -old-time friends, and they replied, in accents of wonder: - -“We know them not; we heard never the names.” - -He asked but one more question: “Did you know my beautiful ship, the -Nord Rhyn, and her goodly crew? I was her commander!” with a sad attempt -at his old air of pride. - -“No, no! We never heard of such a ship,” they answered impatiently. He -sighed deeply and sadly, as he turned away, and climbed to the summit of -the crags his memory held so dear. - -At last he stood on the rocky height and looked around with saddened -eyes; it seemed as though the sun shone less bright, and that the hills -had grown bald and ugly; and as he looked toward the north which had so -fascinated him in the long ago, it appeared cold and forbidding. He sank -down forlornly, and with hand closed over his dim eyes he watched ever -the white-clad ships sailing past, and eagerly peered at each to learn -her name. - -“The Nord Rhyn will soon come into port; my sailors must have heard of -their commander’s return; they will know, and welcome me,” he would -repeat again and again, persistently clinging to this last hope. - -At times when the autumn winds sighed he would start up tremulously; “It -is _She_! I hear her voice! I wish that she would come!” He sighed -sorrowfully for the jewel which he had thrown away. - -One sweet spring morn found him, still with that quietude which ends all -weariness; he had found rest on the highest crag overlooking Tana Fiord, -on the same spot where he had sat and wished with restless heart in his -boyhood days. A sweet moisture rested on his cheek, a happy smile -touched his lips and the careworn wrinkles had smoothed away from his -brow. Perhaps She had known his sad longing, and with love’s tender -forgiving had answered his call in that last hour; the hour in which -with clearer vision and unselfish thought he stood on the threshold of -the higher plane. - -With kindly hands the simple people laid him away, afraid to neglect or -despise one of “God’s Children,” as they called those of unbalanced -mind; and as they passed around the open grave, each cast in a flower -and whispered pityingly: “God receive the poor old lunatic!” - - - - - IN THE BEYOND. - - -The summer sun beat oppressively down upon the heads of August Blair and -Aimee Herne, as they walked their horses slowly down the hilly road. -Aimee took off her hat and fanned her heated face: “Mercy! the lower -regions can’t be much hotter than this!” - -August laughed as he flicked at the overhanging branches of the trees -with his whip: “According to all accounts there isn’t very much shade -there.” - -“Just at present I could imagine only a mitigation of heat and a -perpetual breeze, as fitly belonging to that plane of existence,” -replied Aimee, in that light tone which either means nothing or hits the -truth without positive conception of its being such. - -“That speech embodies every person’s idea of heaven, doesn’t it? We wish -most earnestly for the condition we find lacking to our comfort in this -world; thus, to-day a cool wind and shade seem most desirable; next week -it might be quite different——” - -“A fire for instance,” said Aimee sarcastically. - -“That is another of man’s ideas constructed from the purely material, -and grafted into the spiritual tree; burning by fire is man’s conception -of the worst possible torment. Our ideas of the hereafter—and -incidentally of heaven—are very vague and uncertain; no mind can build -higher than its purest ideal, and our knowledge gained only from the -material world cannot grasp the spiritual. We speculate a little, and -take a flight in this or that direction; but like a bird at -night—bewildered by the arc lights in the street we fall back to -earth—and material things for all our types of happiness.” - -Aimee threw up her hand impatiently, “Oh, what ideas! I don’t want to -talk about such things; I prefer thinking how pleasant it is under this -great old oak. Let us rest here, August.” - -“All right,” he answered as he alighted and assisted her from the -saddle. They seated themselves on a grassy knoll at the foot of the -tree, and restfully watched the horses crop the short, sweet grass. - -August’s thought seemed to persistently linger on the subject of the -beyond: “There could be nothing more heavenly than this—were one’s mind -but in perfect accord with one’s surroundings,” said he. - -“Which very seldom happens to be the case,” answered Aimee. - -“Our own discordant restlessness is all that hinders this world from -actually being heaven!” replied he emphatically. - -“Oh, nonsense! This is earth, and that is good enough for me; I do not -wish to think on such gruesome subjects; life is so pleasant. Some time -I must prepare for eternity, I suppose; but I wish to enjoy myself now; -it is time enough when I have grown old to be solemn, and give up all -pleasures,” she half-pouted. - -August laid his head back against the boll of the tree and laughed -heartily. “So you think that one must be solemn to prepare for eternity? -In the first place we are in eternity now—the present is just as much a -part of eternity as the future state will be; eternity is only an -expression, meaning all time; it always was and always will be, and it -seems to me that the very best way to prepare for the future state is to -be innocently happy in this——” - -“_I_ think that you are talking nonsense—you make me afraid!” - -“Of what are you afraid? Afraid of opening the door to step into the -next room? Afraid to go to sleep in the evening of life, to awaken in -the sunlit morning of an advanced day? I’ll tell you what, Aimee, if I -go before you do—and return is possible—I will come back and tell you -what I find in the Beyond.” - -Aimee jumped up nervously, and walked away without speaking. - -August arose at the same time, and leaned against the trunk of the tree. -“Come back here!” he called. - -“No, indeed! I do not want to hear that kind of talk,” she replied -irritably. - -The clouds had been gathering in the west, and once or twice the thunder -had growled menacingly; but in the shelter of the trees they had not -observed the signals of the coming storm. - -A great drop of rain struck Aimee on the cheek, causing her to utter an -exclamation of surprise. - -“Come here, Aimee!” called August again, holding out his hands, a smile -on his lips; her petulance amused him. - -At that instant a bolt of lightning shot from the sky, blinding and -bewildering Aimee; it appeared to be at her very feet; her scream of -affright was drowned by the crash and reverberation of the thunder; she -essayed to go to August for protection, but a numbness paralyzed her -brain and limbs; the horses snorted wildly, and galloped away over the -road toward home. - -In a short time Aimee aroused herself, and called quaveringly, “August! -August!” but received no reply. - -She made an effort to cross the road, but her head swayed dizzily and -her limbs refused to support her body; a cloud-like haze seemed to float -between herself and August, where he sat apparently leaning back easily -against the tree. A few great drops of rain plashed down—making -miniature globes in the dust of the street—they pelted her in the face -and served to revive her a little. - -“August! August!” she called complainingly; still he made no reply. She -shaded her eyes with her hand and peered at him wonderingly; she thought -the sunlight was dazzling her vision, everything appeared blurred, -distorted and out of proportion; she petulantly resented the smile upon -August’s lips, she thought that he derided her fear. - -“It’s mean of you August!” she whimpered as she giddily crossed the -dusty road, staggering from side to side as she walked. - -The clouds had been gathering thick and fast, and the gloom of a late -twilight prevailed; the heavy thunder crashed and roared, -following—almost blending with—the blinding flashes of electricity. - -As she dropped at his feet complainingly, the flood gates of heaven -seemed opened; she crept to him, and reached up her arms to clasp his -neck in a childishly confident way: “Oh, protect me, August! Do let us -seek shelter!” - -As her arms closed about his neck his head fell forward inertly, the -body lurched over heavily, fell from her weak arms and rolled over -sidewise. The heavy rumble of the thunder, the roar of the rain, the -wild swaying of the sodden branches, and the flapping of the wet leaves -drowned her frightened cries. - -“Help! help!” she shrieked again and again; at times high and shrill, -again, almost inarticulate—scarcely above a hoarse whisper—as clutching -at his clothing she frantically tried to lift him and hold him erect. - -“Oh, August, my darling, what ails you? Speak to me! Speak to me!” she -cried wildly. - -A half-dozen men came dashing down the hill; they had spoken with August -and Aimee as they passed on their way; then when the storm was at its -height, seeing the horses galloping by riderless, they knew that some -accident must have befallen them. - -Aimee saw them coming, and redoubled her cries. - -“What is the matter?” “Are you hurt?” “Were you thrown from your -horses?” It was a babel of sounds; a confusion of questions. - -“I do not know! Oh, it is August!” answered Aimee incoherently. - -“Stand back,” said one who had been stooping over August. Continuing in -a low tone, “He is dead, struck by lightning.” - -“No! no! no!” shrieked Aimee shrilly: “He was speaking but an instant -ago; can’t you see that he is not dead! Why, he is smiling!” - -She clasped him more closely in her arms, and rocked herself back and -forth as a mother soothes her child. Gently they loosed her hold, and -through the sobbing trees bore their dripping burden to the nearest -farmhouse, soothing Aimee’s frantic grief with sympathetic words. - -August had been so amused at Aimee’s petulance and childish fear that he -had reached out his hands to call her to him as he would have called a -wayward child; in this attitude the descending bolt struck him. He -experienced for one brief instant the shock and sense of earthly pain, -followed immediately by a feeling of lightness and freedom—which none -but children experience in the physical body, and they but seldom—glad -to be, glorying in existence—which, instead of being lost through the -change, had become intensified and augmented. It seemed that a film had -been swept from his sight; all things were clearer and larger; and -things which had appeared enveloped in mystery—difficult to -understand—stood out plain and simple, like the white letters upon a -blackboard. - -His spirit, freed from earthly aches and pains, from the uncomfortable -sense of incumbrance, rose like a bird on the wing; his first sense of -bewilderment—caused by his rapid transit through space—gave place to an -exalted delight as he beheld the wonderful panorama spread out before -him—waves of silvery hue, tinged with violet shades—exactly proportioned -one with another—like a softly lapping, iridescent sea; long, low slopes -clothed in the same subdued color swept by him; he grew weary of the -sameness, and wished that he might catch a glimpse of the mountains -which should lie beyond those hills; their deep shadows and high lights -would be a restful change. Even as the discontent swept over him he -plunged into a gulf of shadows—shadows filled with silent voices—desire -made manifest without sound or motion—the spiritual understanding of the -purely spiritual. - -The multitudinous shadows were on every side; pressing on the right, -crowding on the left; before him and in the rear; close, closer—urging -for companionship; shrieking for guidance through the gulf of the vast -Unknown; through the trackless No Land which lies between the material -and the spiritual world. He felt their silent despairing cry, that they -were lost in this horrible void; they clutched at him as he swept past -them, and although there was no sound all this reached his spiritual -consciousness like the roar of the tempest, or the tumult and crash of -falling worlds, so magnified was his understanding of all things. - -The commotion horrified him; instincts of the plane of life now left -behind prompted resentment; he would have fought the impalpable—given -physical blows to things of no substance—to shadows. He felt a strange, -incongruous sense of mirth as he realized the absurdity of it—was he not -a disembodied spirit among a countless throng like unto himself? A wave -of pity for himself and all that surging throng swept over him. - -He was carried rapidly onward, although he realized no volition of his -own; darker, darker grew the way; all the accompanying shadows -disappeared until there was nothing to stir the deadly silence and -gloom; his longing for sound became torture—it was like holding the -breath expecting disaster—he felt an agonized desire to scream, and thus -break this horrible, waveless void into billows of uproar. This laying -off the flesh—and retaining all of the spiritual activity augmented by -being set so entirely free from all limitations of the material plane, -yet without chart or compass on the unknown spiritual sea, was -suggestive of difficulties bordering upon punishment, instead of the -unalloyed happiness expected. - -He grew very weary of this continued progress, with no known end in -view; it is the hope of accomplishment which makes all things—even -waiting—bearable. He whimsically likened himself to a fly in a sea of -ink; he was but a somber atom in a shroud of darkness, just a trifle -more dense than his environment. - -After that which seemed to him ages of time and limitless -space—forgetful that beyond the physical life there could exist neither -time nor space, as both are of man’s comprehension—the density lightened -a trifle; a seeming wall rose somberly before him, a tantalizing -suggestion of a means of ingress; and as he looked in fear and amaze a -door opened, from which there issued a blinding light, and illumined by -its rays he beheld a creature more beautiful than the imagination of man -ever conceived. - -The strong, onward-bearing current seemed at once to set in that -direction; thus, he became aware that his wish, his desire, governed the -current; heretofore he had drifted aimlessly—having no body to -control—and failing to comprehend that the spirit could be directed. The -knowledge came to him as does that which we call intuition—which is -nothing more nor less than spiritual understanding—that his wish -controlled the spirit, as his desire had governed the body. - -We often hear the departed spoken of as the “shade;” he found that upon -which he now gazed quite the reverse; a luminosity—outlining a charming -vagueness—a suggestion of the beautiful rather than a fact. The reality -never yet possessed the lure for man which suggestion holds; there was a -delusion of starry eyes, flowing hair, lips glowing with the enticement -of kisses, like the bewilderment of an entrancing dream; a seeming vague -roundness of form, which was but a figment of the desire. - -Warm and languorous grew the compelling current; fear fell away, a mad -desire for possession taking its place. His gaze seemed fixed upon the -entrancing vision. He was almost within the portal when a shudder ran -through his spirit as a chill goes through the body; a sudden wavering -of the spiritual vision, then—an appalled shrinking. - -The dismay caused a quick turning of the onward-bearing force, which -shot him out into the darkness; the door closed behind him, and his -intelligence collapsed for a brief space of time. - -That which had so frightened him was an abysmal pit, filled with -fighting, struggling fiends, each bearing a horrible impress of his -particular sin stamped upon his pain-distorted, shadowy semblance of a -human face, in characters as legible as words upon a written page. Their -sins continually mocked them; all their evil desires remained, -accentuated by their inability to gratify the evil propensities. His -most poignant fright was caused by recognizing many whom he had known in -the material life, who had stood high in the world’s esteem, and had -worn a cloak of superior sanctity. - -Helplessly he floated on; in his awful collapse he was unable to will -his course—if indeed he had known any course or destination. The awful, -crowding shadows seemed to bear him with them; he thought that he had -escaped them, yet here they were, and he was again but one of a -gruesome, soundless throng. - -He soon recovered from his fright, and was carried forward, if not more -hopefully, yet more resignedly, and thus he came to another door; -inscribed thereon in mellow radiance was this legend, “Knock, and it -shall be opened unto you.” - -With a thrill he remembered his earthly teaching. He drew near in fear -and awe—he thought to gently knock. Alas! Hands he had not! - -Grief surged through his spirit: “Ah, if I could but knock, that I might -enter in out of the shadows and despair!” he sighed. Even as the wish -formed, the door seemed to roll gently away; a soft glow enveloped him; -sweet odors encompassed him; a warm wave wafted him onward; the door -silently slid into place. With joy he realized that his humble desire -had typified knocking. All within was light, glory and beauty. - -Fear seized him; shame of his imperfections held him motionless. - -On every side, wafting around him, were creatures of surpassing -loveliness; no blemish visible in any one of them. In the body absolute -perfection of mind or matter is not to be found; here, the rule seemed -to be reversed—there existed not the slightest variation from lines of -perfect symmetry. Waves of intelligence floated out from each released -spirit, pure as the flawless diamond, and as calm as the waveless sea; -it seemed to him that over all there rested—not a chill—but the absence -of warmth; warmth and love are not compatible with absolute perfection. - -All human love is more or less riotous and selfish; the passion is like -an ocean, whose billows roll high, or rock in a gentle lullaby, but -never, never an unbroken calm. Also, ardor and warmth are the fruit of -desire, not necessarily sinful, but of the leaven of humanity. - -He felt, in the presence of these spirits of purity, the taint of the -world clinging to him like a soiled garment; he fancied he could smell -the mold of the grave, the odor of his decaying body. - -He looked with amaze upon those spirits from whom no thought emanated -save eternal worship of the Eternal One, seated forever on a “Great -White Throne” in their midst; before which even the fronded palms seemed -to lift up their heads in adoration. - -All have read that the floor of heaven is laid over “with gold and -precious stones;” and whose “walls are of jasper and onyx, and all -things costly and precious.” - -All other emotions now gave place to wonder. How could the earthly be so -mixed up with the spiritual? How could the love of “all things costly” -remain, and no taint of humanity linger? The desire for gold was born of -greed; and the love of precious stones was sired by selfishness. - -No one of all that vast throng seemed to observe him; the spiritual -vision of all seemed to be fixed upon Him who sat on high. A great -number seemed to have no vocation except to float around and around the -throne; the concourse seemed incessant, interminable. Another mighty -number twanged invisible harps. - -Here was fresh cause for amazement. How could a bodiless spirit touch -the strings of a harp? How could sound exist where there were no ears? -Does not science demonstrate that there is no such thing as noise, -unless there are ears to hear? This then was another figment of the -spiritual intelligence. - -His ideas became so tangled that it worried him, but he finally summed -up in this manner; each intelligence received that which was desired -purely, or believed implicitly; music, worship, beauty; each but an -expression of adoration. A narrow limit, truly! - -Many vapory forms floated around him, gently touching him with shadowy -wings. One sweet spirit ever pressed closely to his side as they neared -him in their slowly circling around that central figure—like motes in -the sun. A thought wave flowed from her intelligence to him, which he -interpreted, “Come join with me. Let us worship together!” - -He hesitated; the movements looked very dreamy and poetic, but what had -that to do with spirituality? - -Each spirit beamed with benignant light; eternal sweetness wafted around -them like the odor of innumerable flowers heavy with dew. Thought waves -rippled from spirit to spirit, transparent as a pellucid sea, gentle as -when the sweet south wind fans it into low, languid swells; pure as are -the lilies, and sweet unto faintness, as is their odor. His desire -hungered piteously: “Oh, for the scarlet of the passion flower and the -gold of the homely dandelion!” The sweet spirit gently touched him with -filmy wings; a thought wave reached his consciousness: “Cease rebelling; -you disturb the heavenly harmony. Oh come! Come with me!” - -It seemed that a sigh floated past him—it could not be—but oh, all -things were so unreal! Even the holiness and perfection seemed dreamy -and untrue—too cold and calm. - -A shiver ran through his spirit, he felt his earthiness cling about his -spirituality as had sodden garments adhered to his physical form; he was -weighted down by a sense of unworthiness and imperfection. The teachings -of his humanity so held him in thrall that he could not climb the -heights of exaltation on a single thought as all these souls appeared to -do. - -The alluring spirit came again; pressing still more closely, pleading -yet more fervently; a hint of earthly love in her prayer—vaguely -suggestive—as were all things else. - -He felt the Lofty Intelligence looking him through and through, and his -mind turned with a mighty longing to his former habitation; to him it -seemed that the limitations of the flesh were not so narrow as this -circumscribed routine. In this place was no progression; on earth, one -might at least make an effort. - -Reproachfully, compellingly, the Immaculate gazed upon him. - -Sweetly, gently, the fair spirit lured him, until his will was -compelled, and side by side with her who had so sweetly entreated, he -joined the slowly revolving circle. - -Having once consented, turning back was an impossibility; therein they -differed from those in the flesh. We easily slip from our effort after -higher things, and when we fall, fall far; they, having once turned -their spiritual gaze upward, could not turn away. As he floated on, side -by side with the Beauteous One, her sweet magnetism enveloped him like -the odor of wild wood flowers. - -His amazement increased; what worth in all this if he possessed no free -will? Compulsory virtue is of no avail. He wondered what purpose they -served floating about like butterflies on a summer breeze; and if it was -any particular pleasure to the Lord of All to behold them gyrate? Oh -dear! And did He never tire of even the Great White Throne? - -He thought, with a chill of repulsion, that the Perfect One, who did -nothing but sit on a throne to be worshiped, was a less beautiful -expression of the Deity than the flowers of the field, or the birds that -wing their glad flight through the ether; also, that the incessant -twanging of harps was not so sweet a music, or so filled with worship, -as the babbling of the brook, or the whisper of the wind, to Him who -created them. - -He was so weary of it all, even to the vapory, melodious voices of the -shadowy choir; he wondered if they never rested; also, if it was because -of the taint of his humanity that he could not appreciate the beauty and -sublimity of it. - -He remembered that from childhood he had been taught that heaven was as -he now saw it, and whenever he had been given a hard task it had -appeared to him that the height of enjoyment would be in having nothing -to do; and that heaven was a place of eternal rest, had ever been held -out as an inducement to exalted virtue, and—excessive labor. He found -the inactivity terribly irksome, it reminded him of worldly _ennui_; -then, the unreality bewildered him—it was like pressing the fingers upon -the eyelids—persons, places and things are vividly seen, and yet we know -that it is but a chimera of the brain; a vision of the intelligence. So -he grew to doubt the reality of everything. He could not keep his -spirituality keyed up to the proper pitch; his intelligence would wander -back to earth and mortal love. The purely spiritual seemed to him to be -lacking. It is only given to humanity to burn hot and cold; to reach the -heights of bliss and the depths of despair; even that which we call -despair has its amelioration, for never yet was it so dark but, given a -little time, humanity looks upward to where the sun is shining, and -hopes and strives to reach the illuminated summit; but here—there could -be but this endless sameness through all eternity, without even the -pleasure of striving, “thus far shalt thou go, and no farther.” - -He rebelled madly; he preferred the trials and the pains of the body, -with the power to control his actions, to the spiritual and no will of -his own. Eternal leisure has its unpleasant features, though many seem -to suppose that eternal leisure and eternal felicity are synonymous. - -He looked back with positive longing to the hard work, and consequent -weariness; from bodily fatigue rest had been sweet; but the unending -spiritual lassitude of eternity was terrible to contemplate. A sad, -reproachful thought wave met his pessimistic, spiritual cry; with shame -and terror, he felt that the Perfect One saw all his discontent and -rebellion—still he could not but wonder. Had all these placid souls been -as easily swayed while in the body, as they were in the spirit? Their -very sweetness and complaisance exasperated him; he thought, with a very -human perverseness, that he should like to see one of them get angry, so -as to get up a little excitement; instead, they were as sweet as the -dripping sap of the budding maple, and—as insipid. Things and persons -can be too good. Better a thunderstorm and a purified atmosphere than a -sultry, lifeless day. - -The exasperation grew upon him. The thought wave from his companion was -like a perpetual sigh; a curious blending of the wish to adore, and the -desire to be loved. He felt the reproach of the myriad souls who brushed -him with filmy wings. Sad reproof fell upon him from Him seated over -all. - -Waves of love and adoration rose and fell on the soft, enervating air, -like strains of languid music, the perfect rhythm madly suggestive to -him of the sweetness and longing of human love. This love of his -companion spirit revolted him; it was like a draught of tepid water to -the traveler dying of heat and thirst; her thought wave had the effect -of clinging hands, which would not let him go, and he grew almost to -hate her. - -As they once more came around that endless circle he saw the door -sliding noiselessly open, a spirit was for an instant outlined against -the darkness without; the door had already commenced to close; he madly -broke away from the compelling current of the She, who would have held -him. His consciousness felt her despairing cry breaking the placidity of -that spiritual atmosphere, as the tornado sweeps the ocean, lashing it -into frightful waves. - -The All Seeing looked at him with awful wrath and majesty. He but sped -the faster. The door was closing rapidly; he forgot the terrors of the -darkness without—he forgot the multitude of drifting souls, and their -horrible contact—he forgot that he knew not where he should go in all -that limitless gloom; he strove madly to reach the door ere it closed, -to once more shut him into that horrible inactivity, and forced -semblance of adoration. - -He reached the door—yet a little space open; the guardian angel paused -in amazement—it sufficed. He darted through; but instead of floating off -on the magnetic current as he had expected, he plunged downward—down, -down, down! Would he never reach a resting-place? - -Oh, for a voice to cry aloud! Oh, for the company of even the gruesome -shadows! Though he loathed and feared them, this absolute isolation held -a greater terror, the fear that this state might be perpetual. One of -the first principles of all life is resistance, and deprived of all -motive—which is but another way of saying of all power of resistance—he -felt as though in the throes of a spiritual vertigo. - -He struggled frantically to cry aloud, he imagined that a ray of light -pierced the gloom in the distance; with a mad effort he struggled -upward, unseen hands caught and held him down, and still that -tantalizing ray of light flickered and glowed like a beckoning ray of -hope. - -Within its radius grew a face—his swooning soul revived—it bore the -lineaments of Aimee; she too must have passed over to the Beyond. - -Like sweetest music a sound reached him; sweeter than all the mythical -harps are the tones of the human voice—and succeeding the deadly silence -through which he had passed—it flooded his whole being with delight. -Aimee was stooping over him caressingly, her words were very simple: -“August, dear, are you better?” - -His fingers closed feebly over her hand, as he whispered faintly, “Oh, I -fell so far! How came you to catch me?” - -She answered him soothingly, and held an invigorating drink to his lips; -he drank obediently and immediately dropped into a refreshing slumber. - - * * * * * - -When through the rush and roar of the storm the frightened men bore -August’s body to the farmhouse there was no disfiguring trace upon him -except a slight blue line, like a faint pencil mark, extending from brow -to chin; he lay like one asleep, that faint, sweet smile still upon his -lips. In a state of mental collapse Aimee accompanied them, and for days -her condition bordered upon insanity; when they made preparations to -bury August, she cried so piteously that he was not dead, that they were -forced to delay the final ceremonies; this was repeated until her -persistence won a measure of unwilling belief, and a council of -physicians was called, who decided that he was in a cataleptic -condition. - -Aimee scarcely left his bedside until he recovered consciousness. - -About a week after this occurred, as he lay on a couch drawn up to the -open window, languidly looking at the softly rustling leaves, the green -grass, the glowing flowers, he sighed restlessly. - -Aimee was at his side instantly: “What is it, August? Are you in pain?” - -“Oh, no! I was only thinking how much nicer this is than heaven, and -wondering why it is that people are not more content in this beautiful -world; we have such infinite variety, such happy conditions, and yet -humanity is so unsatisfied.” He paused a moment, then asked, “Didn’t you -know that I was in heaven while I was dead?” - -“I know that you are talking fearful nonsense!” answered Aimee severely. - -“Do you think it nonsense that I think this world so beautiful?” he -asked teasingly. - -“You know that I do not mean that; but that is nonsense about your going -to heaven.” - -“But I did go there and it made me awful tired! I am glad that I -returned to earth again,” said he. - -“Oh, August! You are perfectly horrid!” was Aimee’s shocked rejoinder. - -He smiled, but went on to relate his strange experience. - -“But you were not really dead, you know,” she replied as he finished the -recital. - -“Do you think that?” he answered thoughtfully; “I should like to have -some one—some person who really knows—explain the difference between -that which is called trance, and death, except as to duration. Where was -my soul during all that time? Not in the body of a certainty. I know -that my spirit went to heaven; everything there was just as I had been -taught from childhood that it would be; that teaching could not by any -possibility be wrong!” he added conclusively, but with a merry twinkle -in his eye. - -Later on, sweetly and seriously he said, “I shall always love and -appreciate nature so much more for that experience; of things infinite -we know not the method; we behold the result, and we know that the -Creator _is_. All nature unites into a rhythm of grandest praise to Him -who is part and parcel of all things good. The leaf on the tree whispers -of his abiding presence; the flower that springs from the mold lifts its -face to the sun and air, and speaks of the Life, glorifying Him with its -beauteous colors. God is the very principle of all life. He is not an -Idle God; his work goes on forever, without haste, without cessation. We -are created in his image; not as to the physical, which must change its -form, and subserve in other ways, but as to the spiritual, which, if we -will not pervert our higher natures—will grow to sublime heights of -purity and goodness—the higher we place our standard the nearer we -approach the Divine. - -“We sin continually against our better selves, our physical bodies and -our spiritual natures, we gorge the body and starve the mind; we -overwork the perishable physical, and let the mental and spiritual rust, -while we heap up a little gold and silver for those who shall come after -us to squander and quarrel over. We strive after a heaven in the future, -and neglect that which only is ours to-day. Why wait for an impossible -time, and a mythical place? We had best take a share of it each day; it -is here if we will accept it; for, dearest Aimee, what does heaven mean -but _happiness_?” - - - - - THE TRAGEDY OF THE GNOMES. - - -Many, many ages ago this fair old world of ours wore a solemn and -forbidding aspect; no carpet of thick, green grass eased the footfall of -man as he climbed the hills; no human voice was heard amid the -desolation—ice, ice everywhere—from the North Pole to the center of that -which is now the temperate zone, and only such life peopled this region -as could endure the rigor of a more than arctic condition. Vast sheets -of ice, in depth immeasurable, covered the surface of the hills and -valleys, broken toward the tropics into serrated edges—the verdure -running up an occasional valley, as though in laughing derisions of its -neighbors the ice-imprisoned mountains. - -In those days there existed only hideous animals and reptiles of size -great and awful; animals whose terrible voice shook the mountains like -an earthquake; slimy or scaly reptiles who walked on many feet, or -dragged a hideous length along the ice-covered rocks. It seemed as if -the great Creator must have fashioned all existent things in an hour of -wrath, or that man, having existed, had been for some sin exterminated -by that icy inundation, and that animal creation had so displeased him -that he had fashioned them in grotesque caricature upon all grace and -beauty. - -Man esteems himself higher than all other created things; who shall say -that the great, buzzing bluebottle fly does not think the same of -himself, and perhaps, with as much reason; it is at most but a grade of -intelligence; and what do we understand of that Intelligence which is -above _us_? - -In one of the green valleys running up into the foothills of what is now -called the Rocky Mountains, frisked and played a band of Gnomes. These -were but a fairy people, differing only from the fairies of woodland -glade and dell in this; those fairy folk were things of beauty like -imprisoned sunbeams; lighter than gossamer, they floated hither and -thither, always trending toward the tropics, where the sun shone -radiantly warm, and the silvery moon lighted the verdant carpet of -grass, and the sweet south wind rang the lily bells in merry chime; -there they idled away each sunny day—creatures of light and frivolity. - -These Gnomes were a sturdier, darker folk, short in stature, but with a -breadth of shoulder, a depth of chest, and muscles fit for giants. -Though for an occasional frolic they danced and roughly tossed each -other about in the valley, they better loved their homes in the heart of -the ice-covered mountains, where they forged beautiful things from the -yellow metal, or decked their cavern homes with softly glowing, or -fiery-eyed jewels; thus from earnest labor their faces gained a look of -firmness and determination; they were homely, but were good to look -upon, lighted as their faces were by love and kindliness. - -One among them was wondrously fair: Lilleela they called her. Her hair -was like silk as it winds from the cocoon; her eyes were blue as the sky -when it shows between the fleecy clouds of summer; her cheeks were as -though they had been kissed by the wild rose blooms, which left their -dainty stains upon the fair skin. She was as sweet and pure as the -breath of the dawn. - -Walado was her lover; a short, deep-chested giant, with a face like a -ripe walnut—all seams and puckers; not with age, but with jolly -laughter, and intent, hard work. Lilleela must have the finest of -rubies, on strings of beaten gold; tiny silver bells must be made, to -ring their sweet chimes with every joyous movement; dainty chains of -gold—set with amethyst, rubies and diamonds—must be wrought to bind the -floating cloud of hair. Away down in the heart of the mountain Walado -plied his little hammer of polished stone—clink-clink-clink all day long -like a refrain it accompanied his happy song. - -One fair day the troop of Gnomes went down into the green valley for a -holiday. - -Walado objected: “No, no! You can go, but I must finish this golden -girdle for my Lilleela, and then, there are sandals of gold to be set -with precious stones for her feet—they are too sweet and fair to be -bruised by the rocks,” he had answered, screwing up his face into a -funny little smile. - -“Oh, do come, Walado! The girdle and sandals can wait! The sun is so -cold and sorrowful up here, but down in the valley it is so beautiful!” -pleaded Lilleela. - -Her blue eyes moulded his will like warm wax, and over the ice they sped -away many, many miles, to where its broken edges lay like icicles -flattened out with huge rollers; some having sharp, sword-like points, -others rounded and scalloped, as though in fanciful adornment. All along -the border of the valley, reaching in places high up on the mountain -side—wherever there were breaks in the ice—hardy trees had planted their -feet, and lifted their heads to catch a breath of the warmer air of the -tropics; some few, essaying to climb still higher, or being less -hardy—reached their dead arms abroad, or pointed with ghostly fingers -toward the icy desolation in warning to their kind. - -These happy, childlike beings, instead of walking, had a gliding -movement which carried them over the ground very rapidly; laughing, -tumbling, pushing one another in merry sport, they sped on as though -wings were attached to their feet. Hand in hand went Walado and -Lilleela; his nut-brown face drawing into a nest of comical wrinkles, -which were so many happy smiles; her look was like the sun, bright and -warm. - -Of a sudden she stopped and shivered: “Oh, my Walado, what was that?” -From off the mountain height had come a long, low wail, and a chill was -borne with it which froze them with fear. - -Walado gathered her in his embrace, and shading his eyes with one hand, -looked back over the mountain: “Fear not, my Lilleela, ’tis but the -voice of the storm on its way from the far north. See! We shall soon be -in the beautiful valley, where he cannot come!” - -“Let us hasten, then, for in my heart I feel a chill which is like -death.” - -Walado gathered her closer to him: “Little sun beam! Am I not able to -shield you from the shadow of the dark cloud?” - -She patted his brown face with her wee, rose-leaf palms, and kissed the -wrinkles on his brown cheeks lovingly. - -“Yes, my Walado; your arm is as strong as your heart is brave, but—” she -broke off abruptly: “Let us fly!” she finished with a sound between a -laugh and a sob as the wailing came borne from the mountain heights once -more. - -Turning their affrighted glance backward, they saw the tall pines at the -foot of the hills swaying wildly; some which stood so tall and straight -were snatched off like a brittle weed and tossed down the mountain side. - -Lilleela shivered again, remembering the look the fearful Ice King had -given her as he rode above the mountain height upon which she stood at -twilight hour; he was seated upon a cloud of inky blackness; his eyes -shot forth red and yellow flame, like the terrible light which streamed -up from the far north; his lips were blue and hideous, and his matted -hair, and long, tangled beard, were a mixture of frost and ice. He -pointed a finger at her which looked as though belonging to the hand of -one long since dead—so rigid and bloodless it appeared—the nails showed -blue and ghastly. With a voice like the whistling north wind, he said, -“You’ll make a bonny bride for the Ice King! Your youth will warm my old -blood finely! o-We-ee, Y-e-ss!” The cloud passed on, and bore him from -her view, but the deadly chill remained, for well Lilleela knew that his -love meant death, as his hate meant destruction. - -For this reason the wailing sound shook her with an awful fear, but she -dared not tell Walado; she feared that he would turn and seek the -terrible monarch whose simple touch was death; once more she caught -Walado’s hand, crying gayly, “Come, come, before the storm god overtakes -us!” - -They romped and played through all that happy day; they climbed the -steep inclines, and sitting on the glittering ice dashed down to the -valley below, tumbling over and over, with laughter sweet as the -tinkling of silver bells; it seemed strange to hear such sweet and -musical sounds issuing from those queer little bodies, but the sound -fitfully represented the sweet harmonious souls within. - -At last, worn out with play, they climbed the long, icy hills; they -wound around the towering rocks, they clung to dizzy precipices; they -crept by the lairs of horrible animals with noiseless tread; ever upward -and onward toward the North Pole, where life had grown old and dead, -while the new life had slipped down toward the equator. - -“Oh, why do we journey so far to-night, Walado?” said Lilleela wearily. - -“There is a mountain lying in the light of the northern star, which is -filled with yellow gold; its caverns are lined with jewels; I seek them -for you, my Lilleela.” - -As he ceased speaking, again that wailing sound filled with awful menace -smote their ears: “o-o-W-ee” a sound that rose from fretful discontent -into fiercest anger, then died away like a long sigh of satisfied hate. - -“I am afraid, Walado! Oh do return!” cried Lilleela in terror. - -“’Tis but the wind, beloved one,” answered Walado stoutly, though he too -shivered. - -“Nay! nay! It is the Ice King passing by in his chariot of storm, and -drawn by his slaves—the winds of the hurricane,” she cried frantically, -fear making her pallid lips tremble. - -Walado’s wrinkled visage grew stern—all the pleasant lines drawn out of -it; he understood more than her words told him. - -“Has he dared to look upon you, with a desire to possess you? Knows he -not that you are mine? I am not worthy of you—except as love for you -makes me worthy—” his voice dropping into tender cadence, “but he—the -monarch of all cruelty—is not of our kind. His very kiss is death; let -him find a bride in his own frozen empire—the North Pole!” He shook his -clinched hand in the direction of the swift rushing shadow, which so -depressed them all: “Haste! haste, men and maidens! Let us flee to our -own mountain home, where we can defy the monster! Our Lilleela has just -cause for fear, for none upon whom he has looked with the desire for -possession ever escaped him; and it is only by speedily reaching our -caverns that we may hope for safety.” - -They turned about, and like a flock of frightened birds they flitted -away, with no more noise than would be made by the rustle of a bat’s -wing, and were lost in the gloom. - -The moon shone out cold and pale, as though grieving over the dread -desolation and lighted up the angry face of the Ice King with a pallid -luster; he puffed out his gaunt cheeks menacingly; his eyes darted flame -like the quick thrusts of a sword blade in deadly battle; as he saw that -the Gnomes had fled he shrieked in wrath. He swayed the tall trees, and -tossed their dead branches in every direction; he fiercely threw the -rocks from the lofty mountain summits, and as they went crashing down, -down, with thunderous noise, they splintered and tore up the ice like a -silver foam, which glittered and flashed with pale prismatic glow as it -caught the moon’s sad, cold ray. - -Faster, faster flew the tiny band; closer clung Lilleela to Walado’s -hand as that wrathful shriek reached their ears; dashing wildly past the -brow of the darkly towering mountain, as the crashing of rocks smote -them with wild affright; leaping across the roaring torrent, to slip and -sprawl on the glassy ice of the further bank; up and away, bruised and -sore; past lifeless trees, whose dead branches were falling all about -them, until at last they reached a mountain home seldom used by them. -Nothing was to be seen save a tiny crevice between the rocks; one after -another they lay down, and silently slid through; then, and not until -then, Walado spoke: - -“We are safe! Even the Ice King cannot enter here! We are safe, quite -safe!” - -“Are you sure? Ah, my Walado, he is so vengeful!” sighed Lilleela. -Walado laughed, all his funny little puckers laughing as well: - -“He knows nothing of our hiding place, and he could not force his great -rigid body through the narrow opening. Oh, we are quite safe!” he -reiterated gleefully. - -But Lilleela sighed. - -Walado felt the hopelessness of that sound, and it grieved his tender -heart; he passed his rugged, brown hand over her flossy hair, with a -touch as soft as the brushing of a butterfly’s wing. - -“My treasure, if ill befall us here in this our vaulted hall, there are -still the lower caverns, where none can possibly come save ‘we who -know’.” - -They soon regained confidence, and joked and made merry; they were such -trusting, childlike beings, taking the comfort and joy of each hour at -its utmost worth. - -Their enjoyment was at its height, when faintly heard came that long -chilling wail. Two of their number had gone outside unnoticed by Walado; -they came shooting in through the entrance, their brown faces bleached -an ashen gray, their teeth chattering, their eyes protruding. All sprang -up in wild affright. - -“Where have you been? What is the matter?” cried Walado, as sternly as -the gentle soul could speak. - -“We but crept out for the birds we had snared! We thought to help out -the feast!” said Tador, the hairy one. - -“And I had a skin of berries that I gathered in the valley below; they -were very sweet, Walado!” answered Sudana, the good. - -“Tell me what you saw,” replied Walado sadly, his anger melted away by -their deprecating looks and words. - -Sudana answered: “We saw the Ice King; his cloud chariot so low that it -touched the top of the mountain, he was so angry that the frost flew in -great clouds from his nostrils; his breath reached us and chilled us -through.” - -Walado opened his lips to speak, when—“O-o-W-W-ee,” filling all that -vaulted chamber with the dread sound, it came borne on a wind so chill -that it pierced the hearts of each with cold and fear. - -These loving souls had never felt the need of a ruler, each doing his -utmost through love for all, thus there had been no dissensions; now all -turned instinctively to Walado for guidance. They were growing benumbed -with the chill of that icy breath. - -Walado silently pointed to the narrow passage leading deep into the -bowels of the earth. Each took his beloved by the hand and prepared for -the descent; before they had taken so much as one step, there came a -crash so awful that it shook the great mountain to its center; the -falling of rocks resounded in deafening commotion; the Ice King’s -snarling wail echoed and re-echoed throughout the cavern; bitter, bitter -cold grew the air; crash—crash—crash, came the sound of falling -mountains heaped upon them; covering them deeply beneath the _débris_. - -Then was a new horror added; the roaring and growling of many horrible -beasts, as they fought and struggled for entrance through the narrow -passageway, to escape the falling ruins, and the deadly cold. - -There was the shrieking and tumult of the tempest; the hiss and roar of -the struggling reptiles, but higher and shriller than all else was the -fierce wailing menace of the angry Ice King; it shrieked to them -insolently: “You defy me, do you? We’ll see! We’ll s-e-e!” - -Gray and pallid grew the little brown faces as they silently followed -Walado down into the bowels of the earth until they came to a lofty -room; here they huddled silently together. - -Thus they remained day after day, night after night, no ray of light to -distinguish the one from the other; but as time passed on the pangs of -hunger assailed them fiercely. Tador’s birds were divided, and by -morsels eaten; Sudana’s berries were parceled out by ones and by twos, -Walado adding all his share to Lilleela’s, although she knew not that it -was so; grayer grew his little, wrinkled face, but ever it smiled -tenderly upon Lilleela, and with patient kindness he answered all -questions in unselfish endeavor to comfort and cheer the others. For a -time they could feel the earth quiver and vibrate as though in -shuddering fear, then came a time of awful calm, when the sound of a -voice smote the deadly silence with all the horror of thunder tones, -until they shrank affrighted, and spoke only in awed whispers—afraid of -the awful echo which answered sound. Paler and more spiritlike grew -Lilleela; sadder, sadder grew Walado as he pillowed her head upon his -broad breast. The sighs of all rose incessantly! - -At last Tador whispered, “Shall I not descend further toward the center -of the earth? It will be warmer than it is here—it grows so very cold!” -shivering. - -“As you wish, Tador,” replied Walado sadly. - -Hearing Walado’s answer all clamored to accompany him—anything seemed -preferable to this inaction. - -As they prepared for the descent, Sudana said: “We do not know what we -may find, Walado,” trying to speak hopefully. - -“Gold and jewels in plenty, but all that lies hidden in the whole -mountain range, are not worth as much as one juicy berry,” and he -glanced at Lilleela’s wan face. She was far too weak to accompany the -party, and all insisted that Walado must remain with her; he silently -folded her in his arms; he would not have left her. - -She raised her sad eyes to his face: “Better had I have given myself to -the Ice King; then I only should have perished,” she said. - -“No! no! no!” whispered they, as with one voice. - -Wearily, wearily time passed on, but they did not return. Lilleela dozed -and whispered fitfully, but Walado sat with staring eyes, and listened -intently for sounds of his comrades, he was afraid to move lest he -disturb his precious burden. - -At last she raised herself up on her elbow, her eyes full of agony: “Oh, -Walado, take me up above—I cannot breathe here! Oh, I must get one -breath of air!” her chest heaving convulsively, her hollow cheeks -palpitating with the struggle for inhalation. - -One great tear rolled down Walado’s cheek, and fell splashing on the -rocky floor. - -Around his waist he wore a rope made of the hide of animals, which -served to hold his stone hammer and ax; with this rope he bound Lilleela -to him, passing it under her arms and around his neck. - -“Dear one, put your arms about my neck to steady yourself all that you -are able, and I will carry you safely up.” - -Her chest rose and fell spasmodically; her heart fluttered faintly, or -thumped with wild, irregular motion. - -The walls of the shaft were covered with ice, rendering it almost -impossible to obtain a foothold; inch by inch he made slow headway, -every muscle strained to its utmost tension; his hands leaving stains of -blood with every grasp. He could at last see a ray—scarcely of light, -but a little less gloom; he was so exhausted that he was gasping for -breath; he placed his hands upon a slight projection for one more -effort—it may have been that his eagerness was too great, or that he -grasped but brittle ice which broke off—for he fell. Down, down he -slipped, with inconceivable rapidity; weak from want of food, and -frightened lest he injure his beloved, he lost his presence of mind. - -Lilleela recalled his wandering faculties; after one frantic scream, she -made no outcry—indeed she had little breath for speech—but with her lips -close to his ear she whispered: “Throw out your hands and feet against -the wall, and I will do the same; we may at least break the fall!” -Little by little the speed decreased, until as Walado’s foot touched -another projection they stopped altogether. He waited long enough to -recover breath and a little strength. Lilleela’s head fell over -sidewise; she had fainted, and hung a dead weight about his neck; he -dared not loose his hands, though he madly longed to caress the cheek -which felt so cold to his trembling lips. Once more, nerved by -desperation, he made an effort to reach the upper cave; slowly and -carefully he climbed; resting often—a hand or foot slipping—clinging -frantically as the ice became thicker, and the ascent more difficult. At -last, just as his fingers were over the upper edge his foot slipped, and -threw the other from its resting-place; for one breathless instant he -hung suspended by his fingers—Lilleela’s lifeless weight dragging him -down! Sparks of fire shot before his eyes! A noise as of rushing water -sounded in his ears: His breathing became labored and stertorious! A -bitter cry rose to his lips as Lilleela’s cold cheek touched his -drooping face; he made one supreme effort, and half unconscious he lay -upon the floor of the upper cavern, Lilleela’s cold form clasped in his -embrace! - -The chill at length restored him to consciousness; he sat up and unbound -Lilleela; he struck two pieces of flint rapidly together, and ignited -the punk which he carried in a bag about his neck. He observed that the -cold wind had ceased blowing in, thus he knew that the Ice King must -have departed, probably believing that all were dead. Well, so they -were—all but himself—and—perhaps Lilleela! - -He felt for her heart, but could find no pulsation; he kissed her cold -cheeks, and blew his warm breath between her parted lips; at last the -madness of despair took possession of him. He groveled on the icy floor! -He shrieked aloud, to be answered only by a thousand hollow echoes! He -ran to the opening through which they had entered, and found the passage -barred by rocks and dirt; he tore at the rubbish with his hands as an -animal digs with its claws, only to fall back in despair with the tears -coursing down his cheeks. - -“Oh, my Lilleela! If I could but reach the air! If I could only carry -you into the sunshine and let it warm your cold face! Oh, my Lilleela. -Oh, my Lilleela!” he cried, gathering her once more into his arms. All -the cave was now lighted with a dim, red light, from a few slivers of -wood ignited with the burning punk. Water had oozed through the rocks -from above and formed long, glittering icicles, frozen by the fierce -breath of the Ice King; the floors and walls were likewise of ice, cold -and scintillating. The sighs which had arisen from the imprisoned Gnomes -had congealed into forms of wonderful beauty, as pure as the white souls -of the passing spirits; all over that arched ceiling hung fairy curtains -of frost, wonderful jewels, each like a frozen tear, ornamented each -jutting point. Walado sat down with his back against an angle of the -wall, and clasped Lilleela in loving embrace; he smiled sadly yet -lovingly as his eyes rested upon walls and dome: “It is a fitting tomb -for thy fair body, my beloved! Thy spirit, not even the Ice King can -imprison; and I—thine even in death—I go with thee, to serve thee -still!” - -He bowed his face against her fair hair, and as he so rested his spirit -left his homely little body. - -It seems almost a pity that they could not have known how fully their -wrongs were avenged. Hot waves washed up from the tropic seas and melted -the crust of ice with which the cruel monarch had encased all the hills; -and he was driven by the south wind to his lair at the North Pole, there -to remain in expiation forever. Thus the hills became fertile, and with -the passing of those pure souls there sprang to life on the mountain -side—the primrose, for Lilleela’s pink-white skin; the columbine, for -the azure of her eyes; the gentian, for the crimson of her lips; and the -tall, white lily, for the stately grace of her body; and always the -brown-coated robin, with his warm breast, sings lovingly by day and -sleeps in their midst by night, and thus Walado’s soul still faithfully -serves his beloved. - - - - - AN UNFAIR EXCHANGE. - - -In and around the bank of “Lombard and Lombard” all was confusion. - -Arthur Lombard, the senior member of the firm, had suddenly fallen to -the floor as he was entering his office, to all appearance dead. -Physicians were hastily summoned; policemen were called to keep out the -ubiquitous small boy, and the omnipresent curiosity seeker. The great -doors were closed with a crash as the grave physician gave his verdict: -“He is dead; heart failure!” The truth which conveys a great grief, ever -seems heartless, and in a degree, coarse. - -Death shocks us ever, we think of it as connected with a sick bed and -fit preparation; deep down in our inner consciousness we form plans; -when the dark angel shall knock at our door, we will hastily don our -robes of sanctity, and fly away to eternal bliss. We are horrified when -he smites one of our number unaware—but we never think it might have -been us instead. - -The dead body was removed to his residence in the most fashionable part -of the city; crape hung from the elegant portal; crape draped the closed -doors of the bank, and lent adventitious aid to the gloom of the high -walled, narrow street. - -How many truly mourned I cannot say; a merchant in high standing -exchanged views with an artisan, both equally interested, as both had -all they possessed in the bark, albeit one had thousands of dollars -deposited, the other but a few hundred. - -“How will it affect the bank?” questioned the artisan. - -“I really could not say, but I think not seriously,” was the guarded -reply. - -“As I understand, he was the head of the concern.” - -“Y-e-s, but Gus Lombard is all right. It is a pity, though, that Arthur -was taken off.” - -Such is the sorrow of the world; a few who have known us intimately may -feel a less selfish grief; our motives are so complex, and selfishness -so much a part of human nature, that we seldom judge our own actions -correctly. If but one or two can say with sincerity that our lives and -our language were pure, then we shall not have lived in vain, as every -living being—whether good or bad—will influence some other to follow his -example. Lombard had been an unmarried man, who kept up a fine -establishment, and lived in good style; but being very reticent few knew -aught of his business affairs. - -He was laid out in one of the parlors; windows were darkened; lamps were -shaded; heavy carpets deadened the footfalls, until the silence and -gloom became oppressive. - -Late at night, three days after he was stricken down, a slight, fair -girl entered the parlor noiselessly; Edith Herford had been his ward; -she had also been his betrothed, although no one save his brother Gus -was aware of the fact. Noiselessly she pushed aside the _portières_, and -seeing the man on watch lying back in his chair, sleeping soundly, she -crossed the room, and knelt beside the coffin. - -Sobs shook her slight frame as she laid her face on his cold breast: -“Oh, Arthur, my beloved!” she whispered, caressing his cold face, -kissing the folded hands. - -“To-morrow they will put you out of my sight, and I shall be indeed -bereft. Oh, my love! my love!” - -With bowed head she wept silently; the ticking of the clock sounded loud -and awesome in the unnatural silence, “tick-tock, tick-tock; time-going, -time-gone,” it seemed to say; the breathing of the sleeping watcher -vibrated on the still air like an electric shock; a brooding mystery -seemed to hang over the dead form, it appeared like sculptured marble, -which at any moment might become instinct with life; it was hard to -realize that the soul had gone from the body, the features were so -placid, and were tinged with a roseate glow by the shades on the -incandescent light. - -Edith’s nerves were keyed up to their highest pitch, it seemed to her -that she must scream; as she pressed her lips to the cold hand, she -fancied that there was a slight movement of the fingers; she thought the -eyelids quivered; she pressed her handkerchief over her mouth, afraid -she should cry out. - -“Oh, Arthur! My Arthur! I know that you are gone from me forever, and -this is but a delusive fancy, would it were true, that I might not be so -lonely!” she whispered, gazing mournfully at him. - -The watcher stirred in his sleep, muttering low and indistinctly. Edith -started up in wild affright, her heart beating tumultuously; to her -excited imagination the lights seemed to burn dimly, as though about to -go out. - -The watcher shifted uneasily in his chair, then slept quietly on. - -Edith turned toward her dear dead; she would once more kiss the cold -lips, a last farewell, then return to her room. - -An appalled scream shivered through the gruesome silence. - -The watcher started from his sleep in wild affright, and caught Edith as -she fell fainting. - -Arthur Lombard was sitting upright, staring about with wondering eyes. -Dropping the fainting girl on the nearest sofa, the watcher rang a -hurried peal, and hastily dispatched a servant for a physician. He -tremblingly approached Arthur, shivering as he laid his hand upon his -shoulder; but managed to say soothingly: “Hadn’t you best lie down?” -Arthur looked at him in a bewildered way, seeming not in the least to -understand him. - -Though trembling in every limb, he gently pressed Arthur backward; who -gave a tired sigh, muttered something which the man did not understand, -and instantly sank into a refreshing slumber. - -A moment later the physician hurried in, looked wise, felt his pulse, -tested his temperature, and said, as though the circumstance was of -ordinary occurrence: - -“Suspended animation! He will be all right in a few days; get these -things off him, and get him into bed as gently as possible; do not let a -hint of the preparation for burial reach him; the shock of such -knowledge would in all probability actually kill him.” - -Edith had regained consciousness, and with timid hand touched his -sleeve. “You think that he will recover?” - -“Certainly! Certainly, Miss Herford! I see nothing to prevent it.” - -“But he looked and acted so strangely,” said Edith tremblingly. - -“No doubt! No doubt! So would you or I, placed in the same -circumstances. There, there! Run along to bed, I’ll stay here the rest -of the night, and see that he is all right,” gently pushing her through -the door as he ceased speaking. - -The next morning Arthur awoke feeling comfortably well, but very weak. -The physician was sitting beside the bed when he opened his eyes; Arthur -regarded him curiously, a puzzled look overspreading his countenance as -his gaze wandered about the room. He murmured something strange; -receiving no reply, he said slowly, like a child just beginning to talk: -“Where am I?” - -“In your own bed, of course; where should you be?” - -He lay quiet, looking around curiously, as though everything were new to -him. “Why am I here?” still with the same hesitation, as though not -certain as to the meaning of his words. - -“Where in the mischief would you wish, or expect to be, if not in your -own home?” answered the doctor a trifle impatiently. - -He looked troubled but asked no more questions; presently he lifted his -long, white hand, adorned with a handsome ring, and examined it as -though he had never before seen it; he seemed strangely unable to -express his feelings. - -“Jove!” said the doctor later, “I wonder if the fellow has lost his -wits! It is a pity if so, for he was one of the shrewdest of men, and a -sharp financier.” - -If Edith hovered about him, or caressed him with gentle touch, or called -him fond names, he looked at her in surprise, and gave not the slightest -return. - -She would look at him in grieved surprise, and on one occasion asked him -with trembling lips: “Do you no longer love me, Arthur?” - -“Love you? I—guess—so! I do not know what you mean!” looking helplessly -at her. - -She burst into tears which were quickly suppressed as she coldly left -the room. From that time she offered him no caresses, but he seemed not -to notice the omission. - -As Edith left the room in anger he looked after her, his brow wrinkled -in perplexity. - -He was certainly in a strange condition; he appeared to enjoy his meals; -he slept well; but he seemed to take no interest in anything more than -that—he did not seem to understand that there was anything in which he -ought to take an interest. - -One day, as he sat languidly looking out of the window, Gus said to him: -“You will soon be well enough to attend to business!” - -“What business?” he asked vacantly. - -“Why, your banking business of course!” answered Gus in a tone of -disgust; he thought his brother must be making a pretence of not -understanding. Arthur looked at him blankly but made no reply. - -Edith asked the physician: “What do you think of him? Is he insane?” - -“No! Neither insane nor idiotic, mental shock! He will recover, he is -like a child with everything to learn.” - -It is hard to tell what were Arthur’s sensations; everything seemed so -strange. He was told that these were his rooms; he had no recollection -of ever having seen them until the morning when he opened his eyes on -the physician’s face. Even the language sounded strange to him, though -in a hazy way he knew what was meant; it was as though the sounds had -been imprinted upon the brain by some other intelligence; as a picture -is sensitized upon the plate by one artist for another artist’s use. The -business so often mentioned to him, seemed like a hazy dream; something -of which some other person being cognizant, had conveyed to him in a -far-off manner, an impression of his knowledge. In the same way he knew -that he was expected to love Edith; but there was a vague, elusive -intuition of some actual affinity, a feeling which he could not shake -off, and by which he knew that whatever of feeling he possessed for -Edith was as the shadow to the real. This hazy something, which was not -knowledge, nor yet a dream, strained his mental capacity in a vain -effort after solution. He restlessly tried to gather up the threads of -that which seemed to him a new life. - -As Gus was vice-president of the bank everything went on smoothly; but -he felt greatly annoyed at Arthur’s complete indifference when he wished -to consult with him upon important business: - -“You just manage everything, Gus, until I feel more like business.” - -“You will have to pull yourself together, old man;” answered Gus, -regarding him with troubled gaze. - -No sooner had Gus left the room than all signs of languidness -disappeared; he muttered angrily to himself; he paced up and down the -floor; he tore the books from the shelves in frantic desire for -something which would enlighten him on these things which seemed so hazy -and bewildering; he threw the book he was holding from him in an excess -of rage. Letters and words had a strangely familiar look, and yet—the -mental strain was fearful—it was like hunting for faces whose lineaments -were long since forgotten; like trying to decipher a faded picture -imprinted in dim ink by some person unknown; and feeling, withal, that a -perfect understanding of the dim lights and shadows was expected. - -That which gave him a still more restless pain was that other -tantalizing consciousness which eluded him, though almost touching his -memory. Every hour when alone was feverishly employed in trying to -recall that which seemed to him like a lost treasure. He listened to -every scrap of conversation, he watched the expression of every face, -the gestures of every person. A sentence which puzzled him he would -repeat over and over again, until he had fixed it firmly in his mind; -then the full meaning was hunted out as soon as he was alone. - -Edith often looked at him in wondering surprise; he seemed not in the -least like the man whom she had loved; it is true the features were the -same, but—where was the cultivated ease of manner, where the grace which -had been so attractive; the clear, open expression of countenance which -had distinguished the man she loved above his fellows? This -discontented, rebellious soul looked out from under frowning brows; the -brilliant blue eyes had a wary, suspicious look; the movements were -awkward, the speech uncouth. - -“Oh, Gus, how changed he is!” cried Edith. - -“Yes, I scarcely know what to do; if one could but wake him in some -way!” said Gus, sadly. - -A year or more passed by; as he regained strength he developed strange -desires; he absented himself from home for days together. - -Edith remonstrated: “Why do you do so, Arthur?” - -He answered her coarsely, like an undisciplined youth: “I do not think I -need a keeper!” - -Edith burst into tears: “I did not mean that; but you know—that—that—I -am lonely when you are away,” she faltered. - -A half-frightened look passed over his face, and was gone instantly, to -be succeeded by a perplexed scowl. - -“You act as though you owned me!” he said brutally. - -Edith regarded him in pained surprise: “Arthur!” The single word -expressed much. - -He left the house, slamming the door after himself. - -He began about this time assuming control of the business; things seemed -to go wrong from that hour, and he appeared to have lost all judgment; -heavy losses followed in rapid succession. He angrily resented advice, -and Gus became so annoyed that he took him to task. - -“See here, old man! You are going it a bit wild—you had best check up!” - -Arthur’s moody eyes lit up with an angry flame: “Any person would think -that you had the whole say so,” he sneered. - -“You know, Arthur, that I have no wish to control, except for the mutual -good. Great heaven, Arthur! You are ruining us!” cried Gus, aggravated -into speaking his mind. - -Arthur looked moodily down, and like a child caught in some misdemeanor, -grumbled out: “Any person is liable to make a mistake.” - -Gus looked at him curiously: “I’ve a great notion to pull out; I do not -propose getting caught under the wreck when the crash comes,” said he -angrily. - -“Oh, well, get some one to do the work in my place, if you feel so -terribly worried,” quite as angrily retorted Arthur. - -A couple of weeks later Gus did put another man into the office; Arthur -seemed rather relieved than otherwise. - -Gus was talking to Edith a few days later; they had been speaking of -Arthur, and incidentally of Wilbur the new man: - -“He seems to understand his business; he has a way of going at it, as -though he had been in that office all his life; actually, as he sank -into that big, green chair, he sighed with satisfaction.” - -“Tell me how he looks,” said Edith. - -“Oh, tall and muscular; his hair is as black as the proverbial crow’s -wing; the most piercing black eyes that I ever saw; his looks are rather -fierce and brigandish, but his manner is most gentle and courteous; his -voice is very sweet, the words and tones of a cultured man.” - -“You make me very curious to see him,” answered Edith. - -“He interests me strangely; it seems as though I had known him at some -former time, but I cannot place him.” - -“How does Arthur take it?” - -“That is strangest of all; he glowers at him as though he hated him -mortally; yet he obeys every suggestion of Wilbur’s as though he were -afraid of him.” - -Edith did not reply; she was conscious of a feeling of repulsion toward -Arthur, which had been growing in force for the last year; she no longer -had the slightest affection for him; if he laid his hand upon her -shoulder, even his near proximity would send a shudder through her whole -being. She felt ashamed and guilty that such was the case, and tried to -conceal the fact. A feverish longing possessed her to see Wilbur; she -was also ashamed of this feeling, and mentally took herself to task for -the unmaidenly desire. - -As to Arthur, everything worried him; he was restless and unhappy; he -seemed to have no care as to the success of the business; instead, he -burned with a wild desire to throw the money away; anything, any way, so -as to be free from care and thought. He had a passionate wish to roam, -to get away from the haunts of men into the green woods; to lie on his -back and look up at the blue skies, listening to the rustle of the -leaves; it smoothed the frown from his moody brow, and seemed to bring -that floating affinity nearer his mental vision; at times it came so -near that with a cry he would start up and fling his arms wide with a -hoarse cry of mad impotence, as it faded delusively. He hated the -conventionalities of society; he longed to do something _outré_, to -shock those with whom he came into contact out of their calm; he looked -with hatred upon all the refinements of life, as so many limitations, so -many bars to personal enjoyment. - -Through all the fierce rebellion ran a hazy admonition: “You ought to -like these things, it is expected of you; your position requires it.” -Accompanying these thoughts like a weird shadow was that intangible—what -was it? A delusion, a dream, or the shadow of a memory? - -A few days after Wilbur came, Gus one evening invited him to go home -with them: “I wish to introduce you to Arthur’s ward, Edith,” he said. - -“Edith! Edith!” said Wilbur dreamily; “I seem to see her—tall, fair—with -the purity of the lily—” He paused, passing his hand over his brow, with -a deep sigh. - -Gus stared at him in amazement; “Do you know her?” he asked brusquely. - -“No! no! I have sometimes dreamed of her, I think; I cannot recall what -it is—” again he sighed deeply; he appeared like one awakening from -sleep. - -Arthur looked at him, his brows bent moodily. - -Gus said nothing, but thought to himself; “Well, here is a pair of -them!” As they were walking slowly homeward, through the level glow of -the sunset, a woman brushed past them; she lifted her face to look at -Wilbur, a look in which hate mingled strangely with love. Her eyes were -like midnight, but a midnight lighted by a reddish glow, the reflection -of the fires within; inky black brows, and hair of the same shade -falling low on a forehead as colorless as marble. A face to glow with -the fiercest abandonment of love, or burn with the seething fires of -hate; her form was of voluptuous beauty, a something strange and foreign -in the _ensemble_. - -Arthur stopped abruptly, giving vent to a strange, fierce cry: - -“Andalusia! Andalusia!” The sound was like the voice of one in anguish. -She swept him a burning glance, to which he replied in a strange -language, gesticulating rapidly; with a look of wild amazement she -passed on, and was lost to sight around a street corner. - -Gus looked his displeasure: “I would not stop to talk with one of that -kind on the street; who is she?” - -Arthur looked at him as though he did not understand, but when the -question was repeated, he replied absently: - -“No; no; I must have been mistaken!” - -Gus of course thought that he was telling an untruth; he judged her some -disreputable woman of Arthur’s acquaintance. “Oh, it is all right, I do -not blame you for being ashamed of it!” he answered sarcastically. - -Arthur shot him a look of hatred from under moody brows, but made no -reply. Wilbur seemed feverishly eager to reach their destination, and in -preoccupied thought had hurried forward until he was considerably in -advance of the others, consequently observed nothing. - -When Gus introduced Wilbur to Edith, he blushed and stammered awkwardly; -she was no less embarrassed. Throughout the whole evening Wilbur -scarcely took his eyes from her face; once, inadvertently, he called her -Edith; she blushed furiously, and Gus gave him a look of displeasure, -which he did not observe. - -Later in the evening Gus said to her: “I do not like Wilbur’s -familiarity on so short an acquaintance.” - -Edith hesitated a moment before answering: “I do not think it was -intentional, Gus, doesn’t he remind you of some other person?” - -“Yes; but I can never say who it is.” - -They turned to look at him, as he sat talking to Arthur; the contrast -between the two was very marked. Arthur was slouchingly leaning over the -table; his carelessness of attire, an indefinable coarseness of look and -action, contrasted most unfavorably with Wilbur’s refined manner, the -neatness of his person, and the high thought written in characters -unmistakable upon his countenance; yet the features of Arthur were far -more regular, his physique finer. - -Edith sighed. Gus answered her thought. - -“Yes; he has changed awfully; I doubt his ever being quite himself -again.” - -“He seems an entirely different person; Mr. Wilbur is much more as -Arthur used to be than Arthur himself.” - -Gus started in amazement: “By Jove! That is so! Ever since he came it -has puzzled me to know who he was like.” - -They had been busying themselves over the tea things as they talked, and -now brought them forward. As they sipped their tea Gus endeavored to -lead the conversation toward Wilbur’s former life, but he plainly evaded -the subject. Arthur the whole evening sat moodily gnawing his mustache, -or paced the floor restlessly. It was late when Wilbur took his -departure. - -For a long time Gus could hear Arthur moving about his room, but at last -he sank into dreamy slumber, in which Arthur and Wilbur were strangely -intermingled, once starting up wide awake as he fancied he heard the -hall door close. He lay a few minutes with every nerve quivering, afraid -of—he knew not what; then took himself to task for being so foolish, and -again dropped off to sleep. - -Arthur did not appear in the morning; but his course was so erratic that -this occasioned no surprise; but when a week, two weeks went by without -his return, Gus began to be seriously alarmed. - -Wilbur proved a treasure; everything went on in the most methodical -manner; he seemed to understand every detail of the business; to know -where papers and records were kept, of which others had no knowledge; -moreover he seemed to enjoy his work. - -The residence also, seemed strangely familiar to him; on more than one -occasion he surprised them by mentioning articles placed in rooms of -which he was supposed to know nothing. - -One evening Gus asked him: “Were you ever in that room?” - -Wilbur looked bewildered: “I think not—I do not know,” he said slowly. - -“If not, how do you know where that picture is placed, and the subject -of the painting?” - -They had been talking of the works of a certain master, and Wilbur -mentioned a painting which hung in Arthur’s room. - -He rested his head upon his hand in an attitude familiar to both; “I do -not know; I seem to see it, that is all that I can tell you,” he -answered in a sad tone. - -Gus looked at Edith questioningly; she did not notice him, her eyes were -fixed upon Wilbur. - -The next morning as they were sitting down to breakfast, Arthur -returned. Edith and Gus rose to their feet, simultaneously; he was -dirty, and disheveled, his clothing tattered and soiled; he had the look -of a tramp. “Well! You are a sight, and no mistake! Where have you -been?” said Gus laughingly. - -His appearance was really ludicrous; he tried to pass it off lightly, -but a heavy frown belied his flippant manner. - -“Who made you your brother’s keeper?” - -“Really, I do not know who appointed me, but you look as though you were -in need of some person to fill that position,” retorted Gus. - -Half defiantly he replied: “With your kind permission, I’ll take some -breakfast,” tossing his hat on the floor, as he seated himself at the -table. - -Edith had not spoken, but looked at him in amazement and aversion. Gus -laughed derisively: “I say, aren’t you forgetting something, old -fellow?” laying his hand affectionately on his shoulder. - -“What’s wrong, now?” looking scowlingly at him. - -Gus made no reply in words, but looked significantly at his grimy hands; -he frowned still more angrily; jerked himself out of his chair, and went -to his room muttering: “Confounded bore! Mind his own business!” like an -untrained, overgrown boy. - -Edith could scarcely restrain her tears. “Is it not horrible?” she said -with quivering lips. - -“Yes it is, but we must overlook it as much as possible; he is to be -pitied; he has never been quite right since—” he paused significantly. - -“I know! But Gus, it makes me shudder to think of fulfilling my -engagement to him; I just cannot—” she paused, a burning blush spreading -over her face; she had never before spoken of it to Gus. - -He sat thoughtfully toying with his fork for a few minutes: - -“Do you think that he wishes it?” - -“No, I do not; he never offers me the slightest token of affection, for -which I am indeed grateful; truly, I do not believe that he ever thinks -of it.” She laughed in an embarrassed manner. - -“Taking it altogether, Wilbur, Arthur, and—ourselves, it’s a queer -business.” - -Edith flushed a fiery red; but if she intended an answer, which is -doubtful, Arthur’s returning step put an end to the conversation. He at -once seated himself at the table, and ate like one famished. A few -evenings later Wilbur again came to dinner with Arthur and Gus. The air -was very warm and pleasant, and after dinner they all went into the -sitting room; the windows opened down to the floor, and were flung wide -to admit the sweet, fresh evening air; a long vine-draped porch ran -along the whole front of the house. - -“Do not have lights, they call the insects, and it is much pleasanter to -sit on the porch,” said Edith. - -Seated there, a strange silence fell over them; the full moon rode -through the sky like a stately silver ship; a faint breeze stirred the -leaves on the vines, and cast fitful arabesques on the floor; a cricket -chirped lonesomely in the grass; dark shadows lay weirdly across the -winding walks. Wilbur sat close to Edith, the shadows half enveloping -them; in their concealment his hand had sought hers, and clasped it -fondly. Arthur sat at the far end of the porch, in the densest gloom; -only the fiery tip of his cigar betraying his presence. Gus lay -stretched on a wooden settee, his eyes fixed dreamily on a few light, -fleecy clouds showing through a break in the vines. - -There was a faint rustling sound just where the foliage grew the most -dense; the leaves were cautiously parted, and a pallid, vengeful face -looked through. The intruder seemed as much surprised as were the group -seated there; she had evidently expected to find the porch untenanted, -and the sight revealed seemed to drive her to a frenzy of madness; a ray -of moonlight fell upon the clasped hands of Edith and Wilbur, also -showing the look of devotion upon Wilbur’s face, as he was bending -toward her in the act of speaking. - -There was a flash, the report of a pistol, intermingled with wild -screams, and a hoarse, strange cry from Arthur: - -“Andalusia! Andalusia!” Then, something wildly, rapidly spoken in a -strange language; the vengeful, defiant air speedily changing to wonder -and amazement; tones of fierce remonstrance from him, and scornful -disbelief from her; then a word or two of pleading; a light in her eyes -like blazing stars, and obeying his fierce gestures she slipped away -among the winding walks, shadowy trees and shrubbery. - -It has taken some time to tell all this, but the happening was so rapid -that none save Gus saw or heard aught that passed between Arthur and the -strange woman. - -Wilbur was bending over the half-fainting Edith, whispering impassioned -words in her ear, caution thrown to the winds on the near approach of -danger. - -Gus for a moment gazed speechless and motionless, amazed at the fierce -gestures, and the strange language; and when he would have detained the -woman, Arthur angrily threw him backward, saying: “Let her alone! She -made a mistake!” - -“A strange mistake, I take it!” hotly replied Gus. - -“What is the use of raising more disturbance? No one is hurt! She -thought that I was sitting there beside Edith.” - -“Suppose you were? Why should she shoot you? It looks very peculiar!” -said Gus angrily. - -Arthur made no reply, but strode away into the darkness of the -shrubbery. - -Edith and Wilbur had entered the house, and their low tones, agitated -conversation, reached Gus indistinctly as he stood irresolute; he had -sent the servants back to their places, and their frightened tones -reached him faintly; after some seconds’ indecision he plunged off down -the path which Arthur had taken, but no trace of him or the woman could -he find. - -It was fully an hour before he returned to the house, feeling angry that -he was no wiser than when he started; he was the more angry that he did -not know what he expected to find. His astonishment was great to find -Arthur seated in the self same place smoking as though nothing out of -the ordinary had happened. - -“Well, I declare! I have been looking everywhere for you;” he said. - -“Yes! You have found me, now what will you have?” - -It had seemed during the surprise and heat of anger easy enough to ask -him what all this mystery meant; but looking Arthur in the face; -listening to his cool, sneering tones, it was far from easy; so he -hesitated and stammered out: “I don’t understand this business at all.” - -Arthur broke in: “My dear Gus, neither do I.” - -His tone implied so much more than the words that Gus was effectually -silenced. - -They soon separated for the night; Wilbur had gone home half an hour -before, and Edith had retired to her room, her nerves in a tumult over -the occurrences of the evening; but through all the fright and horror -ran a thrill of sweetness. - -Wilbur had whispered in her ear, as she lay half fainting: “My love! Do -not be frightened; I will protect you!” - -“Who could it be? I _am_ so frightened!” clinging to his hand. - -“It is all past now, dear; I think it must have been some crazy person.” - -For another week things went on much as usual, except that Gus was now -positive that Arthur went out each night at about half-past twelve; not -returning until morning, always haggard and worn, and often in the most -furious mood. Frequently he glared at Wilbur as though he would like to -murder him; but if Wilbur turned, or he knew himself to be observed, his -manner changed completely. He seemed anxious to throw Edith and Wilbur -together; and yet, as they conversed or sat in silent contentment he -would restlessly pace the floor, and finally fling himself out of the -room angrily. - -Of a sudden he changed entirely; he remained at home of nights, went to -the bank early in the morning, and remained until the hour of closing, -seemingly intent upon a thorough understanding of every phase of the -business, but at times showing such a strange forgetfulness—or -ignorance—that Wilbur would pause, and look at him in astonishment. - -It was on Wednesday, there were papers missing, relating to some -securities; Gus and Arthur had been vainly seeking them all the morning; -finally Gus went over to Wilbur’s desk and asked, more because he was -vexed and at a loss as to what to do, than for any other reason: - -“Wilbur, do you know anything about those securities?” mentioning the -particular ones he wished. - -Without even pausing in his work Wilbur replied, naming the number of -the drawer in the security vault where he would find them. - -Gus made him no reply, but sought the drawer described, and returned -with the papers. - -He walked up to Wilbur, followed by Arthur: - -“Will you explain to me _how_ you knew where those securities were? -After you told where they were, I remember placing them there; and I -know that they have not been removed for over a year, long before you -came here—” he paused significantly. - -Wilbur looked up from his work in complete bewilderment: - -“I do not know _how_ I know it, but it is all clear to me; the moment -you mention a thing I seem to see it, and a long-stored knowledge seems -instantly to step forth. I seem to know every crevice in these stones; -every bolt, bar and drawer; but how I gained that knowledge I can not -tell, because—I do not know.” - -As he talked he was gazing straight before him, with a strange, unseeing -look. - -“It is not so strange that you have the knowledge—it is easy to get, if -one pokes his nose into everything; but it is hard to understand why I -cannot remember anything concerning the business,” said Arthur -disagreeably. - -“It is no use quarreling!” said Gus, but it was evident that he was both -puzzled and annoyed. - -That night Gus again heard Arthur stealthily leaving the house, and he -did not return until noon of the next day. He remained at the bank from -that time until after the hour for closing, remarking that he had -correspondence which he wished to finish; having completed it, he called -the watchman and sent him to post the letters, saying that he would -remain on watch until his return; as soon as he came back, Arthur went -home. - -He seemed moody and distrait all the evening, and several times Gus -caught him glaring at Wilbur with the unmistakable light of hatred in -his eyes. Wilbur spent nearly all of his evenings with Edith, and made -no secret of his devotion to her. Gus was puzzled to account for -Arthur’s manner toward Wilbur; that he hated him was very evident, but -it certainly was not from jealousy, as he showed not the slightest love -for Edith; on the contrary, he appeared actually to dislike and avoid -her. Several times during the evening he sank into such gloomy -abstraction as not to notice when he was addressed; at an early hour he -left the parlor and went to his room, with not even an excuse or a -good-night. - -Edith looked pained, but Gus was too outspoken to keep silence: - -“I do believe that Arthur is going insane; I never saw such a change in -any one!” - -He was again absent the next morning; but he was away so frequently that -no one even spoke of it; but when a week passed without his return Gus -began to be vaguely alarmed and suspicious; the reason for the latter -feeling being that Arthur had drawn large sums of money on his personal -check within the previous week. Only the day before this last departure -he had taken out several thousand dollars. - -On his way to his sleeping room that night, Gus, from some impulse -unexplainable, tried the door of Arthur’s room. He did not know what he -expected to discover, he was simply uneasy. - -To his surprise he found the door unlocked; heretofore Arthur had been -more than careful to keep his privacy secure. Gus entered and turned on -the light, everything seemed as usual; he opened the door of the -wardrobe, and looked within, it gave him a start to find it empty. Gus -turned giddy; had his prediction come true? A prophecy which was born of -vexation, instead of insight. Arthur had taken away all of his clothing; -no interpretation could be put upon that action, but that he intended to -abandon his home; but why should he do so, unless mentally unbalanced? - -As he turned to extinguish the light he saw, placed conspicuously on the -dresser, a letter; trembling with undefinable fear he caught it up; -without address it abruptly commenced: - - -“When you find this I shall be far away. I have taken five thousand -dollars in cash and the diamonds which were in my safe-deposit drawer, -which amount to twenty thousand more. The balance of the money and the -real estate I have turned over to Wilbur; I hate him, but he has a right -to the property. - -“You do not understand, and will wonder; I will explain. - -“You remember the time when, to all appearances, Arthur Lombard dropped -dead; amid great, apparent grief, and much excitement he was carried to -this house where he lay silent and motionless for three days. - -“At the same instant in which he fell in his elegantly appointed office, -almost in the same manner, fell Antoni Petronelli, one of a band of -roving gypsies, who dwelt in a fair southern country, with no covering -save the waving arms of the forest trees, or at most a house of boughs -for shelter at night or in storm. As Edith and Gus mourned over Arthur -Lombard, so Andalusia Varana mourned over Antoni—yet not the same—the -cool blood of your race cannot realize the fierce love and desperate -grief of the untrammeled children of the South. - -“At the very instant that Arthur Lombard awoke to life again, that same -instant arose as one from the dead, Antoni Petronelli. - -“Now comes the really strange, and tragic part of the story. When these -two souls were loosed from the body and entered space, they drifted -without knowledge of their destination; but that an intelligent power -directed them is proved by this; although so far apart, the soul of -Arthur Lombard sought the body of the gypsy Petronelli; and the spirit -of Petronelli was forced to enter the effeminate body of Arthur Lombard. - -“I can speak only of my own impression; I, the soul of the gypsy, -Petronelli, and the body of the aesthetic banker, Arthur Lombard. When I -regained consciousness I had but a confused mingling of ideas; some -things—impressions, knowledge, thoughts—which had been the property of -Lombard, haunted me; it was as though these things had been photographed -on the brain, to be brought forth and used by the occupant of the body -as occasion required. I did not understand the use of this knowledge; I -detested the fair-skinned body; I hated the limitations of his -life—which you call refinements; the greatest trial of all was that for -a long time I did not know what I was fighting against. I knew only that -I was miserably unhappy. - -“I hated the soft, cool caresses of Edith; I was tormented with a misty -memory—which I could not drive from my mind—of arms which had encircled -my neck, and had set my being on fire. I hated the reproof in Edith’s -calm eyes, and the low voice which grew so cool as I pushed away her -hands, or answered her roughly; she was offended in such a grand, cold -way. My Andalusia would have upbraided me with hot words, uttered in her -shrill, sweet voice; she would have given me blow for blow, then we -should have kissed with fond words, and loved better than ever. I hated -the house with its elegant furnishings, its heavy, hot carpets, and -close, stifling atmosphere. - -“I longed for the cool, leafy woods; for the carpet of green grass. I -felt an insane desire to crush the globes on the incandescent lights, -which parodied the light of the moon; that soft southern moon, which, -with its coterie of stars, looked down upon my bed of boughs while I -slept in that happy time before disaster came. - -“For a long time I could not put these feelings into words, or even into -thoughts; I knew only that these things I hated, and I madly desired to -get away; it was like the restlessness of some caged animal. During all -of this time those teachings which had left their impression upon the -brain matter tortured me, suggesting and urging other thoughts so at -variance with those rebellious feelings that it almost drove me mad. - -“Then when Wilbur came it seemed as though my soul must leap out of the -hateful body which held it in limitation. Instantly I recognized my own, -my hands have many times itched to throttle the usurper of my person, so -that I might seize that which belonged by right to me. Oh, how I hate -this milk-and-water flesh! These soft muscles, and dainty palms! - -“With his coming—Wilbur, by the way, is but an assumed name—it seemed to -give that hazy sense of something gone before, something half -remembered, like a dream of the night—a shock. I concentrated every -effort of my being until scenes from my former life began to float -before my mental vision; dense woods, with leaves of a glossy, dark -green; lilies standing tall and white; a great bay of water reflecting -the blue of a cloudless sky and the green of the trees on its placid -bosom. There was ever the vague shadow of a form which filled my veins -with fire, and my whole soul with longing, but it floated just beyond my -mental grasp. Many a time as I walked under the stars I could have cried -aloud, it seemed so near, and yet—eluded me I could not remain within -the walls of that elegantly furnished room which was called mine; so at -night I wandered far, and lay on the cool, dew wet grass, and strove to -solve the tormenting problems. - -“That evening when Andalusia followed us, I had been more than usually -unsettled and troubled; there was a softness in the atmosphere; a mellow -light shed by the descending sun; a faint, odorous stirring of the warm -wind, which made my brain throb as though it would burst, so suggestive -were all things of that half remembered southern land. When Andalusia -brushed past us, and the light of her eyes entered my soul, the final -knowledge came to me, as had that other; I remembered all, and in a -transport of joy I called out her name. It was well for _him_ that I -cried out—my body would have been a vacant tenement otherwise; but -unless I also was released from this hateful bondage it would have been -useless, as I could not, unless through the same condition which at -first existed, have reclaimed my own. - -“Andalusia sought Wilbur, thinking herself deserted by me; she was mad -with jealousy long before he fled; she frightened him with her ardent -love, and I suppose when angered repelled him by her wild bursts of -passion; his cold nature could not appreciate the tropical love of my -Andalusia. - -“That evening on the street, when I cried out ‘Andalusia,’ she -recognized my voice, but thought it some trick to deceive her; you know -that in our land, and especially among our people, there are many -incredible and wonderful things done to cheat the imagination; but when -I said in Romany, which seemed to drop from my tongue without my will: -“Be at the entrance of the park to-night at twelve; I, your Antoni, will -meet you;” she swept me a burning gaze of wondering doubt, and -disappeared. I met her as I promised, but could not convince her that I -spoke the truth; she scornfully taunted me with the eyes, which she -declared that I had stolen from the summer sky, an open page whereon to -print all my baby passions; she lifted herself to look over my head, and -mock me with her shrill laughter; one thing only consoled me; I knew -when she promised again to meet me, that though she derided, she was not -quite sure. It seemed that Wilbur—Ugh! I cannot call him Petronelli—he -has no right to the name, he stole my body, but—I am I, in spite of it! -Well, he utterly refused her love; he resisted her caresses, and showed -such unmistakable aversion that he drove her wild; she upbraided him -fiercely, and—like a coward—he fled from her. - -“What led him here? Was it the hand of the All Wise, or the homing -instinct implanted in man? He came, and you know how he filled the -place, and how perfectly the place fitted him. - -“For long weeks I failed to convince Andalusia; weeks that were filled -with the madness of despair, with the agony of vain pleading, of being -scorned and taunted with my baby skin, until every time that I looked at -Wilbur, I could scarcely restrain my hands. - -“Andalusia watched his every movement; that night when she fired the -pistol she thought that she had found her rival, and had she been less -angry would have killed her; her emotion, only, rendering her hand -unsteady. - -“I followed her and appointed a place of meeting; at first she would not -listen, but finally consented; saying that old Martini Sistine was with -her, hidden in the shrubbery. I was rejoiced, for old Martini knows much -that is hidden from all the rest of the world; she can talk familiarly -with those who have departed this life; and to her the stars are as an -open book. Martini knew that I spoke the truth, and in trying to -convince Andalusia she also explained much which I had been unable to -grasp. Andalusia at first would hear nothing of it, but cried -scornfully, touching the fair hair as though it were some vile thing, -and prodding my flushed cheek viciously: - -“‘_This_ is not my Antoni!’ Then said Martini severely: - -“Daughter of the South, born in the wild wood among nature’s sweetest -mysteries, do you doubt the first one which touches you? For shame! If -you saw a branch lopped off the tree under which you sat, would you cry -out that this was no longer the same tree? If you should lose your fair -right arm, are you not still Andalusia? If you were bereft of both limbs -and arms, and nothing but the disfigured trunk remained, you would still -be Andalusia. It is the within, which is in reality the personality. -Your Antoni is the same, but he is unfortunate in having to bear this -effeminate body; have you no pity for his misfortune?” - -“Then my Andalusia wept on my neck, and begged forgiveness for all her -unkind words; and though she cried continually: ‘Poor Antoni!’ I was so -happy that for a time I forgot all about my hateful body. - -“We are going to our own land; Martini, my Andalusia and I. Wilbur can -take the cool-blooded Edith and welcome; their placid imitation of love -is like ice to fire as compared to the glorious tumult of passion which -swells in the hearts of the unfettered children of the free wild wood. - -“I have taken this money and the diamonds, yet—I am no thief! That -portion of myself, known to the sight as Arthur Lombard—the hateful -body, thrust upon me without my consent—I am compelled to retain against -my will; that body has a right to maintenance, and I have taken of -Arthur Lombard’s money to care for it. I have left the balance to the -soul of Arthur Lombard; and as a last request, I ask him to be kind to -the body of poor, cheated Antoni Petronelli.” - - - - - LIMITATIONS. - - -A brown faced, tangle-haired, barefooted little girl; a long country -road, its yellow clay beaten into powder, which rose with every gust of -wind into whirling eddies, and spitefully enveloped each passer-by in a -grimy cloak, and followed after each vehicle like an abhorrent specter. -Long rows of maple cast their cool shadows from either side; raspberries -and blackberries grew in the corners of the old rail fence; a narrow -footpath cut like a yellow thread into the thick green sod; here and -there a sweet-william held up its fragrant head; and in the field beyond -the long rows of corn rustled their broad leaves, and murmured together. - -Thella swung her sunbonnet by the strings, and gave a little -hop-skip-and-jump for very joy of living. She stopped instantly, as she -heard, “Thella! Thella!” called in a fretful, rasping tone. - -“Yes’m,” answered she, at the top of a high-pitched, young voice, as she -ran rapidly toward a stout, red-faced woman, who stood leaning over the -top of the gate. - -“I declare to goodness, you make me think of a turkey! It’s no wonder -that you are the ugliest young one living! Look at that mop of hair, and -that slit in your dress!” said she, her voice raised to a shrill scream. - -Thella dropped her head, and drew her black brows together sullenly. -“Why don’t you put that sunbonnet on your head? Oh, drat you, get out of -my sight, you little imp!” - -Thella had been digging one brown toe in the dust, but at the conclusion -of the tirade she darted past the woman, dextrously dodged a blow and -ran into the house. She flew upstairs into the attic; there was a little -square window, draped over with cobwebs; Thella had rubbed the grime off -the lower panes, but she left the cobwebs—she called them her curtains, -and the spiders her little lace makers. From out the rubbish she had -long ago hunted a mirror, with a very wavy surface. She crouched on the -floor with her head bowed upon the window-sill, sobbing bitterly; the -most forlorn little thing imaginable. - -Her stepmother’s voice faintly reached her: - -“Thella! Thella! Drat the child! she’d wear the patience out of a -saint!” whether she intended to imply that she was a saint or not, I do -not know. - -Thella only gave a little flout: “You can split your old throat for all -that I care.” - -Anger dried her tears; she softly crept across the loose boards of the -floor, and brought her looking-glass to the window. She sat looking at -herself mournfully; it was not a pretty picture upon which she gazed; a -grimy, tear-stained face, as brown as a coffee-berry, heavy black -eyebrows, arched over a pair of intense gray eyes; the wavy glass had a -trick of elongating the visage which made it very comical; added to -this, her hair hung like a black cloud all about her face. She threw -down the glass in disgust: - -“Thella Armitage, you do look like a little Indian! Oh, what shall I -do?” her chin beginning to quiver again; but presently she rested her -face on her hand, and sat gazing at the fleecy clouds chasing each other -across the sky, and wandered off into dreamland; these were her -soldiers, and the great white cloud with a rose-colored border was her -chariot, and she was going: - -“Thella! Thella Armitage! If you don’t come down here and wash these -dishes I’ll skin you,” called her stepmother, up the stairs. - -“All right, maybe a decent skin would grow on then,” muttered Thella. -She went down into the hot kitchen and washed the dishes; but every -minute she stole a glance at her pretty clouds through the open window. -“What are you gawping at? ’tend to your work,” said Mrs. Armitage -crossly. She did not mean to be actually unkind, but she had no -appreciation of another’s feelings, much less of Thella’s dreamy, poetic -temperament. Thella shot her an angry look, and sullenly went on with -her work, the beauty all taken out of the clouds, her fairylike day -dreams buried in gloom. - -No sooner were the dishes washed than Thella was set to knit her stint; -oh, how she hated that interminable stocking! The rounds seemed endless; -and if she thought about something nice for just one little minute the -stitches would drop and run away down; then Mrs. Armitage would angrily -yank the stocking out of her hand, pull the needles out, and ravel out -all her evening’s work. When at last the hateful task was accomplished, -and the old clock sitting in its little niche in the wall—like a -miniature shrine for the Virgin Mary—rang out its nine slow strokes, she -would run up to the old east chamber where she slept, in an agony of -stifled rage. - -Mrs. Armitage would allow her only a small bit of candle: “You’re not -going to read those good-for-nothing books; you jest go to bed and go to -sleep; I want you to be fit for something in the morning.” - -So she was forced to hurry in between the sheets, after blowing out the -light, often to lie there wakeful; dreaming such lovely, impossible -dreams by the hour. On moonless nights the skurry of a rat, or the -cracking of the old timbers in cold weather, would send little shivers -creeping up and down her back; but when the silvery moon shone in at the -curtainless window she would lie wide-eyed, riding to strange, unheard -of countries on its silver bars. - -One happy day a neighbor loaned her the “Arabian Knights;” she hurried -through her tasks, which were neither short nor easy, and ran joyously -up to the garret; a pane of glass had been broken, and a pewee had flown -in and built her nest in an old basket suspended from the rafters. So -careful was Thella not to frighten the mother bird, that she fearlessly -sat on the window-sill and called to her four little children: “Phebe! -Phebe!” - -Thella rested her chin on her hand thoughtfully: - -“I don’t see how you know them apart if they are all named Phebe,” said -she. - -She was far away in an enchanted land with Alladin, and did not hear -Mrs. Armitage creep up to her; the first intimation she had of her -presence was an awful blow on the ear which made her see stars, and -knocked the book half across the room. - -“You lazy, trifling trollope! I’ll learn you to spend your time reading -such trash. Now you march downstairs, and if you can’t find anything -else to do go out in the garden and weed them onion beds,” saying which -she pounced viciously upon the book. - -“Pa said I need not weed them until the sun went down, and it got -cooler,” faltered Thella. - -“Your father is learnin’ you to be as lazy as he is himself,” snapped -Mrs. Armitage; “you march, now, and no more of your sass.” - -Thella rose and pushed back her heavy hair, preparatory to following -her. - -“Will you please let me put away the book?” she said. - -“I’ll please put it in the fire,” she replied viciously. - -“Oh, no, no! Don’t, it isn’t mine!” she cried frantically as she made a -vain endeavor to reach it. - -Mrs. Armitage gave her another resounding slap: “There, take that, you -little cat!” - -As she commenced descending the stairs Thella darted before her, and -hurriedly ran to the field to her father; she caught hold of his hands -and pulled the hoe away from him. - -“Don’t daughter, ma will be mad if I don’t keep to work,” he said -pathetically. - -“Oh, pa, I’ll hoe in your place; do go and take my book away from her, -she’s going to burn it, and it isn’t mine at all; it’s Willie Burt’s!” -she cried in agitated incoherence. “Oh, hurry, pa! Don’t let her burn -it,” her voice full of tears. He stooped for one instant and laid his -hand caressingly upon her head. - -“Poor little Thella,” he murmured, then walked hurriedly up to the -house. Thella looked after him sorrowfully: - -“Poor pa!” she said, with a quiver in her voice. - -Presently he came slowly back through the broiling sunshine and took the -hoe from her hand. - -“Well?” said Thella interrogatively. - -He shook his head: “’Twasn’t no use, she had it in the stove.” - -“The mean, old thing—” began Thella. - -“Tut-tut; she’s your mother,” said pa gently. - -“She isn’t _my_ mother; my little mother is dead!” She began very hotly, -but ended with choking sobs. - -“I wouldn’t cry, little daughter; we must make the very best of things -when we can’t change them,” he said with a sad resignation more pathetic -by far than tears. He took his old red bandana from his pocket and wiped -the drops from her flushed cheeks, compassionately. - -“Well! You are the shif’lesses pair I ever did see,” said Mrs. Armitage -shrilly. “Thella, if you don’t go at that onion bed I’ll take a strap to -you.” - -Thella gave her a look of bitter hatred, and walked sullenly to her -work. The sun beat down with terrible force; Thella knelt unprotected on -the edge of the bed, and pulled the offending weeds; her father hoed the -long rows of corn steadily, only pausing to wipe away the perspiration -as it trickled down his face. Mrs. Armitage, under the shade of an apple -tree whose boughs bent low with yellow fruit, gossiped with a neighbor. - -“Pa! pa!” called Thella softly, he paused and looked at her. “Can’t I -have an apple? I’m so warm and thirsty.” - -Low as was the call, Mrs. Armitage heard it; “’Tend to your work; you -always want to be chankin’ something. Warm! it’s just nice and -pleasant.” - -Pa dropped his hoe between the long rows, and gathering half a dozen -apples off the tree, called Thella to him: “It is nice and cool here, -under the shade of the tree.” - -He sat on the green bank, and took his little daughter on his knee; he -pushed the thick hair from her warm face; she ate her apple, her head -lying contentedly on her father’s shoulder. Mrs. Armitage went on -gossiping with the neighbor, interspersing her remarks with flings about -“People too lazy to breathe—humoring that good-for-nothing,” etc. If Pa -Armitage heard, he made no sign, beyond pressing his arm a little closer -about Thella’s waist. - -Time went on. Thella was fourteen; her life was a horrible routine—up -before dawn in the winter, and before the sun in summer, to milk and -churn, cook and scrub; no thoughts expressed in her hearing except those -relating to eating, working, and the continuous bad conduct of the -neighbors—this last always sufficient for a whole day’s tirade. In -summer it was not so bad; there were always the whispering trees, and -the fragrant flowers; the green grass, and the busy booming of the -bumble bees; the lowing of the solemn-eyed cows, that came at her call. -Best of all was the walk down the long, shady lane, through the grassy -dell, where, in the limpid brook, the funny crabs crawled backward; and -the saucy, gray squirrel chattered at her from the beech and chestnut -trees on the hillside; still an added joy when “pa” followed his little -girl, telling her of his coming by putting his crooked little finger in -his mouth, and thus whistling shrilly. Fast as her nimble feet could -carry her she ran to him, and nestling her hand in his begged him to -tell her of her very own mamma. Oh, the delightful walks and talks; the -sun hanging low in the west and the soft wind just stirring the leaves; -a little later the softly falling dew, the gathering shadows, a belated -bird hopping from branch to branch with drowsy chirp; a rabbit darting -across the path, causing Thella to glance over her shoulder in quick -affright and cling a little closer to “pa’s” hand at sight of the dark -shadows all around her; then the great red moon lifting his round face -above the treetops, lighting up the openings, and leaving the shadows -darker by contrast. The sweet silence seemed deepened by the shrill cry -of the cicada, and the plaintive call of the whip-poor-will; at last pa -would say, “We must hurry home, we shall get a scolding.” - -Thella would sigh and answer: “Yes, pa, but this is so nice,” with a -loving cuddle closer to his side. - -Well they knew the remark Mrs. Armitage was sure to make about their -“trapezing” all over the fields. - -Not long after this, all through the day Thella had been working very -hard, and in the edge of the evening sat down on the porch to rest. Pa -had just come in from the field looking worn out; Thella’s heart ached -as she looked at him: “Poor pa, you are tired out,” she said. - -“Yes, pretty tired, daughter!” he answered; hearing Mrs. Armitage coming -they said no more. - -She was in a fearful humor; she had quarreled with one of the neighbors, -and seemed to think that the fight extended to her own family. It was -quite dark on the porch, and Thella sat in the shadow so that she did -not observe her. - -“Where is Thella?” she angrily asked of pa, as she came in. - -“Not very far away, I guess,” he answered mildly. - -“Out trapezing somewhere, I suppose! I seen her whispering to that Judd -Tompkins, more’n once; she’ll come to no good, I’ll tell you!” - -“Sho! Sho! What’s the use of bein’ so hard, ma? Didn’t you never talk to -the boys when you was young?” asked pa very mildly. - -“I wish to goodness I’d never seen a pesky man; of all the shif’less, -onery things a man’s the wust; and you’re about the laziest of the whole -bilin’.” - -Pa made no reply, but Thella rose up, white and wrathful; it is not the -great things which rouse us to the depth of feeling, but the continued -pin-pricking; the nag-nagging which drives us to desperation. Thella -could take anything directed against herself; she thought many times -that she had grown so used to it that it did not hurt much, but pa, poor -pa, she could not hear the good patient soul nagged so, without a word -of protest. - -“You just let pa alone! You can abuse me all you like, but you needn’t -misuse him on my account, he is not to blame for my shortcomings;” she -sidled up to him, and clasped his arm with her two hands. - -“Hoity-toity! I’m glad I have your permission to express my feelings to -you, my high-flown miss; and with or without your consent, I’ll say what -I please to your pa—you little trollope, you!” - -She made an angry dive at Thella, who only threw up her arm and warded -off the blow: “You had best not strike me,” she said in a peculiarly -quiet tone. - -“Come away, come away, daughter; don’t quarrel with her. Make the best -of it! We can’t seem to alter things, so let’s make the best of it,” -said the old man tremulously. - -Thella was trembling with anger; she realized that she had made it worse -for pa instead of helping him, and her heart was filled with regret and -bitterness. - -“Pa, you don’t have to endure such abuse; set your foot down and make -her behave herself.” - -“Oh, Thella, I couldn’t! Don’t you see, daughter, that I can’t quarrel -with a woman? Let us take a walk down the lane,” and hand in hand they -went. Nothing further was said on the subject until they turned to go -in; pa drew a long sigh: “I wish your ma had a lived, but I made my -bed—” he broke off abruptly, then continued in a trembling tone, “I -thought I was doing the best for my little girl to give her a new ma—you -see, a man that’s had a good wife is lonely, and beside, he don’t know -just what to do for a little girl—and I thought—I thought—” the old -voice quavered into silence piteously. - -Thella stopped short and laid her hands upon his shoulders -affectionately: “Yes, I know—dear pa, you are so kind; but pa—you are -mistaken—you are not making the best of it; there is no good at all in -this way of living; it’s just slavery for the bite you eat, and a bed to -sleep in—that’s full of thorns; even your food is thrown at you as -though you were a dog, and where are all the books we used to have? One -might as well be a fool, if they can have no use for their brains,” she -ended bitterly. - -“Yes; she’s put all the books away; I’m afraid she’s burned them. Your -ma liked books, Thella; we used to take such comfort reading together, -but Mandy says it makes me lazy—p’raps it does. Mandy is a wonderful -manager, Thella.” - -“Very wonderful! She can make everybody else work while she gossips with -the neighbors,” answered Thella indignantly. - -“Sho, sho! Daughter you mustn’t talk that way! She’s your ma—no, she’s -your stepma, you know. We must make the best of it,” he iterated weakly. -Thella made no reply, though her heart burned hotly; what could she say -to this crushed spirit that would not add to his trouble? - -Before she let him go in she said hesitatingly; “Pa, I am going away; -she is cross to you on my account, and—and—oh, pa, I do want to go to -school; there’s so much that I want to know!” she said breathlessly. - -He stood as though stunned: “What shall I do without you?” he cried -despairingly. - -Thella trembled with excitement; her heart was torn between the desire -to go and the longing to remain; how could she leave her poor, -heartbroken old father? but—she honestly believed that _she_—Thella -never called her anything else if she could avoid it—would be less -unkind to pa, if she were gone. Thella knew very well that a rancorous -jealousy added force to her misuse of him; and—oh, she could not go on -in this way; empty day dreams no longer sufficed her bright -intelligence; she hungered and thirsted for knowledge; he had a vague -understanding of higher and better things than met her everyday sight. -She could no longer keep her eyes earthward; even when she cast them -down for one instant, all things spoke to her of that higher life, and -filled her with unutterable longing. Something of this she tried to tell -pa between her sobs. - -He let his hand wander gently over her crown of hair, as he said, -“Yes—yes, daughter; I know how you feel. I used to have just such -thoughts, and ma—your ma—used to make me feel as though I could see -right up into God’s heart, and I knew—I _knew_—that I could live well -enough to reach Him, sometime, I should if ma hadn’t have died; but -now—I just have to make the best of it,” he finished despondently. - -“But pa, hadn’t you ought to try now—for ma’s sake?” - -“How can I? I never have time even to think. No, no, daughter, I must -just make the best of it,” he reiterated wearily. - -She had no words of comfort that had not in them a sound of mockery, so -she said nothing beyond thanking him for his consent, and as she kissed -him lovingly, she patted his withered cheek with her toil-roughened -palms: “Poor pa! Poor pa! I love you dearly,” she said. - -A tear stole down his furrowed face and wet her hands; he tremblingly -murmured, “God bless my daughter!” - -The next morning Mrs. Armitage screamed in vain to Thella: - -“Drat her, I’ll take a strap to her, if she’s bigger’n the side of a -house.” - -When at last she threw open the door of the poor, bare little chamber, -she found it empty. For once words failed her—she sat down on the stairs -gasping. - -Pa wisely kept out of her way. She missed her servant, but poor pa went -about more silent than ever; it seemed that in one short month he grew -visibly gray and bent; he worked on hopelessly through heat and cold. -The only smile that ever crossed his face was when he received a thick -letter from the village postmaster; he would hide it away in his inside -pocket with trembling hands for fear Mandy would see it; a little spot -of color coming into his thin old cheeks at the thought; at nightfall he -would wander down the lane where he used to walk with Thella, and just -to make believe that she would come to meet him, he would crook his -little finger and whistle shrilly. Oh, the comfort those letters were to -him; after reading them over and over again, he would hide them away in -a hollow log. - -Thella always wrote to him that she was well and happy; she told him -nothing of the hard labor and bitter disappointments she met; her -situation had been assured to her before she left home, but there were -many things that were hard to bear; not the least of which was a -terrible homesickness. Then, too, when she came to go to school, she -found that others of the same age were far in advance of her in their -studies, and consequently looked down upon her. Patient effort at last -brought success; by this time her homesick feeling had worn away; she -still longed to see her father, but had ever the hope before her of a -home in which “pa” should have the warmest corner in winter and the -brightest window when he wished it. - -Later on she wrote that she was teaching; pa whispered it softly to -himself: “My Thella is a schoolmam!” Such innocent pride as pa took in -the fact. - -After four years she wrote to him that she was married. - -“Married! My little girl, married!” His old face puckered up queerly; he -did not know whether to laugh or cry. She wrote that she was very happy. -After that the burden of every letter was, “Pa, do come and see me.” - -Sitting by the fire one evening, late in the fall, pa said, “Mandy, I am -going to Adairville to-morrow.” - -“I should like to know if you are possessed, you’ll do no such thing! -What do you want to go there for?” - -“I want to see Thella; it’s a long time since I seen her!” -deprecatingly. - -“Well, you won’t go trapezing after her; she run away, and you’ll not -follow her.” - -“She’s my child, you hadn’t ought to be so hard, Mandy,” quavered the -old man. - -“Well, you’ll not go, I tell you! you ain’t goin’ to spend no money -running after that trollope!” answered she. - -Pa sighed, but said no more; he had submitted to her rule so long that -the thought of opposition did not occur to him; his shoulder seemed to -bend as if beneath a heavy load; his gray head drooped lower and lower; -a heavy tear or two followed the deep furrows down his cheek. - -The next morning he seemed scarcely able to stir, and though her wrath -enveloped him all day he seemed not to mind; he appeared like one in a -dream. - -When chore-time came again, she said sharply, “Ain’t you goin’ to get -them cows to-night? you act as though your wits was wool-gatherin’—or -like a tarnal fool!” - -“Mandy, I’ve always did the best I could!” he said quaveringly, as he -turned away. - -“It’s poor enough, the Lord knows,” snapped she. - -When pa reached the entrance to the lane he stood lost in thought for -several minutes—he had forgotten all about the cows—suddenly he -straightened up: “I’ve a good mind to do it! I vum, I will!” he laughed -outright—a cracked, cackling laugh, that had a pitiful sound; his weak, -watery eyes began to glisten; this time instead of whistling once, he -whistled twice shrilly. - -“Daughter, I’m coming; your old pa’s coming!” he cried gleefully. - -He sat down on the hollow log where he kept his letters; he took them -out, handling them over fondly; from the last one received he drew out a -bill; he spelled the letter out laboriously: - - -“DEAR PA: Here is a little money to get you a suit of new clothes; and -in my next letter I will send you enough for your fare, for, dear pa, I -must see you.” - - -He laid the letter on his knee, smoothing it caressingly. - -“Yes, daughter, so you shall; I couldn’t never wait ’till I got another -letter; so I will go just as far as this money’ll carry me and I’ll walk -the rest of the way. Lord! What’ll Mandy say?” - -Poor pa did not know as much about traveling as do some children, so he -had very little idea of his undertaking. - -Two weeks later Thella was one afternoon sitting in her pleasant room. -The postman had just passed, which set her to wondering why she did not -hear from pa; she ever had the dread before her that his burden would -become greater than he could bear, and that she would see him no more. A -servant came hurriedly into the room: - -“Mrs. Webster, there is an old man at the door who insists upon seeing -you; I think he is crazy, he acts so queer.” - -“Where is he?” asked Thella, rising. - -“At the front door, where he has no business to be, of course! Oh, he -said tell you that his name is Armitage——” - -“Oh, it is pa—it’s pa!” cried Thella, wildly oblivious that she had -nearly thrown the astonished girl over. - -She seized the toilworn hands of the forlorn-looking old man; she threw -her arms around his sunburned neck, and hugged him ecstatically; she -fairly dragged him into the room, so great was her excited joy; she -pulled forward the easiest chair, and playfully pushed him into it; she -patted his hands, and kissed his snowy, straggling hair; she had no -words to express her joy, grief, and surprise, except to say over and -over again, “Poor pa! Poor pa! Oh, I am so glad to see you!” - -He looked at her with dim old eyes, his shaking hand held in hers; “Is -this pretty lady my little daughter?” he asked with a happy laugh. - -“Oh, you awful flatterer,” cried Thella gayly. - -Pa leaned back in his chair with a sigh of satisfaction: “This chair is -awful comfortable,” he closed his eyes wearily. - -“You are tired, pa, and I do not let you rest!” she said with quick -compunction. - -“Yes, I am tired; it was a long walk. Mandy wouldn’t let me come, so I -ran away; I wouldn’t quarrel with her, so I had to make the best of it.” - -“Walk! Did you walk?” - -“’Most a hundred miles; it took me a long spell, but I’m glad I come. -When I shut my eyes it seems as though I’m talking to your ma; your -voice sounds just as hers did.” - -The next morning when Thella went to call him to breakfast, he lay -babbling of the green lane and Thella, his little girl; occasionally -crying out piteously, “Don’t be so hard, Mandy; she’s only a little -girl!” Then again, tears would course down his worn cheeks: “Oh, if ma -had only lived!” Another time: “Yes, daughter; it is hard to bear, but -we must make the best of it.” - -It was a whole month later, and pa was lying back in an invalid chair, -his head propped with soft cushions, his old face looking very placid. -“What a sight of nice books you have, daughter; it would be a pleasure -to stay here all my life!” - -“That’s just what you are going to do, pa.” “Oh, I can’t! You know how -Mandy will scold, but I’m goin’ to take all the comfort I can, while I -do stay.” - -Thella leaned over him, smoothing his thin, gray hair as though he were -a child, a wistful tenderness in her tone: - -“Mandy’ll never scold you again, pa.” - -Pa sat upright, a fitful color coming into his thin cheeks: “What do you -mean? Has—something—” stammered he, nervously. - -“There, pa, don’t fret; yes, Mandy is—dead;” caressing the hand she held -tenderly. “She took a severe cold, and was sick only three or four -days.” A tear coursed down his cheek: - -“Poor Mandy! Perhaps she didn’t mean to be so hard; we mustn’t judge for -others, must we, now?” he questioned tremulously. - -He sat silent for a long time, at last he said, “You’ve everything nice -here, and the best man that ever lived; you’ve learned so many things—I -don’t ’spose you would care to walk in the old lane where my _little_ -girl and I used to walk; but I should like to see it once more, and then -I’d be content to stay with you the rest of my days.” - -Thella gave his hand a loving little pat: “Just hurry up and get well, -and we will go and make believe that it is old times once more.” - -It was months before pa was able to go, but at last they walked down the -lane in the sweet June twilight; as of old, “bob-white” whistled to his -shy brown mate; and the gray rabbit lifted his long ears inquiringly, -exactly as in the past; the yellow buttercups laughed up amid the short, -sweet grass just the same, and yet Thella felt a depressing sadness, and -pa sighed sorrowfully: “One kind of gets used to things, Thella—no need -to hurry home now, is there? It makes me sorry and lonesome.” Thella -pressed his arm sympathetically, and they silently walked up the lane, -past the cows, ruminatively chewing their cud; past the flock of -chickens, with their many bickerings, as they sought their roost; past -the silent house and into the street, closing the gate softly and -reverently behind them, even as they closed the door of the past life. - - - - - A TALE OF TWO PICTURES. - - -It is a question open to discussion whether it is a blessing to be born -with a highly sensitive organization, an artistic taste—and poverty. - -The reverse was the opinion of Philip Aultman. Life seemed a failure, -every venture foredoomed; and this sunny June morning, when all nature -seemed to give the lie to evil prognostications, he sat in his room with -the curtains of his soul pulled down, brooding over his misfortunes, not -once considering that he was in fault. A maple grew just outside the -window, and a little branch tapped on the uplifted sash coaxingly; the -soft wind whispered through its branches, and entering lifted his curly -brown locks shyly; a bluebird tilted its bright head, and swelled its -throat in song of enticement; he lifted his face from the melancholy -arch of his arms, and said as if in answer to the appeal: “I _will_ go -out, this is of no use! Anything is better than staying within brooding -over my trouble!” - -As he wandered about the sweet wind seemed to blow away much of his -despondency, although he still smarted with indignation against fate. -Yet—what is fate? The evil we bring upon ourselves. We clasp our hands -above our heads, prostrate ourselves with our foreheads in the dust, and -say with the devout Oriental: “Kismet!” Thus we are absolved from all -blame. - -Philip had been poor all his life; not miserably indigent, though many -things which go to make life comfortable were lacking. He had inherited -a taste for art from his father; hard work had been the rule of his -life, and as a result he was a very creditable artist, though not by any -means entering into the soul of the work. It is one thing to paint a -fair picture, to write an acceptable story; it is quite another thing to -put your very self into your work, and endow it with a subtle life which -is past all explaining. - -When he was twenty-five he inherited money—worse for him; he thought -that henceforward life held no need for exertion; as though food and -raiment constitute all for which we should exert ourselves. He fancied -that happiness lay in two things; going to sleep, and letting the -enervating wind of pleasure drift him whithersoever it would; or getting -astride of the billow of self-will, to ride over everything. He did not -find his mistake until slice by slice his inheritance had been cut away -from him, and he looked with astonished gaze upon those who, under the -guise of friendship, had fastened themselves upon him in his prosperity, -and now stared at him with unseeing eyes. He looked upon it as the worst -misfortune which could have befallen him. He was no more shortsighted -than the majority of persons; because a certain condition brings present -discomfort, we rebel against it as being to our great detriment; most -frequently we rebel without reason. The loss was a blessing to him, -against which he railed, beat, and bruised himself. - -Just at this point I take up his history. - -He wandered about the woods all day, sometimes throwing himself on the -grass to look up into the immeasurable depths of the ether; again, idly -throwing pebbles into the flashing water; but during all that sweet, -restful afternoon his soul was awakening from its lethargy; thoughts -which seemed to him a glimpse of the divine, surprised his hitherto -dormant intellectuality; he began to realize that life held -possibilities of which he had never caught a glimpse. - -Evil is but good gone astray; it is the oscillation of the pendulum; -Philip had reached the adverse limit, and the pendulum of its own -momentum was returning to the center of gravity. As deadly nausea is the -precursor of a cleansed stomach, so he felt a thorough disgust with all -the world, which meant to him—as it does to every one of us—the people -with whom he was in daily association; he indignantly compared them to a -flock of geese—all gabble and greed. It is a hard truth, that if we will -submit to be plucked we can soon find all the worst characteristics of -the worst people. He thought savagely that he desired never to see one -of them again. - -He took a small memorandum book from his pocket, and setting down a few -figures ran them over rapidly; he laughed harshly, a sound that held the -threat of a sob: “Six hundred dollars! Well, that is a great showing -from fifty thousand! No wonder the elegant Mabel DeVere gave me the cold -shoulder; she and her kind have no use for a man without money; then -there was that little dancer—she had no further use for the goose after -it was thoroughly plucked, as she took pains to tell me; she was at -least honest. They are all alike, a treacherous, tricky lot!” he -muttered to himself, with moody brow; but he remembered with a pang of -shame that his loving, patient, helpful mother had been like none of -those with whom he had associated, and his shame was that he had sought -such company; it had been of his own choosing; what better was he, that -he should fling at them? He was looking at himself in a new light. - -He tried not to think about it, it made him restless and ashamed; but -such thoughts once aroused will not be quieted; when the light is once -admitted the germ of higher growth will strengthen rapidly. - -“How sweet it would be to live like this,” he said thoughtfully. A -sudden smile lighted the gloom of his face; “Why not? I have my outfit, -and money enough to procure food and shelter whenever I desire it. It is -not so very much that a person needs after all; it is what he fancies -that he needs, and is much better without, that takes the money—and what -his friends require,” he added with a rueful grimace. - -In consequence of this determination, he took a small gripsack, together -with his artist’s materials, and tossed the key of his room to his -landlady, saying nonchalantly, “Take care of my things; I’ll be back -sometime!” - -No person can live near to nature’s heart, can share in her moods, and -drink of her healing waters, and not grow purer in heart, and stronger -spiritually. Philip began to lose the sense of discord, and to -understand, with a feeling of humility, that he had been in fault; it -was well for him to live with himself for awhile, that he might learn -what kind of a man he had really been. - -Toward the close of a cloudless July day he came up a long, grassy, -country lane, to a squat looking farmhouse; he had come across country -many miles, and had found a strange charm in the solitude. He was tired -and hungry, and hailed a sight of the house with pleasure. The whole -place had a wild and deserted look; a few late roses hung their heavy -heads from the unpruned bushes; creepers ran riot over a long, low porch -extending around three sides of the house giving it the appearance of a -mother hen protecting her brood. - -As he assayed to open the rickety gate the tangled morning-glorys seemed -to hold it closed against him as though in warning. A vision of supper -and a bed with cool, sweet-scented sheets had possessed his mind; but as -the gate creaked on its one rusty hinge and he felt the desolation of -the place, a chill went over him and the comforting vision disappeared. - -A hollow, uncanny reverberation was the only answer to his rapping. He -turned the knob, which yielded readily to his touch, but the door swung -slowly on its rusty hinges; stiffly like a person old and tortured with -the rheumatism. He stood undecided, peering in among the shadows of a -long, dimly lighted hall, which extended the whole length of the house, -the doors opening primly on either side along its entire length; plainly -no foot had disturbed the dust on this floor for many a day. As he -stepped within a cloud arose as though in protest; he opened the first -door on the right, and was surprised to find the room furnished; the -low-browed ceiling seemed to frown ominously; the sides were paneled in -dark wood, being alternately the head of an animal and a flower, -exquisite in design and workmanship; but the dark mahogany color added -to the somber effect. A square old-fashioned bedstead stood at the far -corner of the room, its tall spindling posts rising high toward the -ceiling like uplifted hands; on one of these hung a man’s hat. Phil -fancied that he could see the kind of a man who had worn it; an athletic -fellow, not over nice in his dress, judging by its battered look. The -clothing on the bed was pulled awry, as though the occupants had -hurriedly stepped out, without time to arrange the room; an easy-chair -was drawn up before the great, yawning fireplace, in which a few charred -sticks lay across the old-fashioned, brass andirons. On the mantle stood -a brass candlestick, with a half-burned candle in the socket; a pair of -snuffers on a tray at its side; a turkey wing, bound with velvet, lay on -another tray in the corner of the fireplace; just above it hung a pair -of old-fashioned bellows; a short, squat shovel, and a pair of -grotesquely, long legged tongs stood near; the two looking like a lank -old man, and his fat, little wife. Taken altogether, it had a quaint, -old-fashioned look, which told pathetically of mouldering forms, and -days long since dead. - -All other rooms in the house were entirely destitute of furniture. He -soon kindled a fire, and from a little stream which purled through the -garden he filled his tin pot and presently it was singing drowsily. -Hunger made a sauce piquant to his crackers cheese, and fragrant tea; -better relished than all the costly dinners eaten when stomach and -morals both were overburdened. - -The sun was setting in the west amid a glory of gilded clouds; the wind -blew faintly across the level meadow and pasture land; no sound -disturbed the silence; the tinkle of a cowbell, the crowing of a cock, -seemed but to accentuate the peace. - -Phil brought the chair out upon the porch, and sat leaning lazily back, -dreamily regarding his surroundings. How much sweeter this than the -restless, unsatisfying life which he had led! In some occult manner the -quaint old-fashioned house and the peaceful scene brought his mother -before his mind; the saddened quiet, the tinge of sweet loneliness, -seemed like a reflection of her life. A wave of regret swept over him -that he had not been a better son. He remembered that she had saved and -denied herself many comforts that he might receive a fine education, and -study art under the most favorable circumstances. He blushed with shame -to think how ungrateful he had been, and felt glad that the money had -not fallen to him while she yet lived, for he knew that his reckless -course would have grieved her sorely. Heretofore he had consoled himself -with the thought that there were others much worse than he; he began to -understand that comparison did not in the least palliate the offense; he -felt a greater twinge of shame as he thought of some of his past -actions, that thus he had wronged her memory, her teachings, and his -higher self. - -He drifted from regretful thought into slumber. - -It had grown dark; the wind had arisen with the going down of the sun, -and the loose boards were rattling noisily; the vines were swaying to -and fro, but the stars blinked in the darkened vault in a quizzical -manner as he started up in affright. He thought that he felt a hand upon -his shoulder, and that he beheld the shadowy outline of a form within -the room. - -He stood up and shook himself vigorously: “I must have been dreaming; -this wind is uncomfortably cold,” he said, with a shiver. - -He went in, and lighted the candle; he built a fire which leaped and -flared up the broad-mouthed fireplace, throwing jolly, fantastic shadows -over the great room, much more suggestive of the play of elfins than the -gloomy walking of ghosts. He sat drowsily looking into the coals; the -fire had burned low, and the room was in half shadow, with a fitful -lighting up now and then; a cold wind struck him, and he seemed impelled -by some unseen force to look toward the bed; the battered hat appeared -to be rising of its own volition above the tall post, and the face of a -man fitted itself beneath it; a cruel face; the white brow beetling over -deep set, piercing eyes; the jaw massive and square; the lips thin, a -mere line across the resolute face; the whole countenance imbued with a -strange fierce beauty; a man who would allow nothing to stand in the way -of his will. Phil started up with a gasp of terror; he felt suffocated. - -“Great God! Is this place haunted, or have I a bad case of nightmare?” -he exclaimed aloud. - -He could have sworn that he heard a laugh, shrill and blood curdling; -but perhaps it was but the wind among the gnarled apple trees—our -imagination plays us strange tricks, and the furnishings and appearance -of a room have disastrous effect upon our nerves at times. - -He slept but fitfully the whole night, although nothing more occurred to -alarm him, and with the coming of the morning sun he thought it all a -dream. - -After he had his breakfast he took his easel out upon the porch; he felt -ashamed of the wasted hours which lay behind him, and determined to be -more diligent; he placed his board, took his pencil in his hand—and sat -staring straight before him. He sought vainly for an inspiration; his -brain seemed empty, imagination dead. But one object rose before his -mental vision—the face he had seen under the old hat! - -He felt tempted to throw pencils and board in among the weeds. He left -the easel standing, and went for a long walk; while walking his -imagination leaped responsive to his desire; he outlined his work, and -hastened back eager to commence; but as he once more seated himself, the -same tormenting sense of inability assailed him; the same terrifying -face came ever between him and the board. - -With an angry exclamation he commenced sketching; at once he lost all -feeling of uncertainty; he worked feverishly, and line by line the face -grew before him; he seemed inspired by some power other than his own; a -mole in front of the ear, a dimple in the chin, which he did not -remember having seen, grew under his hand. A face of strange beauty, but -from every lineament shone forth a fierce unconquerable nature, and at -last, as the light was fading, he threw down his pencil and stepped back -to look at it; he saw the ghostly counterpart hovering just above it; he -gave utterance to a frightened exclamation; then said angrily: “I’ve -looked so steadily at that thing, that I see double; I’ll take a run and -rest myself.” - -So he carried everything within, and took his way to the lone farmhouse -visible in the distance; he found the place occupied by an elderly -couple. After some desultory talk, he questioned the woman about the old -house and its former occupants; she, nothing averse, told him the -following story: - -The house was built long before her birth, by a strange, foreign looking -man, who, although he appeared to be wealthy, lived the life of a -recluse. He suddenly disappeared, and what became of him no one ever -knew; the estate was finally sold by the courts, and John Hilyer, then a -young man, and just married to pretty, winsome Rachel Drew, bought the -place, and came there to live. - -A year or so later a son was born to them; John Hilyer, Jr. As young -John grew to manhood, he resembled his father in feature and physique; -but had a beauty inherited from his mother. No one ever knew the elder -Hilyer to transgress a law, human or divine—according to his own -estimation of himself. But he ruled his gentle wife as though she were a -child; and he required of John unquestioning obedience—a complete -subjugation of will, not considering that so sturdy a sapling must -possess a growth of its own. He was a hard, selfish man; without -sympathy or understanding for desires, and feelings not possessed by -himself; he was, to himself, the criterion by which to judge all things. -Added to this, he had a mean, miserly way of using religion as a -specious plea for denying others the things conducive to comfort or -pleasure; he stigmatized all such as sinful. - -Young John was of a fiery, almost cruelly persistent turn; where he -loved, he loved fiercely, jealously; where he hated it was with a -violence of passion frightful to contemplate. His father allowed him no -money to spend, and no time for pleasure, or even for recreation, saying -that it was a sinful waste of time. All the love of John’s fierce heart -was poured out upon his mother, and when she laid down her hard burden, -his grief and anger were beyond words, though he cried out to his -father: “You starved her to death! You starved her body of the things -that might have prolonged her life, and her very soul of all -intellectual and spiritual food!” Some little of the truth must have -penetrated the old man’s armor of selfishness, as he turned away without -reply. - -A year later his father died, and so bitter was his feeling against him -that he saw him lowered into his grave without a regret. He was like a -child let loose from restraint; he plunged into all kinds of excess. He -gathered around him a horde of evil companions, who for months made the -old place a pandemonium. John was no fool, and he soon sickened of this -life; and when one of them thought to be witty at the expense of his -mother, and her poor way of living, he grew livid with wrath, and turned -them all out, saying as he closed the door upon them, “Neither you, nor -I, are fit to mention my mother; but you shall not disgrace her room -again!” - -He shut himself up in almost total solitude, with a wild idea of doing -penance for having outraged his mother’s memory. Several months later -one or two of his profligate associates sought him, he promptly shut the -door in their faces, and what he said to them he said in such a manner -that they left him undisturbed in his solitude. Then he disappeared, and -no one knew of his whereabouts for fully a year; even at this time the -house had come to have an evil reputation; people said of it that it was -an unlucky place, but they passed it with a shudder which meant much -more. - -One night in early springtime, a passer-by saw a dim light in the front -room—the others had long since been stripped of the old-fashioned -furniture; the uncanny reputation of the house made him hasten by -without a glance more than he could help. - -The next day the whole country was in commotion. Early in the forenoon -three large vans, loaded with furniture—which in those days was -considered elegant—drove up to the door of the farmhouse. To their -repeated knocking there was no response; one of the teamsters looked in -through the uncurtained window; he gave a horrified cry. In the center -of the room, ghastly and covered with blood, lay the body of John -Hilyer; in his right hand he still grasped the pistol with which he had -slain himself. He had bought the furniture the day before, and ordered -it delivered at the house; he seemed to be in an unusually happy mood. -What cause led to the deed none could conjecture, and during all these -years the old house had kept its secret. Not a person could be induced -to approach the place after dark, as all declared it to be haunted. - -When Philip returned night had fallen, dark and solemn; he dreaded to -enter the room; the weird story impressed him with a nervousness -unaccountable to himself; he had ever been of a skeptical turn, and had -scoffed at spiritual phenomena and manifestations as creations of an -overwrought brain. He felt tempted to leave the old house this night, he -had a dread of the coming hours; then, he thought scornfully, it would -look too much like running away because of a weird story, and—some -unseen force seemed to restrain him; a whisper in the air—an unseen -hand—seemed to be holding him. - -He tried to shake himself out of the feeling, and said pettishly: “What -nonsense this is!—Much better to have gone on!” but he would not, -neither could he go. - -He gathered a great armful of wood from the old barn at the far end of -the lot, and soon the blaze leaped up brightly; the room grew -oppressively warm, the heat, together with the loss of sleep the night -before, lulled his senses into drowsy nodding; then he dropped into deep -sleep, with his head thrown back against the dark cushion, the dying -fire playing over his sun-browned face fitfully. - -The night waned; the fire died to a bed of embers, still he slept -quietly on. - -Of a sudden he opened his eyes, wide awake on the instant; he did not -stir, but he felt sure—sure that a hand was resting lightly on his -shoulder, that a face almost touched his own; it seemed not the presence -of one unknown, but rather of one for whom he had been waiting; he had -not before realized this fact, but it now dawned upon him with solemn -gladness. At once he seemed to know that it was for this that he had -waited; like a dawning light it occurred to him that there is no such -thing as accident, that all things proceed from cause to effect, that -the intelligent power which is the source of all things _cannot_ forsake -His children; the law which is immutable to the least of His children is -just as unalterable for Him; he realized that he had been led in this -path. He did not seem to be thinking this; it was shown to him through -the spiritual sense as though the search light of the soul had been -thrown upon the facts for his guidance; his every physical effort seemed -to be absorbed in the sense of hearing. - -Some force other than his own compelled him to turn around; at that -instant a sob sounded close beside him; it thrilled him like a blast of -cold wind, but he was bound to his chair as though with iron bands. -About the middle of the room he heard a rustling sound, but saw nothing -except the indistinct shadows called forth by the dying fire; then a cry -smote his ear, a sound full of fear and anguish; gradually upon his -sight grew the forms of a man and woman in agitated conversation; he -stern and angry; she, with her face in her hands, sobbed bitterly; this -appeared to melt the man’s anger, and bending above her bowed figure he -kissed her bright hair. Behind him crept the man whose face Phil had -seen beneath the battered hat, and dealt the other man a terrible blow -with a hatchet; the woman raised her face with an appalled shriek, and -with a mad ferocity he struck her to the floor; as she sank down the -assailed man appeared to recover somewhat, and sought to defend himself; -Phil could see the straining muscles, the tigerish ferocity of the -assailant’s countenance, the failing struggles of the man on the -defensive, a falling back inertly; when he lay ghastly, and cadaverous, -the assailant seized him and dragged him out; not as one in fear, but -fiercely, as though desirous of putting something he loathed out of his -sight. Presently he returned, and stood looking down at the woman with -strangely working features; he brought his hands together despairingly, -as though bewailing his work; then a sudden wave of passion seemed to -sweep over him, a wild frenzy of mingled love and hate; for an instant -he clasped her form in mad embrace; then as though he loathed even the -inanimate flesh, he bore her out of the house as he had carried the man. -Phil could hear the fierce panting breath, and the vicious tread upon -the porch outside. - -For an instant Phil lost all consciousness of the room, of all -circumstances, of even the heavy tread outside—it was as though his very -spirit swooned; when he again became cognizant of his surroundings the -murderer was peering through the open door; his eyes shone out of his -ghastly face with a fierce, yet half affrighted, maniacal light. He -strode across the room to the bed, and with angry gestures, he pulled -the clothing hither and thither; at last he seemed to find that for -which he sought, a small packet tied in oiled silk. He walked to a panel -in the wall, directly opposite the foot of the bed; he grasped the -hound’s head by the muzzle, and it looked as though the animal sprang to -life; its eyes rolled wildly, it opened its jaws as though to devour the -assailant, who tossed the packet into the wide-open mouth, which closed -with a snap as though appeased by the sacrifice. The scene faded away; -exhaustion held Phil a prisoner until far into the next day. - -He returned to a consciousness of his surroundings with a shiver of -affright, but as he looked out at the sunlit fields, and smelled the -fresh dewy atmosphere, he thought his vision of the past night but the -illusions of a dream. - -“This close, stuffy room is quite enough to give one a nightmare,” he -said, stretching his limbs; which felt sore and bruised; he also had a -horrible sense of exhaustion. - -He walked into the garden, and bathed his face in the stream; there was -such fresh life in the atmosphere that his soul filled with the -elasticity of hope, and his spirits rose to exaltation; after all, what -is energy but hope put to use? - -Yesterday his imagination lay dormant; to-day his purposed picture -formed itself in his mind, in lineaments of beauty and glowing color. He -ate his breakfast in healthy mood; he said to himself: “I’ll get out of -this witch’s den to-day! I wouldn’t spend another night here—” a touch -light as thistledown grazed his cheek; a breath from the unseen—a -pressure on his shoulder, as of an invisible hand; he felt, without -knowing the cause, that he could not go. - -He arose and went into the house: “I wonder!” though what he wondered he -did not say. - -He took the sketch of the head he had drawn yesterday, and held it to -the light, turning it from side to side. It was, line for line, the face -of the murderer as he saw it in his vision; as he sat regarding the -drawing thoughtfully, another phase of the vision—was it vision or -dream? though the distinction between a vision and a dream might be a -nice point for argument—but his mind dwelt with strange insistence upon -the packet which he had seen put away. - -“If I find that parcel it will prove that it was a vision, and it will -determine my next step; though why I should go prying around this old -house I do not know. The sketch of the head and this illusion also, may -both be the effect of that old woman’s story; but—but—it doesn’t tally. -Well, here goes for the next move!” he said. - -Was it but fancy, that a soft, happy sigh reached his ear? or was it but -the summer breeze? - -How like the unbroken links of a chain it all appeared; he had planned -none of it, he could never have imagined himself in such a rôle; some -volition other than his own had led him in a well-prepared way. No -abrupt breaks, no jumps, no indecisions are necessary in our lives; when -such is the case we are in fault; we fail to heed the signboards and the -danger signals; we are shocked when we halt on the verge of a precipice, -or disgusted when we find that we have walked weary miles on the wrong -road, all because we read the signs to suit our fancied pleasure, or -plunged ahead and read them not at all. - -His exalted, happy mood left him; he grew restless and nervous; he was -conscious of a stir all about him, a continuous vibration; he could not -sit still. At last he arose and walked over to the panel which he had, -in his vision, seen opened; he passed his hands over the ornamental -head, searching for a screw, bolt, or anything to indicate that any -portion of it was movable; it seemed one solid piece of carving. - -“This is all nonsense! I have dreamed the whole thing!” But though he -derided, he could not rid himself of his unrest, or the intuition of a -sweet presence urging him on. - -He examined the alternate panel, and could detect no difference; he -again returned, grasping the muzzle as he had seen the murderer do; he -started, it felt cold to his hand; he tapped it with his knife, it gave -forth a metallic sound; this was iron, the others, wood. He trembled -with excitement as he searched for a hinge, spring, or other means of -ingress; he no longer doubted being intuitively led. He placed himself -as nearly as possible in the position he had witnessed, and grasped the -muzzle in the same manner; a hot flush passed over his face, for a -single instant his knees grew weak with superstitious fear as he felt -the yielding of a tiny spring beneath the ends of his fingers. He -pressed firmly upon it; the jaws flew apart, the eyes rolled so fiercely -and so suddenly that it made him start back in affright; he thrust his -arm into the opening thus formed, and drew forth the package wrapped in -oiled silk, just as he had seen it in his vision—he could no longer -doubt its being such. Something else he saw, but a warning click caused -him to withdraw his hand; none too soon, the jaws closed like a steel -trap. - -He eagerly unfolded the parcel, it seemed that he knew previous to -opening it what it would contain; the marriage certificate of John -Hilyer, and Amanda Cosgrove. - -He returned to his chair and sat looking at the paper thoughtfully; it -was dated from a distant city, but he knew in some occult way that -Amanda Cosgrove was of the country. I cannot express it better than by -saying that the name wafted to him a breath of country air; the odor of -buttercups, and a glint of their gold. - -The package held another paper—a sealed will. - -He drew a breath of relief, and experienced a glad sense of freedom, as -though until now he had been bound to some onerous duty. He sat long -with his hand pressed over his eyes, his senses deadened to all outside -impressions; repeating over many times the name of Amanda Cosgrove; -formulating slowly and distinctly his desire to see her. - -At first all things waved and swayed, a conglomeration of darkness, shot -with rays of light and color; gradually, there evolved from this a hilly -country, verdant with grass, and beautified with many trees; a sunny -valley with carpet of a brighter hue, and fields of waving grain. A low, -picturesque cottage stood in the shelter of a grove; before the door -stood a woman whose hair was like silver, and the face though sad and -worn did not look old. She shaded her eyes with her hand, and looked -wistfully in his direction; dimly outlined within the doorway -shone—fairly shone—a face which his spirit recognized as her whose hand -had rested upon his shoulder, whose spirit presence had been his guide -in this search. - -Gradually the picture faded, and so great was his sense of loss that for -a time his mind seemed a perfect blank. Then, a fever possessed him to -sketch the cottage, the valley, the fair hillside, and the persons he -had seen, and with whom he had been in spiritual communion. He worked -with an eagerness and joy never before experienced, he delighted in -every detail; he touched the fair, dimly seen face lovingly, -lingeringly. - -Three days later he left the old house; a half regret assailed him as it -disappeared from view, for here he first saw the pure spirit whose -occult influence was lifting him to a higher and purer life. He went -direct to the city named in the marriage certificate; he found a record -of it which gave that city as the residence of Amanda Cosgrove. He could -find no further trace of her; the time was so distant, and the clew so -slight; it was like searching for a drop of water in the sea to endeavor -to find one insignificant individual amid the shifting population of a -large city. - -It would be less than interesting to follow Philip through his frequent -and grievous disappointments. - -During all the time a change was taking place in all his thoughts and -feelings; from the _ennui_ and disgust of the former time and former -associates, he had grown into a healthy, hearty happiness in the -present; putting the evil of the past wholly behind him, living in the -good of each day as each day dawned; trying honestly and joyously to -reach upward to a higher standard of thought and work. The presence of -the sweet spirit was ever near him, prompting his laggard efforts, -renewing his courage, and his faith in himself; chiding if at any time -the evil spell of the old ways tempted him. I must do him the justice to -say that it seldom occurred, because he had reached this happy -knowledge, that so long as truth abides life cannot be wholly worthless, -because the very life of hope is in truth. He came to feel a -compassion—in the place of the past hatred—for his former associates, -whose minds had become diseased; so long as we hate we too are touched -with moral leprosy. He saw that none were so degraded but that some germ -of good yet remained for future development; for good is the seed of the -Infinite, and He will not destroy his own, though it be but in the -proportion of one grain to a mountain of sand. - -How strange that we should be taught that even the hairs of our heads -are numbered—the mere material—and then believe that one pure spiritual -ray shall go out in darkness. It may not be that the germ will be -developed in this plane, but when the limitations and our own -degradation of the flesh shall cease, the seed will be planted and -fostered in the Beyond, and the trend of good can be no otherwise than -toward perfection; all life must grow toward the light. Filled with such -thoughts as these, he worked faithfully and conscientiously. - -One lovely afternoon he visited the art gallery; he had not been there -for some time, and he went prepared to enjoy the treat; he took with him -his favorite book, and sought a cozy corner; for a time he read, then he -wandered among the paintings until his eyes were satisfied with beauty; -again returning to his corner and his book, enjoying his feast of good -things. - -It was growing late in the day; he would make one more excursion, then -return to his room, feeling that it had been a well-spent afternoon. He -walked slowly down the room, looking abstractedly upon the floor; -thinking how strange that he had not been able to obtain a single trace -of Amanda Cosgrove; the thought struck him coldly—that he saw John -Hilyer carry her out as though dead—yet he felt that she still lived. He -sighed, for several days he had not felt the sweet, haunting Presence; -he missed it as one does a dear, familiar friend; he longed for the soft -thrilling vibration. - -Preoccupied with thought, he did not observe a lady standing before one -of the paintings, and awkwardly stepped upon her dress; he turned to -apologize, but speechless, held his hat poised in the air. Meeting a -person for the first time, did never the feeling assail you that this -one was not a stranger to you, although time or place of meeting you -could not recall? So it was with him; his heart leaped in recognition, -yet—he could not recall—what? It made his brain dizzy, his heart beat -tumultuously, thought was in disorder; the words he uttered seemed to -him to have been spoken before, he was merely repeating them; he was as -one in a dream, doing things without conscious volition. He went through -the apology mechanically, stiffly, though he longed with all his soul to -reach out his hands and clasp her in sweet embrace, but he turned coldly -away, to be confronted by a picture; a country scene; the sloping hills, -the woody heights, the velvet carpet of grass, the waving grain, the -cottage half-embowered in trees, a woman with upraised hand, looking, as -though to peer into futurity; line for line as he had seen it in his -concentration, as he had painted it since; the coloring, the touch -seemed identical. - -He stooped to read the name: “The Hope of a Lifetime, by Maida -Cosgrove.” He uttered an exclamation of astonishment; the lady turned, -regarding him strangely; he was intently studying the picture, and she -turned again to depart. By what narrow chances do we lose or gain the -desire of a lifetime, the fruition of our dearest hope—and humanity -says—How sad an accident! - -A gentleman passing raised his hat, with the salutation: - -“Good-afternoon, Miss Cosgrove!” - -Philip wheeled suddenly, trembling in every fibre of his body; like a -brilliant sunlight the knowledge that this fair woman was she whose -spirit had hovered over him, elevating and encouraging him, broke in -upon his intelligence. The strange man was regarding him curiously; Phil -removed his hat, and addressed her in a formal manner: “I beg pardon! I -am Philip Aultman. Will you excuse my boldness—are you related to Amanda -Cosgrove?” he asked excitedly. - -“She is my mother,” replied Maida with quiet dignity. - -“I have some papers of value belonging to her, which I think she would -be glad to obtain,” he explained. - -The whole occurrence seemed informal, but a feeling of sympathy lay -between them, as of old acquaintanceship. Philip spoke of the picture, -and Maida replied that it was her home. It was with strange sensations -that Philip the next day approached the house. He had given Maida no -knowledge of the character of the papers in his possession, yet she had -exhibited no surprise or curiosity, but rather as though she knew and -appreciated his mission; he felt himself in a very awkward position. - -How should he account to Amanda Cosgrove for their possession? What -excuse had he for searching out her whereabouts? What did it concern -him? He found it hard—impossible to answer these questions to himself; -how then should he answer to her satisfaction? Could he say to her that -it was through psychic knowledge? - -His face burned at thought of the ridicule which would greet that -statement, but—was it not true? In what other manner had he gained one -iota of this knowledge? He was not yet strong enough to stand up and -declare the truth in the face of skepticism and ridicule. Very many -people enjoy antagonism; it brings out their fighting qualities, and -they feel very strong; but ridicule hits the very heart of their -conceit, and they weakly go down before it. - -Phil drove up to the door feeling very weak indeed; all things had a -familiar look; in his psychic condition, he had seen even the gray cat, -that sunned itself on the door mat, and the tall hollyhocks, standing -like red-coated sentinels, near the gate. - -It seemed very proper when Amanda Cosgrove stepped forward to meet him, -although his thought of the moment before had been: “What shall I say to -her?” - -Her first words were a surprise, and settled all difficulties. - -“I knew that you would come! But I have waited so long!” - -His way was very easy after that; he placed the papers and drawings in -her hands; as she opened the marriage certificate, she sobbed aloud. -“Oh, mother! Don’t grieve, mother!” cried Maida imploringly. - -“Oh, not for grief! not for grief, my child! This is greater joy than I -have known in many a day! Poor, misguided John, he was to be pitied; but -you, my Maida, have had to bear the stain of illegitimacy all these -years! It has nearly broken my heart. I have seen your playmates slight -you; I have heard them cast it in your face, and was powerless to prove -the truth; and yet, my Maida never loved her mother the less,” she cried -hysterically. - -“You could have proved it by the church record,” said Phil, in surprise -that she should be ignorant on such a point. - -Such however was the fact, living within a few miles of the proof of her -marriage she and her child had been shunned and scorned, because of that -ignorance. One thing only sustained her, the firm belief that some day -all would be made right. - -That evening, sitting in the twilight, she finished the story of that -awful night. - -She became acquainted with John Hilyer through a young friend in the -city; none of her people liked him, they bitterly opposed her seeing -him. John, with all the fiery impetuosity of his nature, had fallen in -love with her; it was mating the dove with the fierce bird of prey; he -fairly compelled her with his fiery persistence. She at last eloped with -him, and they were married; he loved her too truly to wrong her. For -three months they traveled, he then made preparations to take her to his -home. Often his fierce love frightened her; she adored him, but she was -afraid of him. - -He knew all of her family except one brother, whom he had never seen. -The whole family misjudged him in thinking that he had wronged the girl; -the brother whom he had never met endeavored to find them; but it was -not until they were returning to the old home that he obtained a trace -of them. When they were first married Amanda wished to write to her -people, but John sternly forbade it. - -It was night when they reached home; John kindled a fire, seated her in -the great easy-chair with much ceremony, and with many fond words, and -fierce kisses made his wife welcome. - -He had scarcely left the house to care for the team which brought them, -when her brother burst into the room; the happy smiles died upon her -lips, never to return again. She trembled with affright; she knew that -John might return at any moment and she feared his anger. She excitedly -rose to her feet, and advanced to the center of the room, and as the -accusation of shame left her brother’s lips, she sank upon her knees, -sobbing forth her denial; at first he scoffed at her words; but as -conviction of the truth was forced upon him, he begged her pardon, and -stooped to kiss her bowed head; through the uncurtained window John -witnessed the closing part of the scene. - -In his hand he had a hatchet, with which to cut kindling for the fire; -in an instant the demon of jealousy sprang to life full grown; he did -not consider the absurdity of his thought—does jealousy ever consider? -His mind held no thought but that this man was his wife’s lover, and the -fancied knowledge drove him insane. He silently let himself into the -room, creeping, creeping up behind them; as the brother stooped over to -caress her, John dealt him a fearful blow; Amanda raised her face with a -horrified cry; with an infuriated epithet he struck her, the blow was -sufficiently hard to render her insensible, but her heavy garments saved -her life. Regaining consciousness, the brother fought desperately, but -against a madman he had no chance in his favor. - -When his opponent lay before him, a livid corpse, still no compunction -touched his conscience; he spurned the lifeless form with his foot, and -dragged him out as he would have cast out a dead dog; he threw the body -into the well at the end of the porch, and returned to the room. - -Amanda recovered consciousness during the struggle between the two men, -but she was without power either of speech or motion; horror held her -dumb, her brain only held life. She tried to cry out but could not, she -was like one in a trance, even when John lifted her in his arms, and -cast her from him, she had little sense of the horror of her situation; -something caught her, and with a sudden jerk, she felt herself -suspended. She had no idea of what held her, or what would become of her -should the fabric give way. Instinctively she threw up her arm as her -head came in contact with a timber, and for a few seconds she hung there -without consciousness enough to make an effort. - -Then a sudden terror of the unknown shook her, and she made an effort to -raise herself; it was well for her that she could not see the dizzy -depth beneath her, in such situations fear is our worst enemy. She -cautiously raised herself by a board above her head, until she could -loosen her sleeve from a large hook, upon which it had caught; she then -easily raised herself until she could climb over the low curb, and stood -upon the ground outside; here she sank down, weak and trembling for a -few minutes. Then, though a chill fear assailed her, she determined to -go into the house; she wondered where her brother was, that he did not -come to her rescue; but she must go in! John, her John, would surely not -harm her knowingly; she dragged herself along wearily, holding on to the -side of the house for support; she felt so sick and tired. - -She looked in through one of the long windows, the candle had been -extinguished long since by a draught of wind, the fire had burned low, -and only an occasional fitful blaze leaped up, and lighted the room -intermittently; in one of the flashes she saw John lying in the middle -of the floor. - -“Poor fellow, he is sorry now that he gave way to his quick temper, and -he is lying there grieving. I wonder where Brother Ernest is?” - -She pulled herself slowly into the room; the wall clock ticked loudly, -its long pendulum seeming to take a preternatural sweep; as she neared -the recumbent figure the fire crackled ominously, and the blaze flared -up redly, like blood; she shivered as she bent over the recumbent -figure. A brand fell to the earth, a bright flame shot up lighting all -the room, and the pallid face of the dead man. The horror and desolation -of all things smote her with sudden madness. - -Months afterward she wandered into her old home; it was in dead of -winter, she was half naked, white haired, wan, and emaciated; her father -and mother remembered nothing, save that she was their child. For weeks -she lay on the bed, white and silent, or sat in an easy-chair beside a -sunny window, propped up with pillows, but when her baby girl was laid -in her arms she looked at it with the light of love and reason in her -sad eyes; but the same silence which had characterized her lunacy, -remained in her sanity. Of what use to explain to them those awful -incidents; they did not believe that she was John Hilyer’s wife—why -should she make further explanation to be disbelieved? She was either -morbidly wrong, or—still a little unbalanced by all that she had -endured. - -She named her babe Maida Hilyer, but all persisted in calling the child -Cosgrove. - -“The name doesn’t matter,” she said sadly; but later when she saw her -supposed sin visited upon the innocent child she cried aloud to the All -Merciful to right her wrong. - -The ways of the All Wise are not our ways, very fortunately, or things -would be greatly muddled. The old father and mother died, but Amanda and -her child remained at the farm. - -Maida was eighteen, a gentle, rarely thoughtful girl; her mother’s -sorrow seemed to have left its impress on her character and mind; she -early showed a decided artistic talent, which her mother took pains to -cultivate; all went well until Maida gained recognition; then that -jealousy which ever seems to lie in wait for unpropitious circumstances, -seized upon the name she bore to taunt her. - -Poor Maida! She threw herself into her mother’s arms, ready to give up -her chosen profession. Her mother said sadly: “Be brave, my child! I -know that some day the truth will come to light!” - -Maida thought continually of her mother’s words, and with all her soul -sought to reach the one who she felt was destined to help right the -grievous wrong; but she continued her work as sweetly and firmly as -though no wound was there. - -One night her mother dreamed of the old house, it looked as it did the -night of the tragedy; she saw a strange form there, and she reached out -her hands supplicatingly, beseeching his help; to her spiritual sense it -was made manifest that her wish should be accomplished; she told this to -Maida, and the two talked of little else, and thought of it without -cessation, until night after night in her dreams Maida stood by that -stranger’s form, urging him to clear up the mystery. - -The will inclosed with the certificate gave all of his property to his -“beloved wife, Amanda Cosgrove Hilyer.” - -There was no more cause to taunt Maida, and there was no opposition to -Amanda’s taking possession of the property, which necessitated a visit -to the place. Amanda walked silently about: “Poor John! Poor John!” she -said pathetically; they looked shudderingly down into the depths of the -old well, and as though some occult influence prompted her, Amanda said, -“I wonder what became of brother Ernest. No one ever saw him after that -time; I wish that I knew!” - -Philip thought it far better that she did not know, therefore he kept -silence. - -The hook upon which Amanda had caught was still firmly imbedded in the -beam; in the elder Mrs. Hilyer’s day it had been used to suspend butter -and cream into the cool depths below. - -Philip showed them the secret panel, and in doing so discovered another -secret for himself; the lower portion of the panel formed a drawer; as -long as the drawer remained open, the mouth of the dog would not close, -but as the drawer was shut, the mouth came together with a vicious snap, -as though the thing were possessed of life. This drawer contained all of -John Hilyer’s papers, and a large sum of money; and here also they found -the story of the lonely heart life of a man of strong feeling, and -untaught, ungoverned passions; a sad record of a noble soul gone astray. - - -Phil and his wife Maida are very happy, and with the gentle, -white-haired mother, they live in the pleasant cottage where Phil in his -concentration first saw them. - - - - - A NINETEENTH CENTURY GHOST. - - -My health had failed at last through constant work, long hours, -insufficient and irregular diet, and my nerves paid the penalty for thus -transgressing nature’s laws. Every sin brings its own punishment, -whether it be mental, moral, or physical; it may be that payment is not -exacted to-day, or to-morrow, but sooner or later the penalty will -surely follow the sin. - -I was in fact mentally, as well as bodily exhausted; I had reached the -very depths of disgust; nothing seemed worth doing, everything was -useless; work was worse than useless, a foolishness; pleasure—nothing -was a pleasure. Like one of old I cried out: “All is vanity and vexation -of spirit.” - -I went into the country; not to a distant railway station, to become one -of a dissatisfied mob at a crowded summer hotel, but into the very heart -of the green hills, where the limpid streams gurgled for very joy, as -they frolicked on their way to the distant river; where the woods were -so dense that the sun could only play hide and seek with the softly -fluttering leaves, once in a while touching the soft mossy carpet, or -the glossy leaves of the scarlet checkerberries lovingly. - -Here I found the dearest, quaintest old houses with pointed gables under -which the noisy swallows built their nests of mud—a house with small, -many-paned windows, and great, yawning fireplaces. - -The simple-hearted old people who owned the place welcomed me with -unaffected curiosity. - -I dawdled in the evenings in the sitting room with grandpa and grandma -Yoeman, with no light save the flickering blaze of the hickory logs; -idly watching the pictures in the glowing coals, and dreaming strange -sweet dreams, which ever held a reflection of entrancing sadness. - -The fitful blaze cast strange lights and shadows on the low ceiling; -glinting on grandma’s busy knitting needles; brightening and fading like -an uncertain life. - -Occasionally one of the neighbors came in to exchange news about the -planting; to borrow or “swap” garden seeds; to speculate on the weather; -the greater reason being to see the city boarder. - -Sometimes their frank inquisitiveness amused, at other times it annoyed -me. - -I had been there a month; the weather had grown too warm to permit a -fire in the evening, and the sitting room looked dismal with its one -small kerosene lamp, around which the moths fluttered, and singed their -foolish wings, nearly obscuring the light. - -“Drat the things,” said grandma, from time to time. - -Heavy clouds lay low in the west, and the occasional low growling of -thunder indicated the coming of a storm; the breeze scarcely lifted the -muslin curtain at the window. - -A rush of homesickness came over me; the gloom depressed me, and left me -wretched; the sultry atmosphere seemed unbearable; the quaint, -low-ceiled rooms seemed suffocating, and detestably ugly, and I wondered -that I could have thought them so charming. - -I hurried away to my room, which was at the further end of the house, to -hide my tears. The long, draughty hall seemed filled with lurking -shadows; I thought it endless, and was sure that the doors were opening -on either side as I passed. I dashed open the door of my own room, and -for a few breathless minutes crouched in the corner most thoroughly -frightened. Presently, ashamed of my childish terror, I arose and -lighted my lamp. - -I could not shake off the frightened feeling; the dim, uncertain light -of the small lamp left the corners of the room in wavering gloom; the -gathering clouds sent out their advance signals—a fitful gust of moist -wind—now and then, which suddenly flapped the curtain at the window as -though shaken by an angry hand, and swayed the old-fashioned valance to -the bed until I felt ready to scream. - -I closed the blinds, turned the blaze of the lamp still higher, -endeavoring to make the room look cheerful. Ah, well! The cheerfulness -oftener comes from within than without, and I was nervously depressed -and homesick. - -I was in that restless mood in which everything is irksome. I wished to -write, I could not; a thousand elusive fancies floated by me like -thistledown; my mind reached out to grasp them—a tantalizing caprice of -the brain, a feeling of mental inadequacy—and they were gone into the -realm of the goblin, Incompetent. - -I threw down the pen: “What a strange thing the brain is! At times -docile and obedient; again, willful, elusive, exasperating; a thing over -which one has no control,” I cried angrily. - -I walked restlessly up and down the room until I was fatigued, and -impatiently threw myself into a great armchair; taking up an unfinished -book I tried to read, I turned a page or two without comprehending a -thought; I threw the book to the furthest corner of the room in anger -and disgust. - -Again I walked the floor impatiently, and in the same wretched mood, -undressed and went to bed, where I vainly endeavored to sleep. - -The clouds, which had been gathering since dusk, now marshalled their -forces for battle; the vivid lightning played about the room in wildly -fantastic manner; a momentary white glare, then the darkness of Inferno. -The heavy thunder growled an accompaniment, or broke into a sharp crash, -dying away like the angry growl of the discomfited storm fiend. - -The wind arose, and swung the rickety shutters to and fro throughout the -whole house with many an angry crash; the dead branches of an old -tree—standing by the corner window—tapped on the shaking pane with -ghostly fingers. - -I had extinguished my light, the flame annoyed me; and now—from being -nervous—I became hysterical. Several times, as a vivid glow illumined -the room, followed by an awful crash, I screamed outright; it disturbed -no one; grandma and grandpa Yoeman slept in the far end of the house. I -became so frightened that I pulled the covers over my head and lay there -shivering. - -The electrical storm had somewhat subsided, but the wind was blowing -shrilly, and the rain coming down in sheets. - -Some impulse compelled me to uncover my head; a nervous sensation that -something or some one was in the room—a terror of the unseen. I drew -down the bedclothes, arose on one elbow, and gave a horrified scream, -which died away in an awful constriction of the throat. - -A figure floated before my affrighted eyes; now coming toward me a pace, -then receding; disappearing only to return again. It seemed to float in -the air with a strange undulating motion. I could not turn my eyes away, -although filled with a mortal terror. It stood out like a picture, clear -and distinct, as though the body were filled with luminous light; the -turn of the head, the glint of the hair, suggestive of one whom I had -known and hated in the past—which it still drove me mad to remember—as I -perceived the likeness, or as it seemed, the reality, all fear left me; -instantly my soul was filled with wrath; all the old agony came over me -like an overwhelming flood; I seemed to feel again all the pangs caused -by the treachery and deceit of that false friend. I started up with a -bitter cry, and rushed at the hated face to rend it. - -My hands clutched but empty air! The vision was as elusive as had been -my thoughts; I could grasp neither. - -I crept back into bed bathed in a cold perspiration, and such was my -mental and bodily exhaustion that I sank into a stupor and knew no more -until morning. - -When I awoke the sun was shining brightly, and as I jumped out of bed -and threw open the blinds my fears of the past night seemed like an -absurd dream. - -The face of nature looked so refreshed after her bath; the gentle breeze -shook the blossoming lilacs, to which the raindrops still clung like -countless jewels; their odor came deliciously wafted to me as I leaned -from the open windows; the grass glittered with clinging moisture among -its tender green; a bluebird swung on the branch of a gnarled old apple -tree just bursting into bloom and let out a flood of glorious song; a -meadow lark, sitting on the single post which rose above its fellows, -accepted the challenge and sang with all his might: “Sweet, sweet, -sweet; John G. Whittier!” again and again. - -Fear seemed most absurd with all this wealth of sunshine and springing -vegetation around me; but grandma Yoeman said to me as I entered the -kitchen for breakfast, “You look awfully peaked, Miss Eda; was you so -’fraid of the storm that you didn’t sleep well?” - -“Oh, I’m all right, grandma!” Nevertheless, I could not eat my breakfast -of hot biscuit, golden honey, ham and eggs; although I made a pretense -of enjoying the food, as I knew that grandma tried very hard to please -me. - -When night came my nerves again asserted themselves; every sound made me -start apprehensively. My window was wide open; the great old lilac -bushes seemed to lean caressingly in, their odor borne to me on the -soft, warm wind, as it playfully lifted the thin curtain. - -All was so balmy, quiet and sweet that after a time it soothed my -excited nerves, and I slept soundly until morning. - -Thus it continued for two weeks, until I began to think that I must have -been dreaming. I saw nothing, I heard nothing more alarming than the -rats, which scurried up and down between the plastering and the -clapboards, or gnawed industriously at the narrow base. - -I had been roaming over the fields all day; I had climbed from rock to -rock down the shallow creek as happy as a child; I had lain on the last -year’s leaves, and plaited a crown of checkerberries, the glossy green -of the leaf, and the brilliant red of the berries forming a lovely -contrast. I gathered also a great bunch of wild forget-me-nots; it was -sunset when I reached home; I placed the flowers on the little stand in -front of the mirror, and hung the wreath above it, so that the mirror -reflected it like a duplicate. - -I retired early, and immediately dropped to sleep. Some time during the -night I was awakened—it might have been a shutter that slammed, or a -door in one of the empty rooms—in my half-awakened state it sounded like -a pistol shot. As I started up in bed I became conscious of an unusual -commotion; the trees were swaying and creaking; the lilacs bent and -shivered; my curtains were swept straight out into the room, and as I -looked with startled eyes the luminous figure once more stood before me, -fearfully distinct; the bouquet of forget-me-nots I had gathered held in -her hand; the crown of leaves and berries resting on her head; even in -my awful fright I observed that it was tipped coquettishly over the -right side of the head, instead of being set demurely on top. She seemed -to advance and recede, waving the flowers at me derisively; again the -resemblance to that woman whom my soul loathed struck me with a -sickening sense of pain and hatred. - -I had often listened to my old grandmother as she told tales of -supernatural visitations and mysterious warnings; of the death watch in -the wall, and that immediately following these prognostications some -beloved one surely departed this life; she related instances of ghostly -tappings on the headboard, and of a deadly chill, like a cadaverous -finger, creeping up and down the spine, to warn the unhappy recipient -that a stranger was treading on their future grave. - -These half-forgotten teachings recurred to me with awful vividness, and -I experienced the same sensations which drove me, at that time, -shivering to my bed to lie with sleepless eyes listening for the dread -signal. I felt sure that this “presence” was a warning that my death was -near, and that _she_ brought the message, was an added menace—unless I -forgave her. I had never known hate of any other being in my life; I had -said egotistically that it was not in my nature to hate. Circumstances -show us that we have a very limited acquaintance with our capabilities -and proclivities; I learned that lesson through fiery tribulation. -Another thing which I had been taught as a child now recurred to my mind -as a torment. I had been taught that I must forgive, if I would be -forgiven, and that I must love my enemy. - -How could I forgive her? Though death, or that punishment which I had -been taught would come after death, should stare me in the face, I could -not forgive the deliberate wrecking of my life’s happiness. - -The vision disappeared while these tormenting thoughts raced each other -through my mind; as suddenly returning, it advanced menacingly toward -the bed. - -A fresh blast of wind shook the old house from garret to foundation; -doors crashed, blinds rattled and shook; trees swayed and groaned -dismally; the low of the frightened cattle was borne on the wings of the -blast; a dog howled dismally from out the darkness. I could look no -more; I covered my head and shivered with mortal terror. The following -morning I was unable to rise; there was no questioning in my mind. I -felt sure that I was doomed; that the warning was not only of my demise, -but of future punishment as well, unless I forgave the bearer of that -message. This last thought continually tortured me. How could I force -forgiveness? I might profess it, I might even try and cheat myself into -thinking it; but the turn of a head, the movement of a hand, the tone of -a voice, would bring a never-to-be-forgotten picture before my mind, -which would give the lie to all my pretense. I hated with just cause, -and should I forgive, would I not thereby place myself on a level with -that creature of debasement? Could I stoop to such forgiveness, and -retain my own self-respect? No! no! no! I could pass by; I could leave -her and her ways to the inevitable punishment that must follow her -deeds; I could avoid being in anywise the instrument of vengeance in the -hand of Providence, though Providence walked by my side and whispered in -my ear temptingly; but forgive her and respect myself I could not; by -condoning the offense I should actually sanction it. - -Oh, the agony of that incessant thinking! Fighting the battle over and -over again, only to cry out despairingly: “I cannot! I cannot!” Day by -day my strength diminished; night after night ended in horror and -despair. - -Sometimes for a night or two the ghostly presence did not appear, then, -as hope began to dawn, it suddenly stood leering at me motionlessly; at -other times it undulated, advanced and receded, in maddening fashion. I -made all necessary preparations for the end which I felt must be very -near; there were none who would mourn me greatly; although I had but one -enemy, yet I had few friends; I could not open my heart to the whole -world. - -I had lived as nearly right as I knew—now another question added to the -torment of my mind; was I to be punished for that which I did not know? -How well I remembered the grim old preacher, who, pacing back and forth, -told us Sabbath after Sabbath that we were certain of punishment because -we did not know, that we must repent; that all were born in sin. I used -to think how much better it would have been not to have been born at all -than to have to be sorry for something you did not know anything about. - -He looked so savage as he pounded the pulpit that I used to slip off the -seat and try and hide; I thought he was going to help the Lord punish -us, and I tried so hard to be sorry, although I did not know for what. -Now I was troubled fearing that this was a truth; we are so much more -lazy than we wish to admit; we drift with circumstances, and call it -fate; we crouch down and receive degrading blows because it is so much -easier than fighting for the right. Letting things drift had ever been -my weakness, I so enjoyed being lazily happy; now I was tormented with -fear of the sins of omission. - -All through the day I dreaded the coming of the night, and the detested -vision; thus day brought me no solace because of harassing doubts, and -too perplexing questions. I had irritably begged grandma Yoeman to take -the hated wreath and flowers out of my sight, and from that day to this -their sweet, woody odor turns me faint and sick. - -The days lengthened with the fullness of summer, the petals of the apple -blossoms covered the ground with their fragrant snow, and now the green -globes hung from the bending boughs, and the old-fashioned garden was a -wealth of color; still I lay languid and helpless, in the low-ceiled -room—unheeding the beauty outside—as I lay with my face turned -hopelessly to the wall; or if perchance I looked out of the open window, -it was but to sigh despairingly: “I shall soon pass away from all things -earthly.” - -I had watched in vain for the tormenting presence for the past two weeks -until my mind was in that strange paradoxical state in which I dreaded, -yet anxiously awaited its appearance. I believed that one more visit -would surely be the last. - -Still another week passed, a week of dread anticipation; the day had -been so invigorating that in spite of my morbid imaginings, my -overwrought nerves loosed their tension. I had in the afternoon sat by -the open window for an hour or two, drinking in the balm of the -atmosphere, and when in the dusk I again crept into the bed I felt -fatigued, and lying down was restful; the fresh, clean sheets smelled of -lavender, and the soft mattress seemed fitted to every curve of my body. -I nestled my head in the pillow, and with the soft wind blowing through -the wide-open window, at once dropped asleep. Once or twice in the -earlier part of the night I opened my eyes, drowsily conscious that the -moon was lighting up the room with pale radiance, also vaguely realizing -an unusual sense of peace and comfort. - -It must have been very near morning when I awoke with a sinking sense of -fright; perspiration stood on my brow cold as death dew; I thought that -my hour of dissolution had come. Only the faintest ray of moonlight was -visible, as it was disappearing behind a bank of clouds in the west; the -wind was whistling shrilly through the trees, and into the room through -the open window, between which and the bed, undulated, receded, or -darted viciously forward the detestable specter. - -For a single instant my whole being sank inertly; I thought the very -elements in coalition with my tormenter; then a sudden anger, or -antagonism—assailed me. This fiend had wrecked my material life, through -my having been taught that resistance was wrong; that if “thine enemy -smite thee on one cheek, turn to him also the other.” - -Should I allow this old parody upon truth to drive me beyond the plane -of material existence? - -Since evolution began—and who can date its commencement?—resistance has -been the law governing the survival of the fittest; can that natural law -be wrong? The fact that the possessor of the greater power of resistance -survives is practical demonstration of its justice and right. I had in -the past weakly let go of home and happiness; now a rage assailed me as -fierce as a devastating forest fire; I cried out as I leaped from the -bed, “I will not succumb!” I rushed madly at the detested semblance; the -hateful leer appeared to grow more diabolical, the poise of the head -more insolent, as it evaded me. There came a blast which tore at the -shutters, and dashed the old mirror with a crash to the floor; at that -instant the specter dashed wildly toward me, swung dizzily around, and -it seemed to my excited imagination that the features assumed an -appalled look; a crash at the rear end of the room caused me to turn my -head, a thousand misplaced stars seemed scattered over the floor, -scintillating in the gloom. - -I turned again to renew my warfare—but the specter was nowhere to be -seen. I stood bewildered awaiting its return; but it came no more, and -with a shiver—half of fright, half of cold—I closed the window and crept -into bed; as I pulled the blankets about me, and snuggled down into the -pillows, I felt a comforting sense of having defeated my adversary; from -that beatific state I fell to musing upon the many contradictory -teachings of this life, and idly wondering which was right, or if all -were in error, and thus I drifted into slumber. - -Grandma Yoeman was in a state of terrible excitement the next morning -over the devastation of the storm. - -“To think, I’ve had that looking-glass ever since I was married! I do -hope it won’t bring you any bad luck, Miss Eda!” said she plaintively. - -“Oh, nonsense, grandma! From this hour my better health and my happiness -are assured,” I replied gayly. I had such perfect confidence that I -should no more be troubled by the uncanny vision that it made me very -happy. - -As I was lazily putting on my clothing, grandma’s lamentations broke out -afresh: “There’s that picture that my niece Mandy painted, broke all to -bits!” - -“I wonder that I never saw the picture,” said I, more to comfort grandma -by an interest in her misfortune than for any other reason. - -“Oh, I covered it up to keep the dust from it; it was real purty, jest -shone at night like anything,” she concluded regretfully. - -From that time on, I danced about the old house, and dreamed under the -gnarled apple trees, or among the sweet-scented clover, as happy as it -is possible to be—except for one longing pain. - -I seemed to see that I might, and ought to be, uplifted, exalted above -all evil; thus gaining the right from that elevation of purity, to pity -and forgive the soul so warped as to prefer evil to good. I now -understood that it was like crossing a bridge spanning a foul stream; -one might shudder at the offensive sight, but no soil or attaint could -touch even the outer garments. I let the sweet air of heaven blow all my -bitterness away; the birds and flowers spoke only of love and harmony, -and their sweet language taught me that I too had sinned, although I had -transgressed simply because I did not understand that I need neither -fraternize nor hold aloof, but walk my way in peace and quietude; -inasmuch as it lies not in the power of any person to wound my feelings, -or to injure me beyond the material; that within me, only, lies the -weakness which makes that possible. - -As I sat watching the great, lumbering bumble-bees crawl in and out of -the hollyhocks, thinking what fortunate fellows they were, to taste only -the sweets of life, there came a quiet step behind me, and a hand was -laid upon my shoulder which thrilled me from head to foot; I essayed to -rise, but my traitor limbs refused their support; the well-remembered -voice sounded afar off, but—oh, so sweet! - -“I have come to ask your forgiveness, and to acknowledge my wrong; -little woman, will you be merciful?” - -I cried out sharply: “But how can I trust you? You promised before, and -deceived me so bitterly!” the pent-up agony vibrating through my voice. - -Very gently he answered me: “I acknowledge that I did; but give me one -more trial—a chance to prove my better self to you—you shall never -regret it. Oh, Eda! Look at this tree upon which you are sitting; -through some mishap it grew warped and unsightly; but see! it has -changed its course, and is growing steadily upward, bearing an abundance -of wholesome fruit. Can’t you believe that I, too, will mend my course, -and that the fruit of my future life will be good?” - -The earnest, thrilling voice was as sweetest music to my ear; my heart -was so hungry, but—a memory—“But, oh, that woman!” I cried. - -“My wife, let us never again mention her! At last I see——” - -Manlike, he wished no mention made of his wrongdoing—that he put it -behind him he considered sufficient. A sharp pain went through my heart, -that all my agony was to be put aside so lightly; but—he was my husband. -I sat a moment irresolute, then placed my hands in his, and replied, “As -you wish; but let there be no looking backward, let us both live aright -each day, and we shall not fail of being happy.” - -I made instant resolve to put those higher and better thoughts into -practical use, and I have never had cause to regret so doing. Neither -the ghost of my enemy, nor the wraith of a regret have since visited me. - - - - - WHAT BECAME OF THE MONEY? - - -Marjorie Melton and Henry Laselle, were an ideally happy couple; for -once the course of true love seemed to run smoothly, thus belying the -old adage. Marjy was the pet and heiress of an old aunt with whom she -lived. Henry was a young lawyer, with a fair amount of practice, a good -reputation, and every prospect of success. Aunt Hattie—as she was -lovingly called—lived as befitted her station, on one of the most -fashionable avenues. - -One Monday evening Aunt Hattie received a large sum of money from the -sale of property; as it was after banking hours she locked it away in a -small safe in her sitting room. Henry and Marjy sat by the table -reading, and commenting on a work of occult science; Henry taking the -stand that it was like hunting for a half a dozen pearls in a mountain -of sand; Marjy defending the theories with much warmth, as much because -of their beauty as because of their truth. Hypnotism was the subject -under discussion, Henry declaring that he considered the whole thing -“fudge.” - -Aunt Hattie locked away her money, and as she passed the table, she -tossed a slip of paper on which was written the combination of the safe, -to Marjy, saying, “Put that away, please; it is a pity that one must -become so forgetful; I have but this instant locked that safe, yet I -cannot even now, remember the combination.” Her tone expressed such -intense disgust with herself that Henry and Marjy laughed merrily. - -Henry picked up the slip of paper and read the numbers and letters -aloud: “I’ll wager that I could repeat that a week from to-night!” - -“I’ll take that bet; you have a good memory, but I think not quite equal -to that; however I’ll put this out of your sight, so that you cannot -study it;” answered she teasingly, as she hid the paper. - -He left the house an hour or so later, and nothing further was said on -the subject. After he reached home the letters and figures kept -repeating themselves over and over in his mind, until he heartily tired -of them; even after he retired they continued to dance before his mental -vision, until he angrily exclaimed aloud: - -“Oh, confound the things! Small chance of my forgetting them!” - -He had barely reached his office the next morning when the telephone -bell ran sharply; Aunt Hattie answered his, “Hello!” - -“Hello! Henry, is that you?” - -“Yes; what is the trouble? Anything wrong up there?” - -“No—that is—nothing in particular. Say, Henry, did you take that money -last night?” - -“Aunt Hattie! Why should you think that I would take your money?” he -cried indignantly. - -“I thought that perhaps you did it to tease me; can’t you come to the -house for a few minutes?” - -“Certainly,” he replied. - -He had been very busy all the morning, and had not once thought of the -combination, but no sooner was he on his way to the house than, with -tantalizing pertinacity, it began repeating itself over, again and -again. Marjy met him at the door, she had evidently been weeping; he -caught her hands: “Why, Marjy, what is the matter? Have you been crying -over the loss of that money?” he asked in astonishment. - -She raised her eyes to his face, a troubled questioning in their depths, -“Did you not take it, Henry?” - -He drew back in hurt surprise: “What do you mean, Marjy? Do you think -that I would take your aunt’s money?” he asked indignantly. - -Marjy burst into tears: “Auntie—Auntie—” she stammered, and there she -stopped, unable to proceed. - -He finished the sentence for her; “Thinks me a thief,” he said grimly. - -She hung her head and sobbed: “You—you are the only person—beside auntie -and me, who knew the combination, you know!” she paused, then continued -desperately, “You remember that you boasted that you could repeat it a -week from that day——” - -“I should think so! I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind for one -minute since; but what has that to do with your aunt’s money?” - -“No other person knew anything about it,” she said naïvely. - -“That explains your strange look when you hid the paper; you suspected -that I would steal the money.” - -“Oh, Henry! I had no thought of such a thing!” - -“Perhaps not, but you looked it!” he replied hotly. - -She drew herself up angrily: “I tell you that there was no such thought -in my mind; it must have had birth in your own consciousness; you -remember the old adage about ‘fleeing when no man pursueth.’” She tossed -her pretty head high in the air, and walked into the sitting room; he -followed sullenly behind. - -Here everything was in disorder; chairs were thrown about; books lay all -over the floor with their leaves fluttered open; window drapings were -shaken out of their usual prim folds; the piano cover lay in the middle -of the room; and at the instant of their entrance Aunt Hattie was on her -knees tearing frantically at the edge of the carpet. She turned a red -and disheveled countenance toward them. - -“Come and help me with this,” said she shortly. - -“For what are you tearing up the carpet?” asked Marjy. - -Auntie stopped her work, and dropped on to her knees staring blankly. -“Looking for the money, ninny!” she ejaculated in a tone of intense -disgust. - -“But Auntie, you put it in the safe!” - -She looked bewildered for a moment, then said fatuously, “Did I? I -thought perhaps I hid it under the carpet. Oh, yes; I remember! Henry -had the combination; there wasn’t any one knew it except you two,” she -finished angrily. - -Marjy turned a reproachful glance on Henry, who stood looking angrily at -auntie; she returned an equally angry gaze. - -“I do not think it kind of you to play such tricks upon me; give me back -the money, and have done with such foolishness!” said she. - -“Do you really think that I took your money?” he questioned hotly. - -“Of course! There was no one else knew the combination but you——” - -“Oh, confound that combination! I’ve heard it until I’m sick of it! Your -niece knew it as well as I—why not suspect her? She was in the house, I -was not!” - -“Yes, that’s so! Marjy did you take it?” fatuously. - -Marjy gave Henry a withering look: “What nonsense!” she cried. - -“Well, some one took it!” gloomily iterated auntie, as she continued to -lift up books, and flutter open papers. - -“You had best have a detective look into the matter,” said Marjy coldly. - -“Oh, not for the world! I wouldn’t be so disgraced!” cried auntie -excitedly. - -“I do not see how you are to ascertain the truth otherwise,” remarked -Henry. - -“Oh, dear! I wouldn’t care so much for the money—though it’s too much to -lose—but to have to suspect those in whom we have placed so much -confidence, and one’s very own, is awful!” wailed Aunt Hattie, not very -lucidly. - -Henry frowned angrily, then Marjy shot him a disdainful glance, and Aunt -Hattie glared reproachfully at both. - -Henry turned abruptly, lifting his hat in a sudden access of politeness; -“I bid you a very good day; if you wish to arrest me, you will find me -in my room, two doors away; or in my office on Tremont Street,” saying -which he strode angrily away. - -Marjy ran up to her room and locked herself in, despite her aunt’s -shrill cry: “Come here, Marjy, and help me to look for that money! Oh, I -must find it, it cannot be lost!” - -Notwithstanding her asseveration, it did seem to be lost. She one moment -declared that she was positive that she had locked it in the safe—and -scolded and reproached Marjy—then, she railed about Henry, and how -impossible it was to trust any one; taking another turn, she doubted -herself; she did not know whether or not she put it in the safe at all. -“It might be that I took it out after I put it there, and thought it -more secure in some other place; but of course I never once thought that -Henry would rob me, and he pretended to love you,” she would grumble. -Then she would fall to tearing things to pieces again. - -Whenever her aunt accused her, Marjy only cried out impatiently: “Oh, -nonsense, auntie! What would I do with it?” - -“I do not know, I am sure!” weakly. - -But when she assailed Henry, then Marjy flew into a tempest of passion. -“You know that he could not have touched it; we were all in the room -together until he left, and I went to the front door, and closed and -locked it after him; he lives two doors away, he couldn’t very well come -through the walls,” indignantly. - -“That’s so! You must have taken it, then!” hysterically. - -“Much more likely that you have hidden it away yourself. Oh, dear! My -life is ruined on account of that miserable money! Henry scarcely speaks -to me, and says that he will never step inside the house again!” - -“I do not see why you should mourn over a thief!” answered Aunt Hattie. - -“He isn’t a thief. I would as soon think that you took it yourself,” she -cried wrathfully. - -Aunt Hattie grew pale with anger: “Take care what you say, miss,” she -retorted with quivering lips. - -The whole household arrangement, mind, morals and manners, seemed -demoralized. Never before had an ill-natured word been spoken between -auntie and Marjy. Auntie had been like the placid autumn day, Marjy like -the blithe spring sunshine. Now everything was like a draught of bitter -water. Henry went about his work listlessly. - -The days dragged along tiresomely, Marjy and Henry met occasionally, and -although no word was spoken, by tacit consent the engagement was ended. -Marjy went nowhere and would receive no company. Gossips commented—there -must be something wrong; a bird of the air whispered—there always is a -telltale bird—that Henry was a defaulter; then, rumor had it, a common -thief. A kind friend? told him the report—there is also always the kind -friend—he was raging. He declared that he would leave the place, that he -would not stay here in disgrace; he surely thought that Marjy or her -aunt had circulated the report, and he was furious over it. - -A little reflection caused him to change his mind about leaving: “I have -done no wrong, and I will not run! If they think to drive me away by -that scheme, they will get left, that’s all!” said he grimly. Meanwhile -some one told Marjy that _she_ heard that “Henry and Marjy had stolen -money from her auntie, and had intended to elope; that Auntie Nelson had -caught them before they could get out of the street door; she took the -money from Henry, and forbid him the house. It isn’t true is it, dear?” -concluded she. - -Marjy astonished the gossip by such an outburst of temper as frightened -her out of the house, after which she locked herself in her own chamber, -to sob and cry for the rest of the day. Everything was as miserable as -it was possible to be; Marjy would go out no more in daylight, but after -nightfall, with a heavy veil over her face, she would steal out for a -walk as though she were some guilty thing. - -One night as she passed Henry’s room she paused and looked up at the -window; he sat beside a small table on which was placed a lamp, his head -bowed upon his arms in an attitude of despair; he raised his face, the -change and melancholy look filled Marjy’s heart with grief. He arose -wearily and began pacing to and fro. Marjy dropped her face in her hands -and sobbed bitterly; the moon, which had been under a cloud, came out a -flood of silver radiance; Marjy leaning against a low railing on the -opposite side of the street, was, unconsciously to herself, in the full -glow. - -“Marjy! Marjy!” called a voice softly. - -She started in affright; but Henry caught her hands, and held them fast. - -“Marjy, Marjy, my pet, don’t cry!” - -She made him no answer, but sobbed hysterically in his arms. - -“What is it, Marjy, is there more trouble?” he asked, feeling—as most -men do in the presence of a woman’s tears—perfectly helpless. - -“No! no! There doesn’t need be more trouble! There isn’t any happiness -left; auntie is so cross and suspicious—she suspects you, me, and even -herself; for whole days at a time she doesn’t speak, and if I take a -book to read she looks at me as reproachfully as though I were doing -some wrong thing; if I look sad she says—she says—I am mourning over a -thief, and that makes me mad, because I know it isn’t true!” she -finished excitedly. - -“God bless you, Marjy! That is the first bit of comfort I have received -since that miserable night,” he answered. - -“How could you imagine that I would think you guilty of such a thing?” -reproachfully. - -“How happens it that you are out so late at night?” he asked -irrelevantly. - -“I cannot go out in daytime, people say such awful things about us that -it makes me ashamed;” sobbing hysterically. “When I saw you looking so -despondent it just broke my heart.” - -“Oh, my dear, don’t cry!” helplessly. - -She smiled at him through her tears: “Well, I will not, you have enough -to bear as it is; but why were you so sad to-night?” - -He put his hand under her chin, lifting up her face: “First, and -greatest; I thought I had lost that which was dearest to me of aught on -earth; I thought that you believed me guilty of taking that money, as -you both said repeatedly that I was the only one who knew that accursed -combination—and do you know, Marjy, that I can no more get it out of my -mind than I can fly. By day and night it haunts me until I am very near -insane. I see it before me like sparks of fire; I heard it iterated, and -reiterated, and nothing that I can do rids me of the torture; frightful -or grotesque pictures are formed, from the midst of which your aunt’s -face looks out at me with wide-open, reproachful eyes.” - -A shudder swept over him at the remembrance; he drew her into closer -embrace, and said, “Little comforter! It is sweet to know that you have -faith in me, when friends and clients are deserting me; some one is -busily reporting the whole affair, with numerous embellishments;” after -a moment’s pause, he continued: “Do you think that auntie would spread -the report?” - -“Oh, no! No matter what she may say to me, she would not breathe a word -of it to others. I must return to the house, or someone will see us -talking, and there will be more reports,” added Marjy laughingly. They -parted with many fond words, and Marjy went home happier than she had -been in many a day. This was but one of many meetings. - -Aunt Hattie’s whole mental attitude seemed changed; nothing is more true -than that we have very little knowledge of ourselves; many traits lie -dormant until circumstances call them out; hidden dogs that scenting -prey hurry forward in restless chase. Auntie had ever been trusting to a -singular degree; but now she had become suspicious of everyone, and when -Marjy went out two or three nights in succession, she regarded her -distrustingly. “I do wonder now, if Marjy goes out to meet that fellow! -Probably they are planning that they will have a good time with that -money. Oh, dear! I wish that miserable roll of bills had been burned, it -wouldn’t have given me half as much trouble; it is the uncertainty that -vexes me so!” - -It is often quoted as an adage, “out of people’s mouths we must judge -them.” I shall certainly have to differ with the wise old proverb maker, -though as a rule he is right; sometimes people say the opposite of what -they mean; most certainly Aunt Hattie did, when she accused either Henry -or Marjy of using the money. The fact was that she was in a state of -aggravating uncertainty; she had no actual opinion, being in a condition -of endless surmise, and consequent irritability, which must have an -outlet. - -That night her suspicions were so wrought up that she followed Marjy, -and witnessed the loving meeting of the two; she caught a sound of their -low-toned conversation, although she could not distinguish their words. -She was in precisely that frame of mind to imagine that everything was -intended as an injury to her; she rushed at them, crying and scolding -incoherently. - -Marjy in an agony of shame tried to appease her, but in vain. Windows -were hastily thrown up all along the street: “Oh, auntie, do come home! -All the neighbors are listening; auntie! auntie! Just think of the -comments!” - -Auntie gave a frightened glance at the many opened windows, and at a man -hurrying toward them; gossip over her affairs had been the great bugaboo -of her life; she regained command of herself instantly. The man was -rapidly approaching them, his face alive with curiosity; just as he was -on the point of speaking to them, auntie sank to the ground with a groan -and burst into loud weeping. - -Marjy gave Henry a frightened glance, and turned to auntie in the -greatest distress. Auntie cried out shrilly: “Lift me up, Henry! Marjy, -do get hold on the other side. Oh, dear! Oh, dear. My poor ankle, I know -that it is broken!” and with much groaning and crying she allowed -herself to be carried into the house. No sooner had the street door -closed behind them than auntie straightened up and said laughingly: -“There, I think my ankle is all right now, and those old gossips have -missed a treat!” - -She was so elated over the affair that she seemed more like herself than -for a long time; but as a sequence Marjy could go out no more, -unaccompanied by her aunt. Auntie gave Henry a frigid invitation, but he -seldom came to the house, and when he did so wore a preoccupied and -uncomfortable air; auntie was often disagreeable, and Marjy unhappy and -despondent. - -About this time a cousin of Marjy’s, James Jordan, came to visit Auntie -Nelson; he was not long in discovering that things were in an unpleasant -condition. He formed a great liking for Henry, who on the contrary was -very jealous of James. Marjy went to places of amusement, and was -frequently out riding with him; cousin James was consulted upon all -occasions. Marjy had no wrong intention in so doing; she thought of him -merely as her cousin, and was glad of anything that eased the tension -under which they seemed to be living. Henry had become so hypersensitive -that he shrank from everything. He often answered James with absolute -incivility, to which he only returned some laughing answer; he -understood the situation very well, and heartily sympathized with the -lovers. - -One evening they had gathered around the table in auntie’s room; several -new magazines lay scattered about, one of which James had been reading. -Henry was unusually silent and depressed; his business had steadily -decreased, and more than one taunt had been leveled at him; he had ever -been proud of his integrity, and scorned all things debasing—as all -dishonesty whether of word or deed must be—and the annoyance had -developed a nervous restlessness which prevented sleep, and left him -worn, haggard and miserable. - -James looked up from the book which he had been reading and said, “What -do you think about hypnotism? I have been reading this article, and am -very much impressed, as well as interested by it.” - -The question was addressed to no one in particular, but Henry took it -up, and answered roughly: “I think it is a lot of bosh!” - -James replied pleasantly: “I don’t know that it is, though it may be so. -We know that there are subtleties of the mind which we do not -understand, and I do not see why there should not be the same amount of -force in the higher power of man as in the physical; great feats, either -of mind or muscle, are but the result of training; we think because we -do not understand that to which we have scarcely given a thought—much -less investigated—that it cannot be true; we have no right to cry ‘wolf’ -until we—at least—uncover our eyes.” - -Henry lifted up his face, a strange eagerness in his voice as he said, -“Do you then believe that you could unconsciously to me force me to do -that which is against my will?” - -“No, indeed! The hypnotic has no will; it is the will of the hypnotizer -working through him. I believe that the hypnotizer may not even be -positive as to a knowledge of his own power—merely a half-consciousness, -a way in which one’s thoughts at times move—like the shadow of a -fast-sailing summer cloud. Of course to be so easily influenced, the -subject must be of a yielding, plastic temperament; it is as though the -operator sent a portion of his own soul on a brief visit into the body -of the hypnotized.” - -A half-frightened look flashed over Henry’s countenance—and was -instantly gone; he cried out roughly: “I don’t believe it! I don’t -believe it!” He wiped the perspiration from his face with a trembling -hand. James laughed at his vigorous protest, and affected not to see the -emotion which lay behind it, so he answered lightly: “No compulsion -about it, this is just a case of leave it, or take it, as you -please—which does not alter the fact that we have many forces within us -of which we are in ignorance,” he replied quietly. - -“Well, all I have to say is this, I wish that I had the power to get one -good night’s rest. I think that hypnotism would be a blessing, if it -were the means of securing it to me; I lie awake half the night to think -and worry, and at last fall asleep and dream it all over again, -intensified a thousand times, and aggravated by something, which each -night persistently occurs, and which I try all day to recall to memory; -at times I just touch the border—it is like trying to grasp the luminous -tail of a comet—it is but empty air.” He suddenly paused, evidently -annoyed that he had been betrayed into an expression of his feelings. -James sat up, instantly interested: “Can you not concentrate your mind, -and thus trace the sequence of that which you do remember? Is it a -dream—or—or——” - -“It is nothing! I tell you it is nothing!” said Henry testily. - -James said no more, but he knew that there was something which Henry -either could not, or would not explain. Later, as Henry was starting for -home, James laid his hand on his shoulder and said, “I think I will go -home with you, and we will have a quiet smoke together, it will soothe -your nerves, and perhaps you will sleep better.” - -At first Henry shrugged his shoulders impatiently, and made a movement -as though he would jerk away from his detaining hand; but as James -continued speaking he seemed to change his mind, and said slowly: “Very -well! I do not often smoke, but perhaps it would quiet my nerves.” Aunt -Hattie bade him a very crusty good-night; she had been very sarcastic, -and ill-natured all the evening; it seemed to make her angry if either -Marjy or Henry showed any enjoyment; she seemed equally angry if they -sat silent and unhappy. - -“Oh, auntie, you ought not to be so ill-natured!” said Marjy after they -had gone. - -“Oh, of course, I am the one to blame! If I lost everything I possess on -earth, I ought to keep right on smiling—I should like to know what James -went home with Henry for? some scheming, I suppose!” she harped upon -these two strings until it was very trying. - -James locked his arm in Henry’s, talking pleasantly, Henry replying -absently as though he but half-comprehended. - -As I have said his rooms were in the front part of the house; he pulled -down the blinds, and lighted a lamp with a soft, rose-colored shade, and -threw himself into an easy-chair with an air of great weariness. James -seated himself at his right side, but with his chair so turned that he -could watch Henry’s face. He led him gently on, until, before he -realized what he was doing, he was pouring all his distress and grief -into his companion’s ear, in a low, dreamy tone, an aggrieved quiver -running through his voice. - -“Can you explain what it is that haunts your mind—you remember that you -spoke of it this evening?” questioned James. - -The trouble deepened in his eyes, and his voice took on a more fretful -tone: “I do not know, I tell you the truth, I do not know—but it is -something about that combination, and—Aunt Hattie; sometimes I can -almost see it; but before I can quite grasp it, it is gone. I believe -that I shall go insane, if I cannot get the thing off my mind.” - -James reached over and laid his hand on the other’s shoulder -affectionately: “Don’t worry, old fellow! It will all come out right! -Did you ever try to bring the vision before you by concentrating your -mind upon the fragment which you seem to catch—not at first trying to -get any further—and thus ascertain how much of the shadow you can make -real? When you have proved that the haunting remembrance is not wholly -illusory, you can then step by step trace back to that which evades you. -Henry obediently rested his head on the cushion, and drew a long breath -or two like a tired sigh. - -“Well, what do you see?” asked James eagerly. - -He answered in the tone of a child repeating its lesson: “I see a bright -light—” he started up excitedly: “I cannot see anything beyond except a -moving shadow—Oh! It is myself that I see!” his voice expressive of -intense surprise. - -“Yes? What are you doing?” James asked, trembling with excitement. - -“Standing in the middle of the room, repeating the combination -aloud—over and over again, making Aunt Hattie repeat it after me.” - -“Where is Aunt Hattie?” - -“In her sitting room.” - -“How do you see this?” - -“It is like a picture! This is that which has eluded me for days—I see -it plainly now.” - -“Repeat the scene just as it has been enacted before.” - -Henry slowly arose from his chair, and walked to the center of the room; -here he paused undecidedly. - -“Well, what is wrong?” - -Very slowly he answered, “I do not know—I—do—not—know.” - -James looked puzzled; at last he asked: “Do you mean that you cannot do -again that which you have before accomplished—that some peculiar -condition is wanting?” - -Henry merely repeated helplessly, “I—do—not—know; it is all dark! I -cannot find—Aunt—Hattie!” in tone of great distress. - -James looked perplexed: “Sit down in your chair,” he said. Henry obeyed, -and presently James awoke him; he stretched out his arms, yawning -sleepily. “I feel awfully tired, suppose we go to bed!” Evidently he had -no remembrance of the hypnotic sleep. - -They at once retired; Henry sank immediately into a profound slumber, -but James lay for a long time troubling over an idea which had taken -possession of his mind. He did not believe Henry guilty of stealing the -money, but he believed that he was shielding the person who did take it. -Could it be Marjy? The thought made the cold sweat start out on his -face; the next instant, when he remembered Marjy’s frank eyes as she -appealed to him to try his hypnotic power over Henry, he felt ashamed of -the thought; her idea was merely to tease Henry for his strenuous -opposition to it, if he could be made to succumb to the influence; but -James had an altogether different idea, which he did not mention; as I -have said, he believed that Henry knew more about the money than he -professed to know. Now, after his experiment, he was completely at a -loss; he could form no opinion. He was surprised that he found him so -easy a subject; it was perhaps owing to his mental depression, and -consequent relaxation of will power. - -James had said to Marjy that afternoon, “Perhaps Henry did take the -money!” - -“I know that he did not!” she answered hotly. - -“How do you know that?” - -“Just because I do know; I cannot explain how I know, but I know it!” - -James, watching the flush in her cheek, was thinking how becoming a -touch of anger was to her, but he laughed gayly as he replied: “Woman’s -reason; logical of course; just because!” - -This returned to him as he lay there too perplexed to sleep. “She is -right about it; he did not take the money, or else he would have -betrayed it; and this knocks my theory all to pieces, as well; he would -have told if he knew who did take it. Confound the whole business! What -is it to me, that I should worry over it?” He turned restlessly in the -bed, trying to get to sleep. - -Presently Henry began to mutter. James grumbled at this fresh annoyance. -“I had best have stayed at home,” he said. - -Henry lifted himself upon his elbow, whispering rapidly. - -“That confounded combination!” exclaimed James in disgust, as he turned -over to look at Henry; he caught his breath in surprise. - -Slowly, slowly Henry arose, his lips moving rapidly, as a child repeats -its lesson to impress it upon his mind. His eyes were widely opened, but -with a curious introverted look; he stepped slowly forward, a look of -concentration on his ghastly features; he walked to the center of the -room exactly where he had before stood; there he paused as though -listening: “Aunt Hattie! Aunt Hattie!” he called clearly and distinctly; -although the tone was very low, as one speaks who is desirous of being -heard by none save the person addressed. - -James jumped out of bed, bringing his hands together softly. “I wonder -if it is possible!” he cried, quivering with excitement; he hurried on -his clothes and fairly flew down the stairs, and let himself into Aunt -Hattie’s house. - -As he passed the sitting room he cautiously pushed aside the -_portières_. Aunt Hattie was on her knees before the safe, repeating the -combination in almost exactly the tone in which Henry had spoken. James -dashed up the stairs and knocked softly at Marjy’s door. - -“Who’s there?” she called in a frightened tone. - -“It’s I, James; open the door, Marjy; do not be frightened, but hurry!” -Marjy opened the door as requested. - -“Oh, what is it?” her voice trembling. - -“Nothing which need frighten you. I have found the thief, come!” - -Marjy had not disrobed, but was lying on the bed reading, and -immediately followed him. He hastily whispered an explanation as they -hurried down the stairs; in conclusion he said: “Now, I want you to -watch auntie, and see just what she does; I will go back and watch -Henry’s movements; he appears like a sleep walker, and auntie seems to -be hypnotized. It’s a queer performance, take it as you will.” - -Marjy was white and trembling; half afraid, and wholly excited. They -drew aside the draperies, auntie had all the papers contained in the -safe on the floor, and was now rummaging in every corner as though -searching for some missing thing; muttering, muttering to herself all -the time. - -James hurried back to Henry’s rooms, and left Marjy breathlessly -watching Aunt Hattie, who was carefully gathering up the scattered -papers, and putting them back in their several places; she then closed -and locked the safe. - -“Oh!” breathed Marjy, in keen disappointment; she had surely thought -that she should know where the money was, and her disappointment was -great. She was about to turn away and go to her room, she felt so vexed, -when her steps were arrested by hearing her aunt say—as though replying -to some person: - -“Yes, I will! I forgot—Oh, yes! All right!” and with a quick decided -step she walked across the room to a great easy-chair; this she -carefully turned upon its side; removed one of the casters, and pulled -some bills out of the cavity; she appeared to count them carefully, -after which she replaced them, putting the caster in the socket as it -belonged. Each one was examined in turn, then with a sigh the chair was -placed in its proper position and she sank into its depths with the -audible words: “Yes, Henry; it is all right!” - -Marjy shivered with superstitious awe; silence unbroken reigned save for -the ticking of the clock, and the breathing of Aunt Hattie, as she lay -back in the chair looking strangely cadaverous. - -James quietly let himself into Henry’s room; he still stood like a -specter in the middle of the floor; the red glow of the lamp cast a -weird light over his pale features, his expression was fixed and intent; -his face was turned slightly sidewise, and he held up one hand as one -who listens intently: “Yes, that is right; place everything as you found -it, and go to your bed!” As he ceased speaking he turned toward his own -bed, rested a moment on its edge, then lay down, and drew the covers -over himself as though just retiring; he was soon breathing deeply, and -like one in natural slumber. - -James threw himself into a chair, and slowly puffed a cigar and thought; -finally he arose and yawning stretched his limbs. “I’ll see if Marjy has -retired; I think I understand this queer tangle, but I’m blest if I -understand how to straighten it out!” - -He quietly let himself out of the house, and as quietly entered auntie’s -front door; Marjy met him in the hall, and drew him into the sitting -room. - -“Where is auntie?” he asked. - -“Gone to her bed; do tell me what happened in Henry’s room!” she said -eagerly. She sat looking at him wide-eyed and wondering, while he -related all that had occurred. - -“Well, tell me, what do you think of it?” she questioned. - -He thoughtfully rolled his cigar in his fingers for a few minutes before -replying. “I do not quite know; Henry was certainly asleep. Now the -question is just this; could he hypnotize your aunt at such a distance, -himself being in a somnambulistic state?” - -“I do not think that he is conscious of possessing hypnotic power,” said -Marjy. - -“No, he would doubtless be indignant if one suggested such a thing; but -he certainly has that power, and really, I cannot see why he could not -use the force just as well in that state as though awake, so long as his -mind intelligently directed it; the will power is just as strong as at -any time.” - -“It is all very strange! Now that we know where the money is, what are -we to do about it?” - -“I suppose the proper thing to do would be to tell Aunt Hattie all about -to-night’s free show!” and he laughed at the recollection. - -“I should really be afraid to tell Aunt Hattie; in her present mood -there is no saying what she would, or would not do,” said Marjy. - -James replied thoughtfully: “That is true; we had best sleep over it; we -will talk it over again in the morning.” - -James did not return to Henry’s room, he wished to be alone, that he -might better solve the problem which confronted him. - -He arose the following morning tired, worn out with sleeplessness, and -no nearer a solution than when he retired. - -Auntie was in a terrible ill humor, the atmosphere seemed surcharged -with discord; throughout the whole day everything seemed to go amiss. -Marjy was burning with a desire to tell her aunt, alternated with a -shivering fear of her disbelief, and consequent sarcastic remarks. James -made a vain endeavor to see Henry; no one knew his whereabouts all day; -late in the evening he came to the house, looking pale and dispirited. -Marjy clasped his hand in cordial greeting; this elicited an angry -ejaculation from Aunt Hattie, beyond which she gave no sign that she -knew of his presence. - -James and Marjy sat looking over some stereoptic views to cover their -desire to watch the two, and both were trying to find a suitable -opportunity to bring up the subject of the lost money, so as to be able -to explain how they came by their knowledge of the hiding place. The -attitude of both Henry and auntie was such as to discourage a -commencement. At last James wrote on a card: “You will have to tell -them; I will corroborate your account.” - -Marjy replied: “Oh, I cannot. It makes me shiver to think of it; they -both look so forbidding.” - -Henry sat on the corner of a sofa, with his eyes fixed intently on Aunt -Hattie; they did not observe this until she arose and stood beside her -chair as though waiting; her lips were moving rapidly but inaudibly. -Henry, still looking fixedly at her, said slowly: “Speak aloud!” She -began repeating the combination, and step by step went through the -performance of the previous night, until she had taken the money from -its hiding place. Henry at that moment, pale and resolute—though -trembling with excitement—commanded her to awaken. - -It was most pitiable to see her when she realized her situation; the -overturned chair; the casters lying on the floor; the bills grasped in -her shaking hands; Marjy and James silently regarding her; Henry, with a -look of exhaustion on his face, lay back among the dark cushions. At -first she was utterly bewildered; then, as she looked at the bills -grasped in her hands, a ray of joy, quickly succeeded by anger, gave her -voice: “You think you are awful smart, don’t you? Playing tricks on an -old woman! I should like to know what you have been doing to me!” she -stormed; then looking at the open safe, and the bills in her hand she -began to sob weakly. - -“Don’t cry, auntie, it is all right!” said Marjy soothingly. - -“No, no! It isn’t right! I remember now—of hiding that money; and to -think that I have accused Henry and you of taking it—Oh, dear! Oh, -dear!” sobbed she; “I did not remember it until now!” she wailed -disconsolately. - -Henry came and laid his hand upon her shoulder: “Do not fret, auntie; I -think there is no one to blame, if so, it must be my fault. I have -always been a somnambulist, and always been ashamed of it—as though I -could help it; but I had no idea that I possessed any hypnotic power; in -fact I did not believe in the existence of such a force—at least I did -not wish to believe it—which in all probability is just what led to this -occurrence. You remember that we were speaking of hypnotism the night of -the disappearance of the money; Marjy defended the theory, and I opposed -it in order to draw her out; some assertions which she made struck me as -being very forcible, and I could not rid myself of the thoughts -engendered, any more than I could get rid of the repetition of that -combination. It has been like a nightmare to me, and each day there had -been a shadow of some occurrence of the past night which has -persistently evaded me. I have been haunted all this day by something -which occurred last night, which seemed like a vivid dream, and I -thought I would put it to the test. You cannot be more surprised at the -result than I am.” - -James and Marjy now came forward: “I think that Marjy and I will also -have to make confession; I think that your being able to recall a -portion of last night’s events was due to the slight influence which I -gained over you; I tried to impress it upon your mind that you must -remember what occurred, but I thought that I had failed completely.” He -then made a complete explanation, which Marjy fully corroborated. Auntie -laughed and sobbed in the same breath: “I’ve been an old crank; but the -uncertainty worried me so that I could not help it—and my part of the -general confession is that a sense of knowledge—which I could not -grasp—tormented me continually, but I would not have confessed it for -twice that amount of money. However, “All’s well that ends well.” Marjy, -you may have the money to buy a wedding trousseau, and when Henry is my -nephew I trust that he will not hypnotize his old aunt, either when he -is sleeping or waking.” - - - - - HIS FRIEND. - - -The two log cabins stood on the grassy slopes of opposite mountains, the -dark piñons forming a picturesque background; a babbling brook ran -between the two, a boundary line of molten silver. - -Sam Nesterwood’s door faced north, and Phil Boyd’s door looked south; -while they were building the cabins Phil remarked that it looked so much -more sociable that way. - -When Phil came out in the morning to plunge his wind-browned face into -the tin wash basin, filled with cold water from the stream below, he -usually saw Sam doing the same; or perhaps, taking the grimy towel off -the wooden peg just outside the door, with which he scrubbed his face, -and even the tiny bald spot on the top of his head, to a shiny red. - -Phil came out as usual one still October morning; the cottonwoods were -just turning a soft golden color—fairy gold—in a setting of dark green -and gray—autumn’s gorgeous mosaic. - -A chipmunk darted saucily by, and just beyond reach sat up chattering a -comical defiance; a lone bluebell nodded in the wind, swaying from side -to side seeking its vanished companions; blood-red leaves peeped out -from under dry grasses, or decked the sides of a gray bowlder. - -Phil looked cheerfully around; he snapped his fingers at the saucy -squirrel, and laughed at the blinking, black eyes; looking across at the -opposite cabin he bawled, “Hello, Sam!” - -“Hello yourself!” retorted Sam. This had been the morning salutation, -never varied, though all the summer months. Each evening after their -day’s work they met at one or the other cabin to compare rock; to talk -over a lucky strike, or the mishap of a mutual acquaintance, not that -much sympathy was expended or needed. - -“Jim’s claim has petered out; he’s out about six months’ work, and all -his money.” - -“You don’t say! Oh, well, Jim won’t stay broke very long; he’s a -hustler.” It was not from want of sympathy, but because of a confidence -begotten of this hard life, much as the sparrow might argue, “having -never wanted for food, I shall be always fed.” - -Later in the morning Phil climbed the steep trail which led to his claim -high upon the mountain side. The days were perceptibly growing shorter, -and it was quite dark when he came down this October evening. Halfway -down the trail he thought he heard a groan. - -His halting foot dislodged a stone, and sent it crashing down the -mountain side; the rushing sound of a night hawk overhead; the -melancholy hoot of an owl in the piñons; the bark of a coyote in the -distance, all seemed but to accentuate the silence. - -As I have said, night had fallen, coming suddenly, as it ever does in -the mountains; no dewy, tender twilight as in lower altitudes; the sun -hanging low in the western sky seems phantasm-like to drop behind the -distant peaks; a chill wind whistles through the piñons like a softly -sung dirge; darkness settles down like a pall—and it is night. - -Phil thought that he must be mistaken, and again started on his homeward -way; the groaning was repeated almost at his very feet. - -He searched vainly, but could find no person, nothing to account for the -sound. - -Dead silence had fallen again. Phil shivered, “This wind is mighty -cold!” he muttered, his hand shaking, his teeth inclined to chatter. He -took off his hat to wipe the perspiration from his brow, which had -gathered in great drops notwithstanding the chill wind; he cast a -furtive glance behind him; it was all so terribly uncanny. “Oh! O—h!” -came again at his very feet; he gave a frightened start, and an -involuntary ejaculation: “Great God!” then gathered himself together and -renewed his search, this time rewarded by finding Sam lying under the -shelter of a rock badly wounded. - -It was a hard task to carry him down that steep trail, and Phil said, -pityingly, many times, “It’s awful rough, pard, but there’s no help for -it.” - -He carried him into the cabin, and laying him on his bed, built a fire, -and with a touch gentle as that of a woman bathed and dressed his wound. - -He found that a bullet had plowed a ragged furrow down his leg, and -shattered the smaller bone halfway between the knee and the ankle. - -Phil had a little knowledge of surgery; these nomads of the hills are -often far from surgical aid, and of a necessity attain a degree of skill -in such matters. Having made his patient as comfortable as possible, -Phil lay down on the floor, rolled in a single blanket, to rest until -morning. - - * * * * * - -The autumn days crept by in drowsy calm—a stillness deeper and more sad -than in lower altitudes; the whistle of the late bird as he calls to his -mate to hasten their migration is unheard here; the shrill notes of the -cicada, which fills the autumn days in the moist, odorous woods is -unknown in these barren heights; the dry, stubbly bunch grass, the gray, -dusty sage brush harbors no insect life save an occasional lonely -cricket, and even these are strangely silent. No birds flit from tree to -tree save the magpies, with their gorgeous black and white plumage, and -their harsh discordant cries, and these are only seen along the streams. -An occasional hawk sails above the piñons in graceful curves, or darts -downward like an arrow shot from a bow. All else is silent and lifeless. - -The sun lies white and brilliant over all; the long shadows lie on the -gray ground as though painted there; the tiny streams hurry between -their rocky banks, as though in haste to get away from a too cloudless -sky. - -Long stretches of hills rise and fall away, dry, desolate and gray; a -weird loneliness and beauty lies over all—the grandeur of desolation. - -The leaves had fluttered down to the bare earth, and a few flakes of -snow had been tossed about by the nipping wind, ere Sam Nesterwood was -able to tell the story of his accident. He was riding up the trail to a -claim he thought of relocating; he considered the broncho he rode “all -right,” but some reminiscence of his forefathers, some prompting of the -wild blood which is never wholly subdued, must have possessed the -animal, for without the slightest warning, head down, back arched like -an angry cat, he bucked outrageously. - -Sam was too good a rider to be easily thrown, but the unexpected -movement threw his pistol from his belt; it struck the pommel of the -saddle, discharging its contents into his leg, and although it felt as -though red-hot iron tore through the flesh, he still retained his seat; -then he must have fainted, for he knew no more until near nightfall. -When consciousness returned he was lying on the ground; he felt chilled -through, and his limb was so stiff and sore that he could scarcely move. -He sought to get nearer to a large rock for shelter from the cold wind; -it had by this time grown quite dusk, and beneath the rock was so dark -that he could not see, thus he rolled into the hole beneath, where Phil -found him. - -During all the time of Sam’s illness, Phil each day climbed the rugged -trail to work for a neighboring miner, letting his own assessment work -wait, while he earned the money to pay doctor’s bills, buy medicines, -supply Sam with books to read, and delicacies to tempt his appetite. -Phil denied himself all but the barest subsistence. Sam smoked cigars, -read books, and ate the most expensive delicacies, as though such things -were no more than his right. - -Thus affairs went on until near the beginning of February. Sam was -practically well, but he made no effort to get about. - -Phil had bought a great easy-chair for him in the first stages of his -convalescence, and he sat in the coziest corner, and piled the fireplace -high with wood, although Phil had to “snake” it more than half a mile -down the steep mountain side. - - * * * * * - -It was a bitter night; the wind blew bleak over the hills, driving the -little snow that had fallen before it, so many needle like points, which -left the face stinging with pain. Just at nightfall it had grown warmer, -and the scudding clouds began to drop their fleecy burden, a fairy -mantle over all the rugged hills. - -Phil came home covered with snow, his long mustache ridiculously -lengthened by icicles, his eyebrows white as those of Father Time. - -He set his lunch pail down moodily, and shook himself much as a spaniel -shakes the water from his shaggy coat; he threw himself on a bench -before the fire with a tired sigh; and rested his elbows on his knees, -his chin dropped in his upturned palms. - -Sam shivered as some of the flying particles of snow struck him. - -“Can’t you be a little more careful; you’ll give me my death of cold -yet!” he grumbled. - -“I did not intend to wet you,” answered Philip very gently, not changing -his position. - -“You must be down in the dumps! What is the matter with you?” said Sam -irritably. - -This habit of half-grumbling and fault-finding had become so common with -Sam that Phil made no reply. After a minute’s silence, he began again: - -“Aren’t we going to have any supper to-night? It’s most infernal -monotonous sitting here alone all day with nothing to read, and not even -a square meal.” - -Phil arose wearily, and began laying the cloth on the table; soon the -bacon was sizzling merrily, the teakettle bumping the lid up and down -for very joy, and the fragrance of coffee filled the room. - -Phil took from the box nailed against the wall a small dish of peaches, -a couple of slices of cake, and a little cheese, which he put beside -Sam’s plate. - -“Supper is ready,” said he gravely. - -Sam arose lazily, and Phil wheeled his easy-chair up to the table; then -poured out the coffee, and drew up his own rough bench. He offered a -slice of the bacon to Sam, before helping himself. - -“No,” said Sam testily, “I’m tired of bacon. I hate the very smell of -it. I do wish I could have something decent to eat!” - -Phil made no reply, but ate his bread and bacon, and drank his coffee in -silence. Sam leaned back in his chair, his head resting on the cushion, -and looked at Phil from under half-closed eyelids. “Your countenance is -an appetizer! You are about as cheerful as a tombstone!” a curious -anxiety underlying his sneering tone. - -As Phil did not reply, he continued: “Can’t you open your clam shell, -and spit out your grievance? I suppose I have offended your saintship in -some way, ’though what I’ve done except to stay all alone and put up -with all sorts of discomforts is more than I know,” the questioning tone -in the first part of his speech shading off into a sullen grumbling -toward the end. - -Phil lifted his gloomy face. - -“I have given you no reason for that kind of talk; I can’t grin very -much when some galoot has jumped my claim,” he replied slowly. - -“You don’t say! Who the deuce——” - -“The name marked on the new stake is Jim Redmond, but that don’t count -much,” answered Phil despondently. - -“I suppose you think I’d be sneak enough to do it,” retorted Sam, the -strange, questioning look deepening in his eyes. - -“Oh, come off, Sam! What is the use of talking that kind of stuff? I’m -not quite so suspicious as that; why, you haven’t been up the trail in -months,” answered Phil, with a kindly look. - -“No; and my name is not Jim Redmond; but you ought to have done your -assessment work; you can’t very well blame him, whoever he may be.” - -“No; p’raps not,” said Phil slowly, and it seemed somewhat doubtingly; -then he added: “What makes me sore is that it was looking so good. Well, -there’s no use in wearing mourning, I suppose;” and he tried to laugh -cheerfully. After supper, notwithstanding the inclemency of the night -Phil trudged patiently the long six miles into town, that Sam might have -the coveted books, and a tender steak for his breakfast. - -Sam evinced no desire to return to his own cabin; on the contrary he -said, in his peculiarly soft tones, “I guess we’d better finish the -winter together, hadn’t we, Phil? I’m not very strong yet, and one fire -will do for both; of course I’ll put up my share of the grub.” - -“Oh, that’s all right; I’m glad of your company,” replied Phil. - -Sam must have considered his company a sufficient compensation, for he -contributed nothing toward the expense of living; he took the most and -the best of everything; the choicest of the food; the only chair; the -warmest corner of the fireplace; and the only good bed. If he ever saw -Phil’s self denial, he made no sign. If Phil ever thought him selfish, -he did not show it; that which he gave he gave royally. - -One evening Phil came in from work; it was bitter cold; the stars -snapped and twinkled; the frost showed a million glittering points in -the white moonlight; the ground cracked like tiny pistol shots; the wind -whistled shrilly, and cut like a whiplash. - -Phil shook himself, and threw off his cap and coat: - -“This is a scorcher and no mistake,” he stretched out his hands basking -in the warmth. - -Sam had hovered over the fire all day, reading. He leaned back in his -chair, a tantalizing light in his eyes. - -“You’ve been working the Mollie Branscome,” he asserted, rather than -asked. - -Phil nodded his head. Sam continued: “I say, Phil, is Mollie Branscome -your sweetheart, that you named your claim after her?” - -Phil colored painfully, but after a minute he replied dryly: “It must be -information you’re seekin’; I wasn’t aware that it concerned anyone but -myself.” - -Sam laughed sneeringly. - -“Awful close with your little romance!” - -To Phil it was a romance; and in giving the name to his claim he but -obeyed the impulse to have it ever on his lips. “Mollie,” his manner of -speaking it was ever a caress. - -Sam laughed, and passed the remark off as a joke. - -One day Sam brought Phil a letter from his old father, asking him to -come home, as he was very ill and wished to see him once more before he -died. Phil turned the letter over thoughtfully, and Sam hastened to say: -“I tried to get on to the horse, and he jumped sideways and dumped the -whole pile of mail into the dirt; it’s an awful mess, but I couldn’t -help it,” apologetically. - -“Oh ’t wasn’t that! but the old man’s writing don’t look natural. I am -afraid he is pretty bad.” He pulled his mustache thoughtfully for a few -minutes. - -“I don’t just see how I can manage it. I have just about money enough to -get there, but none to return,” said he. - -Sam leaned back in his chair, blowing a long cloud of smoke -meditatively. Finally he said: “I had an offer for the Little Darling -this morning; you go, if you want to, and I’ll make the deal, and send -you a fifty; you can pay it after you come back.” - -Phil’s face lit up with a pleasant smile. - -“Sam, it’s awful good of you!” he exclaimed impulsively. - -“Oh, I’m always willing to do a favor when I can,” nonchalantly, seeming -to be utterly forgetful of all that Phil had done for him; unmindful -that at this very moment he was smoking Phil’s tobacco, warming himself -at Phil’s fire, and this moment contemplating the eating of the food of -Phil’s providing. His manner of speaking would imply that this was but -one more of many benefits of his conferring. - -As Phil was leaving to go to his father, Sam said: - -“I’ll take good care of everything for you.” - -“All right! thanks, and good-by!” called Phil heartily. - -Phil’s father was very much surprised to see him; no message had been -sent; and he was well but none the less glad to see Phil. - -Phil wrote to Sam at once, but as he received no reply wrote again and -again. - -He did not need money, as his father had given him more than enough, but -he feared that some ill had befallen his friend. - -As Phil left the stagecoach on his return home, three months later, he -at once sought Mollie; he had received no letter from her during his -absence, although he had repeatedly written. He knocked, and Mollie -herself opened the door. Phil reached out his hand in glad greeting; she -drew back coldly. - -“Is there anything you wish, sir?” as she would address a stranger. - -Phil’s face flushed hotly, then went deadly pale. He looked at her -reproachfully. - -“I think not,” he replied sadly, as he turned away. - -With natures such as these a tragedy may occur unobserved by the -bystander. - -To Phil the sun seemed to have set, all looked so dark and gloomy. As he -swung off over the lonely mountain trail, the gurgling water in the -brook below seemed to mock him; the scent of the springing vegetation -caused a feeling of irritation, his heart was so full of bitter -disappointment. - -Lonely and more lonely grew the way; no life save himself, he just a -dark speck upon that yellow trail crawling up the mountain side. Even -his panting breath seemed to disturb the dead calm, as he paused—taking -off his hat—to look up to his cabin. He shaded his eyes, and looked -eagerly. Only a blackened spot marked where his home—humble, but still a -home—had stood. He looked higher up the side of the mountain to where -the Mollie Branscome lay; he drew his breath sharply; where he had left -a windlass and bucket, a frame shafthouse arose. The sharp spurt of -steam rising on the fast chilling air denoted a perfectly set valve; he -saw hurrying forms of men at work; he shut his teeth hard together, a -fiery red spot rising in either cheek. He felt neither fatigue nor -depression now; he breathed stertoriously as he toiled up the steep -trail. - -Sam was the first person that he met. - -Phil pointed to a name above the shafthouse door: “The New Discovery.” -“What does that mean?” he demanded hoarsely. - -“What’s it to you?” answered Sam derisively. - -Poor Phil! His blood seemed on fire. The sneer; the taunting look; it -was like letting a brilliant light shine into a dark place; he knew by -that ‘sixth sense,’ intuition, all the treachery of this false friend. -He knew who had sent him upon a fool’s errand; he knew who had stolen -his first claim, and had some accomplice mark the stake in a false name; -a memory of his systematic sponging for more than half a year goaded him -to madness; many, very many acts, before unconsidered, came to his mind -fraught with meaning. The veins on his forehead stood out like purple -cord, and he made a wild lunge at Sam. Sam turned to run; he stepped on -a rolling stone and went down helplessly; he lay there glaring up at -Phil, fear and vindictive hatred strangely blent in his gaze. - -Phil stood over him like an avenger: - -“So! You thought to rob me of this claim as you did of the other, did -you?” his voice quivering hoarsely. - -“You’ve got me down, now strike me!” answered Sam, his eyes glaring -wildly, his teeth showing like those of a wild animal. “Yes, I did jump -your claim; and I’ve got the papers to show for the Mollie Branscome; -the Mollie Branscome! You thought you were awful sly, but I jumped that -claim too; your letters to her put me on. She thinks you went East to -marry your old love; _we_ are going to be married to-morrow night!” he -cried tauntingly; he seemed to have gone insane with rage. - -As Phil listened to him the fierce anger died out of his face, and -contempt took its place; but he only ejaculated: - -“You contemptible cur!” as he stepped back and folded his arms. - -The workmen had gathered about, and stood in silent amazement; their -looks seemed to anger Sam still more, and he continued his insane -taunting: - -“Oh, you wanted me to take care of your things, didn’t you? I took care -of them, oh, yes!” and he thrust his tongue in his cheek derisively. - -He had risen to his feet by this time, and stood leaning his back -against the shafthouse. Phil stood a minute without speaking, pity -struggling with contempt in his heart; finally he said slowly, and -without a trace of anger: - -“Well! You’re slopping over pretty freely. If you burned my cabin -thinking to destroy my papers, you got left; I took them with me, and -you must have forgotten that they are recorded. As to the other affair -which you have tangled with your dirty fingers, I think that I can -straighten that out all right. You are too contemptible to whip, but I -advise you to make yourself scarce.” - -“I believe he did burn that cabin, because no one has ever been inside -of _his_ shack since the fire; probably he has some things there that -he’d rather not have seen. I always thought that things looked mighty -queer,” said big Cal Wagner. - -“Let’s all quit work. I’ll not strike another stroke for the likes of -’im,” said Denny Colby. - -“Say, aren’t you the fellow that took care of this skunk when he was -hurt?” asked Cal. - -“Yes,” tersely replied Phil. - -“Well, you’d better git up and dust, you miserable apology for a man!” -cried Cal, indignantly turning to Sam. - -“And he made out that you had skipped the country, and that he bought -the claim, so that you needn’t go dead broke. If he don’t leave it’s a -necktie party we’ll be havin’!” added Denny Colby. - -“Oh, let him alone, boys; he isn’t worth the rope it would take to hang -him; upon my word I pity him, he is so _con_temptible that I don’t think -he can enjoy his own company,” drawled Phil lazily. - -Sam limped away unmolested, cursing wildly as far as they could hear -him. - -Phil turned from looking after him, and said to the men, “It makes me -feel pretty sore, but I guess that he feels worse’n I do,” he added -philosophically. After a few minutes he continued, “You might as well -knock off for the rest of the day, I don’t suppose he will give me any -trouble because he knows that I have the papers to prove my right. I’ll -square whatever wages is coming to you as soon as I get things in good -shape.” - -A hearty grasp of the hand, and a ready acquiescence sealed the compact. - -Phil swung himself down the mountain side in a much more joyous mood -than when ascending. - -He walked direct to Mollie’s house, and as before she opened the door; -she started in surprise and anger; he did not wait for her to speak, but -said in a determined tone, “You asked me this morning if there was -anything that I wished, and not understanding the circumstances I said -no; I have since learned some things which caused me to change my -mind—Mollie, would you condemn me unheard?” reaching out both hands. - -She, flushing and trembling, stood irresolute for one minute, then -placed her hands in his. - -“No, that would not be just; but why did you not write?” - -“I did write several times, but could get no reply from you.” - -“I wonder—” she commenced, but Phil cut the sentence short. - -“Were you going to marry Sam, Mollie?” - -“What an idea! That conceited thing!” answered Mollie indignantly. - -They had entered the little parlor, and Phil caught her in his arms and -said quizzically, “What about me?” - -Just what Mollie answered I had best not repeat, but it seemed to be -perfectly satisfactory, as he left the house an hour later, whistling as -happily as a boy. - - * * * * * - -Just after dark Sam hurried into town, cursing his lameness and Phil, -indiscriminately; he wanted to keep things square with Mollie, as he -expressed it. - -As he came near the house he observed that the little parlor was -brilliantly lighted; his heart filled with exultation: “I’ll bet Mollie -is expecting me! Let Phil keep his old claims; the girl is worth more -than all of them; it will hurt him most to lose her, too. Of course it -was all a lie about our going to be married; but I can get her all -right, you bet there isn’t many women but that I could get!” with a -ridiculous air of importance. - -He knocked confidently, and was at once ushered into the midst of a -number of guests. Coming as he did, from the darkness, the glare of the -lights blinded him; but as he advanced into the room, Cal Wagner said, -“We were waiting for you, sir. Please be seated.” - -Turning to the group near the center of the room, he continued, -“Reverend sir, this is the guest we were expecting; will you now proceed -with the ceremony.” - -Looking radiantly happy, Mollie and Phil took their places in front of -the minister, and the solemn marriage service commenced. - -Sam made a bolt for the door; but Cal’s great hand closed over his -shoulder like a vise, and he was compelled to stand and see his last -shred of revenge slip away from him, amid the happy smiles of those -around him. - -Then he crept out into the darkness, out of the ken of those who knew -him, blaming everybody but himself, yet at war with himself and all the -world, because he had not succeeded in ill-doing. - -Phil said to his wife: “I am sorry for him; I wish he had been content -to be my friend; I did like Sam.” - -Of course there was not the slightest opposition to Phil’s assuming -control of his own property, but his conscience troubled him because Sam -had built the shafthouse: “I had much rather have paid him for it,” he -remarked; but when later he learned that neither lumber nor labor were -paid for, and all bought upon his credit, he had no more regrets. - - - - - A TALE OF THE X RAY. - - -Christopher Hembold had a mania for experimenting. - -He had tried everything from hypnotism to electricity, when the “X” ray -was first talked about. He could think or talk of nothing else; he -perused every magazine and paper with greedy avidity in search of -articles concerning it. - -“Christopher, do put that paper down and eat your breakfast,” said his -wife. - -Mrs. Hembold was a nervous little woman, and it annoyed her to hear the -newspaper rattle, and she disliked to have it held so as to hide her -Christopher from view. - -“But, Maria, just listen, here’s more about that wonderful discovery—” -he exclaimed excitedly. - -“Christopher Hembold! Eat your breakfast! I care much more that the -steak and coffee are getting cold than I do for that nonsense.” - -“You have no sympathy, Maria; the mysteries of science are beyond your -appreciation!” he exclaimed, as he folded the paper in dignified -displeasure. - -“Appreciate fiddlesticks!” angrily retorted Maria, stirring her coffee -vigorously. - -Said Christopher, the next morning at the breakfast table: - -“Maria, I am going to Abbeyville on business, and shall in all -probability be detained a month.” - -“What business have you in Abbeyville?” asked Maria in surprise. - -“It is business of a private nature, which you wouldn’t understand,” -answered he loftily. - -“Which is a polite way of telling me that it is none of my business,” -retorted Maria in a huff. - -Christopher left the house in dignified anger; his portly figure and -handsome profile the admiration of his wrathful wife. The fact was, he -did not wish to talk; he had determined that he would investigate the -“X” ray to his own satisfaction. A certain idea haunted him by day, and -mingled with his dreams at night; it thrust itself between him and the -long columns in the ledger; until, with a finger on the figures, he -would fix his eyes on vacancy, and go off into a deep study. - -At last Mr. Brown, his employer, said to him: - -“What is the matter with you Christopher? Are you ill?” - -“No—yes—not very,” answered Christopher confusedly. - -“You had better take a layoff until you feel better,” said Brown; adding -mentally, “You are of no use here; you’ll mix those accounts until it -will take an expert a week to straighten them.” - -Christopher packed his grip with a sigh of satisfaction, and left home -on the evening train. - -Maria gave a little regretful sigh. “He might have kissed me; he didn’t -even say good-by.” - -She presently began thinking how preoccupied he looked, and how strange -he had acted. - -“I do wonder if he was in trouble! I ought not have been so cross, but -he should have told me; so there!” After a minute of troubled thought, -she added: “Perhaps he didn’t want to worry me.” - -Whenever Christopher was present she must give him a dig as often as the -opportunity occurred; but no sooner was he away than all his good -qualities became apparent. - -Instead of stopping at Abbeyville, Christopher hastened on to a city -more than a thousand miles away. “I’ll just call myself John Smith, and -I shall not be bothered while making my investigations,” said he -complacently. - -The next morning after his arrival he sought out the noted Professor -Blank, and at some length explained his project; in conclusion he said: - -“You understand that I wish to be cathodographed many times; the working -of the brain has always been a tantalizing puzzle to me. What I wish to -search out is, how the different emotions affect the gray matter; for -instance, it is claimed that this bump is combativeness;” placing his -hand on the region indicated. “It is also claimed that all qualities, -whether good or bad, are capable of being cultivated; that the bump -indicating that trait or quality grows perceptibly larger; well, then, -the substance known as gray matter must undergo a change; whenever that -emotion is unduly excited, the gray matter must quiver, vibrate; in fact -change position. Have you never felt as though your brain must burst -with the intensity of emotion? I have; and am eager to test it with the -‘X’ ray.” He paused as though for an answer, but receiving none, -continued: “Now in order to test this, I wish to subject myself to every -possible emotion, and in every change be photographed.” - -The professor smiled incredulously. - -“How are you to obtain these changes of mood? Such emotions usually come -without our choosing.” - -“True! Well, I shall endeavor to create the emotion as I wish it.” - -The professor laughed aloud. “I think under such conditions that the -emotion would be altogether too tame to have a visible effect on the -brain.” - -Christopher resented the laughter: “Perhaps you are not willing to -assist me in making my experiments?” he questioned angrily. - -“Oh, yes; perfectly willing,” was the smiling answer. - -“Now, look here! I wish to investigate this carefully, and I’m willing -and able to pay your price; but I’ll not be ridiculed sir, I’m no boy, -I’ll have you understand!” - -“No, of course not,” answered the professor soothingly, he thought him a -mild lunatic; really he seemed half insane; no matter what reply the -professor made, he grew more wroth, until he, out of all patience, said -angrily: “What is the matter with you? You act like a maniac!” - -“Quick! Quick! Photograph me!” cried Christopher, with livid lips. - -“Well, well!” exclaimed the professor in astonishment, as he hastily -complied with the request; after which Christopher sank back, pale and -trembling. - -The professor looked at him admiringly: “How did you accomplish it?” - -“Oh, I don’t know; I just let go of the strings;” smiling faintly. - -Thus he went through the whole scale of emotions; he was taken while -under the influence of anæsthetics; in a placid mood; in a moment of -most uproarious hilarity; in the depths of despondency; in languishing -amorousness; in fact, in all conceivable moods of the human mind. He -seemed to possess the strange faculty of producing any desired emotion -at will. - -After he had exhausted all moods, he one day stood gazing meditatively, -and rather sadly at the plates. - -“Are you not satisfied?” asked the professor. - -Christopher sighed deeply: “No, I cannot say that I am; it is certainly -shown that there is a change, the exact nature of which is by no means -clearly defined. Some future discovery will, I am sure, enable the -scientist to see the action of the brain as plainly as we now know the -action of the heart.” - -He nervously ran his fingers through his hair while speaking; he -withdrew his hand with an exclamation of horror: it was covered with -hairs and a cloud of the same enveloped him. - -“Heaven! Is all my hair falling out?” he cried in dismay. - -The professor calmly observed: “I have noticed it for some time; when -you first came your mustache and eyebrows were very thick and long, but -have been gradually thinning, I thought several times that I would speak -of it, but we have had so much else to talk about, and the most of your -moods have been so peculiar—” he smiled as he paused. - -“Oh, it’s all right for you to laugh! You wouldn’t if you were in my -shoes! Whatever will Maria say?” - -He stood ruefully looking at his reflection in the mirror. “I look like -a kid!” said he scornfully. “I have been so busy with this confounded -foolishness that I did not think of looking in a glass. Pshaw! I’m going -to drop this nonsense and go home; I know that my wife is worried about -me before this time. I haven’t written to her since I came here. I -didn’t want her to know what I was doing.” - -“You ought to have told her, though,” said the professor. - -“You don’t know Maria!” said Christopher sadly. “Confound it! How my -head aches! Now that I take time to think of it, I know that it has -ached for a week.” - -The following morning Christopher was very ill, and was not able to -leave his room for weeks. When at last he arose, he giddily crossed the -room to the mirror, and looked at himself; he sank into a chair with a -groan; not a vestige of hair remained on head or face. - -He covered his long, leathery face with his hands, and cried aloud: “I -look like a great big sole-leather baby! Whatever will Maria say! I’ll -never tell her that it is the effect of that confounded “X” ray; if I -did I should never hear the last of it; I’ve been sick, I am sick—sick -of the whole business.” - -Meanwhile at home, Maria had at first reproached herself with her -irritability, and finished by writing Christopher a loving, and penitent -little note, which she sent to Abbeyville. Of course she received no -reply. - -“He must have been very angry,” she sobbingly exclaimed. - -She wrote again, a still more penitent and pleading letter; this not -being answered, she became very indignant. - -“If he wants to be so awfully huffy, let him!” she said wrathfully; but -when a whole month passed, and no tidings came as to his whereabouts, -she became alarmed, and began to institute cautious inquiries. - -Of course, all search proved unavailing, and Maria wept and mourned her -Christopher as dead. - -Nearly five months from the day he left his home, Christopher wearily -climbed the front steps of his own residence, and rang the bell. His -clothing hung loosely on his gaunt limbs; his long, thin face was the -color of leather; his eyes, devoid of lashes, and without eyebrows, -looked perfectly lifeless. - -Hannah, an old servant in the family, opened the door. - -“If you want food go to the rear door,” she cried sharply, as she shut -him out unceremoniously. - -He sat down on the upper step, pale and trembling. - -“What does Hannah mean by insulting me thus? Can it be that Maria is so -angry that she has ordered the servants to refuse me admittance?” - -He mopped his forehead with his handkerchief, although the air was -frosty and nipping. Presently he muttered to himself: “I’ll just stay -around until Maria comes out, then I’ll persuade her to forgive me. I’ve -acted the fool, that’s sure.” - -He walked up and down the street, and hung around corners, until the -whole neighborhood were watching him. - -About three in the afternoon, Maria came out of the house dressed in the -deepest of mourning. - -“I wonder who is dead; must be her father!” he shambled up to her, and -laid his hand on her arm. “Ma—” he began; she gave a frightened scream, -and started to run; he clutched her more frantically, and cried wildly: -“Listen to me! you shall listen to me!” - -She screamed again at the top of her voice: “Help! Murder! Police!” - -A gentleman coming toward them, rushed up, and gave Christopher a -stunning blow; Maria tore herself loose at the expense of much crape; -ran back into the house, and locked the door after herself. - -Christopher arose from the sidewalk and shuffled off down the street, -muttering maledictions as he went. “It’s all a conspiracy! She has got -another lover, and thinks to get rid of me; she’ll find that she can’t -do it so easily. I’ll wait until dark, and then let myself in with my -latchkey; we’ll see whether I am master in my own house or not.” - -He paced the street angrily until nightfall; stationing himself -opposite, he then watched the house until all was dark and silent. Still -another hour he waited: “I’ll be sure that the servants are asleep, -evidently they have orders to put me out, or Hannah would not have -ordered me off as she did. I’ll show them that they will not get the -best of Christopher Hembold yet.” - -About eleven o’clock he cautiously crept up the steps, and as cautiously -let himself in; just within he removed his boots; then carefully groped -his way to Maria’s room. Her door was unlocked, and by the dim light of -the night lamp he saw her round white arm thrown above her head, thus -framing her delicate face; the lace on her night robe rising and falling -with every breath. - -A rush of love and tenderness came over him; this was his Maria—the -dainty bride whom he had transplanted from her father’s home; he knelt -beside the bed, enfolding her in his arms, and pressed a passionate kiss -upon her half-parted lips. She opened wide her affrighted eyes; she -struggled wildly, letting out one piercing shriek, then fainted. The -half-clad servants came running into the room, finding Christopher on -his knees beside the bed, chafing Maria’s hands, kissing her pale face, -and fondly calling her: “My love! My little one!” - -Thomas, the coachman, seized him by the shoulders; Maria regaining -consciousness, began screaming again; Hannah added to the confusion by -crying excitedly, “Throw him out! Call the police! The man is crazy!” -Thomas obeyed the first command; he dragged Christopher down the stairs, -opened the door, and kicked him out, and down the steps. - -He lay there a few minutes, completely bewildered. Just as he was -struggling to his feet, a policeman came along, and seeing his -bewildered condition, his shoeless feet, and battered appearance, laid -his hand roughly on his shoulder, and said to him: “What are you doing -here?” - -“This is my home. I am Christopher Hembold!” answered he. - -The policeman laughed: “Oh, come off! This is the home of the Widow -Hembold, all right; but you look about as much like the defunct -Christopher as a yellow cur resembles a King Charles spaniel.” - -Christopher tried to jerk away. “Let me alone!” he cried angrily. - -“Will I?” said the burly policeman. “Where are your boots?” continued -he. - -“In the house, if it is any of your business,” was the surly reply. - -The tumult within the house still continued; lights were carried from -room to room, and flashed weirdly up and down the stairs. Thomas came -hurriedly out of the door, kicking Christopher’s boots into the street -as he ran down the steps. - -“Hello!” says the policeman: “What’s the matter in there?” - -“Some burglar, or lunatic let himself into the house, and into Mrs. -Hembold’s room; and she’s gone into hysterics; I’m going after Dr. -Philbrick.” - -“Let me go! Let go of me! I’m going into the house—to my wife!” said -Christopher, struggling wildly. - -“You are going to the station, and if you don’t go decently, I’ll call -the patrol;” and call the patrol he did. - -Christopher fought like a fury, but in spite of it he was loaded into -the wagon between two burly promoters of the peace and carried to the -station, where he raved like a madman all night. The next morning they -had him up for drunk and disorderly. In vain he protested that he had -not touched liquor, and declared that his name was Christopher Hembold. -No one believed him, so he got fifteen days, and the next morning saw -him marched out with the chain gang to work on the street. He had -quieted down by this time, and had determined what to do; he watched his -opportunity until the overseer’s back was turned toward him; all the -rest of the gang except his mate also faced the opposite way. He slipped -a dollar into his mate’s willing palm. “You will not see me leave; look -the other way.” He obeyed, and Christopher hurried down a side street, -walked swiftly through a front gate into a private yard, out through a -rear gate into an alley, and was lost to the chain gang. - -He went direct to his lawyers. Mr. Hurd, the senior member of the firm, -was seated at his desk when Christopher entered; he scarcely looked up -at his salutation: “Good-morning Mr. Hurd.” - -The lawyer barely nodded his head, and continued his writing; after -several minutes, observing Christopher still standing: “Well, sir! Have -you business with me?” evidently not favorably impressed by his -visitor’s appearance. - -“Don’t you know me, Mr. Hurd?” - -The lawyer looked him over in cynical surprise: “Can’t say that I ever -saw you before.” - -“You ought to know Christopher Hembold?” interrogatively. - -“Yes, sir; I knew him well; good fellow, but a little cracked in the -upper story.” - -He returned to his writing, evidently considering the matter disposed -of; after a long time Christopher, still smarting from Mr. Hurd’s -contemptuous remark, said: “Well?” in a questioning tone. - -Mr. Hurd looked up in displeasure. “Please state your business; my time -is limited,” he said. - -Christopher flushed a sickly green over all his yellow face. “Mr. Hurd, -I came to you to have you intercede for me with my wife; she will not -allow me to speak to her, and caused the servants to throw me out of the -house.” - -The lawyer held up his hand: “First, if you wish me to take your case, I -must receive a retainer; I do business in no other way.” - -Christopher opened his lashless eyes in a grotesque stare. “Sir! You -have all of my business in your hands, and have had it for years,” -answered he angrily. - -Mr. Hurd turned around in his office chair, and gave his caller an angry -look; he touched the button at his side; a colored servant came -instantly. - -“James, show this man out.” Turning to Christopher he said: - -“I have no time to be bothered with such nonsense. The idea of your -trying to palm yourself off for Christopher Hembold!” he cried, with -withering contempt. - -Christopher stalked out of the office in a rage. He went direct to his -room at the hotel; he threw himself into a chair, and buried his face in -his hands; his attitude expressed the utmost dejection; after a time he -arose and stood before the mirror: - -“Is it possible that Maria did not know me?” he looked at himself -scornfully: “Who would know you? You old, yellow-faced, putty baby, -you!” he apostrophized, shaking his fist at his reflection. “Serves you -right; serves you right, you old idiot! Fool with the ‘X’ ray, will you, -trying to find out if you do know anything? I can tell you that you are -a fool. Fool! fool!” he cried tragically. - -After a time he calmed down, and taking out his purse counted the -contents. - -There is something akin to the ridiculous in the near association of -pathos and money; they are very near neighbors, however. Christopher -sighed deeply: “This is all I have left, and—when my lawyer will not -acknowledge my identity, what am I to do?” He drummed impatiently upon -the table with his fingers; finally he started up excitedly: “Of course! -Good Lord! why didn’t I think of that!” - -He hauled his gripsack into the middle of the room; shirts and socks -flew right and left, until he found the cathodographs, also a photograph -taken just previous to his experimenting; he took them out, and placed -them in a row; taking the photograph, he walked to the mirror and -compared it with the reflection. - -“I don’t wonder that no one knew you, you old scarecrow, you!” glaring -angrily at his double. - -The next morning he again sought Mr. Hurd; the lawyer turned angrily -upon his entrance: “I do not wish to be bothered, sir,” motioning toward -the door. - -Christopher was not to be put off in this manner; he walked up to the -desk, and laid down the pictures he had brought. - -“Will you be kind enough to look at these?” asked Christopher in a -quivering voice. - -Mr. Hurd glanced at them impatiently: “Well! What of them?” - -“You know this one as representing Christopher Hembold?” he asked -eagerly, with his finger on the photograph spoken of. - -“Yes, of course; what of that? it does not resemble you,” curtly. - -“But I sat for every one of those pictures,” despondently; the hope -which he had cherished dying within his heart. - -“Oh, stuff, nonsense!” scornfully ejaculated Mr. Hurd. Christopher’s -head fell forward on his breast; he looked the picture of despair. His -clothing hung loosely upon his long, gaunt limbs; his hands, much too -large for the bony wrists, dropped nervelessly at his side; his lifeless -eyes, his hollow cheeks, looked as though the great Conqueror had -already claimed him, while still permitting him to roam the earth for -some inscrutable purpose. - -Mr. Hurd, having little sentiment, thought only of his annoyance. “Will -you please remove that litter from the desk,” he said. - -Christopher made one more appeal: “Will you write to Professor Blank, -and find whether these pictures were taken from my sittings?” he asked -supplicatingly. - -“I will not be bothered with it, I tell you; write for yourself,” he -answered roughly. - -“I will,” said Christopher, with vexed decision, then occurred to him -the thought; Professor Blank knew him as Smith only. He gathered the -photographs up hastily, and rushed out of the house. “I’ve a notion to -drown my fool self! Oh, what shall I do! Was ever any one in such a -predicament!” he cried aloud. Everyone turned to look at him as he ran -past them. - -“Hello, Smith! Where are you going in such a rush? What is the matter -with you?” cried a familiar voice in his very ear. - -Christopher gave a great shout; then began to cry like a veritable baby, -as he grasped the professor’s hands. “I was going to drown myself; you -have saved my life,” and he fairly blubbered. - -“Smith, you are as crazy as you are bald-headed,” laughingly said the -professor. - -“Don’t call me _Smith_! My name is Christopher Hembold,” he said -excitedly. - -“I only know that you called yourself Smith.” - -“Yes; it’s surprising what a fool a man can make of himself,” -dejectedly. - -He took the photographs from his pocket, and said entreatingly: “Say, -professor, do go with me to my lawyer, and tell him that you took these -with the ‘X’ ray, and _don’t_ say anything about _Smith_;” this last in -a tone of intense disgust. - -They were just entering a park, and seated themselves on a bench, while -Christopher told the whole story. The professor laughed, even as he -said: “I’m sorry for you, and will help you all I can.” - -Once more Christopher climbed the stairs to the lawyer’s office. Mr. -Hurd arose to his feet wrathfully. “You are the most persistent -annoyance that I ever met——” - -Christopher interrupted him: “Mr. Hurd, allow me to introduce to you the -eminent Professor Blank.” - -The lawyer jerked his head slightly, attaching no importance to the -name. The Professor bowed courteously, at the same time handing him his -card. - -As Mr. Hurd glanced at the bit of pasteboard, his manner underwent a -great change: “Please be seated,” said he urbanely. - -Professor Blank bowed again: “This gentleman requested me to accompany -him to your office, to testify that I took these cathodographs of him -with the ‘X’ ray. This represents him as he appeared when I first saw -him,” laying the photograph on the desk: “After having the last of the -cathodographs taken he was very ill for a long time; his hair had nearly -all fallen before his illness, and during that illness he became -emaciated as you see him.” - -Mr. Hurd stood gazing from Christopher to the photograph, and back again -in amazement. - -“But what took his hair off?” - -“Oh, the ‘X’ ray; it sometimes has that effect,” said the professor -calmly. - -Mr. Hurd turned to Christopher: “You don’t mean to tell me—” he paused -eloquently. - -“Yes, I was experimenting with the ‘X’ ray—having my brain -cathodographed,” he answered humbly. - -Maria had entered unperceived: “You mean that you had your skull -pictured; you haven’t any brain, Christopher; the ‘X’ ray makes but a -slight shadow of soft substances, and none of a vacuum,” said she -sweetly. - -Said Christopher, in an aside to the professor: - -“I told you that you didn’t know my Maria! My! Won’t I catch it, -though!” - - - - - AN AVERTED TRAGEDY. - - -Merna Wood stood leaning against the jamb in the open doorway. - -The morning-glory vines made a very effective draping for a very pretty -picture; the attitude was the acme of indolence, which an indescribable -expression of alertness belied. - -Ned Glover was standing below, his face just on a level with hers; he -was looking at her laughingly—in fact he was nearly always laughing—and -Merna was never certain that he meant one-half that he was saying, which -at this moment was: “Yes; I am going to buy a nice little home, and I -want a housekeeper; will you come?” - -Merna tossed her head saucily: “I do not intend to go out to service -this summer,” she replied. - -“If I must do so, I will hire some one to do the work, and have my wife -oversee it. Will you come as my wife, Merna?” - -Merna flushed rosily, she was not yet sure that he was in earnest, so -she replied lightly, “Oh, you are just funning, as the children say.” - -He tried to draw his face into lines of seriousness, but his bright blue -eyes would twinkle, he was so jolly that it was impossible for him to -assume an expression of severe gravity. - -He caught her face in both his large palms, and kissed her fondly: “Say -yes! Say yes, I tell you!” he whispered forcefully. - -“Yes! Yes! Let me go, Ned, mother is looking!” - -“Well, mother has a perfect right to look; we do not care!” his face one -broad laugh. - -Ned was from this time—of course—a privileged visitor; always pleasant, -and in a manner affectionate, yet no more loverlike than before their -engagement. The tender nonsense that helps to make courtship so sweet; -the airs of possession on one side, and of loving subjection on the -other, the happy planning by both for the future, seemed to be entirely -forgotten. - -Love is a magician who fits the eyes with a deceptive lens; but not even -through love’s magnifying could Merna find tangible ground for rosy -dreams; she was not exactly unhappy, neither was she quite satisfied. -She took herself to task for being so foolish—just because of the lack -of definite words—but he seemed to have forgotten the engagement -altogether, as he made not the slightest allusion to it. It made Merna’s -face burn whenever she thought of it: “I do wonder if he was just making -game of me, trying to ascertain what answer I would give him! Oh, I wish -that I had have said no—Oh, I do not know what I do wish!” angry tears -filling her eyes as she thought. - -Ned came as usual one evening, and remained until very late; once, as -she was passing him, she rested her hand upon the table, and leaned -toward him in the act of speaking; he covered the hand with his warm -palm, and his breath swept her cheek as he whispered: “I wish that I had -you all to myself in a nice little home of our own!” - -Her radiant eyes answered him, and she bent her head until her cheek -touched his caressing lips. - -As he was bidding her good-night, he caught her in his arms, saying over -and over again, “I do love you, Merna! You are the sweetest little woman -on the face of the earth!” - -Her face was filled with happiness, and her eyes glowed with tender -light; but she laughingly put her hand over his lips: “I imagine that is -what you call ‘taffy’!” - -He held her closely for a moment, his voice growing low and earnest: -“Little one, I mean every word that I say! I do love you—and if only -circumstances—well, never mind that talk, but believe that I truly love -you!” - -She sat in the moonlight thinking for a long time after he left; what -was there in that closing speech which sent a chill over her? Only -this—love is said to be blind—as to worldly judgment this is true; but -love’s intuition of love grows keen with the development of the passion. -She felt that she ought to be happy, but she was not—that is—not so very -happy; little thrilling thoughts ran through her mind deliciously, then -a cold wave of doubt, casting a chill over her spirits. A woman is -flattered and pleased if a man makes her a sharer of his secrets, -whether of business or otherwise; she thus knows that he fully trusts -her love and judgment, and she holds it a sacred charge. She thought -uneasily that she could have no fond anticipations with any certainty of -their proving a reality. Whatever she built must be the very airiest -kind of an air castle, its only foundation an engagement which seemed -like a burlesque. Vague allusions, or even words of endearment do not -form a very tangible ground upon which to build. - -A restless sigh escaped her lips: “I wish——” The unfinished sentence -ended with another sigh. - -The next evening she waited for Ned in a state of impatient -restlessness, she had determined to have a nice long talk with him, -although she was not in anywise certain as to what she would say; she -thought she would lead him to talk of the future, and the home of which -he had spoken; she wondered if he would talk of it frankly, or would he -evade her questions as he so often had done, as though he did not -comprehend her remark. - -She watched the clock anxiously; she walked down the path to the gate a -dozen times; she took up her embroidery, set a half-dozen stitches, and -laid it down in disgust; she took a book instead, turned a page or two -without comprehending a word and tossed it aside with an exclamation of -impatience, to restlessly drum on the window. - -“Merna, what ails you?” asked her mother querulously. - -“Oh, my head aches,” was the evasive reply. - -“You had best go to bed; you make me nervous, fidgeting around so!” - -“It is too early to go to bed! I’ll go out in the air a little -while—perhaps that will help my head,” answered Merna. - -“Merna Wood, you have been down to that gate about a dozen times; why -don’t you be honest, and say that you are looking for Ned!” half in -derision, and a trifle crossly, retorted her mother. - -Merna answered with mock humility: “Yes’m, I’ll confess, if you will not -be cross. Oh, mamsy, I wish he would come; there is something I wish to -say to him!” she kneeled down with her head on her mother’s knee, like a -little child. - -Her mother replied laughingly: “It appears to me that you do usually -have something to say to him,” but her hand wandered caressingly through -the soft, bright hair; thus evidencing her sympathy. - -He did not come that night nor the next, and for three almost unending -months Merna neither heard from nor of him; then incidentally, she heard -that he was gone, but where her informant did not know. - -Gone without so much as a word to her! - -She shut her grief within her heart and went about her duties but with -the subtle essence of hope and faith taken out of her life—she thought -forever—she had little idea how elastic is hope; faith is more ethereal, -hope has tough fibre. - -When her mother would have sympathized with her, she made light of it: -“I don’t care! If he wants to stay away, he can; don’t you fret about -me, mamsy!” But mamsy was not in the least deceived. - -A year swept by, and Merna had become less restless, more submissive to -that which she deemed the inevitable; it is a mercy that time casts so -tender a haze over all things. - -Ned had written no letter to her; at first she grieved, but latterly she -had grown indignant. - -“Why do you not accept other company?” said her mother. - -“Oh, I don’t care for them; they are not nice, mamsy.” - -“You are a very foolish little girl to waste your affections upon one -who cares so little,” said her mother. - -“Now, mamsy, I am not wasting a particle of anything. As for Ned Glover, -I hate him!” - -Her mother laughed, but said no more, trusting to time to effect a cure. - - * * * * * - -It was a lovely evening in June; the wind softly fluttered the thin -curtains at the open window bringing in the odor of the roses which grew -just outside. Merna sat in a low rocker just within, her arms thrown -above her head, her book lying unheeded upon her lap; she was so -absorbed in reverie that she heard no sound, and a sudden darkening of -the window startled her. - -Resting his arms on the window ledge, Ned stood regarding her -quizzically: “Are you too sleepy to say ‘how do you do?’ How I do wish -for a kodak!” precisely as though he had not been gone a day. - -Merna started up with a subdued exclamation, and before she realized it -she was smiling up into his laughing face. - -How often she had thought of this meeting—_if_ he should return—and -pictured to herself the cool, indifferent air with which she would greet -him; instead, she was laughing and chatting as merrily as though there -had been no break in their intercourse. - -He resumed precisely his former position; he made just the same vague, -intangible allusions, without one word upon which to place a hope -securely. Merna seemed plastic in his hands—and what was there to -resist, or to resent? Nothing—perhaps; yet Merna lost her healthful -calm, and grew restless and irritable; one cannot successfully resist -the intangible, or do battle with the wind. His alternate tenderness, -and good-natured indifference filled her with restless longing; she -wished that he would be more explicit, or go away and leave her alone; -she thought resentfully that it was unjust that because of her sex she -must utter no word to further her own happiness; and because custom -ordered it, she must take the crumbs offered to her, or go altogether -hungry; she must have no voice in shaping her future beyond an assent or -denial. Oh, yes; to be sure! There are a thousand ways in which a woman -may signify her preference, but it would be very shocking if she should -put it into words, unless the man asked her to do so! It looks for all -the world like putting a premium upon intrigue. - -Her girlish friends exchanging confidences, rallied her about her beau: -“Oh, Merna, when are you going to be married?” - -“Just as soon as I can find a man who will marry me,” retorted she, but -she flushed painfully. - -“Oh don’t cheat! Tell us all about it!” - -“There is nothing to tell,” replied Merna looking distressed. - -A wild chorus of dissent greeted this reply; as soon as possible Merna -slipped away to cry out her grief and mortification. She thought that -every one of them was laughing at her because of her uncertainty -regarding her lover. - -Ned certainly had no such feelings; he took everything for granted in a -laughing, off-hand way, not to be resisted; he came continually, he -monopolized her completely; he spoke to her, and of her as belonging to -him, but always in that laughing way which left the impression of a -joke; he did not say, such a day we will be married; such a place will -be our home; he said instead: “You belong to me; you could not get away -from me if you tried; I should find you, I shall always know where you -are.” - -This was all very sweet, but—very unsatisfying. He was strong, -masterful, laughingly dominant; but he was also either very thoughtless, -or very secretive. - -He made no allusion to the time of his absence except once; he had that -evening been unusually demonstrative, and Merna—from some remark made by -him—felt emboldened to ask: “Where were you while so long absent?” - -“Oh, a dozen places. I can’t tell you—things get so mixed up sometimes -that I don’t know what I’m about myself,” he replied evasively. - -“You might have written,” said Merna quietly, it almost seemed -indifferently. - -“Yes, I know—in fact I meant to, but—I hate to write letters, and there -was nothing that you would care to know—” he broke off abruptly, as -though he did not wish to betray himself. - -“No, of course not,” answered Merna, with quiet sarcasm; she felt hurt -and indignant, but was altogether too proud to show it. - -Although Merna made no further mention of it, he seemed to feel ashamed -of his neglect, and repeatedly said: “I will never leave again, without -telling you that I am going;” so that in this respect she felt a greater -assurance; but he spent the evening with her as usual, and in the usual -manner bid her good-night, and she saw him no more for three years. - -Sad changes came to Merna during this interval; her mother, long a -widow, sickened and died. Merna’s grief was beyond words—beyond thought -even; it benumbed all her senses. The home which she had thought her own -was taken from her—unjustly—but what did that matter? She was alone, and -as ignorant of law as a babe. Poor child! She thought that it did not -matter, that nothing mattered, now that the gentle face of her mother -had faded out of life; she felt that she could no longer live within -those memory-haunted walls. During all these sad days she heard nothing -from Ned, and her heart cried out piteously: “Oh, if he truly loved me -he would not leave me to bear my burdens alone.” These hard realities -took away all the lingering grace of girlhood, but added the charm and -poise of sweet, self-reliant womanhood. - -In these old towns, where people are born, live, and die in the same old -house, generation after generation; where the ways are peaceful and -narrow; where people drift along, content with no innovations of -knowledge, or new ways brought from the bustling, outside world, there -develops an aristocracy peculiarly its own, and those not within its -old-fashioned circle can scarcely obtain a living. Not to own the home -which their ancestors owned is looked upon as a disgrace; and owning it, -to part with it, though the misfortune is not through fault of the -owner—is considered a greater disgrace, for which there could be no -extenuation. Merna very keenly realized that she was under the ban of -social ostracism. She left this, her native place, for a town, newer and -busier, where work was to be had for such unskilled hands as hers. - -Being wholly inexperienced in the ways of the world, as well as in -labor, Merna found it hard to obtain the means of subsistence; she was a -woman fair to look upon, and alone, therefore her path was beset with -peril; but she was able to retain her own self-respect—that most -truthful of all commendation—she was possessed of too much native -refinement to be led into the vulgarity of evil ways, or seduced from -right by fluent sophistries. - - * * * * * - -One blustering day, when the wind shrieked around the street corners, -and carried onward clouds of fine, penetrating dust, intermingled with -the falling snow, whirling both into every opened doorway with malicious -violence, a man wrapped in a great, shaggy overcoat, opened the door of -the little store kept by Merna. There had been no customers all the -morning; unless otherwise compelled, all were glad to remain within -doors. - -Merna came from the sitting room in the rear, and walked behind the -counter awaiting her customer’s pleasure; with his back toward her, he -had taken off his fur cap, and was knocking out the snow against the -door. Something familiar in the movements and attitude gave her a start, -but it was not until he had unbuttoned his coat, and turned toward her, -that she really recognized him; he walked to the counter, reaching out -both hands, his blond face one broad smile. It was Ned—stalwart, hearty, -and as usual—laughing. - -Merna stood like one shocked, a terrible weakness assailed her; she saw -the laughing face but dimly, his voice sounded strange and far off. - -His robust tones aroused her: “Aren’t you going to shake hands with me, -after I have had such a time finding you?” he asked. - -“Why did you seek me?” cried Merna passionately, surprised out of her -usual self-control. - -“Because I wanted to see you, to be sure!” The same laughing insouciance -as of old, so impossible to understand; it might be pleasant raillery, -it was quite as likely to be sarcasm. - -“I wish that you had stayed away—after three years!” her voice rising -shrilly. - -He walked deliberately around the end of the counter, caught both her -hands and held them firmly, his warm breath sweeping her cheek, his face -so very near her own. “Did I not tell you that I should find you? I -shall never lose sight of you!” his face still lower, his lips touching -her cheek caressingly. “I am so glad to see you, my Merna! Say, ‘Ned I -am glad that you are here!’” he whispered tenderly. - -Ah, well! A woman’s a woman! and poor girl, her heart throbbed so -happily; it seemed so good to have this great strong man holding her -hands, whispering to her in this tender tone; what if the words did not -promise much, the tone conveyed a world of tender meaning, and—she was -so lonely. She had been so fiercely angry at him that she thought she -hated him; she found that it was the act that she hated, and not the -man; he held his old place in her heart. Presently she was shedding -happy tears on his broad shoulder, and looking happily up into his face -through her wet lashes; thrilling from her foolish little heart to the -ends of her fingers with the delight of his very presence. - -From this time on how different the dull, prosaic work seemed; the -anticipation of the happy evening glorified each day, and he never -failed to come. He appeared to be perfectly content in her company; he -called her fond names, and usurped all the privileges of an accepted -lover. He occasionally alluded to business, sometimes ending with, “When -I get things into shape, I’ll pick you up and carry you off.” - -Often Merna felt hurt, the allusions were so vague and really unmeaning, -and the talk of business so indefinite—the sentences never quite -complete—so that she had no certain knowledge as to what was his -business. A half-confidence is much more vexatious than no confidence as -it puts one to thinking; this was really no trust at all in her; just an -aggravating shadow, like a cloud over the summer sun, which when you -look upward in expectation of its grateful shade has sailed away. - -A whole year passed away, and living in the light of his presence, her -uneasy feeling had mostly worn away; if she gave it thought—that in -reality she knew no more of the future than when he first returned, she -consoled herself, and excused him, by saying, “Oh, he is so odd, but he -means all right.” - -As upon previous occasions there came an evening when she waited for him -in vain; she could not settle herself to anything, even the chatter of -her customers annoyed her, and her ear persistently hearkened for a -well-known footstep; something must have detained him unavoidably; he -would surely come to-morrow evening, but all the while her heart was -sinking heavily. He did not come the next evening, nor the one -following, and her fear grew to a certainty. She mentioned his name to -no one, but watched the passers-by on the street, feverishly; she -eagerly looked over the newspapers, hoping for a chance mention of him. -The days seemed so long and wearisome; the corners of her mouth took a -sad droop; the work grew so irksome. Others sought her company, but she -turned from them with dislike, or made comparisons to their great -detriment. - -Business had heretofore been very good, but hard times came on, and -little by little trade dropped off; it grew dull, then vexatious and -finally exasperating; complaints were heard on every side. The days grew -doubly sad when no customers came in to break the heavy monotony; the -very silence grew oppressive, and Merna could scarcely restrain her -tears. Her heart grew hard and bitter toward Ned, toward the world, and -fate. - -The wind whistled shrilly around the loosely built building, rattling -the boards and battens, and swaying the canvas walls and ceiling -dizzily, making Merna feel more desolate and despondent than usual. She -stood behind the cigar case, looking gloomily out upon the wind-swept -street; as if conjured up by her thought, Martin Balfour—her chief -creditor—entered the store. - -He came in with a great swagger, and called for a cigar: “Gi’mme a good -one—twenty-five cent-er; I reckon I can afford it!” with an insolent -leer. - -Without reply, she handed him the box, to make his own choice. - -He selected one, lighted it, and leaning lazily against the show case, -puffed the smoke in huge volumes; he finally took the weed from his -lips, ejected a mouthful of saliva on to the clean floor, flicked the -ashes off with his little finger, and said, “Well, Miss Wood, I s’pose -you are ready to chalk up this morning?” - -Merna flushed a vivid red, then went deadly pale; this man held a -mortgage on everything she possessed, and his manner was distinctly -aggressive. “I could not get the money this morning, Mr. Balfour; I have -the promise of it the latter end of the week, and I beg of you to wait,” -faltered Merna. - -He laughed loudly and coarsely: “As to waiting, I’ve waited just as long -as I am going to; my kindness is all right, but I’m no guy, see! Your -chump of a fellow left you to shift for yourself; I’m not one to drag up -bygones—I’ll marry you, and call the debt square!” He leaned across the -showcase, and tried to grasp her hand. - -Merna drew herself up indignantly: “I thank you, but I prefer paying my -debts in a legitimate way.” - -“Well, fork over, then,” he said brutally. - -Tears filled her eyes, she had not one-tenth the amount, so she tried to -temporize: “I will certainly raise it by the middle of the week——” - -“The mortgage is due; it’s got to be paid to-day! I’m going to take no -more guff—either you promise to marry me, or I’ll take the stock before -night, see!” Protruding his face toward her still more aggressively. - -Merna grew calm as he became excited; she thought of Ned with a pang of -bitterness, that he could place her in a position to be insulted upon -his account by such a man; but her disgust of the man himself outweighed -all else. “Take the goods now; I shall make no more effort!” she said -coldly. - -“You’ll be sorry! You’ll come whining to me when you’re starving,” he -flung after her angrily, as he went out. - -Within an hour the place was stripped of everything; Merna stood with -folded arms and saw them taken out without a tear, she seemed benumbed. - -An acquaintance passing, came in: “What is the trouble, Miss Wood? Are -you obliged to give up?” he asked kindly. - -“Yes,” briefly. - -He looked at her sorrowful face, and his heart filled with pity for her. -He laid his hand over her’s, and said kindly: “I wish that you would -give me the privilege of caring for you——” - -Merna put out her hand as though to shield herself: “Wait! Wait! I -cannot answer you now; come back this evening; my heart is too full now -to think—I thank you—” she finished brokenly. - -He lifted her hand to his lips respectfully, as he replied, “I will -come,” and went out quietly. - -Merna felt a hysterical desire to laugh; two proposals in one morning, -and not an earthly thing which she could call her own; she thought -grimly that she could not accuse either of them of being fortune -hunters. Everything had been taken except a small sheet-iron stove, an -old chair, and a rickety table, these had not been considered worth -removing. She sat down in the chair, and laid her head on her arms on -the table; she wished that she could cry, her heart beat so heavily; a -wild anguish swept over her as she thought of her mother; she would not -have deserted her in her hour of need; she cried aloud as a thought of -Ned forced itself upon her consciousness: “Why cling to the shadow of a -love, which only tantalizes me; he had no real love for me! I was just a -good comrade—and a fool!” she added bitterly. - -Presently she resumed her self-communing: “Why not accept this last -proposal? Tom Thornton is a good man, and he loves me; better one who -loves me so well, than waste my life upon a shadow which ever eludes my -grasp;” the well-remembered look of Ned’s jolly face—though she was so -sad—made her smile, then sigh restlessly. - -With her head resting upon the table she dropped off into wearied -slumber, from whence she entered dreamland. Strange, troubled visions -passed her, out of which evolved Tom Thornton’s face, she heard him -enter, and he stood beside her, her affianced husband; he sought to take -her hand, but she turned from him with aversion, reaching out both hands -to Ned, who approached her, stern and menacing. - -“I can-not! I can-not!” she cried piteously. - -“What is it, that you cannot do?” said a hearty voice in her ear. - -“Marry Tom Thornton!” raising her woe-begone, haggard face. - -“I should think not! You are going to marry me this very night! I’ve got -everything fixed—a nice home, and all,” he finished exultantly, but as -usual, indefinitely. - -Merna was very wide awake now, and cried out, bitterly, “Why did you -come back? Why don’t you stay away when you go?” the only thought -presented to her mind being that he would stay until her whole hopes -were fixed upon him, then he would again leave. - -“Why did I come? After you, of course! Little woman, I depended upon -you, you promised me, you know!” his voice trembling with an undefined -fear. - -“Yes, I remember that I promised, but you seem to have forgotten, ever -since that you asked me for that promise!” indignantly. - -His good-looking face sobered into amazement: “Merna! I only wished to -keep all the worry away from you. I thought that you would not -understand, and if I told you it would make you anxious!” a deep trouble -in his voice. - -Merna stood up, her hands on his shoulders: “Oh, Ned, Ned! Do you think -that I am a baby—that I haven’t a grain of sense? A woman thinks that -the man she loves is able to accomplish all things—if only he tells her -all about it,” she finished with a gleeful laugh. - -He stood looking at her in bewilderment, trying to get the whole meaning -of that speech into his mind; at last he caught her, giving her an -extravagant hug: “I see what you mean; you want me to understand that we -are to be partners in all things; the business as well as the -pleasure—the sorrow as well as the joys; I never had a little ‘pard’ -before, and I think I did not catch on just right; but I’ll remember my -lesson,” said he, laughing happily. - -The door stood slightly ajar, as Ned had left it upon entering, and Tom -Thornton stepped quietly within; he paused and smiled; then sighed as he -silently went out. He was answered. - - - THE END. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Remarks by Bill Nye. - - -[Illustration] - - THE - FUNNIEST - OF - BOOKS. - -“It will cure the blues quicker than the doctor and at half the -price.”—_New York Herald._ - - =Over 500 Pages.= - =Fully Illustrated.= - - =Cloth, $1.50; Paper, 50c.= - - - LAUGH AND GROW FAT. - -A collection of the best writings of this great author, most profusely -illustrated, with over 500 pages. It is the funniest of books. Bill Nye -needs no introduction. The mention of the book is enough. - -“I have passed through an earthquake and an Indian outbreak, but I would -rather ride an earthquake without saddle or bridle, than to bestride a -successful broncho eruption.”—_Bill Nye._ - -“Age brings caution and a lot of shop-worn experience, purchased at the -highest market price. 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On all sides -nothing but praise has been heard, coupling the gifted author’s name -with that of Edgar Allan Poe, and predicting a glorious future for the -man whose pen has the magical power to charm the reading public, ever -eager to seize on that which borders upon the _bizarre_. The odd and -attractive cover appeals to the curiosity of the reader, and once he has -dipped into the contents he finds a feast spread before him that awakens -a desire for further intercourse with the same fertile pen. - -EDWARD ELLIS:—“The author is a genius without a living equal, so far as -I am aware, in his peculiar field. It is a masterpiece.... I have read -many portions several times, captivated by the unapproachable tints of -the painting. None but a genius of the highest order could do such -work.” - -N. Y. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER:—“The short prose tale should be a -synthesis; it was the art of Edgar Poe, it is the art of Mr. -Chambers.... His is beyond question a glorious heritage.... I fancy the -book will create a sensation; ... in any case it is the most notable -contribution to literature which has come from an American publisher for -many years; and fine as the accomplishment is, ‘The King in Yellow’ is -large in promise. One has a right to expect a great deal from an author -of this calibre.” - -TIMES HERALD:—“The most eccentric little volume of its (little) day ‘The -King in Yellow’ is subtly fascinating, and compels attention for its -style, and its wealth of strange, imaginative force.” - -NEW YORK TIMES:—“Mr. Robert W. Chambers does not have a system to work -up to; he has no fad, save a tendency to write about the marvelous and -the impossible; painting pictures of romance that have a wild -inspiration about them. Descriptive powers of no mean quality are -perceptible in this volume of stories.” - -THE N. Y. WORLD:—“Mr. Chambers has a great command of words; he is a -good painter. His situations are most delicately touched, and some of -his descriptions are exquisite. He writes like an artist. He uses colors -rather than ideas.... The best drama in the volume means madness. The -tenderest fancy is a sad mirage.... ‘The King in Yellow’ is a very -interesting contribution to the present fund of materio-mysticism.... To -read Mr. Chambers’ little book is to escape from the actual on poetical -wings.” - -MINNEAPOLIS TRIBUNE:—“They have a mysterious eerie air about them that -is apt to stimulate the reader’s curiosity.” - -PHILADELPHIA TIMES:—“Charming, delicate, skilful, vivid.” - -PHILADELPHIA ITEM:—“Expected to make a sensation, charming, full of -color and delicately tinted.” - -CLEVELAND GAZETTE:—“It is wondrous strong, dramatic, full of color, -weird, uncanny, picturesque, and yet a gem of exquisite coloring, -dreamy, symbolic, exciting.” - - - - - PAOLA CORLETTI, - - THE FAIR ITALIAN. - - - By ALICE HOWARD HILTON, - - Author of “A Blonde Creole.” - - Neely’s Popular Library, paper 25c. - -This is a charming romance of life in Italy and New Orleans—of a pretty -Italian maid, daughter of a Neapolitan nobleman, who elopes with the -lover of her choice, a poor musician, and being hounded by the -emissaries of a disappointed suitor, in conjunction with her angry -father, they start for America, settling in the famous French Quarter of -New Orleans. - -The story is sweet and pure, and full of exceeding pathos—the -descriptive bits of old New Orleans, with its Jackson Square and St. -Louis Cathedral, opposite, are clever pictures of the Creole City of the -past. Since Cable has ceased his admirable novels of these interesting -people, the public will undoubtedly welcome an addition to Creole -literature from the pen of one so thoroughly conversant with the subject -as Mrs. Hilton. - -For sale everywhere, or sent post-paid on receipt of price. - - F. TENNYSON NEELY, Publisher, - 96 Queen Street, London. 114 Fifth Avenue, New York. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - 2. Anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as - printed. - 3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - 4. Enclosed bold font in =equals=. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Floating Fancies among the Weird and -the Occult, by Clara H. 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} - @media handheld { .covernote { visibility: visible; display: block;} } - blockquote {margin: 1.5em 0em; } - .section { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .ol_1 li {font-size: .9em; } - @media handheld {.ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: 0em; } } - body {font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify; } - table {font-size: .9em; } - .figcenter,.figleft {font-size: .9em; page-break-inside: avoid; } - div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; } - div.titlepage p {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } - .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; - margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } - .ph2 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; - page-break-before: always; } - .sc {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Floating Fancies among the Weird and the -Occult, by Clara H. Holmes - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Floating Fancies among the Weird and the Occult - -Author: Clara H. Holmes - -Release Date: December 23, 2019 [EBook #61005] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLOATING FANCIES AMONG WEIRD, OCCULT *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><b>Transcriber’s Note:</b></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>FLOATING FANCIES<br /> <span class='small'>AMONG THE</span><br /> <span class='xlarge'>WEIRD AND THE OCCULT.</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>BY</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>CLARA H. HOLMES.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/title.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>F. TENNYSON NEELY,</span></div> - <div class='c003'>PUBLISHER,</div> - <div class='c003'>LONDON. NEW YORK.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Copyright, 1898,</div> - <div class='c003'>by</div> - <div class='c003'>CLARA H. HOLMES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>TO MY FRIEND,</div> - <div class='c003'>WILLIAM MONTGOMERY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='CONTENTS'> - <tr> - <th class='c006'></th> - <th class='c007'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>Nordhung Nordjansen</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_7'>7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>In the Beyond</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_29'>29</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>The Tragedy of the Gnomes</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_51'>51</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>An Unfair Exchange</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_67'>67</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>Limitations</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>A Tale of Two Pictures</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_119'>119</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>A Nineteenth Century Ghost</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_152'>152</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>What Became of the Money?</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>His Friend</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_196'>196</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>A Tale of the X Ray</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_214'>214</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'><span class='sc'>An Averted Tragedy</span></td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#Page_231'>231</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>FLOATING FANCIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 class='c005'>NORDHUNG NORDJANSEN.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Very many years ago, in an age when departures -from the regular line of thought were accounted -but vagaries of a diseased brain, when -science was a thing of dread, and great knowledge -deemed but sorcery, Nordhung Nordjansen -was born, and grew to early manhood on the far -northern coast of Norway.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Through all his boyhood days—whenever he -could steal away from his father and his father’s -plodding work—he would climb the bold crags -which overlooked the Northern Sea, and gaze -with hungry eyes over the vast expanse of water.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If I could but know what lies beyond that -cold horizon,” he would sigh.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He expressed this longing to his father.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Get your mother a bundle of fagots, and pry -not into the unknown,” answered his father, so -sternly that Nordhung dared not mention it -again, and being an obedient boy he went into -the forest; but with every stick he gathered, he -also gathered a doubt of his father’s wisdom.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How can it be wrong to wish to know what -lies in that beautiful beyond?”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>He gathered another stick or two, and idly -twirling them in his hand, he murmured, “My -father says it is a sin to pry into that which is -hidden; perhaps it is not hidden, but just lies -there waiting to be admired, as did our beautiful -Norway, long, long ago.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He piled the sticks in a little heap, and sat beside -them, idly throwing pebbles at a little bird -which sat on a branch, and mocked his restlessness -with happy song.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wish that I could know what lies beyond -my sight. The sky has stooped down to meet -the waves, and they are so glad that they leap -and dimple in the sunlight. Oh, it must be -very beautiful in that far country! Why must -the longing for all things beautiful be a sin? -It is no sin to work, to pick up fagots to make -the pot boil, but I do not like to do this! My -father says it is a sin to sit on the crags, and -look across the sea, and wish and wish that I -were a bird, so that I could fly; but I love to do -that. I wonder why the sinful cannot be ugly, -and those things which are right be beautiful -and nice to do!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thus the battle went on in this mind, thirsty -for knowledge; a battle as old as man himself, -with his ignorance, and the prejudice of false -teaching.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One day Nordhung climbed the boldest of the -crags overlooking Tana Fiord, and gazed long -and wistfully over the many islands which lay -along the coast.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A stately ship sailed out of Sylte Fiord, and -made its way around the headland to the open -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>sea. With fascinated gaze he watched it spread -its white wings; the waves lapped and beat about -its prow, it kept on its majestic way as though -scorning their childish gambols. His heart -swelled with eager desire; if he could but own -that wonderful ship and sail away into the unknown! -If he could but reach the home of the -beautiful Aurora Borealis and search out its mysteries!</p> - -<p class='c009'>There sprang into life in that hour the firm -resolve that some day he would know—that some -day <em>he</em> would stand on the deck of a beautiful -ship of his own, and proudly sail away into the -pale glory of those northern skies, and discover -the wonderful things lying beyond those opaline -tints. Then the mist creeping up from the sea -began to envelop him, and he cried aloud, thinking -it a spirit sent to punish him for the sinfulness -of his desires, and he ran home as fast as -his legs could carry him.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>Fifteen years later Neiharden Nordjansen, -father of Nordhung Nordjansen, died and was -buried in the little churchyard; he was born, he -breathed, he ate, he slept, he died and was -buried with his ancestors; what more could man -desire? Before the tears were dried upon his -cheeks Nordhung remembered that he was free, -and his heart throbbed with impatience. Three -years more passed by; he stood upon the deck of -an outgoing ship, his shoulders thrown back, his -head erect; proudly conscious that he was commander. -He bawled arrogantly to the sailors; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>he cast his eyes over the great spread of canvas, -set to catch ever little flurry of wind, and lifted -his chin a trifle higher.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Commander Nordjansen!” he murmured delightedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Away to the north-northeast he sailed. -Threading his way carefully past the many rocky -islands, he entered the frozen sea; ever in danger, -trembling at the near approach of icebergs, or -crouching awe-stricken in the shadow of their -immensity, yet never did Nordhung forget that -he was “Commander Nordjansen.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>After long, weary months of sailing, when -provisions ran low, when cold and hunger had -pinched the sailors sorely, they openly grumbled -at Nordjansen’s rule; they wearied for home, -for wives and sweethearts.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Why seek further?” cried one; “we are -already too far from home!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What do we seek?” said another bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“A fool’s desire! The commander’s Jack-o-lantern!” -answered a third derisively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>But though they grumbled and cast many -black looks, the tones were low and they were -careful that they spoke behind his back.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordjansen paced his deck with fierce impatience; -he strained his eyes for indication of that -which he sought—the North Pole. The beautiful -Aurora Borealis lighted his way with streaming -flames of red, that quivered into golden -glory, or faded into palest silver—only to flame, -and shoot, and dart across the heavens again like -fantastic, serpent tongues; he approached the -beautiful wonder—it seemed to him not one jot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>nearer than in the beginning of his journey. His -heart lay heavy within him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He surprised the fierce, scowling glances of his -sailors, as by twos and threes they grumbled -together. He sternly ordered them about their -business; they grumbled still more as they -obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His heart sank with dread; the chill wind -blew through the frozen cordage, and whistling -shrilly, mocked the lure of his lifetime. Was -all his effort to end in failure; were all his hopes -and lofty ambitions to yield no fruition? Was he -never—never to fathom the secret of the Unknown -and the Wonderful?</p> - -<p class='c009'>For hours he paced the deck; true, at his command -the sailors had slunk away, but with -scowls of bitter hate; each heart filled with -wrath and grievous longing. Habit of obedience -is strong, and Nordjansen was commander, -as he was careful that they should remember.</p> - -<p class='c009'>In his pacing to and fro he passed the compass; -he paused in astonishment, the needle was -vibrating strangely, and he became conscious -that the vessel was no longer going steadily on -her course—although the water appeared smooth—but -was pitching in short, sudden lurches; -now slightly to the right, then to the left; quivering—quivering—like -some frightened living -thing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Strange thrills ran through his body; a terrible -fear shook him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The flames of the Aurora seemed to hang -directly over the ship, and to be of a fiery hue, -anon changing to all the prismatic colors of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>rainbow, so brilliant as to frighten him; a thousand -fiery tongues seemed to lick at the reeling -ship, as though to devour her, and all contained -therein. He covered his eyes with his shaking -hands to shade his tortured eyeballs from their -satanic gambolings.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One by one the terrified sailors crept on deck -and huddled together, talking in awed whispers, -or crouched around the mast in abject fear. At -last three, more bold—or more desperate—than -the others, walked up to Nordjansen; one, a -grizzled old fellow, pulled his tangled forelock -awkwardly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What do you wish?” asked Nordjansen -sternly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If you please, sir, me and my mates wants to -know if so be as you’ll turn back. We’ve naught -to eat, and it’s sore goin’ without feed, when -it’s growin’ cold—c-o-l-d-e-r e-v-e-r-y m-i-n-u-t-e,” -his teeth chattering so that he could -scarcely speak.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Go below! You cowards!” shouted Nordjansen -fiercely. “Cold! You are frightened! No -wonder your teeth chatter like the boughs of the -trees in the winter wind!” he shrieked, hoarse -with rage. They crept away, more affrighted of -his wrath than of the cold or the fiery phenomenon -over their heads.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordjansen drew himself up proudly:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Let them not presume to dictate to me; <em>I</em> am -the commander! But it <em>is</em> c-o-l-d; y-e-s, -c-o-l-d;” his lips trembled, and <em>his</em> teeth chattered -so that his speech halted.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The strange thrills increased in force, and -shot through him in more rapid succession.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>A wind had arisen, which each moment increased -in velocity. Of a sudden the ship -lurched wildly, then spun half around, and with -an awful thud the iron sheathing of her bow adhered -to the North Pole, as the cambric needle -is attached to the magnet with which children -play. One glimpse of icebergs so awful, so terrible -in their magnitude; higher than the highest -peaks of the Himalayas, numerous beyond -computing; each one a perfect prism, lighted -into a blinding radiance of color by the midnight -sun. Nordjansen knew that he had found -the home of the Aurora Borealis. He had scant -time to notice these wonders; all that he saw in -that fleeting glance made a horrible impression -upon his awe-struck mind, yet no one thought -was distinct or clearly defined—one awful throe -of fear possessed him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The wind had increased to a shrieking gale, -and although the force of magnetism held the -vessel sealed to the pole, it quivered, groaned, -and strained for release like a living thing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordjansen’s knees trembled; he turned his -terror-stricken gaze away from the awful illumination—the -dizzy commingling of rays of every -hue—from the vast, unnumbered prisms of ice; -his eyeballs ached with the glare; which, -though so brilliant, was permeated with a chill -more terrible than the rigor of death.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As in affright he turned his eyes away it was -but to encounter another horror; before him lay -a cavernous entrance, glooming downward and -forward, into the very bowels of the earth; he -loosed his hold upon the mast—to which he had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>been clinging for support—to wipe the cold drops -of perspiration from his brow, brought there by -terror. He wished his sailors were on deck that -he might hear the sound of a human voice. He -wished—he wished that he had been less harsh. -When all is well we are filled with self-sufficiency, -but when adversity comes upon us we -crave human sympathy as much as does the little -child who holds up a hurt hand for mother’s -healing kiss.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He had no sooner loosed his hold upon the -mast than the strong wind lifted him bodily, -and carried him—feet foremost—into the terrors -of the abyss which swallowed him up in darkness. -He had no time for thought as he was -borne rapidly forward; swept along as a feather -is borne on the autumn gale; he lay on his back, -as the swimmer floats on the water, his arms -pressed closely to his sides, his feet held stiffly -together. The strange incongruous thought -occurred to him: “This is the position in which -I shall be placed when I am dead; my feet will -lie thus, side by side; my hands should be -crossed upon my breast—” he tried to raise his -hands and so place them, but found that he had -no power to stir them. “I wonder if I am dead! -Is this the dread change?” He laughed whimsically, -for at this instant the strong wind, sweeping -his hair backward, made his head itch; that -was no <em>post-mortem</em> sensation.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A strange rumbling noise greeted his ears; -the clank of ponderous machines, the whirr of -enormous belts, as the earth turned on her axis. -The wind, which had been bitterly cold, grew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>gradually warmer; a strange, dreamy lassitude -stole over him, a wavy, half-light helped to -soothe his senses.</p> - -<p class='c009'>On—on, he floated; how long he knew not; -days—weeks—he had no idea as to time. A -desperate hunger assailed him; he fancied that -trees loaded with luscious fruits mocked him as -he was swept by; odors strange but delightful -seemed to fill his whole being with longing; his -mouth dripped with moisture. Oh, how dreadful -the onward sweeping! Would it never end?</p> - -<p class='c009'>All sound had died away—I should say—had -been left behind; no more creaking and groaning -of the horribly ponderous machinery; but a -silence still more horrible reigned. We have -little realization of what perfect silence would -be. Our world is one vast hubbub. Who ever -knew the day or night, the time or place, that -we did not hear the rush of the wind among the -treetops; the calls of birds; the lowing of -cattle; the bark of a dog, or the blow of an ax; -perhaps the crack of a whip? Noise, noise everywhere, -and at all times. Were perfect silence -to reign for one hour, the tones of the human -voice would strike upon the ear with the force -of a blow.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordhung must have swooned; how long he -remained in this unconscious state he had no -means of knowing; indeed, he felt that here time -was not. As his faculties once more became active, -he noticed, first, that he was being carried -forward much more slowly; secondly, that instead -of going straight ahead, he was describing -an immense circle, with an occasional sharp -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>turn. He also observed that the wavering light -had increased to a steady white glow, a brilliancy -almost blinding to his unaccustomed eyes; faint -sounds came to him from time to time, not like -the ponderous noises which had affrighted -him, but human sounds—laughter—a child’s -cry—but with something strange in the tone. -His heart swelled rapturously! Was he nearing -the earth’s surface again? Oh, that he might -once more sit on the crags of Norway, and look -upon his beautiful land!</p> - -<p class='c009'>We are prone to consider that most beautiful -which we looked upon while the heart was -young; then, all the world was fair, and we -loved much.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When disappointments have come to us, and -hope has grown jaded, we look back, even upon -a rocky desolation, and say in all sincerity, -“How beautiful it was,” not knowing that it -was but our hearts’ hopes that were beautiful. -Alas, <em>that were</em>!</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordhung sadly thought: “My father was -right, and I am well punished for prying into the -unknown.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sounds became more distinctly audible; the -wind had fallen to a gentle breeze, and he felt -himself settling, settling as you have seen a -balloon descend as the gas gradually escaped.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gently he floated into the midst of an excited -group, who scattered with cries of fear and -wonder. Strange sounds issued from these -strange beings; tones of dismay, and astonishment, -in which no one voice differed from another; -a thin sound, lacking timbre; as the wind -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>blows with the angry force of the storm, or gently -sighs of a placid summer day—so these -voices were in anger high and shrill, in joy -softly reaching the consciousness. Their bodies—if -that could be called a body which possessed -no substance—were as strange as their voices, -being but a vapor surrounding the soul—the -shadow of a form; each emotion, thought or impulse -was therefore plainly discernible. Of -speech there was no need, consequently there -was none; all sound emitted was but that of -spontaneity; laughter, cries of wonder, horror, -and the like.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The shriek of amazement that greeted his -ears; the strange appearance of the people; the -weird surroundings so impressed Nordjansen -that little, cold shivers chased each other down -his spine. He saw their thought, their wonder -and fear; as I have said, there was no need of -language; each spirit saw, and perfectly comprehended -the thought of the other; it was cause -of amazement to these people that they could -not see his thought—the working of his mind; -this wonderful fact—much more than the mode -of his advent, or of his presence—dominated -each intelligence.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He raised upon his elbow, and watched their -growing awe; presently, he saw this thought -leap into one mind: “It is a God!” Instantly -half a dozen minds followed suit, the spark igniting -the tinder as readily in these strange intelligences, -as it does among us. He watched with -fascinated curiosity the skepticism, the doubt, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>the hesitation, changing to a slow growth of belief -in the various understandings.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Above all his wonder, above all his curiosity—a -minimum of awe, and much gratified vanity—one -fact made itself felt; he was hungry, and he -said so.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The panic was terrible! A multitudinous -shriek answered him; no variation in sound, no -distinction of voices—a single, horrible note of -fear—and they flitted away—I cannot say walk, -or run—for how can a vapor do either?—they -floated away in affright.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He, seeing their dismayed thought, laughed; -he arose to his feet, stretched his muscles; it -seemed enjoyable to stand upright once more -after lying inert for so long a time.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he moved about another shriek arose; the -sound held an element of the horrible in that one -level, unvarying tone, and sent a fresh shiver -adown his spine. Soon, however, curiosity overcame -their fear, and one by one they timidly -floated toward him; one, more courageous than -the rest, came so close that the vapory body -half-encircled him; a wonderfully pleasant sensation -went through all his being; a moist -warmth, which conveyed a sense of fellowship—a -kinship of soul, pure and delightful.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One after another gained courage, and approached, -until he was completely enveloped in -the living mist. He saw the growing worship -in every mind; that adoration of the mysterious, -which ofttimes serves for a worship of the -divine.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is well,” thought Nordjansen, “Nordhung, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>people always look up to you; these people recognize -your superiority!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Notwithstanding his satisfaction, and self-laudation, -he did not forget that he was very -hungry; he opened his mouth and pointed -down his throat, and used his jaws as though -masticating; only bewilderment greeted his -most eloquent pantomime. How could they understand? -Being without body or substance -they needed no food except that which entered -each vapory environment by absorption. Then -occurred a strange thing to Nordjansen; he cried -out in anguish: “My God! Must I starve?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He sighed; a long, deep inspiration, and was -instantly conscious of a delicious sweetness in -his mouth, a taste like a strange, but most luscious -fruit. He repeated the indrawing process -until he felt perfectly satisfied, without the unpleasantness -which repletion gives.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He wandered around a space which seemed inclosed, -to which he could find no limit; he had -no conception of distance, perspective was lost -in a bewildering unreality of all surroundings; -for instance, Nordhung thought that he beheld -a most beautiful tree, he desired a nearer view; -he wandered on and on until exhausted before he -realized that here, space, like time, had no known -law; such being the case, of course, Nordjansen -had no means of knowing how long he dwelt in -this strange place.</p> - -<p class='c009'>All these fantastic beings, with one exception, -worshiped him as a God sent among them for -some great, but unknown purpose; he, seeing -their awe and worship, took pains to foster and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>increase it. To himself he said: “Nordhung, -you are indeed great; these beings know it; they -are fine creatures!” He lifted his shoulders a -trifle more, and endeavored to assume a godlike -tread.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The one exception of which I have spoken was -a female; she worshiped him as a woman often -does, when she should but love. She hovered -around him by night and by day, she enveloped -him, she would have permeated him; she watched -his every act, she hung upon, and learned to interpret -his looks; she suited herself to his -moods, and her thoughts to his desires as nearly -as she could divine them; in fact, she would -have thought his thoughts could she have seen -them as he saw hers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He learned many things which to him were -very strange; he found the source of the illumination -of this place, a light that shone with steady -radiance; not as our sun shines for a few hours -which we call day, and kindly gives place to the -darkness of night, that many may rest from toil, -and a few may sneak into evil under cover of -its shadow. The two poles, one entering from -the north, the other from the south, here formed -a positive and a negative; which, with the power -engendered as the world turns on her axis, was -made to produce an electric light of wonderful -brilliancy. He also learned to communicate his -desires to these beings with whom he mingled. -Their amazement at his flesh, bone, sinews, hidden -mind, in fact, his entire personality grew -continually; they could not understand how such -a condition could exist; <em>he</em> was to them a -miracle, consequently to be worshiped.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>Nordjansen grew to admire these souls, so perfectly -pure; so free from all deceit, and truthful -perforce; loving and faithful, as no taint of evil -<em>could</em> find lodgment in their transparent minds.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pure and sweet as they were, his heart at times -grew sick for his own kind, and instead of the -faint, moist, languorous atmosphere, with never a -disturbing storm, he longed for the rocky promontories -of his Norway; the reverberation of the -rolling thunder among the hills, and the wild -lashing of the sea on the rocky base of the cliffs. -Sometimes he dreamed—half-awake, half-asleep—that -the briny spray was dashing in his face, -and thought that he could taste the pungent -savor of the salt, and awoke to find the tears -trickling down his cheek, moistening his tongue. -His heart grew faint unto sickness for the light -of the sun, and the shifting shadows of the -clouds on the distant hills, where the grass grew -like a flower-decked carpet, and the white sheep -bleated lovingly to one another. And oh! for a -sight of the stately, white-robed ships as they -sailed away into the unknown which he now deplored. -He numbly wondered what had become -of his good ship, Nord Rhyn.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Alas, that he had not been content with his -father’s land, and his father’s homely ways!</p> - -<p class='c009'>He grew unutterably weary of the unreality -of all things surrounding him, he longed for the -interchange of day and night; he longed for -food—actual food—with a throe of maddening -pain, so keen was his desire; he longed for creatures -of flesh and blood, with their inborn predilection -for evil, which gave the doing of right -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>things so much sweeter flavor. He wearied of -the love of the She which so completely enveloped -him, as men ever tire of that which is so wholly -their own that they cannot for one fascinating -hour escape it; it is worse than a diet of sweets, -although the effect is the same, a nauseated surfeit.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She, poor soul! She learned to dread his -scowling brow, his harsh tone; to shrink and -tremble in wild affright whenever he ordered her -away; she sought ever to win a more kindly regard -by added devotion, by hanging more fondly -and constantly about him. After all she differed -not so greatly from her sisters on the face of the -earth. He grew more intolerant of her presence, -and violently ordered her to leave him; he noted -her agony of fear, her deathless devotion, and -her hopeless pain with indifference, as with a -cry of despair she turned away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He seized the opportunity and fled, whither he -knew not; he could but die, which meant surcease -from all the wild longings that so beset -him. On, ever onward! How far! How long! -Oh, it was terror not to know—to have no account -of time—no knowledge of distance; it was like -sailing a ship through eternal void, no landmarks—no -limit—just on, and on—so far as he had -knowledge of it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ah! A change came over him. The spirit of -the explorer stirred once more within him. He -felt that he was once again describing an immense -circle, as had been his experience upon -entering; he felt that there was a reason for this, -and his mind became busy trying to solve the -problem.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>“There is some purpose in this; come to think -of it, there is a purpose in most things, and I -shall arrive at an understanding of this one,” -he murmured complacently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His surroundings were visibly changing, distance -seemed tangible, all things more real. A -strange awesome stillness had fallen around him -like a mantle of dread, and every instant seemed -to deepen its intensity; the air, from being -languorously balmy, had grown chill, and a -strong current hurried him forward.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His perplexed mind began to grasp the solution -which had evaded him; were it not for these -many turnings, and the immensity of the circle, -the cold draught from Pole to Pole would sweep -through with all the devastating force of a -cyclone. He stopped and straightened himself, -bringing his hands together with a resounding -thwack: “To be sure! Why, of course! Nordhung, -I thought you would master the problem; -there is very little that baffles you!” he cried -approvingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His voice sounded horrible; it echoed, and re-echoed -like the laughter of a thousand demons; -in wild affright he started to run, but stumbled -and fell; a groan was wrung from his lips as he -tried to rise; he thought he heard a soft sigh, -and a moist, warm vapor swept his bruised cheek -like a tender, clinging kiss. He stumbled to his -feet regardless of his wounds, and screamed out, -as he struck furiously into the darkness: “Go -back; go to your own kind; I hate you!” he -screamed, crazed with rage and his fear of restraint, -and as he was—as purely animal fear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>ever is—brutal. A single, sad note answered -him; sad as the wail of the autumn wind when -the last leaf floats down to earth; sad as the cry -of the Soul which—seeing Heaven’s wide-open -gate—must still pass by on the other side; as -sad—oh, saddest of all, as when all love’s hopes -lie slain by one’s best beloved. Adieu! adieu!</p> - -<p class='c009'>His hand was again lifted to strike, and—“Ah!” -he caught his breath in a sharp gasp; a -gust of wind lifted him off his feet, precisely as -in entering, forcing his hands close to his sides, -feet pressed together—toes up—like the feet of -the dead. Swift, swifter he sped; all thought, all -feeling lost in that mad rush; a vague consciousness -alone remained to him. It seemed -that for ages he was borne along, then into his -dim consciousness entered the same rumbling -sounds; heavy, jarring, indistinguishable noises; -cold, colder grew the atmosphere, the wind -pierced to the marrow of his bones; his very -vitals seemed freezing. Happily he lost consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For many days a wild storm swept the far -southern sea, and a half-dozen sailors, with their -small boat, were thrown upon a rocky point -which was continually lashed by the icy waves; -there they found a gaunt, white-haired old man, -who sobbed at sight of them. When, after -weeks of suffering from cold and hunger, they -again put to sea in their small boat, they took -the old man with them.</p> - -<p class='c009'>After many days of suffering—days which -were like a horrible dream of cloudless sky and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>lapping water, with never a drop to quench their -thirst; a ball of fire by day, which yet gave no -grateful warmth, and a maddening calm of -moon at night; a nightmare of wandering -thoughts, and gibbering tongues, amid which -the face of Nordjansen looked like a fabled Gorgon, -with eyes of restless fire—after many days -of this inexpressible horror they were taken on -board a ship bound for the East Indies.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordjansen had crouched down by a coil of -rope, his long gray beard hung in matted strings, -his scant white hair tossed wildly in the breeze. -A seaman, attending to his duty, stumbled over a -loose end of the rope and came near falling; he -gave vent to an impatient exclamation in his -native tongue—Norwegian. No matter how -fluently one speaks a foreign language, in moments -of emotion the tongue falls naturally into -its national speech.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordjansen sprang to his feet, his eyes glowing -wildly; his words came tumbling over each -other in voluble incoherency; he clasped his -compatriot’s knees and kissed the hands that -would have pushed him away; the fiery light -died out of his eyes, leaving them sad and pathetic; -at last the man understood, and lifting him -to his feet said kindly:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Tell me what you wish?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I want to go to my Norway! I wish for my -friends! I am weary of strange lands, and -stranger things! I long for the land of my birth, -and would once more hear our beloved language -spoken by all!” he poured forth volubly.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>“Yes, yes!” answered his friend soothingly, -as he hurried away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nordjansen’s eyes followed him hungrily, and -from that time he watched the leaping waves with -glad delight as he stood for hours at the prow -of the boat.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Fly! Begone! Away with you, that the -more speedily I may see my beloved land,” he -would cry with all the happy abandon of childhood.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He waylaid Varman, and plied him with endless -questions until the man took every means of -keeping out of his sight.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Day followed day in sickening monotony, -until Nordjansen laid his aching head upon his -coil of rope and wept in weariness of heart.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I shall never see my land again; Varman is -deceiving me. I wish that I had been less unkind -to She; I should know <em>her</em> thought; <em>She</em> -would not deceive me!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He was so soon regretting that which he had -cast side so carelessly, forgetful that dead love -knows no resurrection; neither can the divine -passion be put on or off as easily as we can reconsider -our decision as to cast-off garments.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thus he fretted until the hours were as days, -and the days interminable; when they hailed a -passing ship, and he was transferred to the homeward-bound -vessel, and thus at last he reached -the haven of his desire—Norway.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As his old feet tottered through the streets of -his native place, all things looked sad and -strange; he looked piteously around, seeking a -familiar countenance, and when he found not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>one, he hid his face in his shaking hands and -wept aloud.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Little children hid in their mothers’ gowns, -and the old people shook their heads stolidly -when he asked in trembling tones if they knew -his old-time friends, and they replied, in accents -of wonder:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“We know them not; we heard never the -names.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He asked but one more question: “Did you -know my beautiful ship, the Nord Rhyn, and her -goodly crew? I was her commander!” with a -sad attempt at his old air of pride.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, no! We never heard of such a ship,” -they answered impatiently. He sighed deeply -and sadly, as he turned away, and climbed to -the summit of the crags his memory held so -dear.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At last he stood on the rocky height and -looked around with saddened eyes; it seemed as -though the sun shone less bright, and that the -hills had grown bald and ugly; and as he looked -toward the north which had so fascinated him -in the long ago, it appeared cold and forbidding. -He sank down forlornly, and with hand closed -over his dim eyes he watched ever the white-clad -ships sailing past, and eagerly peered at -each to learn her name.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“The Nord Rhyn will soon come into port; -my sailors must have heard of their commander’s -return; they will know, and welcome me,” he -would repeat again and again, persistently clinging -to this last hope.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At times when the autumn winds sighed he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>would start up tremulously; “It is <em>She</em>! I hear -her voice! I wish that she would come!” He -sighed sorrowfully for the jewel which he had -thrown away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One sweet spring morn found him, still with -that quietude which ends all weariness; he had -found rest on the highest crag overlooking Tana -Fiord, on the same spot where he had sat and -wished with restless heart in his boyhood days. -A sweet moisture rested on his cheek, a -happy smile touched his lips and the careworn -wrinkles had smoothed away from his brow. -Perhaps She had known his sad longing, and -with love’s tender forgiving had answered his -call in that last hour; the hour in which with -clearer vision and unselfish thought he stood on -the threshold of the higher plane.</p> - -<p class='c009'>With kindly hands the simple people laid him -away, afraid to neglect or despise one of “God’s -Children,” as they called those of unbalanced -mind; and as they passed around the open -grave, each cast in a flower and whispered pityingly: -“God receive the poor old lunatic!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span> - <h2 class='c005'>IN THE BEYOND.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The summer sun beat oppressively down upon -the heads of August Blair and Aimee Herne, as -they walked their horses slowly down the hilly -road. Aimee took off her hat and fanned her -heated face: “Mercy! the lower regions can’t be -much hotter than this!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>August laughed as he flicked at the overhanging -branches of the trees with his whip: -“According to all accounts there isn’t very -much shade there.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Just at present I could imagine only a mitigation -of heat and a perpetual breeze, as fitly -belonging to that plane of existence,” replied -Aimee, in that light tone which either means -nothing or hits the truth without positive conception -of its being such.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That speech embodies every person’s idea of -heaven, doesn’t it? We wish most earnestly for -the condition we find lacking to our comfort in -this world; thus, to-day a cool wind and shade -seem most desirable; next week it might be -quite different——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“A fire for instance,” said Aimee sarcastically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That is another of man’s ideas constructed -from the purely material, and grafted into the -spiritual tree; burning by fire is man’s conception -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>of the worst possible torment. Our ideas -of the hereafter—and incidentally of heaven—are -very vague and uncertain; no mind can -build higher than its purest ideal, and our knowledge -gained only from the material world cannot -grasp the spiritual. We speculate a little, and -take a flight in this or that direction; but like a -bird at night—bewildered by the arc lights in -the street we fall back to earth—and material -things for all our types of happiness.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aimee threw up her hand impatiently, “Oh, -what ideas! I don’t want to talk about such -things; I prefer thinking how pleasant it is -under this great old oak. Let us rest here, -August.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“All right,” he answered as he alighted and -assisted her from the saddle. They seated -themselves on a grassy knoll at the foot of the -tree, and restfully watched the horses crop the -short, sweet grass.</p> - -<p class='c009'>August’s thought seemed to persistently linger -on the subject of the beyond: “There could be -nothing more heavenly than this—were one’s -mind but in perfect accord with one’s surroundings,” -said he.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Which very seldom happens to be the case,” -answered Aimee.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Our own discordant restlessness is all that -hinders this world from actually being heaven!” -replied he emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, nonsense! This is earth, and that is -good enough for me; I do not wish to think on -such gruesome subjects; life is so pleasant. -Some time I must prepare for eternity, I suppose; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>but I wish to enjoy myself now; it is time -enough when I have grown old to be solemn, -and give up all pleasures,” she half-pouted.</p> - -<p class='c009'>August laid his head back against the boll of -the tree and laughed heartily. “So you think -that one must be solemn to prepare for eternity? -In the first place we are in eternity now—the -present is just as much a part of eternity as the -future state will be; eternity is only an expression, -meaning all time; it always was and always -will be, and it seems to me that the very best -way to prepare for the future state is to be innocently -happy in this——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“<em>I</em> think that you are talking nonsense—you -make me afraid!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Of what are you afraid? Afraid of opening -the door to step into the next room? Afraid to -go to sleep in the evening of life, to awaken in -the sunlit morning of an advanced day? I’ll tell -you what, Aimee, if I go before you do—and -return is possible—I will come back and tell -you what I find in the Beyond.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aimee jumped up nervously, and walked away -without speaking.</p> - -<p class='c009'>August arose at the same time, and leaned -against the trunk of the tree. “Come back -here!” he called.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, indeed! I do not want to hear that kind -of talk,” she replied irritably.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The clouds had been gathering in the west, -and once or twice the thunder had growled -menacingly; but in the shelter of the trees they -had not observed the signals of the coming -storm.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>A great drop of rain struck Aimee on the -cheek, causing her to utter an exclamation of -surprise.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Come here, Aimee!” called August again, -holding out his hands, a smile on his lips; her -petulance amused him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At that instant a bolt of lightning shot from -the sky, blinding and bewildering Aimee; it appeared -to be at her very feet; her scream of -affright was drowned by the crash and reverberation -of the thunder; she essayed to go to August -for protection, but a numbness paralyzed her -brain and limbs; the horses snorted wildly, and -galloped away over the road toward home.</p> - -<p class='c009'>In a short time Aimee aroused herself, and -called quaveringly, “August! August!” but -received no reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She made an effort to cross the road, but her -head swayed dizzily and her limbs refused to -support her body; a cloud-like haze seemed to -float between herself and August, where he sat -apparently leaning back easily against the tree. -A few great drops of rain plashed down—making -miniature globes in the dust of the street—they -pelted her in the face and served to revive her a -little.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“August! August!” she called complainingly; -still he made no reply. She shaded her eyes -with her hand and peered at him wonderingly; -she thought the sunlight was dazzling her vision, -everything appeared blurred, distorted and out -of proportion; she petulantly resented the smile -upon August’s lips, she thought that he derided -her fear.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>“It’s mean of you August!” she whimpered as -she giddily crossed the dusty road, staggering -from side to side as she walked.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The clouds had been gathering thick and fast, -and the gloom of a late twilight prevailed; the -heavy thunder crashed and roared, following—almost -blending with—the blinding flashes of -electricity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As she dropped at his feet complainingly, the -flood gates of heaven seemed opened; she crept -to him, and reached up her arms to clasp his -neck in a childishly confident way: “Oh, protect -me, August! Do let us seek shelter!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>As her arms closed about his neck his head -fell forward inertly, the body lurched over -heavily, fell from her weak arms and rolled over -sidewise. The heavy rumble of the thunder, -the roar of the rain, the wild swaying of the -sodden branches, and the flapping of the wet -leaves drowned her frightened cries.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Help! help!” she shrieked again and again; -at times high and shrill, again, almost inarticulate—scarcely -above a hoarse whisper—as -clutching at his clothing she frantically tried to -lift him and hold him erect.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, August, my darling, what ails you? -Speak to me! Speak to me!” she cried wildly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A half-dozen men came dashing down the -hill; they had spoken with August and Aimee as -they passed on their way; then when the storm -was at its height, seeing the horses galloping by -riderless, they knew that some accident must -have befallen them.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>Aimee saw them coming, and redoubled her -cries.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What is the matter?” “Are you hurt?” -“Were you thrown from your horses?” It was -a babel of sounds; a confusion of questions.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not know! Oh, it is August!” answered -Aimee incoherently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Stand back,” said one who had been stooping -over August. Continuing in a low tone, “He -is dead, struck by lightning.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No! no! no!” shrieked Aimee shrilly: “He -was speaking but an instant ago; can’t you see -that he is not dead! Why, he is smiling!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She clasped him more closely in her arms, and -rocked herself back and forth as a mother soothes -her child. Gently they loosed her hold, and -through the sobbing trees bore their dripping -burden to the nearest farmhouse, soothing -Aimee’s frantic grief with sympathetic words.</p> - -<p class='c009'>August had been so amused at Aimee’s petulance -and childish fear that he had reached out -his hands to call her to him as he would have -called a wayward child; in this attitude the descending -bolt struck him. He experienced for -one brief instant the shock and sense of earthly -pain, followed immediately by a feeling of lightness -and freedom—which none but children experience -in the physical body, and they but seldom—glad -to be, glorying in existence—which, -instead of being lost through the change, -had become intensified and augmented. It -seemed that a film had been swept from his -sight; all things were clearer and larger; and -things which had appeared enveloped in mystery—difficult -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>to understand—stood out plain and -simple, like the white letters upon a blackboard.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His spirit, freed from earthly aches and pains, -from the uncomfortable sense of incumbrance, -rose like a bird on the wing; his first sense of -bewilderment—caused by his rapid transit -through space—gave place to an exalted delight -as he beheld the wonderful panorama spread out -before him—waves of silvery hue, tinged with -violet shades—exactly proportioned one with -another—like a softly lapping, iridescent sea; -long, low slopes clothed in the same subdued -color swept by him; he grew weary of the sameness, -and wished that he might catch a glimpse -of the mountains which should lie beyond those -hills; their deep shadows and high lights would -be a restful change. Even as the discontent swept -over him he plunged into a gulf of shadows—shadows -filled with silent voices—desire made -manifest without sound or motion—the spiritual -understanding of the purely spiritual.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The multitudinous shadows were on every -side; pressing on the right, crowding on the -left; before him and in the rear; close, closer—urging -for companionship; shrieking for guidance -through the gulf of the vast Unknown; -through the trackless No Land which lies between -the material and the spiritual world. He -felt their silent despairing cry, that they were -lost in this horrible void; they clutched at him -as he swept past them, and although there was -no sound all this reached his spiritual consciousness -like the roar of the tempest, or the tumult -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>and crash of falling worlds, so magnified was his -understanding of all things.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The commotion horrified him; instincts of the -plane of life now left behind prompted resentment; -he would have fought the impalpable—given -physical blows to things of no substance—to -shadows. He felt a strange, incongruous -sense of mirth as he realized the absurdity of it—was -he not a disembodied spirit among a -countless throng like unto himself? A wave of -pity for himself and all that surging throng swept -over him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He was carried rapidly onward, although he -realized no volition of his own; darker, darker -grew the way; all the accompanying shadows -disappeared until there was nothing to stir the -deadly silence and gloom; his longing for sound -became torture—it was like holding the breath -expecting disaster—he felt an agonized desire to -scream, and thus break this horrible, waveless -void into billows of uproar. This laying off the -flesh—and retaining all of the spiritual activity -augmented by being set so entirely free from all -limitations of the material plane, yet without -chart or compass on the unknown spiritual sea, -was suggestive of difficulties bordering upon -punishment, instead of the unalloyed happiness -expected.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He grew very weary of this continued progress, -with no known end in view; it is the hope of -accomplishment which makes all things—even -waiting—bearable. He whimsically likened -himself to a fly in a sea of ink; he was but a -somber atom in a shroud of darkness, just a trifle -more dense than his environment.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>After that which seemed to him ages of time -and limitless space—forgetful that beyond the -physical life there could exist neither time nor -space, as both are of man’s comprehension—the -density lightened a trifle; a seeming wall rose -somberly before him, a tantalizing suggestion of -a means of ingress; and as he looked in fear and -amaze a door opened, from which there issued a -blinding light, and illumined by its rays he beheld -a creature more beautiful than the imagination -of man ever conceived.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The strong, onward-bearing current seemed at -once to set in that direction; thus, he became -aware that his wish, his desire, governed the -current; heretofore he had drifted aimlessly—having -no body to control—and failing to comprehend -that the spirit could be directed. The -knowledge came to him as does that which we -call intuition—which is nothing more nor less -than spiritual understanding—that his wish controlled -the spirit, as his desire had governed the -body.</p> - -<p class='c009'>We often hear the departed spoken of as the -“shade;” he found that upon which he now gazed -quite the reverse; a luminosity—outlining a -charming vagueness—a suggestion of the beautiful -rather than a fact. The reality never yet -possessed the lure for man which suggestion -holds; there was a delusion of starry eyes, flowing -hair, lips glowing with the enticement of -kisses, like the bewilderment of an entrancing -dream; a seeming vague roundness of form, -which was but a figment of the desire.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>Warm and languorous grew the compelling -current; fear fell away, a mad desire for possession -taking its place. His gaze seemed fixed -upon the entrancing vision. He was almost -within the portal when a shudder ran through -his spirit as a chill goes through the body; -a sudden wavering of the spiritual vision, then—an -appalled shrinking.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The dismay caused a quick turning of the -onward-bearing force, which shot him out into -the darkness; the door closed behind him, and -his intelligence collapsed for a brief space of -time.</p> - -<p class='c009'>That which had so frightened him was an -abysmal pit, filled with fighting, struggling -fiends, each bearing a horrible impress of his -particular sin stamped upon his pain-distorted, -shadowy semblance of a human face, in characters -as legible as words upon a written page. -Their sins continually mocked them; all their -evil desires remained, accentuated by their -inability to gratify the evil propensities. -His most poignant fright was caused by -recognizing many whom he had known in the -material life, who had stood high in the world’s -esteem, and had worn a cloak of superior -sanctity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Helplessly he floated on; in his awful collapse -he was unable to will his course—if indeed he -had known any course or destination. The -awful, crowding shadows seemed to bear him -with them; he thought that he had escaped -them, yet here they were, and he was again but -one of a gruesome, soundless throng.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He soon recovered from his fright, and was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>carried forward, if not more hopefully, yet more -resignedly, and thus he came to another door; -inscribed thereon in mellow radiance was this -legend, “Knock, and it shall be opened unto -you.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>With a thrill he remembered his earthly -teaching. He drew near in fear and awe—he -thought to gently knock. Alas! Hands he had -not!</p> - -<p class='c009'>Grief surged through his spirit: “Ah, if I -could but knock, that I might enter in out of the -shadows and despair!” he sighed. Even as the -wish formed, the door seemed to roll gently -away; a soft glow enveloped him; sweet odors -encompassed him; a warm wave wafted him -onward; the door silently slid into place. -With joy he realized that his humble desire -had typified knocking. All within was light, -glory and beauty.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Fear seized him; shame of his imperfections -held him motionless.</p> - -<p class='c009'>On every side, wafting around him, were creatures -of surpassing loveliness; no blemish visible -in any one of them. In the body absolute perfection -of mind or matter is not to be found; -here, the rule seemed to be reversed—there existed -not the slightest variation from lines of -perfect symmetry. Waves of intelligence floated -out from each released spirit, pure as the flawless -diamond, and as calm as the waveless sea; -it seemed to him that over all there rested—not -a chill—but the absence of warmth; warmth and -love are not compatible with absolute perfection.</p> - -<p class='c009'>All human love is more or less riotous and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>selfish; the passion is like an ocean, whose billows -roll high, or rock in a gentle lullaby, but -never, never an unbroken calm. Also, ardor -and warmth are the fruit of desire, not necessarily -sinful, but of the leaven of humanity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He felt, in the presence of these spirits of -purity, the taint of the world clinging to him -like a soiled garment; he fancied he could smell -the mold of the grave, the odor of his decaying -body.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He looked with amaze upon those spirits from -whom no thought emanated save eternal worship -of the Eternal One, seated forever on a -“Great White Throne” in their midst; before -which even the fronded palms seemed to lift up -their heads in adoration.</p> - -<p class='c009'>All have read that the floor of heaven is laid -over “with gold and precious stones;” and whose -“walls are of jasper and onyx, and all things -costly and precious.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>All other emotions now gave place to wonder. -How could the earthly be so mixed up with -the spiritual? How could the love of “all things -costly” remain, and no taint of humanity linger? -The desire for gold was born of greed; -and the love of precious stones was sired by -selfishness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>No one of all that vast throng seemed to observe -him; the spiritual vision of all seemed to -be fixed upon Him who sat on high. A great -number seemed to have no vocation except to -float around and around the throne; the concourse -seemed incessant, interminable. Another -mighty number twanged invisible harps.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>Here was fresh cause for amazement. How -could a bodiless spirit touch the strings of a -harp? How could sound exist where there were -no ears? Does not science demonstrate that -there is no such thing as noise, unless there are -ears to hear? This then was another figment of -the spiritual intelligence.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His ideas became so tangled that it worried -him, but he finally summed up in this manner; -each intelligence received that which was desired -purely, or believed implicitly; music, worship, -beauty; each but an expression of adoration. -A narrow limit, truly!</p> - -<p class='c009'>Many vapory forms floated around him, gently -touching him with shadowy wings. One sweet -spirit ever pressed closely to his side as they -neared him in their slowly circling around that -central figure—like motes in the sun. A -thought wave flowed from her intelligence -to him, which he interpreted, “Come join with -me. Let us worship together!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He hesitated; the movements looked very -dreamy and poetic, but what had that to do with -spirituality?</p> - -<p class='c009'>Each spirit beamed with benignant light; -eternal sweetness wafted around them like the -odor of innumerable flowers heavy with dew. -Thought waves rippled from spirit to spirit, -transparent as a pellucid sea, gentle as when the -sweet south wind fans it into low, languid swells; -pure as are the lilies, and sweet unto faintness, -as is their odor. His desire hungered piteously: -“Oh, for the scarlet of the passion flower and the -gold of the homely dandelion!” The sweet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>spirit gently touched him with filmy wings; a -thought wave reached his consciousness: “Cease -rebelling; you disturb the heavenly harmony. -Oh come! Come with me!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>It seemed that a sigh floated past him—it -could not be—but oh, all things were so unreal! -Even the holiness and perfection seemed -dreamy and untrue—too cold and calm.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A shiver ran through his spirit, he felt his earthiness -cling about his spirituality as had sodden -garments adhered to his physical form; he was -weighted down by a sense of unworthiness and -imperfection. The teachings of his humanity so -held him in thrall that he could not climb the -heights of exaltation on a single thought as all -these souls appeared to do.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The alluring spirit came again; pressing still -more closely, pleading yet more fervently; a hint -of earthly love in her prayer—vaguely suggestive—as -were all things else.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He felt the Lofty Intelligence looking him -through and through, and his mind turned with -a mighty longing to his former habitation; to -him it seemed that the limitations of the flesh -were not so narrow as this circumscribed routine. -In this place was no progression; on earth, -one might at least make an effort.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Reproachfully, compellingly, the Immaculate -gazed upon him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sweetly, gently, the fair spirit lured him, -until his will was compelled, and side by side -with her who had so sweetly entreated, he joined -the slowly revolving circle.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Having once consented, turning back was an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>impossibility; therein they differed from those -in the flesh. We easily slip from our effort after -higher things, and when we fall, fall far; they, -having once turned their spiritual gaze upward, -could not turn away. As he floated on, side by -side with the Beauteous One, her sweet magnetism -enveloped him like the odor of wild wood -flowers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His amazement increased; what worth in all -this if he possessed no free will? Compulsory -virtue is of no avail. He wondered what purpose -they served floating about like butterflies on a -summer breeze; and if it was any particular -pleasure to the Lord of All to behold them gyrate? -Oh dear! And did He never tire of even the -Great White Throne?</p> - -<p class='c009'>He thought, with a chill of repulsion, that the -Perfect One, who did nothing but sit on a throne -to be worshiped, was a less beautiful expression -of the Deity than the flowers of the field, -or the birds that wing their glad flight -through the ether; also, that the incessant -twanging of harps was not so sweet a music, or -so filled with worship, as the babbling of the -brook, or the whisper of the wind, to Him who -created them.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He was so weary of it all, even to the vapory, -melodious voices of the shadowy choir; he wondered -if they never rested; also, if it was because -of the taint of his humanity that he could not -appreciate the beauty and sublimity of it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He remembered that from childhood he had -been taught that heaven was as he now saw it, -and whenever he had been given a hard task it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>had appeared to him that the height of enjoyment -would be in having nothing to do; and -that heaven was a place of eternal rest, had -ever been held out as an inducement to exalted -virtue, and—excessive labor. He found the -inactivity terribly irksome, it reminded him of -worldly <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ennui</span></i>; then, the unreality bewildered -him—it was like pressing the fingers upon the -eyelids—persons, places and things are vividly -seen, and yet we know that it is but a chimera -of the brain; a vision of the intelligence. So -he grew to doubt the reality of everything. He -could not keep his spirituality keyed up to -the proper pitch; his intelligence would wander -back to earth and mortal love. The purely -spiritual seemed to him to be lacking. It is -only given to humanity to burn hot and -cold; to reach the heights of bliss and the -depths of despair; even that which we call despair -has its amelioration, for never yet was it -so dark but, given a little time, humanity looks -upward to where the sun is shining, and hopes -and strives to reach the illuminated summit; but -here—there could be but this endless sameness -through all eternity, without even the pleasure -of striving, “thus far shalt thou go, and no -farther.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He rebelled madly; he preferred the trials and -the pains of the body, with the power to control -his actions, to the spiritual and no will of his -own. Eternal leisure has its unpleasant features, -though many seem to suppose that eternal leisure -and eternal felicity are synonymous.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He looked back with positive longing to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>hard work, and consequent weariness; from -bodily fatigue rest had been sweet; but the unending -spiritual lassitude of eternity was terrible -to contemplate. A sad, reproachful thought -wave met his pessimistic, spiritual cry; with -shame and terror, he felt that the Perfect One -saw all his discontent and rebellion—still he -could not but wonder. Had all these placid -souls been as easily swayed while in the body, -as they were in the spirit? Their very sweetness -and complaisance exasperated him; he -thought, with a very human perverseness, that -he should like to see one of them get angry, -so as to get up a little excitement; instead, they -were as sweet as the dripping sap of the budding -maple, and—as insipid. Things and persons -can be too good. Better a thunderstorm -and a purified atmosphere than a sultry, lifeless -day.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The exasperation grew upon him. The -thought wave from his companion was like a -perpetual sigh; a curious blending of the wish -to adore, and the desire to be loved. He felt -the reproach of the myriad souls who brushed -him with filmy wings. Sad reproof fell upon him -from Him seated over all.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Waves of love and adoration rose and fell on -the soft, enervating air, like strains of languid -music, the perfect rhythm madly suggestive to -him of the sweetness and longing of human -love. This love of his companion spirit revolted -him; it was like a draught of tepid water to the -traveler dying of heat and thirst; her thought -wave had the effect of clinging hands, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>would not let him go, and he grew almost to -hate her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As they once more came around that endless -circle he saw the door sliding noiselessly open, -a spirit was for an instant outlined against the -darkness without; the door had already commenced -to close; he madly broke away from the -compelling current of the She, who would have -held him. His consciousness felt her despairing -cry breaking the placidity of that spiritual -atmosphere, as the tornado sweeps the ocean, -lashing it into frightful waves.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The All Seeing looked at him with awful wrath -and majesty. He but sped the faster. The door -was closing rapidly; he forgot the terrors of the -darkness without—he forgot the multitude of -drifting souls, and their horrible contact—he -forgot that he knew not where he should go in -all that limitless gloom; he strove madly to reach -the door ere it closed, to once more shut him -into that horrible inactivity, and forced semblance -of adoration.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He reached the door—yet a little space open; -the guardian angel paused in amazement—it -sufficed. He darted through; but instead of -floating off on the magnetic current as he had -expected, he plunged downward—down, down, -down! Would he never reach a resting-place?</p> - -<p class='c009'>Oh, for a voice to cry aloud! Oh, for the -company of even the gruesome shadows! Though -he loathed and feared them, this absolute isolation -held a greater terror, the fear that this state -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>might be perpetual. One of the first principles -of all life is resistance, and deprived of all -motive—which is but another way of saying of -all power of resistance—he felt as though in the -throes of a spiritual vertigo.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He struggled frantically to cry aloud, he -imagined that a ray of light pierced the gloom in -the distance; with a mad effort he struggled upward, -unseen hands caught and held him down, -and still that tantalizing ray of light flickered -and glowed like a beckoning ray of hope.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Within its radius grew a face—his swooning -soul revived—it bore the lineaments of Aimee; -she too must have passed over to the Beyond.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Like sweetest music a sound reached him; -sweeter than all the mythical harps are the tones -of the human voice—and succeeding the deadly -silence through which he had passed—it flooded -his whole being with delight. Aimee was stooping -over him caressingly, her words were very -simple: “August, dear, are you better?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>His fingers closed feebly over her hand, as he -whispered faintly, “Oh, I fell so far! How -came you to catch me?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She answered him soothingly, and held an -invigorating drink to his lips; he drank obediently -and immediately dropped into a refreshing -slumber.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>When through the rush and roar of the storm -the frightened men bore August’s body to the -farmhouse there was no disfiguring trace upon -him except a slight blue line, like a faint pencil -mark, extending from brow to chin; he lay like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>one asleep, that faint, sweet smile still upon his -lips. In a state of mental collapse Aimee -accompanied them, and for days her condition -bordered upon insanity; when they made preparations -to bury August, she cried so piteously -that he was not dead, that they were forced to -delay the final ceremonies; this was repeated -until her persistence won a measure of unwilling -belief, and a council of physicians was called, -who decided that he was in a cataleptic condition.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aimee scarcely left his bedside until he recovered -consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>About a week after this occurred, as he lay on -a couch drawn up to the open window, languidly -looking at the softly rustling leaves, the green -grass, the glowing flowers, he sighed restlessly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aimee was at his side instantly: “What is it, -August? Are you in pain?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, no! I was only thinking how much nicer -this is than heaven, and wondering why it is -that people are not more content in this beautiful -world; we have such infinite variety, such -happy conditions, and yet humanity is so unsatisfied.” -He paused a moment, then asked, -“Didn’t you know that I was in heaven while I -was dead?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I know that you are talking fearful nonsense!” -answered Aimee severely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Do you think it nonsense that I think this -world so beautiful?” he asked teasingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You know that I do not mean that; but that -is nonsense about your going to heaven.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But I did go there and it made me awful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>tired! I am glad that I returned to earth -again,” said he.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, August! You are perfectly horrid!” -was Aimee’s shocked rejoinder.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He smiled, but went on to relate his strange -experience.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But you were not really dead, you know,” -she replied as he finished the recital.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Do you think that?” he answered thoughtfully; -“I should like to have some one—some -person who really knows—explain the difference -between that which is called trance, and death, -except as to duration. Where was my soul during -all that time? Not in the body of a certainty. -I know that my spirit went to heaven; -everything there was just as I had been taught -from childhood that it would be; that teaching -could not by any possibility be wrong!” he -added conclusively, but with a merry twinkle in -his eye.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Later on, sweetly and seriously he said, “I -shall always love and appreciate nature so much -more for that experience; of things infinite we -know not the method; we behold the result, and -we know that the Creator <em>is</em>. All nature unites -into a rhythm of grandest praise to Him who -is part and parcel of all things good. The leaf -on the tree whispers of his abiding presence; -the flower that springs from the mold lifts its -face to the sun and air, and speaks of the Life, -glorifying Him with its beauteous colors. God -is the very principle of all life. He is not an -Idle God; his work goes on forever, without -haste, without cessation. We are created in his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>image; not as to the physical, which must -change its form, and subserve in other ways, but -as to the spiritual, which, if we will not pervert -our higher natures—will grow to sublime heights -of purity and goodness—the higher we place our -standard the nearer we approach the Divine.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“We sin continually against our better selves, -our physical bodies and our spiritual natures, we -gorge the body and starve the mind; we overwork -the perishable physical, and let the mental -and spiritual rust, while we heap up a little gold -and silver for those who shall come after us to -squander and quarrel over. We strive after a -heaven in the future, and neglect that which -only is ours to-day. Why wait for an impossible -time, and a mythical place? We had best -take a share of it each day; it is here if we will -accept it; for, dearest Aimee, what does heaven -mean but <em>happiness</em>?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span> - <h2 class='c005'>THE TRAGEDY OF THE GNOMES.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Many, many ages ago this fair old world of -ours wore a solemn and forbidding aspect; no -carpet of thick, green grass eased the footfall of -man as he climbed the hills; no human voice -was heard amid the desolation—ice, ice everywhere—from -the North Pole to the center of that -which is now the temperate zone, and only such -life peopled this region as could endure the -rigor of a more than arctic condition. Vast -sheets of ice, in depth immeasurable, covered -the surface of the hills and valleys, broken toward -the tropics into serrated edges—the verdure -running up an occasional valley, as though in -laughing derisions of its neighbors the ice-imprisoned -mountains.</p> - -<p class='c009'>In those days there existed only hideous -animals and reptiles of size great and awful; -animals whose terrible voice shook the mountains -like an earthquake; slimy or scaly reptiles -who walked on many feet, or dragged a hideous -length along the ice-covered rocks. It seemed -as if the great Creator must have fashioned all -existent things in an hour of wrath, or that man, -having existed, had been for some sin exterminated -by that icy inundation, and that animal -creation had so displeased him that he had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>fashioned them in grotesque caricature upon all -grace and beauty.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Man esteems himself higher than all other -created things; who shall say that the great, -buzzing bluebottle fly does not think the same -of himself, and perhaps, with as much reason; it -is at most but a grade of intelligence; and what -do we understand of that Intelligence which is -above <em>us</em>?</p> - -<p class='c009'>In one of the green valleys running up into -the foothills of what is now called the Rocky -Mountains, frisked and played a band of Gnomes. -These were but a fairy people, differing only -from the fairies of woodland glade and dell in -this; those fairy folk were things of beauty like -imprisoned sunbeams; lighter than gossamer, -they floated hither and thither, always trending -toward the tropics, where the sun shone radiantly -warm, and the silvery moon lighted the verdant -carpet of grass, and the sweet south wind rang -the lily bells in merry chime; there they idled -away each sunny day—creatures of light and -frivolity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>These Gnomes were a sturdier, darker folk, -short in stature, but with a breadth of shoulder, -a depth of chest, and muscles fit for giants. -Though for an occasional frolic they danced -and roughly tossed each other about in the -valley, they better loved their homes in the heart -of the ice-covered mountains, where they forged -beautiful things from the yellow metal, or -decked their cavern homes with softly glowing, -or fiery-eyed jewels; thus from earnest labor -their faces gained a look of firmness and determination; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>they were homely, but were good to -look upon, lighted as their faces were by love -and kindliness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One among them was wondrously fair: Lilleela -they called her. Her hair was like silk as -it winds from the cocoon; her eyes were blue as -the sky when it shows between the fleecy clouds -of summer; her cheeks were as though they had -been kissed by the wild rose blooms, which left -their dainty stains upon the fair skin. She was -as sweet and pure as the breath of the dawn.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado was her lover; a short, deep-chested -giant, with a face like a ripe walnut—all seams -and puckers; not with age, but with jolly laughter, -and intent, hard work. Lilleela must have -the finest of rubies, on strings of beaten gold; -tiny silver bells must be made, to ring their -sweet chimes with every joyous movement; -dainty chains of gold—set with amethyst, rubies -and diamonds—must be wrought to bind the -floating cloud of hair. Away down in the heart -of the mountain Walado plied his little hammer -of polished stone—clink-clink-clink all day long -like a refrain it accompanied his happy song.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One fair day the troop of Gnomes went down -into the green valley for a holiday.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado objected: “No, no! You can go, but -I must finish this golden girdle for my Lilleela, -and then, there are sandals of gold to be set with -precious stones for her feet—they are too sweet -and fair to be bruised by the rocks,” he had -answered, screwing up his face into a funny -little smile.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, do come, Walado! The girdle and sandals -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>can wait! The sun is so cold and sorrowful -up here, but down in the valley it is so beautiful!” -pleaded Lilleela.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her blue eyes moulded his will like warm wax, -and over the ice they sped away many, many -miles, to where its broken edges lay like icicles -flattened out with huge rollers; some having -sharp, sword-like points, others rounded and -scalloped, as though in fanciful adornment. All -along the border of the valley, reaching in places -high up on the mountain side—wherever there -were breaks in the ice—hardy trees had planted -their feet, and lifted their heads to catch a -breath of the warmer air of the tropics; some -few, essaying to climb still higher, or being less -hardy—reached their dead arms abroad, or -pointed with ghostly fingers toward the icy desolation -in warning to their kind.</p> - -<p class='c009'>These happy, childlike beings, instead of -walking, had a gliding movement which carried -them over the ground very rapidly; laughing, -tumbling, pushing one another in merry sport, -they sped on as though wings were attached to -their feet. Hand in hand went Walado and Lilleela; -his nut-brown face drawing into a nest of -comical wrinkles, which were so many happy -smiles; her look was like the sun, bright and -warm.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Of a sudden she stopped and shivered: “Oh, -my Walado, what was that?” From off the -mountain height had come a long, low wail, and -a chill was borne with it which froze them with -fear.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado gathered her in his embrace, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>shading his eyes with one hand, looked back -over the mountain: “Fear not, my Lilleela, ’tis -but the voice of the storm on its way from the -far north. See! We shall soon be in the beautiful -valley, where he cannot come!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Let us hasten, then, for in my heart I feel a -chill which is like death.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado gathered her closer to him: “Little sun -beam! Am I not able to shield you from the -shadow of the dark cloud?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She patted his brown face with her wee, rose-leaf -palms, and kissed the wrinkles on his brown -cheeks lovingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, my Walado; your arm is as strong as -your heart is brave, but—” she broke off -abruptly: “Let us fly!” she finished with a -sound between a laugh and a sob as the wailing -came borne from the mountain heights once -more.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Turning their affrighted glance backward, -they saw the tall pines at the foot of the hills -swaying wildly; some which stood so tall and -straight were snatched off like a brittle weed -and tossed down the mountain side.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Lilleela shivered again, remembering the look -the fearful Ice King had given her as he rode -above the mountain height upon which she stood -at twilight hour; he was seated upon a cloud of -inky blackness; his eyes shot forth red and yellow -flame, like the terrible light which streamed -up from the far north; his lips were blue and -hideous, and his matted hair, and long, tangled -beard, were a mixture of frost and ice. He -pointed a finger at her which looked as though -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>belonging to the hand of one long since dead—so -rigid and bloodless it appeared—the nails -showed blue and ghastly. With a voice like the -whistling north wind, he said, “You’ll make a -bonny bride for the Ice King! Your youth will -warm my old blood finely! o-We-ee, Y-e-ss!” -The cloud passed on, and bore him from her -view, but the deadly chill remained, for well -Lilleela knew that his love meant death, as his -hate meant destruction.</p> - -<p class='c009'>For this reason the wailing sound shook her -with an awful fear, but she dared not tell -Walado; she feared that he would turn and seek -the terrible monarch whose simple touch was -death; once more she caught Walado’s hand, -crying gayly, “Come, come, before the storm -god overtakes us!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>They romped and played through all that -happy day; they climbed the steep inclines, and -sitting on the glittering ice dashed down to the -valley below, tumbling over and over, with -laughter sweet as the tinkling of silver bells; it -seemed strange to hear such sweet and musical -sounds issuing from those queer little bodies, -but the sound fitfully represented the sweet harmonious -souls within.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At last, worn out with play, they climbed the -long, icy hills; they wound around the towering -rocks, they clung to dizzy precipices; they -crept by the lairs of horrible animals with noiseless -tread; ever upward and onward toward the -North Pole, where life had grown old and dead, -while the new life had slipped down toward the -equator.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>“Oh, why do we journey so far to-night, -Walado?” said Lilleela wearily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“There is a mountain lying in the light of the -northern star, which is filled with yellow gold; -its caverns are lined with jewels; I seek them -for you, my Lilleela.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he ceased speaking, again that wailing -sound filled with awful menace smote their ears: -“o-o-W-ee” a sound that rose from fretful discontent -into fiercest anger, then died away like -a long sigh of satisfied hate.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I am afraid, Walado! Oh do return!” cried -Lilleela in terror.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“’Tis but the wind, beloved one,” answered -Walado stoutly, though he too shivered.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Nay! nay! It is the Ice King passing by -in his chariot of storm, and drawn by his slaves—the -winds of the hurricane,” she cried frantically, -fear making her pallid lips tremble.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado’s wrinkled visage grew stern—all the -pleasant lines drawn out of it; he understood -more than her words told him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Has he dared to look upon you, with a desire -to possess you? Knows he not that you are -mine? I am not worthy of you—except as love -for you makes me worthy—” his voice dropping -into tender cadence, “but he—the monarch -of all cruelty—is not of our kind. His very kiss -is death; let him find a bride in his own frozen -empire—the North Pole!” He shook his -clinched hand in the direction of the swift rushing -shadow, which so depressed them all: -“Haste! haste, men and maidens! Let us flee -to our own mountain home, where we can defy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>the monster! Our Lilleela has just cause for -fear, for none upon whom he has looked with -the desire for possession ever escaped him; and -it is only by speedily reaching our caverns that -we may hope for safety.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>They turned about, and like a flock of frightened -birds they flitted away, with no more noise -than would be made by the rustle of a bat’s wing, -and were lost in the gloom.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The moon shone out cold and pale, as though -grieving over the dread desolation and lighted -up the angry face of the Ice King with a pallid -luster; he puffed out his gaunt cheeks menacingly; -his eyes darted flame like the quick -thrusts of a sword blade in deadly battle; as he -saw that the Gnomes had fled he shrieked in -wrath. He swayed the tall trees, and tossed -their dead branches in every direction; he -fiercely threw the rocks from the lofty mountain -summits, and as they went crashing down, down, -with thunderous noise, they splintered and tore -up the ice like a silver foam, which glittered and -flashed with pale prismatic glow as it caught the -moon’s sad, cold ray.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Faster, faster flew the tiny band; closer clung -Lilleela to Walado’s hand as that wrathful shriek -reached their ears; dashing wildly past the brow -of the darkly towering mountain, as the crashing -of rocks smote them with wild affright; leaping -across the roaring torrent, to slip and sprawl on -the glassy ice of the further bank; up and away, -bruised and sore; past lifeless trees, whose dead -branches were falling all about them, until at -last they reached a mountain home seldom used -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>by them. Nothing was to be seen save a tiny -crevice between the rocks; one after another -they lay down, and silently slid through; then, -and not until then, Walado spoke:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“We are safe! Even the Ice King cannot -enter here! We are safe, quite safe!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Are you sure? Ah, my Walado, he is so -vengeful!” sighed Lilleela. Walado laughed, -all his funny little puckers laughing as well:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“He knows nothing of our hiding place, and -he could not force his great rigid body through -the narrow opening. Oh, we are quite safe!” he -reiterated gleefully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>But Lilleela sighed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado felt the hopelessness of that sound, -and it grieved his tender heart; he passed his -rugged, brown hand over her flossy hair, with a -touch as soft as the brushing of a butterfly’s -wing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“My treasure, if ill befall us here in this our -vaulted hall, there are still the lower caverns, -where none can possibly come save ‘we who -know’.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>They soon regained confidence, and joked and -made merry; they were such trusting, childlike -beings, taking the comfort and joy of each hour -at its utmost worth.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Their enjoyment was at its height, when -faintly heard came that long chilling wail. -Two of their number had gone outside unnoticed -by Walado; they came shooting in through the -entrance, their brown faces bleached an ashen -gray, their teeth chattering, their eyes protruding. -All sprang up in wild affright.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>“Where have you been? What is the matter?” -cried Walado, as sternly as the gentle soul -could speak.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“We but crept out for the birds we had -snared! We thought to help out the feast!” -said Tador, the hairy one.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“And I had a skin of berries that I gathered -in the valley below; they were very sweet, -Walado!” answered Sudana, the good.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Tell me what you saw,” replied Walado -sadly, his anger melted away by their deprecating -looks and words.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sudana answered: “We saw the Ice King; his -cloud chariot so low that it touched the top of -the mountain, he was so angry that the frost flew -in great clouds from his nostrils; his breath -reached us and chilled us through.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado opened his lips to speak, when—“O-o-W-W-ee,” -filling all that vaulted chamber with -the dread sound, it came borne on a wind so -chill that it pierced the hearts of each with cold -and fear.</p> - -<p class='c009'>These loving souls had never felt the need of a -ruler, each doing his utmost through love for -all, thus there had been no dissensions; now all -turned instinctively to Walado for guidance. -They were growing benumbed with the chill of -that icy breath.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Walado silently pointed to the narrow passage -leading deep into the bowels of the earth. Each -took his beloved by the hand and prepared for -the descent; before they had taken so much as -one step, there came a crash so awful that it -shook the great mountain to its center; the falling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>of rocks resounded in deafening commotion; -the Ice King’s snarling wail echoed and re-echoed -throughout the cavern; bitter, bitter cold grew -the air; crash—crash—crash, came the sound of -falling mountains heaped upon them; covering -them deeply beneath the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">débris</span></i>.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Then was a new horror added; the roaring -and growling of many horrible beasts, as they -fought and struggled for entrance through the -narrow passageway, to escape the falling ruins, -and the deadly cold.</p> - -<p class='c009'>There was the shrieking and tumult of the -tempest; the hiss and roar of the struggling -reptiles, but higher and shriller than all else was -the fierce wailing menace of the angry Ice King; -it shrieked to them insolently: “You defy me, -do you? We’ll see! We’ll s-e-e!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gray and pallid grew the little brown faces as -they silently followed Walado down into the -bowels of the earth until they came to a lofty -room; here they huddled silently together.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thus they remained day after day, night after -night, no ray of light to distinguish the one from -the other; but as time passed on the pangs of -hunger assailed them fiercely. Tador’s birds -were divided, and by morsels eaten; Sudana’s -berries were parceled out by ones and by twos, -Walado adding all his share to Lilleela’s, although -she knew not that it was so; grayer grew -his little, wrinkled face, but ever it smiled tenderly -upon Lilleela, and with patient kindness -he answered all questions in unselfish endeavor -to comfort and cheer the others. For a time -they could feel the earth quiver and vibrate as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>though in shuddering fear, then came a time of -awful calm, when the sound of a voice smote the -deadly silence with all the horror of thunder -tones, until they shrank affrighted, and spoke -only in awed whispers—afraid of the awful echo -which answered sound. Paler and more spiritlike -grew Lilleela; sadder, sadder grew Walado -as he pillowed her head upon his broad breast. -The sighs of all rose incessantly!</p> - -<p class='c009'>At last Tador whispered, “Shall I not descend -further toward the center of the earth? It will -be warmer than it is here—it grows so very -cold!” shivering.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“As you wish, Tador,” replied Walado sadly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Hearing Walado’s answer all clamored to -accompany him—anything seemed preferable to -this inaction.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As they prepared for the descent, Sudana -said: “We do not know what we may find, -Walado,” trying to speak hopefully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Gold and jewels in plenty, but all that lies -hidden in the whole mountain range, are not -worth as much as one juicy berry,” and he -glanced at Lilleela’s wan face. She was far too -weak to accompany the party, and all insisted -that Walado must remain with her; he silently -folded her in his arms; he would not have left -her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She raised her sad eyes to his face: “Better -had I have given myself to the Ice King; then I -only should have perished,” she said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No! no! no!” whispered they, as with one -voice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Wearily, wearily time passed on, but they did -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>not return. Lilleela dozed and whispered fitfully, -but Walado sat with staring eyes, and listened -intently for sounds of his comrades, he was -afraid to move lest he disturb his precious -burden.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At last she raised herself up on her elbow, her -eyes full of agony: “Oh, Walado, take me up -above—I cannot breathe here! Oh, I must get -one breath of air!” her chest heaving convulsively, -her hollow cheeks palpitating with the -struggle for inhalation.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One great tear rolled down Walado’s cheek, -and fell splashing on the rocky floor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Around his waist he wore a rope made of the -hide of animals, which served to hold his stone -hammer and ax; with this rope he bound Lilleela -to him, passing it under her arms and -around his neck.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Dear one, put your arms about my neck to -steady yourself all that you are able, and I will -carry you safely up.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her chest rose and fell spasmodically; her -heart fluttered faintly, or thumped with wild, -irregular motion.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The walls of the shaft were covered with ice, -rendering it almost impossible to obtain a foothold; -inch by inch he made slow headway, every -muscle strained to its utmost tension; his hands -leaving stains of blood with every grasp. He -could at last see a ray—scarcely of light, but a -little less gloom; he was so exhausted that he -was gasping for breath; he placed his hands -upon a slight projection for one more effort—it -may have been that his eagerness was too great, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>or that he grasped but brittle ice which broke -off—for he fell. Down, down he slipped, with -inconceivable rapidity; weak from want of food, -and frightened lest he injure his beloved, he lost -his presence of mind.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Lilleela recalled his wandering faculties; after -one frantic scream, she made no outcry—indeed -she had little breath for speech—but with her -lips close to his ear she whispered: “Throw out -your hands and feet against the wall, and I will -do the same; we may at least break the fall!” -Little by little the speed decreased, until as -Walado’s foot touched another projection they -stopped altogether. He waited long enough to -recover breath and a little strength. Lilleela’s -head fell over sidewise; she had fainted, and -hung a dead weight about his neck; he dared -not loose his hands, though he madly longed to -caress the cheek which felt so cold to his trembling -lips. Once more, nerved by desperation, -he made an effort to reach the upper cave; slowly -and carefully he climbed; resting often—a hand -or foot slipping—clinging frantically as the ice -became thicker, and the ascent more difficult. -At last, just as his fingers were over the upper -edge his foot slipped, and threw the other from -its resting-place; for one breathless instant he -hung suspended by his fingers—Lilleela’s lifeless -weight dragging him down! Sparks of fire -shot before his eyes! A noise as of rushing -water sounded in his ears: His breathing became -labored and stertorious! A bitter cry rose -to his lips as Lilleela’s cold cheek touched his -drooping face; he made one supreme effort, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>half unconscious he lay upon the floor of the -upper cavern, Lilleela’s cold form clasped in his -embrace!</p> - -<p class='c009'>The chill at length restored him to consciousness; -he sat up and unbound Lilleela; he struck -two pieces of flint rapidly together, and ignited -the punk which he carried in a bag about his -neck. He observed that the cold wind had -ceased blowing in, thus he knew that the Ice -King must have departed, probably believing -that all were dead. Well, so they were—all but -himself—and—perhaps Lilleela!</p> - -<p class='c009'>He felt for her heart, but could find no pulsation; -he kissed her cold cheeks, and blew his -warm breath between her parted lips; at last the -madness of despair took possession of him. He -groveled on the icy floor! He shrieked aloud, to -be answered only by a thousand hollow echoes! -He ran to the opening through which they had -entered, and found the passage barred by rocks -and dirt; he tore at the rubbish with his hands -as an animal digs with its claws, only to fall -back in despair with the tears coursing down -his cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, my Lilleela! If I could but reach the -air! If I could only carry you into the sunshine -and let it warm your cold face! Oh, my Lilleela. -Oh, my Lilleela!” he cried, gathering her -once more into his arms. All the cave was now -lighted with a dim, red light, from a few slivers -of wood ignited with the burning punk. Water -had oozed through the rocks from above and -formed long, glittering icicles, frozen by the -fierce breath of the Ice King; the floors and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>walls were likewise of ice, cold and scintillating. -The sighs which had arisen from the imprisoned -Gnomes had congealed into forms of wonderful -beauty, as pure as the white souls of the passing -spirits; all over that arched ceiling hung fairy -curtains of frost, wonderful jewels, each like a -frozen tear, ornamented each jutting point. -Walado sat down with his back against an angle -of the wall, and clasped Lilleela in loving embrace; -he smiled sadly yet lovingly as his eyes -rested upon walls and dome: “It is a fitting -tomb for thy fair body, my beloved! Thy spirit, -not even the Ice King can imprison; and I—thine -even in death—I go with thee, to serve -thee still!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He bowed his face against her fair hair, and as -he so rested his spirit left his homely little body.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It seems almost a pity that they could not -have known how fully their wrongs were -avenged. Hot waves washed up from the tropic -seas and melted the crust of ice with which the -cruel monarch had encased all the hills; and he -was driven by the south wind to his lair at the -North Pole, there to remain in expiation forever. -Thus the hills became fertile, and with the passing -of those pure souls there sprang to life on -the mountain side—the primrose, for Lilleela’s -pink-white skin; the columbine, for the azure of -her eyes; the gentian, for the crimson of her -lips; and the tall, white lily, for the stately -grace of her body; and always the brown-coated -robin, with his warm breast, sings lovingly by -day and sleeps in their midst by night, and -thus Walado’s soul still faithfully serves his -beloved.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span> - <h2 class='c005'>AN UNFAIR EXCHANGE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>In and around the bank of “Lombard and Lombard” -all was confusion.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur Lombard, the senior member of the -firm, had suddenly fallen to the floor as he was -entering his office, to all appearance dead. -Physicians were hastily summoned; policemen -were called to keep out the ubiquitous small -boy, and the omnipresent curiosity seeker. The -great doors were closed with a crash as the -grave physician gave his verdict: “He is dead; -heart failure!” The truth which conveys a great -grief, ever seems heartless, and in a degree, -coarse.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Death shocks us ever, we think of it as connected -with a sick bed and fit preparation; deep -down in our inner consciousness we form plans; -when the dark angel shall knock at our door, we -will hastily don our robes of sanctity, and fly -away to eternal bliss. We are horrified when he -smites one of our number unaware—but we never -think it might have been us instead.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The dead body was removed to his residence -in the most fashionable part of the city; crape -hung from the elegant portal; crape draped the -closed doors of the bank, and lent adventitious -aid to the gloom of the high walled, narrow -street.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>How many truly mourned I cannot say; a -merchant in high standing exchanged views -with an artisan, both equally interested, as both -had all they possessed in the bark, albeit one -had thousands of dollars deposited, the other -but a few hundred.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How will it affect the bank?” questioned -the artisan.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I really could not say, but I think not seriously,” -was the guarded reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“As I understand, he was the head of the concern.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Y-e-s, but Gus Lombard is all right. It is a -pity, though, that Arthur was taken off.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Such is the sorrow of the world; a few who -have known us intimately may feel a less selfish -grief; our motives are so complex, and selfishness -so much a part of human nature, that we seldom -judge our own actions correctly. If but one or -two can say with sincerity that our lives and our -language were pure, then we shall not have lived -in vain, as every living being—whether good or -bad—will influence some other to follow his example. -Lombard had been an unmarried man, -who kept up a fine establishment, and lived in -good style; but being very reticent few knew -aught of his business affairs.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He was laid out in one of the parlors; windows -were darkened; lamps were shaded; heavy -carpets deadened the footfalls, until the silence -and gloom became oppressive.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Late at night, three days after he was stricken -down, a slight, fair girl entered the parlor noiselessly; -Edith Herford had been his ward; she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>had also been his betrothed, although no one -save his brother Gus was aware of the fact. -Noiselessly she pushed aside the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">portières</span></i>, and -seeing the man on watch lying back in his chair, -sleeping soundly, she crossed the room, and -knelt beside the coffin.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sobs shook her slight frame as she laid her -face on his cold breast: “Oh, Arthur, my beloved!” -she whispered, caressing his cold face, -kissing the folded hands.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“To-morrow they will put you out of my -sight, and I shall be indeed bereft. Oh, my -love! my love!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>With bowed head she wept silently; the ticking -of the clock sounded loud and awesome in -the unnatural silence, “tick-tock, tick-tock; -time-going, time-gone,” it seemed to say; the -breathing of the sleeping watcher vibrated on -the still air like an electric shock; a brooding -mystery seemed to hang over the dead form, it -appeared like sculptured marble, which at any -moment might become instinct with life; it was -hard to realize that the soul had gone from the -body, the features were so placid, and were -tinged with a roseate glow by the shades -on the incandescent light.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith’s nerves were keyed up to their highest -pitch, it seemed to her that she must scream; -as she pressed her lips to the cold hand, she fancied -that there was a slight movement of the -fingers; she thought the eyelids quivered; she -pressed her handkerchief over her mouth, afraid -she should cry out.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, Arthur! My Arthur! I know that you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>are gone from me forever, and this is but a delusive -fancy, would it were true, that I might -not be so lonely!” she whispered, gazing mournfully -at him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The watcher stirred in his sleep, muttering -low and indistinctly. Edith started up in wild -affright, her heart beating tumultuously; to her -excited imagination the lights seemed to burn -dimly, as though about to go out.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The watcher shifted uneasily in his chair, -then slept quietly on.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith turned toward her dear dead; she would -once more kiss the cold lips, a last farewell, then -return to her room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>An appalled scream shivered through the gruesome -silence.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The watcher started from his sleep in wild -affright, and caught Edith as she fell fainting.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur Lombard was sitting upright, staring -about with wondering eyes. Dropping the -fainting girl on the nearest sofa, the watcher rang -a hurried peal, and hastily dispatched a servant -for a physician. He tremblingly approached -Arthur, shivering as he laid his hand upon his -shoulder; but managed to say soothingly: -“Hadn’t you best lie down?” Arthur looked at -him in a bewildered way, seeming not in the -least to understand him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Though trembling in every limb, he gently -pressed Arthur backward; who gave a tired sigh, -muttered something which the man did not -understand, and instantly sank into a refreshing -slumber.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A moment later the physician hurried in, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>looked wise, felt his pulse, tested his temperature, -and said, as though the circumstance was -of ordinary occurrence:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Suspended animation! He will be all right -in a few days; get these things off him, and get -him into bed as gently as possible; do not let a -hint of the preparation for burial reach him; the -shock of such knowledge would in all probability -actually kill him.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith had regained consciousness, and with -timid hand touched his sleeve. “You think that -he will recover?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Certainly! Certainly, Miss Herford! I see -nothing to prevent it.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But he looked and acted so strangely,” said -Edith tremblingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No doubt! No doubt! So would you or I, -placed in the same circumstances. There, -there! Run along to bed, I’ll stay here the rest -of the night, and see that he is all right,” gently -pushing her through the door as he ceased -speaking.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning Arthur awoke feeling comfortably -well, but very weak. The physician -was sitting beside the bed when he opened his -eyes; Arthur regarded him curiously, a puzzled -look overspreading his countenance as his gaze -wandered about the room. He murmured something -strange; receiving no reply, he said slowly, -like a child just beginning to talk: “Where am -I?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“In your own bed, of course; where should -you be?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He lay quiet, looking around curiously, as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>though everything were new to him. “Why am -I here?” still with the same hesitation, as -though not certain as to the meaning of his -words.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Where in the mischief would you wish, or -expect to be, if not in your own home?” answered -the doctor a trifle impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He looked troubled but asked no more questions; -presently he lifted his long, white hand, -adorned with a handsome ring, and examined it -as though he had never before seen it; he seemed -strangely unable to express his feelings.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Jove!” said the doctor later, “I wonder if -the fellow has lost his wits! It is a pity if so, -for he was one of the shrewdest of men, and a -sharp financier.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>If Edith hovered about him, or caressed him -with gentle touch, or called him fond names, he -looked at her in surprise, and gave not the -slightest return.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She would look at him in grieved surprise, -and on one occasion asked him with trembling -lips: “Do you no longer love me, Arthur?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Love you? I—guess—so! I do not know -what you mean!” looking helplessly at her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She burst into tears which were quickly suppressed -as she coldly left the room. From that -time she offered him no caresses, but he seemed -not to notice the omission.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Edith left the room in anger he looked -after her, his brow wrinkled in perplexity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He was certainly in a strange condition; he -appeared to enjoy his meals; he slept well; but -he seemed to take no interest in anything more -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>than that—he did not seem to understand that -there was anything in which he ought to take -an interest.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One day, as he sat languidly looking out of -the window, Gus said to him: “You will soon be -well enough to attend to business!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What business?” he asked vacantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Why, your banking business of course!” answered -Gus in a tone of disgust; he thought his -brother must be making a pretence of not understanding. -Arthur looked at him blankly but -made no reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith asked the physician: “What do you -think of him? Is he insane?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No! Neither insane nor idiotic, mental -shock! He will recover, he is like a child with -everything to learn.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>It is hard to tell what were Arthur’s sensations; -everything seemed so strange. He was -told that these were his rooms; he had no recollection -of ever having seen them until the morning -when he opened his eyes on the physician’s -face. Even the language sounded strange to -him, though in a hazy way he knew what was -meant; it was as though the sounds had been -imprinted upon the brain by some other intelligence; -as a picture is sensitized upon the plate -by one artist for another artist’s use. The -business so often mentioned to him, seemed like -a hazy dream; something of which some other -person being cognizant, had conveyed to him -in a far-off manner, an impression of his knowledge. -In the same way he knew that he was expected -to love Edith; but there was a vague, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>elusive intuition of some actual affinity, a feeling -which he could not shake off, and by which -he knew that whatever of feeling he possessed -for Edith was as the shadow to the real. This -hazy something, which was not knowledge, nor -yet a dream, strained his mental capacity in a -vain effort after solution. He restlessly tried to -gather up the threads of that which seemed to -him a new life.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Gus was vice-president of the bank everything -went on smoothly; but he felt greatly -annoyed at Arthur’s complete indifference when -he wished to consult with him upon important -business:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You just manage everything, Gus, until I -feel more like business.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You will have to pull yourself together, old -man;” answered Gus, regarding him with -troubled gaze.</p> - -<p class='c009'>No sooner had Gus left the room than all signs -of languidness disappeared; he muttered angrily -to himself; he paced up and down the floor; he -tore the books from the shelves in frantic desire -for something which would enlighten him on -these things which seemed so hazy and bewildering; -he threw the book he was holding from -him in an excess of rage. Letters and words -had a strangely familiar look, and yet—the mental -strain was fearful—it was like hunting for -faces whose lineaments were long since forgotten; -like trying to decipher a faded picture imprinted -in dim ink by some person unknown; and feeling, -withal, that a perfect understanding of the -dim lights and shadows was expected.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>That which gave him a still more restless pain -was that other tantalizing consciousness which -eluded him, though almost touching his memory. -Every hour when alone was feverishly employed -in trying to recall that which seemed to him like -a lost treasure. He listened to every scrap of -conversation, he watched the expression of every -face, the gestures of every person. A sentence -which puzzled him he would repeat over and -over again, until he had fixed it firmly in his -mind; then the full meaning was hunted out as -soon as he was alone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith often looked at him in wondering surprise; -he seemed not in the least like the man -whom she had loved; it is true the features were -the same, but—where was the cultivated ease of -manner, where the grace which had been so attractive; -the clear, open expression of countenance -which had distinguished the man she loved -above his fellows? This discontented, rebellious -soul looked out from under frowning brows; the -brilliant blue eyes had a wary, suspicious look; -the movements were awkward, the speech uncouth.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, Gus, how changed he is!” cried Edith.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, I scarcely know what to do; if one -could but wake him in some way!” said Gus, -sadly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A year or more passed by; as he regained -strength he developed strange desires; he absented -himself from home for days together.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith remonstrated: “Why do you do so, -Arthur?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He answered her coarsely, like an undisciplined -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>youth: “I do not think I need a -keeper!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith burst into tears: “I did not mean that; -but you know—that—that—I am lonely when -you are away,” she faltered.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A half-frightened look passed over his face, -and was gone instantly, to be succeeded by a -perplexed scowl.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You act as though you owned me!” he said -brutally.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith regarded him in pained surprise: -“Arthur!” The single word expressed much.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He left the house, slamming the door after -himself.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He began about this time assuming control of -the business; things seemed to go wrong from -that hour, and he appeared to have lost all judgment; -heavy losses followed in rapid succession. -He angrily resented advice, and Gus became so -annoyed that he took him to task.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“See here, old man! You are going it a bit -wild—you had best check up!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur’s moody eyes lit up with an angry -flame: “Any person would think that you had -the whole say so,” he sneered.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You know, Arthur, that I have no wish to -control, except for the mutual good. Great -heaven, Arthur! You are ruining us!” cried -Gus, aggravated into speaking his mind.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur looked moodily down, and like a child -caught in some misdemeanor, grumbled out: -“Any person is liable to make a mistake.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus looked at him curiously: “I’ve a great -notion to pull out; I do not propose getting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>caught under the wreck when the crash comes,” -said he angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, well, get some one to do the work in my -place, if you feel so terribly worried,” quite as -angrily retorted Arthur.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A couple of weeks later Gus did put another -man into the office; Arthur seemed rather relieved -than otherwise.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus was talking to Edith a few days later; -they had been speaking of Arthur, and incidentally -of Wilbur the new man:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“He seems to understand his business; he has -a way of going at it, as though he had been in -that office all his life; actually, as he sank into -that big, green chair, he sighed with satisfaction.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Tell me how he looks,” said Edith.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, tall and muscular; his hair is as black -as the proverbial crow’s wing; the most piercing -black eyes that I ever saw; his looks are rather -fierce and brigandish, but his manner is most -gentle and courteous; his voice is very sweet, -the words and tones of a cultured man.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You make me very curious to see him,” answered -Edith.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“He interests me strangely; it seems as -though I had known him at some former time, -but I cannot place him.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How does Arthur take it?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That is strangest of all; he glowers at him -as though he hated him mortally; yet he obeys -every suggestion of Wilbur’s as though he were -afraid of him.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith did not reply; she was conscious of a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>feeling of repulsion toward Arthur, which had -been growing in force for the last year; she no -longer had the slightest affection for him; if he -laid his hand upon her shoulder, even his near -proximity would send a shudder through her -whole being. She felt ashamed and guilty that -such was the case, and tried to conceal the fact. -A feverish longing possessed her to see Wilbur; -she was also ashamed of this feeling, and mentally -took herself to task for the unmaidenly -desire.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As to Arthur, everything worried him; he was -restless and unhappy; he seemed to have no care -as to the success of the business; instead, he -burned with a wild desire to throw the money -away; anything, any way, so as to be free from -care and thought. He had a passionate wish to -roam, to get away from the haunts of men into -the green woods; to lie on his back and look up -at the blue skies, listening to the rustle of the -leaves; it smoothed the frown from his moody -brow, and seemed to bring that floating affinity -nearer his mental vision; at times it came so -near that with a cry he would start up and fling -his arms wide with a hoarse cry of mad impotence, -as it faded delusively. He hated the -conventionalities of society; he longed to do -something <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">outré</span></i>, to shock those with whom he -came into contact out of their calm; he looked -with hatred upon all the refinements of life, as -so many limitations, so many bars to personal -enjoyment.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Through all the fierce rebellion ran a hazy -admonition: “You ought to like these things, it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>is expected of you; your position requires it.” -Accompanying these thoughts like a weird -shadow was that intangible—what was it? A -delusion, a dream, or the shadow of a memory?</p> - -<p class='c009'>A few days after Wilbur came, Gus one evening -invited him to go home with them: “I wish -to introduce you to Arthur’s ward, Edith,” he -said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Edith! Edith!” said Wilbur dreamily; “I -seem to see her—tall, fair—with the purity of -the lily—” He paused, passing his hand over -his brow, with a deep sigh.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus stared at him in amazement; “Do you -know her?” he asked brusquely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No! no! I have sometimes dreamed of her, -I think; I cannot recall what it is—” again he -sighed deeply; he appeared like one awakening -from sleep.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur looked at him, his brows bent moodily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus said nothing, but thought to himself; -“Well, here is a pair of them!” As they were -walking slowly homeward, through the level -glow of the sunset, a woman brushed past them; -she lifted her face to look at Wilbur, a look in -which hate mingled strangely with love. Her -eyes were like midnight, but a midnight lighted -by a reddish glow, the reflection of the fires -within; inky black brows, and hair of the same -shade falling low on a forehead as colorless as -marble. A face to glow with the fiercest abandonment -of love, or burn with the seething fires -of hate; her form was of voluptuous beauty, a -something strange and foreign in the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ensemble</span></i>.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>Arthur stopped abruptly, giving vent to a -strange, fierce cry:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Andalusia! Andalusia!” The sound was like -the voice of one in anguish. She swept him a -burning glance, to which he replied in a strange -language, gesticulating rapidly; with a look of -wild amazement she passed on, and was lost to -sight around a street corner.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus looked his displeasure: “I would not stop -to talk with one of that kind on the street; who -is she?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur looked at him as though he did not -understand, but when the question was repeated, -he replied absently:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No; no; I must have been mistaken!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus of course thought that he was telling an -untruth; he judged her some disreputable -woman of Arthur’s acquaintance. “Oh, it is all -right, I do not blame you for being ashamed of -it!” he answered sarcastically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur shot him a look of hatred from under -moody brows, but made no reply. Wilbur -seemed feverishly eager to reach their destination, -and in preoccupied thought had hurried -forward until he was considerably in advance of -the others, consequently observed nothing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When Gus introduced Wilbur to Edith, he -blushed and stammered awkwardly; she was no -less embarrassed. Throughout the whole evening -Wilbur scarcely took his eyes from her face; -once, inadvertently, he called her Edith; she -blushed furiously, and Gus gave him a look of -displeasure, which he did not observe.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Later in the evening Gus said to her: “I do -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>not like Wilbur’s familiarity on so short an -acquaintance.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith hesitated a moment before answering: -“I do not think it was intentional, Gus, doesn’t -he remind you of some other person?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes; but I can never say who it is.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>They turned to look at him, as he sat talking -to Arthur; the contrast between the two was -very marked. Arthur was slouchingly leaning -over the table; his carelessness of attire, an indefinable -coarseness of look and action, contrasted -most unfavorably with Wilbur’s refined -manner, the neatness of his person, and the high -thought written in characters unmistakable upon -his countenance; yet the features of Arthur -were far more regular, his physique finer.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith sighed. Gus answered her thought.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes; he has changed awfully; I doubt his -ever being quite himself again.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“He seems an entirely different person; Mr. -Wilbur is much more as Arthur used to be than -Arthur himself.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus started in amazement: “By Jove! That is -so! Ever since he came it has puzzled me to -know who he was like.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>They had been busying themselves over the -tea things as they talked, and now brought them -forward. As they sipped their tea Gus endeavored -to lead the conversation toward Wilbur’s -former life, but he plainly evaded the subject. -Arthur the whole evening sat moodily gnawing -his mustache, or paced the floor restlessly. It -was late when Wilbur took his departure.</p> - -<p class='c009'>For a long time Gus could hear Arthur moving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>about his room, but at last he sank into -dreamy slumber, in which Arthur and Wilbur -were strangely intermingled, once starting up -wide awake as he fancied he heard the hall door -close. He lay a few minutes with every nerve -quivering, afraid of—he knew not what; then -took himself to task for being so foolish, and -again dropped off to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur did not appear in the morning; but -his course was so erratic that this occasioned no -surprise; but when a week, two weeks went by -without his return, Gus began to be seriously -alarmed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Wilbur proved a treasure; everything went on -in the most methodical manner; he seemed to -understand every detail of the business; to know -where papers and records were kept, of which -others had no knowledge; moreover he seemed -to enjoy his work.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The residence also, seemed strangely familiar -to him; on more than one occasion he surprised -them by mentioning articles placed in rooms of -which he was supposed to know nothing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One evening Gus asked him: “Were you ever -in that room?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Wilbur looked bewildered: “I think not—I -do not know,” he said slowly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If not, how do you know where that picture -is placed, and the subject of the painting?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>They had been talking of the works of a certain -master, and Wilbur mentioned a painting -which hung in Arthur’s room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He rested his head upon his hand in an attitude -familiar to both; “I do not know; I seem -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>to see it, that is all that I can tell you,” he answered -in a sad tone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus looked at Edith questioningly; she did -not notice him, her eyes were fixed upon Wilbur.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning as they were sitting down -to breakfast, Arthur returned. Edith and Gus -rose to their feet, simultaneously; he was dirty, -and disheveled, his clothing tattered and soiled; -he had the look of a tramp. “Well! You are a -sight, and no mistake! Where have you been?” -said Gus laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His appearance was really ludicrous; he tried -to pass it off lightly, but a heavy frown belied -his flippant manner.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Who made you your brother’s keeper?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Really, I do not know who appointed me, -but you look as though you were in need of -some person to fill that position,” retorted Gus.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Half defiantly he replied: “With your kind -permission, I’ll take some breakfast,” tossing -his hat on the floor, as he seated himself at the -table.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith had not spoken, but looked at him in -amazement and aversion. Gus laughed derisively: -“I say, aren’t you forgetting something, -old fellow?” laying his hand affectionately -on his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What’s wrong, now?” looking scowlingly at -him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus made no reply in words, but looked significantly -at his grimy hands; he frowned still -more angrily; jerked himself out of his chair, -and went to his room muttering: “Confounded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>bore! Mind his own business!” like an untrained, -overgrown boy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith could scarcely restrain her tears. “Is -it not horrible?” she said with quivering lips.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes it is, but we must overlook it as much as -possible; he is to be pitied; he has never been -quite right since—” he paused significantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I know! But Gus, it makes me shudder to -think of fulfilling my engagement to him; I just -cannot—” she paused, a burning blush spreading -over her face; she had never before spoken -of it to Gus.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He sat thoughtfully toying with his fork for -a few minutes:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Do you think that he wishes it?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, I do not; he never offers me the slightest -token of affection, for which I am indeed -grateful; truly, I do not believe that he ever -thinks of it.” She laughed in an embarrassed -manner.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Taking it altogether, Wilbur, Arthur, and—ourselves, -it’s a queer business.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith flushed a fiery red; but if she intended -an answer, which is doubtful, Arthur’s returning -step put an end to the conversation. He at -once seated himself at the table, and ate like one -famished. A few evenings later Wilbur again -came to dinner with Arthur and Gus. The air -was very warm and pleasant, and after dinner -they all went into the sitting room; the windows -opened down to the floor, and were flung wide -to admit the sweet, fresh evening air; a long vine-draped -porch ran along the whole front of the -house.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“Do not have lights, they call the insects, and -it is much pleasanter to sit on the porch,” said -Edith.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Seated there, a strange silence fell over them; -the full moon rode through the sky like a stately -silver ship; a faint breeze stirred the leaves on -the vines, and cast fitful arabesques on the floor; -a cricket chirped lonesomely in the grass; dark -shadows lay weirdly across the winding walks. -Wilbur sat close to Edith, the shadows half enveloping -them; in their concealment his hand -had sought hers, and clasped it fondly. Arthur -sat at the far end of the porch, in the densest -gloom; only the fiery tip of his cigar betraying -his presence. Gus lay stretched on a wooden -settee, his eyes fixed dreamily on a few light, -fleecy clouds showing through a break in the -vines.</p> - -<p class='c009'>There was a faint rustling sound just where -the foliage grew the most dense; the leaves were -cautiously parted, and a pallid, vengeful face -looked through. The intruder seemed as much -surprised as were the group seated there; she -had evidently expected to find the porch untenanted, -and the sight revealed seemed to drive -her to a frenzy of madness; a ray of moonlight -fell upon the clasped hands of Edith and Wilbur, -also showing the look of devotion upon -Wilbur’s face, as he was bending toward her in -the act of speaking.</p> - -<p class='c009'>There was a flash, the report of a pistol, intermingled -with wild screams, and a hoarse, -strange cry from Arthur:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Andalusia! Andalusia!” Then, something -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>wildly, rapidly spoken in a strange language; -the vengeful, defiant air speedily changing to -wonder and amazement; tones of fierce remonstrance -from him, and scornful disbelief from -her; then a word or two of pleading; a light in -her eyes like blazing stars, and obeying his fierce -gestures she slipped away among the winding -walks, shadowy trees and shrubbery.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It has taken some time to tell all this, but the -happening was so rapid that none save Gus saw -or heard aught that passed between Arthur and -the strange woman.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Wilbur was bending over the half-fainting -Edith, whispering impassioned words in her ear, -caution thrown to the winds on the near approach -of danger.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus for a moment gazed speechless and -motionless, amazed at the fierce gestures, and -the strange language; and when he would have -detained the woman, Arthur angrily threw him -backward, saying: “Let her alone! She made a -mistake!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“A strange mistake, I take it!” hotly replied -Gus.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What is the use of raising more disturbance? -No one is hurt! She thought that I was sitting -there beside Edith.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Suppose you were? Why should she shoot -you? It looks very peculiar!” said Gus angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur made no reply, but strode away into -the darkness of the shrubbery.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith and Wilbur had entered the house, and -their low tones, agitated conversation, reached -Gus indistinctly as he stood irresolute; he had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>sent the servants back to their places, and their -frightened tones reached him faintly; after -some seconds’ indecision he plunged off down the -path which Arthur had taken, but no trace of -him or the woman could he find.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was fully an hour before he returned to the -house, feeling angry that he was no wiser than -when he started; he was the more angry that he -did not know what he expected to find. His -astonishment was great to find Arthur seated in -the self same place smoking as though nothing -out of the ordinary had happened.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, I declare! I have been looking everywhere -for you;” he said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes! You have found me, now what will -you have?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>It had seemed during the surprise and heat of -anger easy enough to ask him what all this mystery -meant; but looking Arthur in the face; listening -to his cool, sneering tones, it was far -from easy; so he hesitated and stammered out: -“I don’t understand this business at all.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Arthur broke in: “My dear Gus, neither do -I.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>His tone implied so much more than the words -that Gus was effectually silenced.</p> - -<p class='c009'>They soon separated for the night; Wilbur -had gone home half an hour before, and Edith -had retired to her room, her nerves in a tumult -over the occurrences of the evening; but through -all the fright and horror ran a thrill of sweetness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Wilbur had whispered in her ear, as she lay -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>half fainting: “My love! Do not be frightened; -I will protect you!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Who could it be? I <em>am</em> so frightened!” clinging -to his hand.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is all past now, dear; I think it must have -been some crazy person.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>For another week things went on much as -usual, except that Gus was now positive that -Arthur went out each night at about half-past -twelve; not returning until morning, always -haggard and worn, and often in the most furious -mood. Frequently he glared at Wilbur as -though he would like to murder him; but if -Wilbur turned, or he knew himself to be observed, -his manner changed completely. He seemed -anxious to throw Edith and Wilbur together; -and yet, as they conversed or sat in silent contentment -he would restlessly pace the floor, and -finally fling himself out of the room angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Of a sudden he changed entirely; he remained -at home of nights, went to the bank early in the -morning, and remained until the hour of closing, -seemingly intent upon a thorough understanding -of every phase of the business, but at -times showing such a strange forgetfulness—or -ignorance—that Wilbur would pause, and look -at him in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was on Wednesday, there were papers missing, -relating to some securities; Gus and Arthur -had been vainly seeking them all the morning; -finally Gus went over to Wilbur’s desk and -asked, more because he was vexed and at a loss -as to what to do, than for any other reason:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Wilbur, do you know anything about those -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>securities?” mentioning the particular ones he -wished.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Without even pausing in his work Wilbur replied, -naming the number of the drawer in the -security vault where he would find them.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gus made him no reply, but sought the -drawer described, and returned with the papers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He walked up to Wilbur, followed by Arthur:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Will you explain to me <em>how</em> you knew where -those securities were? After you told where -they were, I remember placing them there; and -I know that they have not been removed for over -a year, long before you came here—” he paused -significantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Wilbur looked up from his work in complete -bewilderment:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not know <em>how</em> I know it, but it is all -clear to me; the moment you mention a thing I -seem to see it, and a long-stored knowledge -seems instantly to step forth. I seem to know -every crevice in these stones; every bolt, bar -and drawer; but how I gained that knowledge I -can not tell, because—I do not know.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he talked he was gazing straight before -him, with a strange, unseeing look.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is not so strange that you have the knowledge—it -is easy to get, if one pokes his nose into -everything; but it is hard to understand why I -cannot remember anything concerning the business,” -said Arthur disagreeably.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is no use quarreling!” said Gus, but it -was evident that he was both puzzled and -annoyed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>That night Gus again heard Arthur stealthily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>leaving the house, and he did not return until -noon of the next day. He remained at the bank -from that time until after the hour for closing, -remarking that he had correspondence which he -wished to finish; having completed it, he called -the watchman and sent him to post the letters, -saying that he would remain on watch until his -return; as soon as he came back, Arthur went -home.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He seemed moody and distrait all the evening, -and several times Gus caught him glaring at -Wilbur with the unmistakable light of hatred -in his eyes. Wilbur spent nearly all of his -evenings with Edith, and made no secret of his -devotion to her. Gus was puzzled to account -for Arthur’s manner toward Wilbur; that he -hated him was very evident, but it certainly was -not from jealousy, as he showed not the slightest -love for Edith; on the contrary, he appeared -actually to dislike and avoid her. Several times -during the evening he sank into such gloomy abstraction -as not to notice when he was addressed; -at an early hour he left the parlor and went to -his room, with not even an excuse or a good-night.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Edith looked pained, but Gus was too outspoken -to keep silence:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do believe that Arthur is going insane; I -never saw such a change in any one!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He was again absent the next morning; but -he was away so frequently that no one even -spoke of it; but when a week passed without his -return Gus began to be vaguely alarmed and -suspicious; the reason for the latter feeling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>being that Arthur had drawn large sums of -money on his personal check within the previous -week. Only the day before this last departure -he had taken out several thousand dollars.</p> - -<p class='c009'>On his way to his sleeping room that night, -Gus, from some impulse unexplainable, tried the -door of Arthur’s room. He did not know what -he expected to discover, he was simply uneasy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>To his surprise he found the door unlocked; -heretofore Arthur had been more than careful to -keep his privacy secure. Gus entered and -turned on the light, everything seemed as usual; -he opened the door of the wardrobe, and looked -within, it gave him a start to find it empty. -Gus turned giddy; had his prediction come -true? A prophecy which was born of vexation, -instead of insight. Arthur had taken away all -of his clothing; no interpretation could be put -upon that action, but that he intended to abandon -his home; but why should he do so, unless -mentally unbalanced?</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he turned to extinguish the light he saw, -placed conspicuously on the dresser, a letter; -trembling with undefinable fear he caught it up; -without address it abruptly commenced:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class='c009'>“When you find this I shall be far away. I -have taken five thousand dollars in cash and the -diamonds which were in my safe-deposit -drawer, which amount to twenty thousand more. -The balance of the money and the real estate I -have turned over to Wilbur; I hate him, but he -has a right to the property.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>“You do not understand, and will wonder; I -will explain.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You remember the time when, to all appearances, -Arthur Lombard dropped dead; amid -great, apparent grief, and much excitement he -was carried to this house where he lay silent and -motionless for three days.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“At the same instant in which he fell in his -elegantly appointed office, almost in the same -manner, fell Antoni Petronelli, one of a band of -roving gypsies, who dwelt in a fair southern -country, with no covering save the waving arms -of the forest trees, or at most a house of boughs -for shelter at night or in storm. As Edith -and Gus mourned over Arthur Lombard, so -Andalusia Varana mourned over Antoni—yet not -the same—the cool blood of your race cannot -realize the fierce love and desperate grief of the -untrammeled children of the South.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“At the very instant that Arthur Lombard -awoke to life again, that same instant arose as -one from the dead, Antoni Petronelli.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Now comes the really strange, and tragic -part of the story. When these two souls were -loosed from the body and entered space, they -drifted without knowledge of their destination; -but that an intelligent power directed them is -proved by this; although so far apart, the soul -of Arthur Lombard sought the body of the -gypsy Petronelli; and the spirit of Petronelli -was forced to enter the effeminate body of -Arthur Lombard.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I can speak only of my own impression; I, -the soul of the gypsy, Petronelli, and the body -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>of the aesthetic banker, Arthur Lombard. When -I regained consciousness I had but a confused -mingling of ideas; some things—impressions, -knowledge, thoughts—which had been the property -of Lombard, haunted me; it was as though -these things had been photographed on the -brain, to be brought forth and used by the occupant -of the body as occasion required. I did -not understand the use of this knowledge; I -detested the fair-skinned body; I hated the -limitations of his life—which you call refinements; -the greatest trial of all was that for a -long time I did not know what I was fighting -against. I knew only that I was miserably unhappy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I hated the soft, cool caresses of Edith; I -was tormented with a misty memory—which I -could not drive from my mind—of arms which -had encircled my neck, and had set my being on -fire. I hated the reproof in Edith’s calm eyes, -and the low voice which grew so cool as I pushed -away her hands, or answered her roughly; she -was offended in such a grand, cold way. My -Andalusia would have upbraided me with hot -words, uttered in her shrill, sweet voice; she -would have given me blow for blow, then we -should have kissed with fond words, and loved -better than ever. I hated the house with its -elegant furnishings, its heavy, hot carpets, and -close, stifling atmosphere.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I longed for the cool, leafy woods; for the -carpet of green grass. I felt an insane desire to -crush the globes on the incandescent lights, -which parodied the light of the moon; that soft -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>southern moon, which, with its coterie of stars, -looked down upon my bed of boughs while I -slept in that happy time before disaster came.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“For a long time I could not put these feelings -into words, or even into thoughts; I knew -only that these things I hated, and I madly desired -to get away; it was like the restlessness of -some caged animal. During all of this time -those teachings which had left their impression -upon the brain matter tortured me, suggesting -and urging other thoughts so at variance with -those rebellious feelings that it almost drove me -mad.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Then when Wilbur came it seemed as though -my soul must leap out of the hateful body which -held it in limitation. Instantly I recognized my -own, my hands have many times itched to throttle -the usurper of my person, so that I might -seize that which belonged by right to me. Oh, -how I hate this milk-and-water flesh! These -soft muscles, and dainty palms!</p> - -<p class='c009'>“With his coming—Wilbur, by the way, is -but an assumed name—it seemed to give that -hazy sense of something gone before, something -half remembered, like a dream of the night—a -shock. I concentrated every effort of my being -until scenes from my former life began to float -before my mental vision; dense woods, with -leaves of a glossy, dark green; lilies standing -tall and white; a great bay of water reflecting -the blue of a cloudless sky and the green of the -trees on its placid bosom. There was ever the -vague shadow of a form which filled my veins -with fire, and my whole soul with longing, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>it floated just beyond my mental grasp. Many a -time as I walked under the stars I could have -cried aloud, it seemed so near, and yet—eluded -me I could not remain within the walls of that -elegantly furnished room which was called mine; -so at night I wandered far, and lay on the cool, -dew wet grass, and strove to solve the tormenting -problems.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That evening when Andalusia followed us, I -had been more than usually unsettled and -troubled; there was a softness in the atmosphere; -a mellow light shed by the descending sun; a faint, -odorous stirring of the warm wind, which made -my brain throb as though it would burst, so suggestive -were all things of that half remembered -southern land. When Andalusia brushed past -us, and the light of her eyes entered my soul, -the final knowledge came to me, as had that -other; I remembered all, and in a transport of -joy I called out her name. It was well for <em>him</em> -that I cried out—my body would have been a -vacant tenement otherwise; but unless I also -was released from this hateful bondage it would -have been useless, as I could not, unless through -the same condition which at first existed, have -reclaimed my own.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Andalusia sought Wilbur, thinking herself -deserted by me; she was mad with jealousy long -before he fled; she frightened him with her -ardent love, and I suppose when angered repelled -him by her wild bursts of passion; his cold -nature could not appreciate the tropical love of -my Andalusia.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That evening on the street, when I cried out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>‘Andalusia,’ she recognized my voice, but -thought it some trick to deceive her; you know -that in our land, and especially among our people, -there are many incredible and wonderful -things done to cheat the imagination; but when -I said in Romany, which seemed to drop from -my tongue without my will: “Be at the entrance -of the park to-night at twelve; I, your Antoni, -will meet you;” she swept me a burning gaze of -wondering doubt, and disappeared. I met her -as I promised, but could not convince her that I -spoke the truth; she scornfully taunted me with -the eyes, which she declared that I had stolen -from the summer sky, an open page whereon -to print all my baby passions; she lifted herself -to look over my head, and mock me with her -shrill laughter; one thing only consoled me; I -knew when she promised again to meet me, that -though she derided, she was not quite sure. It -seemed that Wilbur—Ugh! I cannot call him -Petronelli—he has no right to the name, he stole -my body, but—I am I, in spite of it! Well, he -utterly refused her love; he resisted her caresses, -and showed such unmistakable aversion that he -drove her wild; she upbraided him fiercely, and—like -a coward—he fled from her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What led him here? Was it the hand of the -All Wise, or the homing instinct implanted in -man? He came, and you know how he filled the -place, and how perfectly the place fitted him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“For long weeks I failed to convince Andalusia; -weeks that were filled with the madness of despair, -with the agony of vain pleading, of being -scorned and taunted with my baby skin, until -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>every time that I looked at Wilbur, I could -scarcely restrain my hands.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Andalusia watched his every movement; that -night when she fired the pistol she thought that -she had found her rival, and had she been less -angry would have killed her; her emotion, only, -rendering her hand unsteady.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I followed her and appointed a place of meeting; -at first she would not listen, but finally -consented; saying that old Martini Sistine was -with her, hidden in the shrubbery. I was rejoiced, -for old Martini knows much that is hidden -from all the rest of the world; she can talk -familiarly with those who have departed this life; -and to her the stars are as an open book. -Martini knew that I spoke the truth, and in trying -to convince Andalusia she also explained -much which I had been unable to grasp. Andalusia -at first would hear nothing of it, but cried -scornfully, touching the fair hair as though it -were some vile thing, and prodding my flushed -cheek viciously:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“‘<em>This</em> is not my Antoni!’ Then said Martini -severely:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Daughter of the South, born in the wild wood -among nature’s sweetest mysteries, do you -doubt the first one which touches you? For -shame! If you saw a branch lopped off the tree -under which you sat, would you cry out that -this was no longer the same tree? If you should -lose your fair right arm, are you not still Andalusia? -If you were bereft of both limbs and -arms, and nothing but the disfigured trunk remained, -you would still be Andalusia. It is the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>within, which is in reality the personality. -Your Antoni is the same, but he is unfortunate -in having to bear this effeminate body; have -you no pity for his misfortune?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Then my Andalusia wept on my neck, and -begged forgiveness for all her unkind words; -and though she cried continually: ‘Poor Antoni!’ -I was so happy that for a time I forgot all about -my hateful body.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“We are going to our own land; Martini, my -Andalusia and I. Wilbur can take the cool-blooded -Edith and welcome; their placid imitation -of love is like ice to fire as compared to the -glorious tumult of passion which swells in the -hearts of the unfettered children of the free wild wood.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have taken this money and the diamonds, -yet—I am no thief! That portion of myself, -known to the sight as Arthur Lombard—the -hateful body, thrust upon me without my consent—I -am compelled to retain against my will; -that body has a right to maintenance, and I have -taken of Arthur Lombard’s money to care for it. -I have left the balance to the soul of Arthur -Lombard; and as a last request, I ask him to be -kind to the body of poor, cheated Antoni -Petronelli.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span> - <h2 class='c005'>LIMITATIONS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>A brown faced, tangle-haired, barefooted little -girl; a long country road, its yellow clay beaten -into powder, which rose with every gust of wind -into whirling eddies, and spitefully enveloped -each passer-by in a grimy cloak, and followed -after each vehicle like an abhorrent specter. -Long rows of maple cast their cool shadows from -either side; raspberries and blackberries grew -in the corners of the old rail fence; a narrow -footpath cut like a yellow thread into the thick -green sod; here and there a sweet-william held -up its fragrant head; and in the field beyond the -long rows of corn rustled their broad leaves, and -murmured together.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella swung her sunbonnet by the strings, -and gave a little hop-skip-and-jump for very joy -of living. She stopped instantly, as she heard, -“Thella! Thella!” called in a fretful, rasping -tone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes’m,” answered she, at the top of a high-pitched, -young voice, as she ran rapidly toward -a stout, red-faced woman, who stood leaning -over the top of the gate.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I declare to goodness, you make me think of -a turkey! It’s no wonder that you are the -ugliest young one living! Look at that mop of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>hair, and that slit in your dress!” said she, her -voice raised to a shrill scream.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella dropped her head, and drew her black -brows together sullenly. “Why don’t you put -that sunbonnet on your head? Oh, drat you, -get out of my sight, you little imp!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella had been digging one brown toe in the -dust, but at the conclusion of the tirade she -darted past the woman, dextrously dodged a -blow and ran into the house. She flew upstairs -into the attic; there was a little square window, -draped over with cobwebs; Thella had rubbed -the grime off the lower panes, but she left the -cobwebs—she called them her curtains, and the -spiders her little lace makers. From out the -rubbish she had long ago hunted a mirror, with -a very wavy surface. She crouched on the floor -with her head bowed upon the window-sill, sobbing -bitterly; the most forlorn little thing -imaginable.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her stepmother’s voice faintly reached her:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Thella! Thella! Drat the child! she’d wear -the patience out of a saint!” whether she intended -to imply that she was a saint or not, I do -not know.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella only gave a little flout: “You can split -your old throat for all that I care.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Anger dried her tears; she softly crept across -the loose boards of the floor, and brought her -looking-glass to the window. She sat looking at -herself mournfully; it was not a pretty picture -upon which she gazed; a grimy, tear-stained face, -as brown as a coffee-berry, heavy black eyebrows, -arched over a pair of intense gray eyes; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>the wavy glass had a trick of elongating the -visage which made it very comical; added to -this, her hair hung like a black cloud all about -her face. She threw down the glass in disgust:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Thella Armitage, you do look like a little -Indian! Oh, what shall I do?” her chin beginning -to quiver again; but presently she rested -her face on her hand, and sat gazing at the fleecy -clouds chasing each other across the sky, and -wandered off into dreamland; these were her -soldiers, and the great white cloud with a rose-colored border was her chariot, and she was -going:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Thella! Thella Armitage! If you don’t come -down here and wash these dishes I’ll skin you,” -called her stepmother, up the stairs.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“All right, maybe a decent skin would grow -on then,” muttered Thella. She went down -into the hot kitchen and washed the dishes; but -every minute she stole a glance at her pretty -clouds through the open window. “What are -you gawping at? ’tend to your work,” said Mrs. -Armitage crossly. She did not mean to be actually -unkind, but she had no appreciation of another’s -feelings, much less of Thella’s dreamy, -poetic temperament. Thella shot her an angry -look, and sullenly went on with her work, the -beauty all taken out of the clouds, her fairylike -day dreams buried in gloom.</p> - -<p class='c009'>No sooner were the dishes washed than Thella -was set to knit her stint; oh, how she hated -that interminable stocking! The rounds seemed -endless; and if she thought about something -nice for just one little minute the stitches would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>drop and run away down; then Mrs. Armitage -would angrily yank the stocking out of her -hand, pull the needles out, and ravel out all her -evening’s work. When at last the hateful task -was accomplished, and the old clock sitting in -its little niche in the wall—like a miniature shrine -for the Virgin Mary—rang out its nine slow -strokes, she would run up to the old east chamber -where she slept, in an agony of stifled rage.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mrs. Armitage would allow her only a small -bit of candle: “You’re not going to read those -good-for-nothing books; you jest go to bed and -go to sleep; I want you to be fit for something -in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>So she was forced to hurry in between the -sheets, after blowing out the light, often to lie -there wakeful; dreaming such lovely, impossible -dreams by the hour. On moonless nights the -skurry of a rat, or the cracking of the old timbers -in cold weather, would send little shivers -creeping up and down her back; but when the -silvery moon shone in at the curtainless window -she would lie wide-eyed, riding to strange, unheard -of countries on its silver bars.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One happy day a neighbor loaned her the -“Arabian Knights;” she hurried through her -tasks, which were neither short nor easy, and -ran joyously up to the garret; a pane of glass -had been broken, and a pewee had flown in and -built her nest in an old basket suspended from -the rafters. So careful was Thella not to -frighten the mother bird, that she fearlessly -sat on the window-sill and called to her four little -children: “Phebe! Phebe!”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>Thella rested her chin on her hand thoughtfully:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I don’t see how you know them apart if they -are all named Phebe,” said she.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She was far away in an enchanted land with -Alladin, and did not hear Mrs. Armitage creep -up to her; the first intimation she had of her -presence was an awful blow on the ear which -made her see stars, and knocked the book half -across the room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You lazy, trifling trollope! I’ll learn you to -spend your time reading such trash. Now you -march downstairs, and if you can’t find anything -else to do go out in the garden and weed them -onion beds,” saying which she pounced viciously -upon the book.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Pa said I need not weed them until the sun -went down, and it got cooler,” faltered Thella.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Your father is learnin’ you to be as lazy as he -is himself,” snapped Mrs. Armitage; “you -march, now, and no more of your sass.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella rose and pushed back her heavy hair, -preparatory to following her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Will you please let me put away the book?” -she said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I’ll please put it in the fire,” she replied -viciously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, no, no! Don’t, it isn’t mine!” she cried -frantically as she made a vain endeavor to -reach it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mrs. Armitage gave her another resounding -slap: “There, take that, you little cat!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>As she commenced descending the stairs -Thella darted before her, and hurriedly ran to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>the field to her father; she caught hold of his -hands and pulled the hoe away from him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Don’t daughter, ma will be mad if I don’t -keep to work,” he said pathetically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, pa, I’ll hoe in your place; do go and -take my book away from her, she’s going to -burn it, and it isn’t mine at all; it’s Willie -Burt’s!” she cried in agitated incoherence. -“Oh, hurry, pa! Don’t let her burn it,” her -voice full of tears. He stooped for one instant -and laid his hand caressingly upon her head.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Poor little Thella,” he murmured, then -walked hurriedly up to the house. Thella -looked after him sorrowfully:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Poor pa!” she said, with a quiver in her -voice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Presently he came slowly back through the -broiling sunshine and took the hoe from her -hand.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well?” said Thella interrogatively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He shook his head: “’Twasn’t no use, she -had it in the stove.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“The mean, old thing—” began Thella.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Tut-tut; she’s your mother,” said pa gently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“She isn’t <em>my</em> mother; my little mother is -dead!” She began very hotly, but ended with -choking sobs.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wouldn’t cry, little daughter; we must -make the very best of things when we can’t -change them,” he said with a sad resignation -more pathetic by far than tears. He took his -old red bandana from his pocket and wiped the -drops from her flushed cheeks, compassionately.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well! You are the shif’lesses pair I ever did -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>see,” said Mrs. Armitage shrilly. “Thella, if -you don’t go at that onion bed I’ll take a strap -to you.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella gave her a look of bitter hatred, and -walked sullenly to her work. The sun beat -down with terrible force; Thella knelt unprotected -on the edge of the bed, and pulled the -offending weeds; her father hoed the long rows -of corn steadily, only pausing to wipe away the -perspiration as it trickled down his face. Mrs. -Armitage, under the shade of an apple tree whose -boughs bent low with yellow fruit, gossiped -with a neighbor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Pa! pa!” called Thella softly, he paused and -looked at her. “Can’t I have an apple? I’m so -warm and thirsty.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Low as was the call, Mrs. Armitage heard it; -“’Tend to your work; you always want to be -chankin’ something. Warm! it’s just nice and -pleasant.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pa dropped his hoe between the long rows, -and gathering half a dozen apples off the tree, -called Thella to him: “It is nice and cool here, -under the shade of the tree.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He sat on the green bank, and took his little -daughter on his knee; he pushed the thick hair -from her warm face; she ate her apple, her head -lying contentedly on her father’s shoulder. -Mrs. Armitage went on gossiping with the neighbor, -interspersing her remarks with flings about -“People too lazy to breathe—humoring that -good-for-nothing,” etc. If Pa Armitage heard, -he made no sign, beyond pressing his arm a little -closer about Thella’s waist.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>Time went on. Thella was fourteen; her life -was a horrible routine—up before dawn in the -winter, and before the sun in summer, to milk -and churn, cook and scrub; no thoughts expressed -in her hearing except those relating to -eating, working, and the continuous bad conduct -of the neighbors—this last always sufficient for a -whole day’s tirade. In summer it was not so -bad; there were always the whispering trees, -and the fragrant flowers; the green grass, and -the busy booming of the bumble bees; the lowing -of the solemn-eyed cows, that came at her -call. Best of all was the walk down the long, -shady lane, through the grassy dell, where, in -the limpid brook, the funny crabs crawled backward; -and the saucy, gray squirrel chattered at -her from the beech and chestnut trees on the -hillside; still an added joy when “pa” followed -his little girl, telling her of his coming by putting -his crooked little finger in his mouth, and -thus whistling shrilly. Fast as her nimble feet -could carry her she ran to him, and nestling her -hand in his begged him to tell her of her very -own mamma. Oh, the delightful walks and -talks; the sun hanging low in the west and the -soft wind just stirring the leaves; a little later -the softly falling dew, the gathering shadows, a -belated bird hopping from branch to branch -with drowsy chirp; a rabbit darting across the -path, causing Thella to glance over her shoulder -in quick affright and cling a little closer to -“pa’s” hand at sight of the dark shadows all -around her; then the great red moon lifting his -round face above the treetops, lighting up the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>openings, and leaving the shadows darker by contrast. -The sweet silence seemed deepened by -the shrill cry of the cicada, and the plaintive call -of the whip-poor-will; at last pa would say, “We -must hurry home, we shall get a scolding.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella would sigh and answer: “Yes, pa, but -this is so nice,” with a loving cuddle closer to -his side.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Well they knew the remark Mrs. Armitage -was sure to make about their “trapezing” all over -the fields.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Not long after this, all through the day Thella -had been working very hard, and in the edge of -the evening sat down on the porch to rest. Pa -had just come in from the field looking worn out; -Thella’s heart ached as she looked at him: -“Poor pa, you are tired out,” she said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, pretty tired, daughter!” he answered; -hearing Mrs. Armitage coming they said no -more.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She was in a fearful humor; she had quarreled -with one of the neighbors, and seemed to think -that the fight extended to her own family. It -was quite dark on the porch, and Thella sat in -the shadow so that she did not observe her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Where is Thella?” she angrily asked of pa, -as she came in.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Not very far away, I guess,” he answered -mildly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Out trapezing somewhere, I suppose! I -seen her whispering to that Judd Tompkins, -more’n once; she’ll come to no good, I’ll tell -you!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Sho! Sho! What’s the use of bein’ so hard, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>ma? Didn’t you never talk to the boys when -you was young?” asked pa very mildly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wish to goodness I’d never seen a pesky -man; of all the shif’less, onery things a man’s -the wust; and you’re about the laziest of the -whole bilin’.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pa made no reply, but Thella rose up, white -and wrathful; it is not the great things which -rouse us to the depth of feeling, but the continued -pin-pricking; the nag-nagging which -drives us to desperation. Thella could take anything -directed against herself; she thought many -times that she had grown so used to it that it -did not hurt much, but pa, poor pa, she could -not hear the good patient soul nagged so, without -a word of protest.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You just let pa alone! You can abuse me -all you like, but you needn’t misuse him on my -account, he is not to blame for my shortcomings;” -she sidled up to him, and clasped his -arm with her two hands.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Hoity-toity! I’m glad I have your permission -to express my feelings to you, my high-flown -miss; and with or without your consent, -I’ll say what I please to your pa—you little -trollope, you!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She made an angry dive at Thella, who only -threw up her arm and warded off the blow: -“You had best not strike me,” she said in a -peculiarly quiet tone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Come away, come away, daughter; don’t -quarrel with her. Make the best of it! We -can’t seem to alter things, so let’s make the best -of it,” said the old man tremulously.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>Thella was trembling with anger; she realized -that she had made it worse for pa instead of -helping him, and her heart was filled with regret -and bitterness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Pa, you don’t have to endure such abuse; -set your foot down and make her behave herself.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, Thella, I couldn’t! Don’t you see, -daughter, that I can’t quarrel with a woman? -Let us take a walk down the lane,” and hand in -hand they went. Nothing further was said on -the subject until they turned to go in; pa drew -a long sigh: “I wish your ma had a lived, but I -made my bed—” he broke off abruptly, then -continued in a trembling tone, “I thought I was -doing the best for my little girl to give her a -new ma—you see, a man that’s had a good wife -is lonely, and beside, he don’t know just what -to do for a little girl—and I thought—I -thought—” the old voice quavered into silence -piteously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella stopped short and laid her hands upon -his shoulders affectionately: “Yes, I know—dear -pa, you are so kind; but pa—you are mistaken—you -are not making the best of it; there is no -good at all in this way of living; it’s just slavery -for the bite you eat, and a bed to sleep in—that’s -full of thorns; even your food is thrown -at you as though you were a dog, and where are -all the books we used to have? One might as -well be a fool, if they can have no use for their -brains,” she ended bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes; she’s put all the books away; I’m afraid -she’s burned them. Your ma liked books, -Thella; we used to take such comfort reading together, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>but Mandy says it makes me lazy—p’raps -it does. Mandy is a wonderful manager, -Thella.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Very wonderful! She can make everybody -else work while she gossips with the neighbors,” -answered Thella indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Sho, sho! Daughter you mustn’t talk that -way! She’s your ma—no, she’s your stepma, -you know. We must make the best of it,” he -iterated weakly. Thella made no reply, though -her heart burned hotly; what could she say to -this crushed spirit that would not add to his -trouble?</p> - -<p class='c009'>Before she let him go in she said hesitatingly; -“Pa, I am going away; she is cross to you on -my account, and—and—oh, pa, I do want to go -to school; there’s so much that I want to know!” -she said breathlessly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He stood as though stunned: “What shall I -do without you?” he cried despairingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella trembled with excitement; her heart -was torn between the desire to go and the longing -to remain; how could she leave her poor, -heartbroken old father? but—she honestly believed -that <em>she</em>—Thella never called her anything -else if she could avoid it—would be less unkind -to pa, if she were gone. Thella knew -very well that a rancorous jealousy added force -to her misuse of him; and—oh, she could not go -on in this way; empty day dreams no longer -sufficed her bright intelligence; she hungered -and thirsted for knowledge; he had a vague -understanding of higher and better things than -met her everyday sight. She could no longer -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>keep her eyes earthward; even when she cast -them down for one instant, all things spoke to -her of that higher life, and filled her with unutterable -longing. Something of this she tried -to tell pa between her sobs.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He let his hand wander gently over her crown -of hair, as he said, “Yes—yes, daughter; I know -how you feel. I used to have just such thoughts, -and ma—your ma—used to make me feel as -though I could see right up into God’s heart, -and I knew—I <em>knew</em>—that I could live well -enough to reach Him, sometime, I should if ma -hadn’t have died; but now—I just have to make -the best of it,” he finished despondently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But pa, hadn’t you ought to try now—for -ma’s sake?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How can I? I never have time even to -think. No, no, daughter, I must just make the -best of it,” he reiterated wearily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She had no words of comfort that had not in -them a sound of mockery, so she said nothing -beyond thanking him for his consent, and as she -kissed him lovingly, she patted his withered -cheek with her toil-roughened palms: “Poor -pa! Poor pa! I love you dearly,” she said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A tear stole down his furrowed face and wet -her hands; he tremblingly murmured, “God -bless my daughter!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning Mrs. Armitage screamed in -vain to Thella:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Drat her, I’ll take a strap to her, if she’s -bigger’n the side of a house.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>When at last she threw open the door of the -poor, bare little chamber, she found it empty. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>For once words failed her—she sat down on the -stairs gasping.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pa wisely kept out of her way. She missed -her servant, but poor pa went about more silent -than ever; it seemed that in one short month he -grew visibly gray and bent; he worked on hopelessly -through heat and cold. The only smile -that ever crossed his face was when he received -a thick letter from the village postmaster; he -would hide it away in his inside pocket with -trembling hands for fear Mandy would see it; -a little spot of color coming into his thin old -cheeks at the thought; at nightfall he would -wander down the lane where he used to walk -with Thella, and just to make believe that she -would come to meet him, he would crook his -little finger and whistle shrilly. Oh, the comfort -those letters were to him; after reading -them over and over again, he would hide them -away in a hollow log.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella always wrote to him that she was well -and happy; she told him nothing of the hard -labor and bitter disappointments she met; her -situation had been assured to her before she left -home, but there were many things that were -hard to bear; not the least of which was a terrible -homesickness. Then, too, when she came -to go to school, she found that others of the -same age were far in advance of her in their -studies, and consequently looked down upon -her. Patient effort at last brought success; by -this time her homesick feeling had worn away; -she still longed to see her father, but had ever -the hope before her of a home in which “pa” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>should have the warmest corner in winter and -the brightest window when he wished it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Later on she wrote that she was teaching; pa -whispered it softly to himself: “My Thella is a -schoolmam!” Such innocent pride as pa took -in the fact.</p> - -<p class='c009'>After four years she wrote to him that she was -married.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Married! My little girl, married!” His -old face puckered up queerly; he did not know -whether to laugh or cry. She wrote that she -was very happy. After that the burden of every -letter was, “Pa, do come and see me.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sitting by the fire one evening, late in the -fall, pa said, “Mandy, I am going to Adairville -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I should like to know if you are possessed, -you’ll do no such thing! What do you want to -go there for?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I want to see Thella; it’s a long time since I -seen her!” deprecatingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, you won’t go trapezing after her; she -run away, and you’ll not follow her.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“She’s my child, you hadn’t ought to be so -hard, Mandy,” quavered the old man.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, you’ll not go, I tell you! you ain’t -goin’ to spend no money running after that trollope!” -answered she.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pa sighed, but said no more; he had submitted -to her rule so long that the thought of -opposition did not occur to him; his shoulder -seemed to bend as if beneath a heavy load; his -gray head drooped lower and lower; a heavy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>tear or two followed the deep furrows down his -cheek.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning he seemed scarcely able to -stir, and though her wrath enveloped him all -day he seemed not to mind; he appeared like -one in a dream.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When chore-time came again, she said sharply, -“Ain’t you goin’ to get them cows to-night? -you act as though your wits was wool-gatherin’—or -like a tarnal fool!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Mandy, I’ve always did the best I could!” -he said quaveringly, as he turned away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It’s poor enough, the Lord knows,” snapped -she.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When pa reached the entrance to the lane he -stood lost in thought for several minutes—he -had forgotten all about the cows—suddenly he -straightened up: “I’ve a good mind to do it! -I vum, I will!” he laughed outright—a cracked, -cackling laugh, that had a pitiful sound; his -weak, watery eyes began to glisten; this time -instead of whistling once, he whistled twice -shrilly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Daughter, I’m coming; your old pa’s coming!” -he cried gleefully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He sat down on the hollow log where he kept -his letters; he took them out, handling them -over fondly; from the last one received he drew -out a bill; he spelled the letter out laboriously:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class='c009'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Pa</span>: Here is a little money to get you -a suit of new clothes; and in my next letter I -will send you enough for your fare, for, dear pa, -I must see you.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>He laid the letter on his knee, smoothing it -caressingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, daughter, so you shall; I couldn’t never -wait ’till I got another letter; so I will go just -as far as this money’ll carry me and I’ll walk -the rest of the way. Lord! What’ll Mandy -say?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Poor pa did not know as much about traveling -as do some children, so he had very little idea of -his undertaking.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Two weeks later Thella was one afternoon sitting -in her pleasant room. The postman had -just passed, which set her to wondering why she -did not hear from pa; she ever had the dread -before her that his burden would become greater -than he could bear, and that she would see him -no more. A servant came hurriedly into the -room:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Mrs. Webster, there is an old man at the -door who insists upon seeing you; I think he is -crazy, he acts so queer.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Where is he?” asked Thella, rising.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“At the front door, where he has no business -to be, of course! Oh, he said tell you that his -name is Armitage——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, it is pa—it’s pa!” cried Thella, wildly -oblivious that she had nearly thrown the astonished -girl over.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She seized the toilworn hands of the forlorn-looking -old man; she threw her arms around his -sunburned neck, and hugged him ecstatically; -she fairly dragged him into the room, so great -was her excited joy; she pulled forward the -easiest chair, and playfully pushed him into it; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>she patted his hands, and kissed his snowy, -straggling hair; she had no words to express her -joy, grief, and surprise, except to say over and -over again, “Poor pa! Poor pa! Oh, I am so -glad to see you!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He looked at her with dim old eyes, his shaking -hand held in hers; “Is this pretty lady my -little daughter?” he asked with a happy laugh.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, you awful flatterer,” cried Thella gayly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pa leaned back in his chair with a sigh of -satisfaction: “This chair is awful comfortable,” -he closed his eyes wearily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You are tired, pa, and I do not let you rest!” -she said with quick compunction.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, I am tired; it was a long walk. Mandy -wouldn’t let me come, so I ran away; I wouldn’t -quarrel with her, so I had to make the best of -it.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Walk! Did you walk?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“’Most a hundred miles; it took me a long -spell, but I’m glad I come. When I shut my -eyes it seems as though I’m talking to your ma; -your voice sounds just as hers did.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning when Thella went to call -him to breakfast, he lay babbling of the green -lane and Thella, his little girl; occasionally crying -out piteously, “Don’t be so hard, Mandy; -she’s only a little girl!” Then again, tears -would course down his worn cheeks: “Oh, if ma -had only lived!” Another time: “Yes, daughter; -it is hard to bear, but we must make the -best of it.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was a whole month later, and pa was lying -back in an invalid chair, his head propped with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>soft cushions, his old face looking very placid. -“What a sight of nice books you have, daughter; -it would be a pleasure to stay here all my -life!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That’s just what you are going to do, pa.” -“Oh, I can’t! You know how Mandy will -scold, but I’m goin’ to take all the comfort I -can, while I do stay.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella leaned over him, smoothing his thin, -gray hair as though he were a child, a wistful -tenderness in her tone:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Mandy’ll never scold you again, pa.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Pa sat upright, a fitful color coming into his -thin cheeks: “What do you mean? Has—something—” stammered -he, nervously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“There, pa, don’t fret; yes, Mandy is—dead;” -caressing the hand she held tenderly. “She -took a severe cold, and was sick only three or -four days.” A tear coursed down his cheek:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Poor Mandy! Perhaps she didn’t mean to be -so hard; we mustn’t judge for others, must we, -now?” he questioned tremulously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He sat silent for a long time, at last he said, -“You’ve everything nice here, and the best man -that ever lived; you’ve learned so many things—I -don’t ’spose you would care to walk in the old -lane where my <em>little</em> girl and I used to walk; -but I should like to see it once more, and then -I’d be content to stay with you the rest of my -days.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thella gave his hand a loving little pat: “Just -hurry up and get well, and we will go and make -believe that it is old times once more.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was months before pa was able to go, but at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>last they walked down the lane in the sweet June -twilight; as of old, “bob-white” whistled to his -shy brown mate; and the gray rabbit lifted his -long ears inquiringly, exactly as in the past; -the yellow buttercups laughed up amid the -short, sweet grass just the same, and yet Thella -felt a depressing sadness, and pa sighed sorrowfully: -“One kind of gets used to things, Thella—no -need to hurry home now, is there? It -makes me sorry and lonesome.” Thella pressed -his arm sympathetically, and they silently -walked up the lane, past the cows, ruminatively -chewing their cud; past the flock of chickens, -with their many bickerings, as they sought their -roost; past the silent house and into the street, -closing the gate softly and reverently behind -them, even as they closed the door of the past -life.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span> - <h2 class='c005'>A TALE OF TWO PICTURES.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>It is a question open to discussion whether it -is a blessing to be born with a highly sensitive -organization, an artistic taste—and poverty.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The reverse was the opinion of Philip Aultman. -Life seemed a failure, every venture foredoomed; -and this sunny June morning, when -all nature seemed to give the lie to evil prognostications, -he sat in his room with the curtains of -his soul pulled down, brooding over his misfortunes, -not once considering that he was in fault. -A maple grew just outside the window, and a -little branch tapped on the uplifted sash coaxingly; -the soft wind whispered through its -branches, and entering lifted his curly brown -locks shyly; a bluebird tilted its bright head, and -swelled its throat in song of enticement; he -lifted his face from the melancholy arch of his -arms, and said as if in answer to the appeal: “I -<em>will</em> go out, this is of no use! Anything is better -than staying within brooding over my -trouble!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he wandered about the sweet wind seemed -to blow away much of his despondency, although -he still smarted with indignation against fate. -Yet—what is fate? The evil we bring upon ourselves. -We clasp our hands above our heads, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>prostrate ourselves with our foreheads in the -dust, and say with the devout Oriental: “Kismet!” -Thus we are absolved from all blame.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Philip had been poor all his life; not miserably -indigent, though many things which go to -make life comfortable were lacking. He had inherited -a taste for art from his father; hard -work had been the rule of his life, and as a result -he was a very creditable artist, though not by -any means entering into the soul of the work. -It is one thing to paint a fair picture, to write -an acceptable story; it is quite another thing to -put your very self into your work, and endow it -with a subtle life which is past all explaining.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When he was twenty-five he inherited money—worse -for him; he thought that henceforward -life held no need for exertion; as though food -and raiment constitute all for which we should -exert ourselves. He fancied that happiness lay -in two things; going to sleep, and letting the -enervating wind of pleasure drift him whithersoever -it would; or getting astride of the billow -of self-will, to ride over everything. He did not -find his mistake until slice by slice his inheritance -had been cut away from him, and he looked -with astonished gaze upon those who, under the -guise of friendship, had fastened themselves -upon him in his prosperity, and now stared at -him with unseeing eyes. He looked upon it as -the worst misfortune which could have befallen -him. He was no more shortsighted than the -majority of persons; because a certain condition -brings present discomfort, we rebel against it as -being to our great detriment; most frequently -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>we rebel without reason. The loss was a blessing -to him, against which he railed, beat, and -bruised himself.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Just at this point I take up his history.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He wandered about the woods all day, sometimes -throwing himself on the grass to look up -into the immeasurable depths of the ether; -again, idly throwing pebbles into the flashing -water; but during all that sweet, restful afternoon -his soul was awakening from its lethargy; -thoughts which seemed to him a glimpse of the -divine, surprised his hitherto dormant intellectuality; -he began to realize that life held possibilities -of which he had never caught a glimpse.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Evil is but good gone astray; it is the oscillation -of the pendulum; Philip had reached the -adverse limit, and the pendulum of its own momentum -was returning to the center of gravity. -As deadly nausea is the precursor of a cleansed -stomach, so he felt a thorough disgust with all -the world, which meant to him—as it does to -every one of us—the people with whom he was -in daily association; he indignantly compared -them to a flock of geese—all gabble and greed. -It is a hard truth, that if we will submit to be -plucked we can soon find all the worst characteristics -of the worst people. He thought savagely -that he desired never to see one of them again.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He took a small memorandum book from his -pocket, and setting down a few figures ran them -over rapidly; he laughed harshly, a sound that -held the threat of a sob: “Six hundred dollars! -Well, that is a great showing from fifty thousand! -No wonder the elegant Mabel DeVere -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>gave me the cold shoulder; she and her kind -have no use for a man without money; then -there was that little dancer—she had no further -use for the goose after it was thoroughly plucked, -as she took pains to tell me; she was at least -honest. They are all alike, a treacherous, tricky -lot!” he muttered to himself, with moody brow; -but he remembered with a pang of shame that -his loving, patient, helpful mother had been -like none of those with whom he had associated, -and his shame was that he had sought such company; -it had been of his own choosing; what -better was he, that he should fling at them? He -was looking at himself in a new light.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He tried not to think about it, it made him -restless and ashamed; but such thoughts once -aroused will not be quieted; when the light is -once admitted the germ of higher growth will -strengthen rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How sweet it would be to live like this,” he -said thoughtfully. A sudden smile lighted the -gloom of his face; “Why not? I have my outfit, -and money enough to procure food and shelter -whenever I desire it. It is not so very much -that a person needs after all; it is what he fancies -that he needs, and is much better without, -that takes the money—and what his friends -require,” he added with a rueful grimace.</p> - -<p class='c009'>In consequence of this determination, he took a -small gripsack, together with his artist’s materials, -and tossed the key of his room to his -landlady, saying nonchalantly, “Take care of -my things; I’ll be back sometime!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>No person can live near to nature’s heart, can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>share in her moods, and drink of her healing -waters, and not grow purer in heart, and -stronger spiritually. Philip began to lose the -sense of discord, and to understand, with a feeling -of humility, that he had been in fault; it -was well for him to live with himself for awhile, -that he might learn what kind of a man he had -really been.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Toward the close of a cloudless July day he -came up a long, grassy, country lane, to a squat -looking farmhouse; he had come across country -many miles, and had found a strange charm in -the solitude. He was tired and hungry, and -hailed a sight of the house with pleasure. The -whole place had a wild and deserted look; a few -late roses hung their heavy heads from the unpruned -bushes; creepers ran riot over a long, -low porch extending around three sides of the -house giving it the appearance of a mother hen -protecting her brood.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he assayed to open the rickety gate the -tangled morning-glorys seemed to hold it closed -against him as though in warning. A vision of -supper and a bed with cool, sweet-scented sheets -had possessed his mind; but as the gate creaked -on its one rusty hinge and he felt the desolation -of the place, a chill went over him and the comforting -vision disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A hollow, uncanny reverberation was the only -answer to his rapping. He turned the knob, -which yielded readily to his touch, but the door -swung slowly on its rusty hinges; stiffly like a -person old and tortured with the rheumatism. -He stood undecided, peering in among the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>shadows of a long, dimly lighted hall, which extended -the whole length of the house, the doors -opening primly on either side along its entire -length; plainly no foot had disturbed the dust -on this floor for many a day. As he stepped -within a cloud arose as though in protest; he -opened the first door on the right, and was surprised -to find the room furnished; the low-browed -ceiling seemed to frown ominously; the -sides were paneled in dark wood, being alternately -the head of an animal and a flower, exquisite -in design and workmanship; but the -dark mahogany color added to the somber effect. -A square old-fashioned bedstead stood at the far -corner of the room, its tall spindling posts rising -high toward the ceiling like uplifted hands; on -one of these hung a man’s hat. Phil fancied -that he could see the kind of a man who had -worn it; an athletic fellow, not over nice in his -dress, judging by its battered look. The clothing -on the bed was pulled awry, as though the -occupants had hurriedly stepped out, without -time to arrange the room; an easy-chair was -drawn up before the great, yawning fireplace, in -which a few charred sticks lay across the old-fashioned, brass andirons. On the mantle stood -a brass candlestick, with a half-burned candle in -the socket; a pair of snuffers on a tray at its -side; a turkey wing, bound with velvet, lay on -another tray in the corner of the fireplace; just -above it hung a pair of old-fashioned bellows; a -short, squat shovel, and a pair of grotesquely, -long legged tongs stood near; the two looking -like a lank old man, and his fat, little wife. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>Taken altogether, it had a quaint, old-fashioned -look, which told pathetically of mouldering -forms, and days long since dead.</p> - -<p class='c009'>All other rooms in the house were entirely -destitute of furniture. He soon kindled a fire, -and from a little stream which purled through -the garden he filled his tin pot and presently it -was singing drowsily. Hunger made a sauce -piquant to his crackers cheese, and fragrant tea; -better relished than all the costly dinners eaten -when stomach and morals both were overburdened.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The sun was setting in the west amid a glory -of gilded clouds; the wind blew faintly across -the level meadow and pasture land; no sound -disturbed the silence; the tinkle of a cowbell, -the crowing of a cock, seemed but to accentuate -the peace.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil brought the chair out upon the porch, -and sat leaning lazily back, dreamily regarding -his surroundings. How much sweeter this than -the restless, unsatisfying life which he had led! -In some occult manner the quaint old-fashioned -house and the peaceful scene brought his mother -before his mind; the saddened quiet, the tinge of -sweet loneliness, seemed like a reflection of her -life. A wave of regret swept over him that he -had not been a better son. He remembered that -she had saved and denied herself many comforts -that he might receive a fine education, and study -art under the most favorable circumstances. He -blushed with shame to think how ungrateful he -had been, and felt glad that the money had not -fallen to him while she yet lived, for he knew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>that his reckless course would have grieved her -sorely. Heretofore he had consoled himself -with the thought that there were others much -worse than he; he began to understand that comparison -did not in the least palliate the offense; -he felt a greater twinge of shame as he thought -of some of his past actions, that thus he had -wronged her memory, her teachings, and his -higher self.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He drifted from regretful thought into slumber.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It had grown dark; the wind had arisen with -the going down of the sun, and the loose boards -were rattling noisily; the vines were swaying to -and fro, but the stars blinked in the darkened -vault in a quizzical manner as he started up in -affright. He thought that he felt a hand upon -his shoulder, and that he beheld the shadowy -outline of a form within the room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He stood up and shook himself vigorously: “I -must have been dreaming; this wind is uncomfortably -cold,” he said, with a shiver.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He went in, and lighted the candle; he built -a fire which leaped and flared up the broad-mouthed -fireplace, throwing jolly, fantastic -shadows over the great room, much more suggestive -of the play of elfins than the gloomy walking -of ghosts. He sat drowsily looking into the -coals; the fire had burned low, and the room -was in half shadow, with a fitful lighting up now -and then; a cold wind struck him, and he -seemed impelled by some unseen force to look -toward the bed; the battered hat appeared to be -rising of its own volition above the tall post, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>the face of a man fitted itself beneath it; a cruel -face; the white brow beetling over deep set, piercing -eyes; the jaw massive and square; the lips -thin, a mere line across the resolute face; the -whole countenance imbued with a strange fierce -beauty; a man who would allow nothing to stand -in the way of his will. Phil started up with a -gasp of terror; he felt suffocated.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Great God! Is this place haunted, or have -I a bad case of nightmare?” he exclaimed aloud.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He could have sworn that he heard a laugh, -shrill and blood curdling; but perhaps it was -but the wind among the gnarled apple trees—our -imagination plays us strange tricks, and the -furnishings and appearance of a room have disastrous -effect upon our nerves at times.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He slept but fitfully the whole night, although -nothing more occurred to alarm him, and with -the coming of the morning sun he thought it all -a dream.</p> - -<p class='c009'>After he had his breakfast he took his easel -out upon the porch; he felt ashamed of the -wasted hours which lay behind him, and determined -to be more diligent; he placed his board, -took his pencil in his hand—and sat staring -straight before him. He sought vainly for an -inspiration; his brain seemed empty, imagination -dead. But one object rose before his mental -vision—the face he had seen under the old -hat!</p> - -<p class='c009'>He felt tempted to throw pencils and board in -among the weeds. He left the easel standing, -and went for a long walk; while walking his -imagination leaped responsive to his desire; he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>outlined his work, and hastened back eager to -commence; but as he once more seated himself, -the same tormenting sense of inability assailed -him; the same terrifying face came ever between -him and the board.</p> - -<p class='c009'>With an angry exclamation he commenced -sketching; at once he lost all feeling of uncertainty; -he worked feverishly, and line by line -the face grew before him; he seemed inspired by -some power other than his own; a mole in front -of the ear, a dimple in the chin, which he did -not remember having seen, grew under his hand. -A face of strange beauty, but from every lineament -shone forth a fierce unconquerable nature, -and at last, as the light was fading, he threw -down his pencil and stepped back to look at it; -he saw the ghostly counterpart hovering just -above it; he gave utterance to a frightened exclamation; -then said angrily: “I’ve looked so -steadily at that thing, that I see double; I’ll -take a run and rest myself.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>So he carried everything within, and took his -way to the lone farmhouse visible in the distance; -he found the place occupied by an elderly -couple. After some desultory talk, he questioned -the woman about the old house and its -former occupants; she, nothing averse, told him -the following story:</p> - -<p class='c009'>The house was built long before her birth, by -a strange, foreign looking man, who, although -he appeared to be wealthy, lived the life of a recluse. -He suddenly disappeared, and what became -of him no one ever knew; the estate was -finally sold by the courts, and John Hilyer, then -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>a young man, and just married to pretty, winsome -Rachel Drew, bought the place, and came -there to live.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A year or so later a son was born to them; -John Hilyer, Jr. As young John grew to manhood, -he resembled his father in feature and -physique; but had a beauty inherited from his -mother. No one ever knew the elder Hilyer to -transgress a law, human or divine—according -to his own estimation of himself. But he ruled -his gentle wife as though she were a child; and -he required of John unquestioning obedience—a -complete subjugation of will, not considering -that so sturdy a sapling must possess a growth -of its own. He was a hard, selfish man; without -sympathy or understanding for desires, and -feelings not possessed by himself; he was, to -himself, the criterion by which to judge all -things. Added to this, he had a mean, miserly -way of using religion as a specious plea for -denying others the things conducive to comfort -or pleasure; he stigmatized all such as sinful.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Young John was of a fiery, almost cruelly persistent -turn; where he loved, he loved fiercely, -jealously; where he hated it was with a violence -of passion frightful to contemplate. His father -allowed him no money to spend, and no time for -pleasure, or even for recreation, saying that it -was a sinful waste of time. All the love of John’s -fierce heart was poured out upon his mother, and -when she laid down her hard burden, his grief -and anger were beyond words, though he cried -out to his father: “You starved her to death! -You starved her body of the things that might -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>have prolonged her life, and her very soul of all -intellectual and spiritual food!” Some little of -the truth must have penetrated the old man’s -armor of selfishness, as he turned away without -reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A year later his father died, and so bitter was -his feeling against him that he saw him lowered -into his grave without a regret. He was like a -child let loose from restraint; he plunged into -all kinds of excess. He gathered around him a -horde of evil companions, who for months made -the old place a pandemonium. John was no -fool, and he soon sickened of this life; and when -one of them thought to be witty at the expense -of his mother, and her poor way of living, he -grew livid with wrath, and turned them all out, -saying as he closed the door upon them, -“Neither you, nor I, are fit to mention my -mother; but you shall not disgrace her room -again!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He shut himself up in almost total solitude, -with a wild idea of doing penance for having -outraged his mother’s memory. Several months -later one or two of his profligate associates -sought him, he promptly shut the door in their -faces, and what he said to them he said in such -a manner that they left him undisturbed in his -solitude. Then he disappeared, and no one -knew of his whereabouts for fully a year; even at -this time the house had come to have an evil -reputation; people said of it that it was an unlucky -place, but they passed it with a shudder -which meant much more.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One night in early springtime, a passer-by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>saw a dim light in the front room—the others -had long since been stripped of the old-fashioned -furniture; the uncanny reputation of -the house made him hasten by without a glance -more than he could help.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next day the whole country was in commotion. -Early in the forenoon three large vans, -loaded with furniture—which in those days was -considered elegant—drove up to the door of the -farmhouse. To their repeated knocking there -was no response; one of the teamsters looked in -through the uncurtained window; he gave a -horrified cry. In the center of the room, ghastly -and covered with blood, lay the body of John -Hilyer; in his right hand he still grasped the -pistol with which he had slain himself. He had -bought the furniture the day before, and ordered -it delivered at the house; he seemed to be in an -unusually happy mood. What cause led to the -deed none could conjecture, and during all these -years the old house had kept its secret. Not a -person could be induced to approach the place -after dark, as all declared it to be haunted.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When Philip returned night had fallen, dark -and solemn; he dreaded to enter the room; the -weird story impressed him with a nervousness -unaccountable to himself; he had ever been of -a skeptical turn, and had scoffed at spiritual -phenomena and manifestations as creations of -an overwrought brain. He felt tempted to leave -the old house this night, he had a dread of the -coming hours; then, he thought scornfully, it -would look too much like running away because -of a weird story, and—some unseen force seemed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>to restrain him; a whisper in the air—an unseen -hand—seemed to be holding him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He tried to shake himself out of the feeling, -and said pettishly: “What nonsense this is!—Much -better to have gone on!” but he would -not, neither could he go.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He gathered a great armful of wood from the -old barn at the far end of the lot, and soon the -blaze leaped up brightly; the room grew oppressively -warm, the heat, together with the loss of -sleep the night before, lulled his senses into -drowsy nodding; then he dropped into deep -sleep, with his head thrown back against the -dark cushion, the dying fire playing over his sun-browned -face fitfully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The night waned; the fire died to a bed of embers, -still he slept quietly on.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Of a sudden he opened his eyes, wide awake -on the instant; he did not stir, but he felt sure—sure -that a hand was resting lightly on his -shoulder, that a face almost touched his own; it -seemed not the presence of one unknown, but -rather of one for whom he had been waiting; he -had not before realized this fact, but it now -dawned upon him with solemn gladness. At -once he seemed to know that it was for this that -he had waited; like a dawning light it occurred -to him that there is no such thing as accident, -that all things proceed from cause to effect, that -the intelligent power which is the source of all -things <em>cannot</em> forsake His children; the law -which is immutable to the least of His children -is just as unalterable for Him; he realized that -he had been led in this path. He did not seem -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>to be thinking this; it was shown to him -through the spiritual sense as though the search -light of the soul had been thrown upon the facts -for his guidance; his every physical effort -seemed to be absorbed in the sense of hearing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Some force other than his own compelled him -to turn around; at that instant a sob sounded -close beside him; it thrilled him like a blast of -cold wind, but he was bound to his chair as -though with iron bands. About the middle of -the room he heard a rustling sound, but saw -nothing except the indistinct shadows called -forth by the dying fire; then a cry smote his -ear, a sound full of fear and anguish; gradually -upon his sight grew the forms of a man and -woman in agitated conversation; he stern and -angry; she, with her face in her hands, sobbed -bitterly; this appeared to melt the man’s anger, -and bending above her bowed figure he kissed -her bright hair. Behind him crept the man -whose face Phil had seen beneath the battered -hat, and dealt the other man a terrible blow with -a hatchet; the woman raised her face with an -appalled shriek, and with a mad ferocity he -struck her to the floor; as she sank down the -assailed man appeared to recover somewhat, and -sought to defend himself; Phil could see the -straining muscles, the tigerish ferocity of the -assailant’s countenance, the failing struggles of -the man on the defensive, a falling back inertly; -when he lay ghastly, and cadaverous, the assailant -seized him and dragged him out; not as one -in fear, but fiercely, as though desirous of putting -something he loathed out of his sight. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>Presently he returned, and stood looking down -at the woman with strangely working features; -he brought his hands together despairingly, as -though bewailing his work; then a sudden wave -of passion seemed to sweep over him, a wild -frenzy of mingled love and hate; for an instant -he clasped her form in mad embrace; then as -though he loathed even the inanimate flesh, he -bore her out of the house as he had carried the -man. Phil could hear the fierce panting breath, -and the vicious tread upon the porch outside.</p> - -<p class='c009'>For an instant Phil lost all consciousness of the -room, of all circumstances, of even the heavy -tread outside—it was as though his very spirit -swooned; when he again became cognizant of his -surroundings the murderer was peering through -the open door; his eyes shone out of his ghastly -face with a fierce, yet half affrighted, maniacal -light. He strode across the room to the bed, -and with angry gestures, he pulled the clothing -hither and thither; at last he seemed to find that -for which he sought, a small packet tied in oiled -silk. He walked to a panel in the wall, directly -opposite the foot of the bed; he grasped the -hound’s head by the muzzle, and it looked as -though the animal sprang to life; its eyes rolled -wildly, it opened its jaws as though to devour -the assailant, who tossed the packet into the -wide-open mouth, which closed with a snap as -though appeased by the sacrifice. The scene -faded away; exhaustion held Phil a prisoner -until far into the next day.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He returned to a consciousness of his surroundings -with a shiver of affright, but as he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>looked out at the sunlit fields, and smelled the -fresh dewy atmosphere, he thought his vision of -the past night but the illusions of a dream.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“This close, stuffy room is quite enough to -give one a nightmare,” he said, stretching his -limbs; which felt sore and bruised; he also had -a horrible sense of exhaustion.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He walked into the garden, and bathed his -face in the stream; there was such fresh life in -the atmosphere that his soul filled with the -elasticity of hope, and his spirits rose to exaltation; -after all, what is energy but hope put to -use?</p> - -<p class='c009'>Yesterday his imagination lay dormant; to-day -his purposed picture formed itself in his -mind, in lineaments of beauty and glowing color. -He ate his breakfast in healthy mood; he said to -himself: “I’ll get out of this witch’s den to-day! -I wouldn’t spend another night here—” a touch -light as thistledown grazed his cheek; a breath -from the unseen—a pressure on his shoulder, as -of an invisible hand; he felt, without knowing -the cause, that he could not go.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He arose and went into the house: “I wonder!” -though what he wondered he did not say.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He took the sketch of the head he had drawn -yesterday, and held it to the light, turning it -from side to side. It was, line for line, the face -of the murderer as he saw it in his vision; as he -sat regarding the drawing thoughtfully, another -phase of the vision—was it vision or dream? -though the distinction between a vision and a -dream might be a nice point for argument—but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>his mind dwelt with strange insistence upon -the packet which he had seen put away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If I find that parcel it will prove that it was -a vision, and it will determine my next step; -though why I should go prying around this old -house I do not know. The sketch of the head -and this illusion also, may both be the effect of -that old woman’s story; but—but—it doesn’t -tally. Well, here goes for the next move!” he -said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Was it but fancy, that a soft, happy sigh -reached his ear? or was it but the summer -breeze?</p> - -<p class='c009'>How like the unbroken links of a chain it all -appeared; he had planned none of it, he could -never have imagined himself in such a rôle; -some volition other than his own had led him in -a well-prepared way. No abrupt breaks, no -jumps, no indecisions are necessary in our lives; -when such is the case we are in fault; we fail to -heed the signboards and the danger signals; we -are shocked when we halt on the verge of a -precipice, or disgusted when we find that we -have walked weary miles on the wrong road, all -because we read the signs to suit our fancied -pleasure, or plunged ahead and read them not at -all.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His exalted, happy mood left him; he grew -restless and nervous; he was conscious of a stir -all about him, a continuous vibration; he could -not sit still. At last he arose and walked over to -the panel which he had, in his vision, seen -opened; he passed his hands over the ornamental -head, searching for a screw, bolt, or anything to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>indicate that any portion of it was movable; it -seemed one solid piece of carving.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“This is all nonsense! I have dreamed the -whole thing!” But though he derided, he could -not rid himself of his unrest, or the intuition of -a sweet presence urging him on.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He examined the alternate panel, and could -detect no difference; he again returned, grasping -the muzzle as he had seen the murderer do; -he started, it felt cold to his hand; he tapped it -with his knife, it gave forth a metallic sound; -this was iron, the others, wood. He trembled -with excitement as he searched for a hinge, -spring, or other means of ingress; he no longer -doubted being intuitively led. He placed himself -as nearly as possible in the position he had -witnessed, and grasped the muzzle in the same -manner; a hot flush passed over his face, for a -single instant his knees grew weak with superstitious -fear as he felt the yielding of a tiny -spring beneath the ends of his fingers. He -pressed firmly upon it; the jaws flew apart, the -eyes rolled so fiercely and so suddenly that it -made him start back in affright; he thrust his -arm into the opening thus formed, and drew -forth the package wrapped in oiled silk, just as -he had seen it in his vision—he could no longer -doubt its being such. Something else he saw, -but a warning click caused him to withdraw his -hand; none too soon, the jaws closed like a steel -trap.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He eagerly unfolded the parcel, it seemed that -he knew previous to opening it what it would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>contain; the marriage certificate of John Hilyer, -and Amanda Cosgrove.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He returned to his chair and sat looking at -the paper thoughtfully; it was dated from a distant -city, but he knew in some occult way that -Amanda Cosgrove was of the country. I cannot -express it better than by saying that the name -wafted to him a breath of country air; the odor -of buttercups, and a glint of their gold.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The package held another paper—a sealed will.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He drew a breath of relief, and experienced a -glad sense of freedom, as though until now he -had been bound to some onerous duty. He sat -long with his hand pressed over his eyes, his -senses deadened to all outside impressions; repeating -over many times the name of Amanda -Cosgrove; formulating slowly and distinctly his -desire to see her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At first all things waved and swayed, a conglomeration -of darkness, shot with rays of light -and color; gradually, there evolved from this a -hilly country, verdant with grass, and beautified -with many trees; a sunny valley with carpet of -a brighter hue, and fields of waving grain. A -low, picturesque cottage stood in the shelter of -a grove; before the door stood a woman whose -hair was like silver, and the face though sad and -worn did not look old. She shaded her eyes -with her hand, and looked wistfully in his direction; - dimly outlined within the doorway shone—fairly -shone—a face which his spirit recognized -as her whose hand had rested upon his -shoulder, whose spirit presence had been his -guide in this search.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>Gradually the picture faded, and so great was -his sense of loss that for a time his mind seemed -a perfect blank. Then, a fever possessed him to -sketch the cottage, the valley, the fair hillside, -and the persons he had seen, and with whom he -had been in spiritual communion. He worked -with an eagerness and joy never before experienced, -he delighted in every detail; he touched -the fair, dimly seen face lovingly, lingeringly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Three days later he left the old house; a half -regret assailed him as it disappeared from view, -for here he first saw the pure spirit whose occult -influence was lifting him to a higher and purer -life. He went direct to the city named in the -marriage certificate; he found a record of it -which gave that city as the residence of Amanda -Cosgrove. He could find no further trace of -her; the time was so distant, and the clew so -slight; it was like searching for a drop of water -in the sea to endeavor to find one insignificant -individual amid the shifting population of a -large city.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It would be less than interesting to follow -Philip through his frequent and grievous disappointments.</p> - -<p class='c009'>During all the time a change was taking place -in all his thoughts and feelings; from the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ennui</span></i> -and disgust of the former time and former associates, -he had grown into a healthy, hearty happiness -in the present; putting the evil of the -past wholly behind him, living in the good of -each day as each day dawned; trying honestly -and joyously to reach upward to a higher standard -of thought and work. The presence of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>sweet spirit was ever near him, prompting his -laggard efforts, renewing his courage, and his -faith in himself; chiding if at any time the evil -spell of the old ways tempted him. I must do -him the justice to say that it seldom occurred, -because he had reached this happy knowledge, -that so long as truth abides life cannot be wholly -worthless, because the very life of hope is in -truth. He came to feel a compassion—in the -place of the past hatred—for his former associates, -whose minds had become diseased; so -long as we hate we too are touched with moral -leprosy. He saw that none were so degraded -but that some germ of good yet remained for -future development; for good is the seed of the -Infinite, and He will not destroy his own, though -it be but in the proportion of one grain to a -mountain of sand.</p> - -<p class='c009'>How strange that we should be taught that -even the hairs of our heads are numbered—the -mere material—and then believe that one pure -spiritual ray shall go out in darkness. It may -not be that the germ will be developed in this -plane, but when the limitations and our own degradation -of the flesh shall cease, the seed will be -planted and fostered in the Beyond, and the -trend of good can be no otherwise than toward -perfection; all life must grow toward the light. -Filled with such thoughts as these, he worked -faithfully and conscientiously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One lovely afternoon he visited the art gallery; -he had not been there for some time, and -he went prepared to enjoy the treat; he took -with him his favorite book, and sought a cozy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>corner; for a time he read, then he wandered -among the paintings until his eyes were satisfied -with beauty; again returning to his corner and -his book, enjoying his feast of good things.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was growing late in the day; he would -make one more excursion, then return to his -room, feeling that it had been a well-spent afternoon. -He walked slowly down the room, looking -abstractedly upon the floor; thinking how -strange that he had not been able to obtain a -single trace of Amanda Cosgrove; the thought -struck him coldly—that he saw John Hilyer -carry her out as though dead—yet he felt that -she still lived. He sighed, for several days he -had not felt the sweet, haunting Presence; he -missed it as one does a dear, familiar friend; he -longed for the soft thrilling vibration.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Preoccupied with thought, he did not observe -a lady standing before one of the paintings, and -awkwardly stepped upon her dress; he turned to -apologize, but speechless, held his hat poised in -the air. Meeting a person for the first time, did -never the feeling assail you that this one was not -a stranger to you, although time or place of -meeting you could not recall? So it was with -him; his heart leaped in recognition, yet—he -could not recall—what? It made his brain -dizzy, his heart beat tumultuously, thought was -in disorder; the words he uttered seemed to him -to have been spoken before, he was merely repeating -them; he was as one in a dream, doing -things without conscious volition. He went -through the apology mechanically, stiffly, though -he longed with all his soul to reach out his hands -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>and clasp her in sweet embrace, but he turned -coldly away, to be confronted by a picture; a -country scene; the sloping hills, the woody -heights, the velvet carpet of grass, the waving -grain, the cottage half-embowered in trees, a -woman with upraised hand, looking, as though -to peer into futurity; line for line as he had -seen it in his concentration, as he had painted it -since; the coloring, the touch seemed identical.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He stooped to read the name: “The Hope of -a Lifetime, by Maida Cosgrove.” He uttered -an exclamation of astonishment; the lady turned, -regarding him strangely; he was intently studying -the picture, and she turned again to depart. -By what narrow chances do we lose or gain the -desire of a lifetime, the fruition of our dearest -hope—and humanity says—How sad an accident!</p> - -<p class='c009'>A gentleman passing raised his hat, with the -salutation:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Good-afternoon, Miss Cosgrove!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Philip wheeled suddenly, trembling in every -fibre of his body; like a brilliant sunlight the -knowledge that this fair woman was she whose -spirit had hovered over him, elevating and -encouraging him, broke in upon his intelligence. -The strange man was regarding him curiously; -Phil removed his hat, and addressed her in a -formal manner: “I beg pardon! I am Philip -Aultman. Will you excuse my boldness—are -you related to Amanda Cosgrove?” he asked -excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“She is my mother,” replied Maida with quiet -dignity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have some papers of value belonging to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>her, which I think she would be glad to obtain,” -he explained.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The whole occurrence seemed informal, but a -feeling of sympathy lay between them, as of old -acquaintanceship. Philip spoke of the picture, -and Maida replied that it was her home. It was -with strange sensations that Philip the next day -approached the house. He had given Maida no -knowledge of the character of the papers in his -possession, yet she had exhibited no surprise or -curiosity, but rather as though she knew and -appreciated his mission; he felt himself in a -very awkward position.</p> - -<p class='c009'>How should he account to Amanda Cosgrove -for their possession? What excuse had he for -searching out her whereabouts? What did it -concern him? He found it hard—impossible to -answer these questions to himself; how then -should he answer to her satisfaction? Could he -say to her that it was through psychic knowledge?</p> - -<p class='c009'>His face burned at thought of the ridicule -which would greet that statement, but—was it -not true? In what other manner had he gained -one iota of this knowledge? He was not yet -strong enough to stand up and declare the truth -in the face of skepticism and ridicule. Very -many people enjoy antagonism; it brings out -their fighting qualities, and they feel very -strong; but ridicule hits the very heart of their -conceit, and they weakly go down before it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil drove up to the door feeling very weak -indeed; all things had a familiar look; in his -psychic condition, he had seen even the gray cat, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>that sunned itself on the door mat, and the tall -hollyhocks, standing like red-coated sentinels, -near the gate.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It seemed very proper when Amanda Cosgrove -stepped forward to meet him, although his -thought of the moment before had been: “What -shall I say to her?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her first words were a surprise, and settled all -difficulties.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I knew that you would come! But I have -waited so long!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>His way was very easy after that; he placed -the papers and drawings in her hands; as she -opened the marriage certificate, she sobbed -aloud. “Oh, mother! Don’t grieve, mother!” -cried Maida imploringly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, not for grief! not for grief, my child! -This is greater joy than I have known in many a -day! Poor, misguided John, he was to be -pitied; but you, my Maida, have had to bear the -stain of illegitimacy all these years! It has -nearly broken my heart. I have seen your playmates -slight you; I have heard them cast it in -your face, and was powerless to prove the truth; -and yet, my Maida never loved her mother the -less,” she cried hysterically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You could have proved it by the church -record,” said Phil, in surprise that she should -be ignorant on such a point.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Such however was the fact, living within a few -miles of the proof of her marriage she and her -child had been shunned and scorned, because of -that ignorance. One thing only sustained her, -the firm belief that some day all would be made -right.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>That evening, sitting in the twilight, she -finished the story of that awful night.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She became acquainted with John Hilyer -through a young friend in the city; none of her -people liked him, they bitterly opposed her seeing -him. John, with all the fiery impetuosity -of his nature, had fallen in love with her; it was -mating the dove with the fierce bird of prey; he -fairly compelled her with his fiery persistence. -She at last eloped with him, and they were married; -he loved her too truly to wrong her. For -three months they traveled, he then made preparations -to take her to his home. Often his -fierce love frightened her; she adored him, but -she was afraid of him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He knew all of her family except one brother, -whom he had never seen. The whole family -misjudged him in thinking that he had wronged -the girl; the brother whom he had never met -endeavored to find them; but it was not until -they were returning to the old home that he -obtained a trace of them. When they were first -married Amanda wished to write to her people, -but John sternly forbade it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was night when they reached home; John -kindled a fire, seated her in the great easy-chair -with much ceremony, and with many fond words, -and fierce kisses made his wife welcome.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He had scarcely left the house to care for the -team which brought them, when her brother -burst into the room; the happy smiles died upon -her lips, never to return again. She trembled -with affright; she knew that John might return -at any moment and she feared his anger. She -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>excitedly rose to her feet, and advanced to the -center of the room, and as the accusation of -shame left her brother’s lips, she sank upon her -knees, sobbing forth her denial; at first he scoffed -at her words; but as conviction of the truth -was forced upon him, he begged her pardon, -and stooped to kiss her bowed head; through -the uncurtained window John witnessed the -closing part of the scene.</p> - -<p class='c009'>In his hand he had a hatchet, with which to -cut kindling for the fire; in an instant the -demon of jealousy sprang to life full grown; he -did not consider the absurdity of his thought—does -jealousy ever consider? His mind held no -thought but that this man was his wife’s lover, -and the fancied knowledge drove him insane. -He silently let himself into the room, creeping, -creeping up behind them; as the brother stooped -over to caress her, John dealt him a fearful blow; -Amanda raised her face with a horrified cry; -with an infuriated epithet he struck her, the -blow was sufficiently hard to render her insensible, -but her heavy garments saved her life. Regaining -consciousness, the brother fought desperately, -but against a madman he had no chance -in his favor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When his opponent lay before him, a livid -corpse, still no compunction touched his conscience; -he spurned the lifeless form with his -foot, and dragged him out as he would have cast -out a dead dog; he threw the body into the well -at the end of the porch, and returned to the -room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Amanda recovered consciousness during the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>struggle between the two men, but she was without -power either of speech or motion; horror -held her dumb, her brain only held life. She -tried to cry out but could not, she was like one -in a trance, even when John lifted her in his -arms, and cast her from him, she had little sense -of the horror of her situation; something caught -her, and with a sudden jerk, she felt herself -suspended. She had no idea of what held her, -or what would become of her should the fabric -give way. Instinctively she threw up her arm -as her head came in contact with a timber, and -for a few seconds she hung there without consciousness -enough to make an effort.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Then a sudden terror of the unknown shook -her, and she made an effort to raise herself; it -was well for her that she could not see the dizzy -depth beneath her, in such situations fear is our -worst enemy. She cautiously raised herself by -a board above her head, until she could loosen -her sleeve from a large hook, upon which it had -caught; she then easily raised herself until she -could climb over the low curb, and stood upon -the ground outside; here she sank down, weak -and trembling for a few minutes. Then, though -a chill fear assailed her, she determined to go -into the house; she wondered where her brother -was, that he did not come to her rescue; but she -must go in! John, her John, would surely not -harm her knowingly; she dragged herself along -wearily, holding on to the side of the house for -support; she felt so sick and tired.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She looked in through one of the long windows, -the candle had been extinguished long -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>since by a draught of wind, the fire had burned -low, and only an occasional fitful blaze leaped -up, and lighted the room intermittently; in one -of the flashes she saw John lying in the middle -of the floor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Poor fellow, he is sorry now that he gave -way to his quick temper, and he is lying there -grieving. I wonder where Brother Ernest is?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She pulled herself slowly into the room; the -wall clock ticked loudly, its long pendulum -seeming to take a preternatural sweep; as she -neared the recumbent figure the fire crackled -ominously, and the blaze flared up redly, like -blood; she shivered as she bent over the recumbent -figure. A brand fell to the earth, a bright -flame shot up lighting all the room, and the -pallid face of the dead man. The horror and -desolation of all things smote her with sudden -madness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Months afterward she wandered into her old -home; it was in dead of winter, she was half -naked, white haired, wan, and emaciated; her -father and mother remembered nothing, save -that she was their child. For weeks she lay on -the bed, white and silent, or sat in an easy-chair -beside a sunny window, propped up with pillows, -but when her baby girl was laid in her -arms she looked at it with the light of love and -reason in her sad eyes; but the same silence -which had characterized her lunacy, remained -in her sanity. Of what use to explain to them -those awful incidents; they did not believe that -she was John Hilyer’s wife—why should she -make further explanation to be disbelieved? -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>She was either morbidly wrong, or—still a little -unbalanced by all that she had endured.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She named her babe Maida Hilyer, but all -persisted in calling the child Cosgrove.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“The name doesn’t matter,” she said sadly; -but later when she saw her supposed sin visited -upon the innocent child she cried aloud to the -All Merciful to right her wrong.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The ways of the All Wise are not our ways, -very fortunately, or things would be greatly -muddled. The old father and mother died, but -Amanda and her child remained at the farm.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Maida was eighteen, a gentle, rarely thoughtful -girl; her mother’s sorrow seemed to have left -its impress on her character and mind; she -early showed a decided artistic talent, which her -mother took pains to cultivate; all went well -until Maida gained recognition; then that -jealousy which ever seems to lie in wait for unpropitious -circumstances, seized upon the name -she bore to taunt her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Poor Maida! She threw herself into her -mother’s arms, ready to give up her chosen profession. -Her mother said sadly: “Be brave, my -child! I know that some day the truth will come -to light!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Maida thought continually of her mother’s -words, and with all her soul sought to reach the -one who she felt was destined to help right the -grievous wrong; but she continued her work as -sweetly and firmly as though no wound was -there.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One night her mother dreamed of the old -house, it looked as it did the night of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>tragedy; she saw a strange form there, and she -reached out her hands supplicatingly, beseeching -his help; to her spiritual sense it was made -manifest that her wish should be accomplished; -she told this to Maida, and the two talked of -little else, and thought of it without cessation, -until night after night in her dreams Maida -stood by that stranger’s form, urging him to -clear up the mystery.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The will inclosed with the certificate gave all -of his property to his “beloved wife, Amanda -Cosgrove Hilyer.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>There was no more cause to taunt Maida, and -there was no opposition to Amanda’s taking possession -of the property, which necessitated a -visit to the place. Amanda walked silently -about: “Poor John! Poor John!” she said -pathetically; they looked shudderingly down -into the depths of the old well, and as though -some occult influence prompted her, Amanda -said, “I wonder what became of brother Ernest. -No one ever saw him after that time; I wish that -I knew!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Philip thought it far better that she did not -know, therefore he kept silence.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The hook upon which Amanda had caught was -still firmly imbedded in the beam; in the elder -Mrs. Hilyer’s day it had been used to suspend -butter and cream into the cool depths below.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Philip showed them the secret panel, and in -doing so discovered another secret for himself; -the lower portion of the panel formed a drawer; -as long as the drawer remained open, the mouth -of the dog would not close, but as the drawer -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>was shut, the mouth came together with a vicious -snap, as though the thing were possessed of life. -This drawer contained all of John Hilyer’s -papers, and a large sum of money; and here also -they found the story of the lonely heart life of a -man of strong feeling, and untaught, ungoverned -passions; a sad record of a noble soul -gone astray.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Phil and his wife Maida are very happy, -and with the gentle, white-haired mother, they -live in the pleasant cottage where Phil in his -concentration first saw them.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span> - <h2 class='c005'>A NINETEENTH CENTURY GHOST.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>My health had failed at last through constant -work, long hours, insufficient and irregular diet, -and my nerves paid the penalty for thus transgressing -nature’s laws. Every sin brings its -own punishment, whether it be mental, moral, -or physical; it may be that payment is not exacted -to-day, or to-morrow, but sooner or later -the penalty will surely follow the sin.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I was in fact mentally, as well as bodily exhausted; -I had reached the very depths of disgust; -nothing seemed worth doing, everything -was useless; work was worse than useless, a -foolishness; pleasure—nothing was a pleasure. -Like one of old I cried out: “All is vanity and -vexation of spirit.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>I went into the country; not to a distant railway -station, to become one of a dissatisfied mob -at a crowded summer hotel, but into the very -heart of the green hills, where the limpid streams -gurgled for very joy, as they frolicked on their -way to the distant river; where the woods were -so dense that the sun could only play hide and -seek with the softly fluttering leaves, once in a -while touching the soft mossy carpet, or the -glossy leaves of the scarlet checkerberries -lovingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Here I found the dearest, quaintest old houses -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>with pointed gables under which the noisy swallows -built their nests of mud—a house with -small, many-paned windows, and great, yawning -fireplaces.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The simple-hearted old people who owned the -place welcomed me with unaffected curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I dawdled in the evenings in the sitting room -with grandpa and grandma Yoeman, with no -light save the flickering blaze of the hickory -logs; idly watching the pictures in the glowing -coals, and dreaming strange sweet dreams, which -ever held a reflection of entrancing sadness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The fitful blaze cast strange lights and shadows -on the low ceiling; glinting on grandma’s -busy knitting needles; brightening and fading -like an uncertain life.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Occasionally one of the neighbors came in to -exchange news about the planting; to borrow or -“swap” garden seeds; to speculate on the -weather; the greater reason being to see the city -boarder.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sometimes their frank inquisitiveness amused, -at other times it annoyed me.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I had been there a month; the weather had -grown too warm to permit a fire in the evening, -and the sitting room looked dismal with its one -small kerosene lamp, around which the moths -fluttered, and singed their foolish wings, nearly -obscuring the light.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Drat the things,” said grandma, from time -to time.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Heavy clouds lay low in the west, and the -occasional low growling of thunder indicated the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>coming of a storm; the breeze scarcely lifted -the muslin curtain at the window.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A rush of homesickness came over me; the -gloom depressed me, and left me wretched; the -sultry atmosphere seemed unbearable; the quaint, -low-ceiled rooms seemed suffocating, and detestably -ugly, and I wondered that I could have -thought them so charming.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I hurried away to my room, which was at the -further end of the house, to hide my tears. The -long, draughty hall seemed filled with lurking -shadows; I thought it endless, and was sure that -the doors were opening on either side as I -passed. I dashed open the door of my own -room, and for a few breathless minutes crouched -in the corner most thoroughly frightened. Presently, -ashamed of my childish terror, I arose and -lighted my lamp.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I could not shake off the frightened feeling; -the dim, uncertain light of the small lamp left -the corners of the room in wavering gloom; the -gathering clouds sent out their advance signals—a -fitful gust of moist wind—now and then, -which suddenly flapped the curtain at the window -as though shaken by an angry hand, and -swayed the old-fashioned valance to the bed -until I felt ready to scream.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I closed the blinds, turned the blaze of the -lamp still higher, endeavoring to make the room -look cheerful. Ah, well! The cheerfulness -oftener comes from within than without, and I -was nervously depressed and homesick.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I was in that restless mood in which everything -is irksome. I wished to write, I could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>not; a thousand elusive fancies floated by me -like thistledown; my mind reached out to grasp -them—a tantalizing caprice of the brain, a feeling -of mental inadequacy—and they were gone -into the realm of the goblin, Incompetent.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I threw down the pen: “What a strange thing -the brain is! At times docile and obedient; -again, willful, elusive, exasperating; a thing -over which one has no control,” I cried angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I walked restlessly up and down the room -until I was fatigued, and impatiently threw myself -into a great armchair; taking up an unfinished -book I tried to read, I turned a page or -two without comprehending a thought; I threw -the book to the furthest corner of the room in -anger and disgust.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Again I walked the floor impatiently, and -in the same wretched mood, undressed and went -to bed, where I vainly endeavored to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The clouds, which had been gathering since -dusk, now marshalled their forces for battle; the -vivid lightning played about the room in wildly -fantastic manner; a momentary white glare, -then the darkness of Inferno. The heavy thunder -growled an accompaniment, or broke into a -sharp crash, dying away like the angry growl of -the discomfited storm fiend.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The wind arose, and swung the rickety shutters -to and fro throughout the whole house with -many an angry crash; the dead branches of an -old tree—standing by the corner window—tapped -on the shaking pane with ghostly fingers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I had extinguished my light, the flame annoyed -me; and now—from being nervous—I became -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>hysterical. Several times, as a vivid glow -illumined the room, followed by an awful crash, -I screamed outright; it disturbed no one; -grandma and grandpa Yoeman slept in the far -end of the house. I became so frightened that I -pulled the covers over my head and lay there -shivering.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The electrical storm had somewhat subsided, -but the wind was blowing shrilly, and the rain -coming down in sheets.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Some impulse compelled me to uncover my -head; a nervous sensation that something or -some one was in the room—a terror of the unseen. -I drew down the bedclothes, arose on -one elbow, and gave a horrified scream, which -died away in an awful constriction of the throat.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A figure floated before my affrighted eyes; -now coming toward me a pace, then receding; -disappearing only to return again. It seemed to -float in the air with a strange undulating motion. -I could not turn my eyes away, although filled -with a mortal terror. It stood out like a picture, -clear and distinct, as though the body were -filled with luminous light; the turn of the head, -the glint of the hair, suggestive of one whom I -had known and hated in the past—which it still -drove me mad to remember—as I perceived the -likeness, or as it seemed, the reality, all fear left -me; instantly my soul was filled with wrath; all -the old agony came over me like an overwhelming -flood; I seemed to feel again all the pangs -caused by the treachery and deceit of that false -friend. I started up with a bitter cry, and -rushed at the hated face to rend it.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>My hands clutched but empty air! The vision -was as elusive as had been my thoughts; I could -grasp neither.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I crept back into bed bathed in a cold perspiration, -and such was my mental and bodily -exhaustion that I sank into a stupor and knew -no more until morning.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When I awoke the sun was shining brightly, -and as I jumped out of bed and threw open the -blinds my fears of the past night seemed like an -absurd dream.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The face of nature looked so refreshed after -her bath; the gentle breeze shook the blossoming -lilacs, to which the raindrops still clung like -countless jewels; their odor came deliciously -wafted to me as I leaned from the open windows; -the grass glittered with clinging moisture among -its tender green; a bluebird swung on the -branch of a gnarled old apple tree just bursting -into bloom and let out a flood of glorious -song; a meadow lark, sitting on the single post -which rose above its fellows, accepted the challenge -and sang with all his might: “Sweet, -sweet, sweet; John G. Whittier!” again and -again.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Fear seemed most absurd with all this wealth -of sunshine and springing vegetation around me; -but grandma Yoeman said to me as I entered the -kitchen for breakfast, “You look awfully peaked, -Miss Eda; was you so ’fraid of the storm that -you didn’t sleep well?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, I’m all right, grandma!” Nevertheless, -I could not eat my breakfast of hot biscuit, golden -honey, ham and eggs; although I made a pretense -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>of enjoying the food, as I knew that -grandma tried very hard to please me.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When night came my nerves again asserted -themselves; every sound made me start apprehensively. -My window was wide open; the -great old lilac bushes seemed to lean caressingly -in, their odor borne to me on the soft, warm -wind, as it playfully lifted the thin curtain.</p> - -<p class='c009'>All was so balmy, quiet and sweet that after -a time it soothed my excited nerves, and I slept -soundly until morning.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thus it continued for two weeks, until I began -to think that I must have been dreaming. I -saw nothing, I heard nothing more alarming -than the rats, which scurried up and down between -the plastering and the clapboards, or -gnawed industriously at the narrow base.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I had been roaming over the fields all day; I -had climbed from rock to rock down the shallow -creek as happy as a child; I had lain on the last -year’s leaves, and plaited a crown of checkerberries, -the glossy green of the leaf, and the brilliant -red of the berries forming a lovely contrast. -I gathered also a great bunch of wild forget-me-nots; -it was sunset when I reached home; I -placed the flowers on the little stand in front of -the mirror, and hung the wreath above it, so -that the mirror reflected it like a duplicate.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I retired early, and immediately dropped to -sleep. Some time during the night I was awakened—it -might have been a shutter that -slammed, or a door in one of the empty rooms—in -my half-awakened state it sounded like a pistol -shot. As I started up in bed I became conscious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>of an unusual commotion; the trees were -swaying and creaking; the lilacs bent and shivered; -my curtains were swept straight out into -the room, and as I looked with startled eyes the -luminous figure once more stood before me, -fearfully distinct; the bouquet of forget-me-nots -I had gathered held in her hand; the crown of -leaves and berries resting on her head; even in -my awful fright I observed that it was tipped -coquettishly over the right side of the head, instead -of being set demurely on top. She seemed -to advance and recede, waving the flowers at me -derisively; again the resemblance to that woman -whom my soul loathed struck me with a sickening -sense of pain and hatred.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I had often listened to my old grandmother as -she told tales of supernatural visitations and -mysterious warnings; of the death watch in the -wall, and that immediately following these -prognostications some beloved one surely departed -this life; she related instances of ghostly -tappings on the headboard, and of a deadly chill, -like a cadaverous finger, creeping up and down -the spine, to warn the unhappy recipient that a -stranger was treading on their future grave.</p> - -<p class='c009'>These half-forgotten teachings recurred to me -with awful vividness, and I experienced the same -sensations which drove me, at that time, shivering -to my bed to lie with sleepless eyes listening for -the dread signal. I felt sure that this “presence” -was a warning that my death was near, and that -<em>she</em> brought the message, was an added menace—unless -I forgave her. I had never known hate -of any other being in my life; I had said egotistically -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>that it was not in my nature to hate. -Circumstances show us that we have a very -limited acquaintance with our capabilities and -proclivities; I learned that lesson through fiery -tribulation. Another thing which I had been -taught as a child now recurred to my mind as a -torment. I had been taught that I must forgive, -if I would be forgiven, and that I must love my -enemy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>How could I forgive her? Though death, or -that punishment which I had been taught would -come after death, should stare me in the face, I -could not forgive the deliberate wrecking of my -life’s happiness.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The vision disappeared while these tormenting -thoughts raced each other through my mind; -as suddenly returning, it advanced menacingly -toward the bed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A fresh blast of wind shook the old house from -garret to foundation; doors crashed, blinds rattled -and shook; trees swayed and groaned dismally; -the low of the frightened cattle was borne -on the wings of the blast; a dog howled dismally -from out the darkness. I could look no -more; I covered my head and shivered with -mortal terror. The following morning I was -unable to rise; there was no questioning in my -mind. I felt sure that I was doomed; that the -warning was not only of my demise, but of -future punishment as well, unless I forgave the -bearer of that message. This last thought continually -tortured me. How could I force forgiveness? -I might profess it, I might even try -and cheat myself into thinking it; but the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>turn of a head, the movement of a hand, the -tone of a voice, would bring a never-to-be-forgotten -picture before my mind, which would -give the lie to all my pretense. I hated with -just cause, and should I forgive, would I not -thereby place myself on a level with that -creature of debasement? Could I stoop to such -forgiveness, and retain my own self-respect? -No! no! no! I could pass by; I could leave -her and her ways to the inevitable punishment -that must follow her deeds; I could avoid being -in anywise the instrument of vengeance in the -hand of Providence, though Providence walked -by my side and whispered in my ear temptingly; -but forgive her and respect myself I -could not; by condoning the offense I should -actually sanction it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Oh, the agony of that incessant thinking! -Fighting the battle over and over again, only to -cry out despairingly: “I cannot! I cannot!” -Day by day my strength diminished; night after -night ended in horror and despair.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sometimes for a night or two the ghostly presence -did not appear, then, as hope began to -dawn, it suddenly stood leering at me motionlessly; -at other times it undulated, advanced and -receded, in maddening fashion. I made all necessary -preparations for the end which I felt must -be very near; there were none who would mourn -me greatly; although I had but one enemy, yet -I had few friends; I could not open my heart to -the whole world.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I had lived as nearly right as I knew—now -another question added to the torment of my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>mind; was I to be punished for that which I did -not know? How well I remembered the grim -old preacher, who, pacing back and forth, told us -Sabbath after Sabbath that we were certain of -punishment because we did not know, that we -must repent; that all were born in sin. I used -to think how much better it would have been not -to have been born at all than to have to be -sorry for something you did not know anything -about.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He looked so savage as he pounded the pulpit -that I used to slip off the seat and try and hide; -I thought he was going to help the Lord punish -us, and I tried so hard to be sorry, although I -did not know for what. Now I was troubled -fearing that this was a truth; we are so much -more lazy than we wish to admit; we drift with -circumstances, and call it fate; we crouch down -and receive degrading blows because it is so -much easier than fighting for the right. Letting -things drift had ever been my weakness, I so enjoyed -being lazily happy; now I was tormented -with fear of the sins of omission.</p> - -<p class='c009'>All through the day I dreaded the coming of -the night, and the detested vision; thus day -brought me no solace because of harassing -doubts, and too perplexing questions. I had -irritably begged grandma Yoeman to take the -hated wreath and flowers out of my sight, and -from that day to this their sweet, woody odor -turns me faint and sick.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The days lengthened with the fullness of summer, -the petals of the apple blossoms covered the -ground with their fragrant snow, and now the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>green globes hung from the bending boughs, and -the old-fashioned garden was a wealth of color; -still I lay languid and helpless, in the low-ceiled -room—unheeding the beauty outside—as I lay -with my face turned hopelessly to the wall; or if -perchance I looked out of the open window, it -was but to sigh despairingly: “I shall soon pass -away from all things earthly.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>I had watched in vain for the tormenting presence -for the past two weeks until my mind was -in that strange paradoxical state in which I -dreaded, yet anxiously awaited its appearance. -I believed that one more visit would surely be -the last.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Still another week passed, a week of dread -anticipation; the day had been so invigorating -that in spite of my morbid imaginings, my overwrought -nerves loosed their tension. I had in -the afternoon sat by the open window for an -hour or two, drinking in the balm of the atmosphere, -and when in the dusk I again crept into -the bed I felt fatigued, and lying down was -restful; the fresh, clean sheets smelled of lavender, -and the soft mattress seemed fitted to every -curve of my body. I nestled my head in the -pillow, and with the soft wind blowing through -the wide-open window, at once dropped asleep. -Once or twice in the earlier part of the night I -opened my eyes, drowsily conscious that the -moon was lighting up the room with pale radiance, -also vaguely realizing an unusual sense of -peace and comfort.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It must have been very near morning when I -awoke with a sinking sense of fright; perspiration -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>stood on my brow cold as death dew; I -thought that my hour of dissolution had come. -Only the faintest ray of moonlight was visible, -as it was disappearing behind a bank of clouds -in the west; the wind was whistling shrilly -through the trees, and into the room through -the open window, between which and the bed, -undulated, receded, or darted viciously forward -the detestable specter.</p> - -<p class='c009'>For a single instant my whole being sank -inertly; I thought the very elements in coalition -with my tormenter; then a sudden anger, or -antagonism—assailed me. This fiend had -wrecked my material life, through my having -been taught that resistance was wrong; that if -“thine enemy smite thee on one cheek, turn to -him also the other.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Should I allow this old parody upon truth to -drive me beyond the plane of material existence?</p> - -<p class='c009'>Since evolution began—and who can date its -commencement?—resistance has been the law -governing the survival of the fittest; can that -natural law be wrong? The fact that the -possessor of the greater power of resistance survives -is practical demonstration of its justice -and right. I had in the past weakly let go of -home and happiness; now a rage assailed me as -fierce as a devastating forest fire; I cried out as -I leaped from the bed, “I will not succumb!” I -rushed madly at the detested semblance; the -hateful leer appeared to grow more diabolical, -the poise of the head more insolent, as it evaded -me. There came a blast which tore at the shutters, -and dashed the old mirror with a crash to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>the floor; at that instant the specter dashed -wildly toward me, swung dizzily around, and it -seemed to my excited imagination that the features -assumed an appalled look; a crash at the -rear end of the room caused me to turn my head, -a thousand misplaced stars seemed scattered over -the floor, scintillating in the gloom.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I turned again to renew my warfare—but the -specter was nowhere to be seen. I stood bewildered -awaiting its return; but it came no more, -and with a shiver—half of fright, half of cold—I -closed the window and crept into bed; as I -pulled the blankets about me, and snuggled -down into the pillows, I felt a comforting sense -of having defeated my adversary; from that -beatific state I fell to musing upon the many -contradictory teachings of this life, and idly -wondering which was right, or if all were in -error, and thus I drifted into slumber.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Grandma Yoeman was in a state of terrible excitement -the next morning over the devastation -of the storm.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“To think, I’ve had that looking-glass ever -since I was married! I do hope it won’t bring -you any bad luck, Miss Eda!” said she plaintively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, nonsense, grandma! From this hour my -better health and my happiness are assured,” I -replied gayly. I had such perfect confidence that -I should no more be troubled by the uncanny -vision that it made me very happy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As I was lazily putting on my clothing, grandma’s -lamentations broke out afresh: “There’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>that picture that my niece Mandy painted, broke -all to bits!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wonder that I never saw the picture,” said -I, more to comfort grandma by an interest in -her misfortune than for any other reason.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, I covered it up to keep the dust from it; -it was real purty, jest shone at night like anything,” -she concluded regretfully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>From that time on, I danced about the old -house, and dreamed under the gnarled apple -trees, or among the sweet-scented clover, as -happy as it is possible to be—except for one -longing pain.</p> - -<p class='c009'>I seemed to see that I might, and ought to be, -uplifted, exalted above all evil; thus gaining the -right from that elevation of purity, to pity and -forgive the soul so warped as to prefer evil to -good. I now understood that it was like crossing -a bridge spanning a foul stream; one might -shudder at the offensive sight, but no soil or -attaint could touch even the outer garments. I -let the sweet air of heaven blow all my bitterness -away; the birds and flowers spoke only of love -and harmony, and their sweet language taught -me that I too had sinned, although I had transgressed -simply because I did not understand -that I need neither fraternize nor hold aloof, -but walk my way in peace and quietude; inasmuch -as it lies not in the power of any person -to wound my feelings, or to injure me beyond -the material; that within me, only, lies the -weakness which makes that possible.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As I sat watching the great, lumbering bumble-bees -crawl in and out of the hollyhocks, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>thinking what fortunate fellows they were, to -taste only the sweets of life, there came a quiet -step behind me, and a hand was laid upon my -shoulder which thrilled me from head to foot; I -essayed to rise, but my traitor limbs refused -their support; the well-remembered voice -sounded afar off, but—oh, so sweet!</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have come to ask your forgiveness, and to -acknowledge my wrong; little woman, will you -be merciful?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>I cried out sharply: “But how can I trust -you? You promised before, and deceived me -so bitterly!” the pent-up agony vibrating -through my voice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Very gently he answered me: “I acknowledge -that I did; but give me one more trial—a chance -to prove my better self to you—you shall never -regret it. Oh, Eda! Look at this tree upon -which you are sitting; through some mishap it -grew warped and unsightly; but see! it has -changed its course, and is growing steadily upward, -bearing an abundance of wholesome fruit. -Can’t you believe that I, too, will mend my -course, and that the fruit of my future life will -be good?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The earnest, thrilling voice was as sweetest -music to my ear; my heart was so hungry, but—a -memory—“But, oh, that woman!” I cried.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“My wife, let us never again mention her! -At last I see——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Manlike, he wished no mention made of his -wrongdoing—that he put it behind him he considered -sufficient. A sharp pain went through -my heart, that all my agony was to be put aside -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>so lightly; but—he was my husband. I sat a -moment irresolute, then placed my hands in -his, and replied, “As you wish; but let there be -no looking backward, let us both live aright each -day, and we shall not fail of being happy.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>I made instant resolve to put those higher and -better thoughts into practical use, and I have -never had cause to regret so doing. Neither the -ghost of my enemy, nor the wraith of a regret -have since visited me.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span> - <h2 class='c005'>WHAT BECAME OF THE MONEY?</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Marjorie Melton and Henry Laselle, were an -ideally happy couple; for once the course of -true love seemed to run smoothly, thus belying -the old adage. Marjy was the pet and heiress -of an old aunt with whom she lived. Henry -was a young lawyer, with a fair amount of practice, -a good reputation, and every prospect of -success. Aunt Hattie—as she was lovingly -called—lived as befitted her station, on one of -the most fashionable avenues.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One Monday evening Aunt Hattie received a -large sum of money from the sale of property; -as it was after banking hours she locked it away -in a small safe in her sitting room. Henry and -Marjy sat by the table reading, and commenting -on a work of occult science; Henry taking the -stand that it was like hunting for a half a dozen -pearls in a mountain of sand; Marjy defending -the theories with much warmth, as much because -of their beauty as because of their truth. Hypnotism -was the subject under discussion, Henry -declaring that he considered the whole thing -“fudge.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aunt Hattie locked away her money, and as -she passed the table, she tossed a slip of paper -on which was written the combination of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>safe, to Marjy, saying, “Put that away, please; -it is a pity that one must become so forgetful; I -have but this instant locked that safe, yet I cannot -even now, remember the combination.” Her -tone expressed such intense disgust with herself -that Henry and Marjy laughed merrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry picked up the slip of paper and read -the numbers and letters aloud: “I’ll wager that -I could repeat that a week from to-night!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I’ll take that bet; you have a good memory, -but I think not quite equal to that; however I’ll -put this out of your sight, so that you cannot -study it;” answered she teasingly, as she hid -the paper.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He left the house an hour or so later, and -nothing further was said on the subject. After -he reached home the letters and figures kept -repeating themselves over and over in his mind, -until he heartily tired of them; even after he -retired they continued to dance before his mental -vision, until he angrily exclaimed aloud:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, confound the things! Small chance of -my forgetting them!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He had barely reached his office the next -morning when the telephone bell ran sharply; -Aunt Hattie answered his, “Hello!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Hello! Henry, is that you?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes; what is the trouble? Anything wrong -up there?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No—that is—nothing in particular. Say, -Henry, did you take that money last night?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Aunt Hattie! Why should you think that I -would take your money?” he cried indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I thought that perhaps you did it to tease -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>me; can’t you come to the house for a few -minutes?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Certainly,” he replied.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He had been very busy all the morning, and -had not once thought of the combination, but -no sooner was he on his way to the house than, -with tantalizing pertinacity, it began repeating -itself over, again and again. Marjy met him at -the door, she had evidently been weeping; he -caught her hands: “Why, Marjy, what is the -matter? Have you been crying over the loss of -that money?” he asked in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She raised her eyes to his face, a troubled -questioning in their depths, “Did you not take -it, Henry?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He drew back in hurt surprise: “What do you -mean, Marjy? Do you think that I would take -your aunt’s money?” he asked indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy burst into tears: “Auntie—Auntie—” -she stammered, and there she stopped, unable -to proceed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He finished the sentence for her; “Thinks me -a thief,” he said grimly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She hung her head and sobbed: “You—you -are the only person—beside auntie and me, -who knew the combination, you know!” she -paused, then continued desperately, “You -remember that you boasted that you could repeat -it a week from that day——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I should think so! I haven’t been able to -get it out of my mind for one minute since; but -what has that to do with your aunt’s money?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No other person knew anything about it,” -she said naïvely.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>“That explains your strange look when you -hid the paper; you suspected that I would steal -the money.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, Henry! I had no thought of such a -thing!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Perhaps not, but you looked it!” he replied -hotly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She drew herself up angrily: “I tell you that -there was no such thought in my mind; it must -have had birth in your own consciousness; you -remember the old adage about ‘fleeing when no -man pursueth.’” She tossed her pretty head -high in the air, and walked into the sitting -room; he followed sullenly behind.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Here everything was in disorder; chairs were -thrown about; books lay all over the floor with -their leaves fluttered open; window drapings -were shaken out of their usual prim folds; the -piano cover lay in the middle of the room; and -at the instant of their entrance Aunt Hattie was -on her knees tearing frantically at the edge of -the carpet. She turned a red and disheveled -countenance toward them.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Come and help me with this,” said she -shortly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“For what are you tearing up the carpet?” -asked Marjy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Auntie stopped her work, and dropped on to -her knees staring blankly. “Looking for the -money, ninny!” she ejaculated in a tone of intense -disgust.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But Auntie, you put it in the safe!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She looked bewildered for a moment, then said -fatuously, “Did I? I thought perhaps I hid it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>under the carpet. Oh, yes; I remember! -Henry had the combination; there wasn’t any -one knew it except you two,” she finished -angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy turned a reproachful glance on Henry, -who stood looking angrily at auntie; she returned -an equally angry gaze.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not think it kind of you to play such -tricks upon me; give me back the money, and -have done with such foolishness!” said she.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Do you really think that I took your money?” -he questioned hotly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Of course! There was no one else knew the -combination but you——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, confound that combination! I’ve heard -it until I’m sick of it! Your niece knew it as -well as I—why not suspect her? She was in the -house, I was not!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, that’s so! Marjy did you take it?” -fatuously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy gave Henry a withering look: “What -nonsense!” she cried.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, some one took it!” gloomily iterated -auntie, as she continued to lift up books, and -flutter open papers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You had best have a detective look into the -matter,” said Marjy coldly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, not for the world! I wouldn’t be so -disgraced!” cried auntie excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not see how you are to ascertain the -truth otherwise,” remarked Henry.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, dear! I wouldn’t care so much for the -money—though it’s too much to lose—but to -have to suspect those in whom we have placed so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>much confidence, and one’s very own, is awful!” -wailed Aunt Hattie, not very lucidly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry frowned angrily, then Marjy shot him -a disdainful glance, and Aunt Hattie glared reproachfully -at both.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry turned abruptly, lifting his hat in a -sudden access of politeness; “I bid you a very -good day; if you wish to arrest me, you will -find me in my room, two doors away; or in my -office on Tremont Street,” saying which he -strode angrily away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy ran up to her room and locked herself -in, despite her aunt’s shrill cry: “Come here, -Marjy, and help me to look for that money! Oh, -I must find it, it cannot be lost!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Notwithstanding her asseveration, it did -seem to be lost. She one moment declared that -she was positive that she had locked it in the -safe—and scolded and reproached Marjy—then, -she railed about Henry, and how impossible it -was to trust any one; taking another turn, she -doubted herself; she did not know whether or -not she put it in the safe at all. “It might -be that I took it out after I put it there, and -thought it more secure in some other place; but -of course I never once thought that Henry would -rob me, and he pretended to love you,” she -would grumble. Then she would fall to tearing -things to pieces again.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Whenever her aunt accused her, Marjy only -cried out impatiently: “Oh, nonsense, auntie! -What would I do with it?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not know, I am sure!” weakly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>But when she assailed Henry, then Marjy flew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>into a tempest of passion. “You know that he -could not have touched it; we were all in the -room together until he left, and I went to the -front door, and closed and locked it after him; -he lives two doors away, he couldn’t very well -come through the walls,” indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That’s so! You must have taken it, then!” -hysterically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Much more likely that you have hidden it -away yourself. Oh, dear! My life is ruined on -account of that miserable money! Henry -scarcely speaks to me, and says that he will -never step inside the house again!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not see why you should mourn over a -thief!” answered Aunt Hattie.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“He isn’t a thief. I would as soon think that -you took it yourself,” she cried wrathfully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aunt Hattie grew pale with anger: “Take care -what you say, miss,” she retorted with quivering -lips.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The whole household arrangement, mind, -morals and manners, seemed demoralized. -Never before had an ill-natured word been -spoken between auntie and Marjy. Auntie had -been like the placid autumn day, Marjy like the -blithe spring sunshine. Now everything was -like a draught of bitter water. Henry went -about his work listlessly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The days dragged along tiresomely, Marjy -and Henry met occasionally, and although no -word was spoken, by tacit consent the engagement -was ended. Marjy went nowhere and -would receive no company. Gossips commented—there -must be something wrong; a bird of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>air whispered—there always is a telltale bird—that -Henry was a defaulter; then, rumor had it, -a common thief. A kind friend? told him the -report—there is also always the kind friend—he -was raging. He declared that he would leave -the place, that he would not stay here in disgrace; -he surely thought that Marjy or her aunt -had circulated the report, and he was furious -over it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A little reflection caused him to change his -mind about leaving: “I have done no wrong, -and I will not run! If they think to drive me -away by that scheme, they will get left, that’s -all!” said he grimly. Meanwhile some one told -Marjy that <em>she</em> heard that “Henry and Marjy -had stolen money from her auntie, and had intended -to elope; that Auntie Nelson had caught -them before they could get out of the street -door; she took the money from Henry, and forbid -him the house. It isn’t true is it, dear?” -concluded she.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy astonished the gossip by such an outburst -of temper as frightened her out of the -house, after which she locked herself in her own -chamber, to sob and cry for the rest of the day. -Everything was as miserable as it was possible -to be; Marjy would go out no more in daylight, -but after nightfall, with a heavy veil over her -face, she would steal out for a walk as though -she were some guilty thing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One night as she passed Henry’s room she -paused and looked up at the window; he sat beside -a small table on which was placed a lamp, -his head bowed upon his arms in an attitude of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>despair; he raised his face, the change and -melancholy look filled Marjy’s heart with grief. -He arose wearily and began pacing to and fro. -Marjy dropped her face in her hands and sobbed -bitterly; the moon, which had been under a -cloud, came out a flood of silver radiance; Marjy -leaning against a low railing on the opposite side -of the street, was, unconsciously to herself, in the -full glow.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Marjy! Marjy!” called a voice softly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She started in affright; but Henry caught her -hands, and held them fast.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Marjy, Marjy, my pet, don’t cry!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She made him no answer, but sobbed hysterically -in his arms.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What is it, Marjy, is there more trouble?” -he asked, feeling—as most men do in the presence -of a woman’s tears—perfectly helpless.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No! no! There doesn’t need be more -trouble! There isn’t any happiness left; auntie -is so cross and suspicious—she suspects you, me, -and even herself; for whole days at a time she -doesn’t speak, and if I take a book to read she -looks at me as reproachfully as though I were -doing some wrong thing; if I look sad she says—she -says—I am mourning over a thief, and that -makes me mad, because I know it isn’t true!” -she finished excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“God bless you, Marjy! That is the first bit -of comfort I have received since that miserable -night,” he answered.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How could you imagine that I would think -you guilty of such a thing?” reproachfully.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>“How happens it that you are out so late at -night?” he asked irrelevantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I cannot go out in daytime, people say such -awful things about us that it makes me -ashamed;” sobbing hysterically. “When I saw -you looking so despondent it just broke my -heart.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, my dear, don’t cry!” helplessly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She smiled at him through her tears: “Well, -I will not, you have enough to bear as it is; but -why were you so sad to-night?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He put his hand under her chin, lifting up -her face: “First, and greatest; I thought I had -lost that which was dearest to me of aught on -earth; I thought that you believed me guilty of -taking that money, as you both said repeatedly -that I was the only one who knew that accursed -combination—and do you know, Marjy, that I -can no more get it out of my mind than I can -fly. By day and night it haunts me until I am -very near insane. I see it before me like sparks -of fire; I heard it iterated, and reiterated, and -nothing that I can do rids me of the torture; -frightful or grotesque pictures are formed, from -the midst of which your aunt’s face looks out at -me with wide-open, reproachful eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>A shudder swept over him at the remembrance; -he drew her into closer embrace, and said, “Little -comforter! It is sweet to know that you have -faith in me, when friends and clients are deserting -me; some one is busily reporting the whole -affair, with numerous embellishments;” after a -moment’s pause, he continued: “Do you think -that auntie would spread the report?”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>“Oh, no! No matter what she may say to me, -she would not breathe a word of it to others. I -must return to the house, or someone will see us -talking, and there will be more reports,” added -Marjy laughingly. They parted with many fond -words, and Marjy went home happier than she -had been in many a day. This was but one of -many meetings.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Aunt Hattie’s whole mental attitude seemed -changed; nothing is more true than that we have -very little knowledge of ourselves; many traits -lie dormant until circumstances call them out; -hidden dogs that scenting prey hurry forward -in restless chase. Auntie had ever been trusting -to a singular degree; but now she had become -suspicious of everyone, and when Marjy -went out two or three nights in succession, she -regarded her distrustingly. “I do wonder now, -if Marjy goes out to meet that fellow! Probably -they are planning that they will have a good -time with that money. Oh, dear! I wish that -miserable roll of bills had been burned, it -wouldn’t have given me half as much trouble; it -is the uncertainty that vexes me so!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>It is often quoted as an adage, “out of people’s -mouths we must judge them.” I shall certainly -have to differ with the wise old proverb maker, -though as a rule he is right; sometimes people -say the opposite of what they mean; most certainly -Aunt Hattie did, when she accused either -Henry or Marjy of using the money. The fact -was that she was in a state of aggravating uncertainty; -she had no actual opinion, being in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>condition of endless surmise, and consequent -irritability, which must have an outlet.</p> - -<p class='c009'>That night her suspicions were so wrought up -that she followed Marjy, and witnessed the loving -meeting of the two; she caught a sound of their -low-toned conversation, although she could not -distinguish their words. She was in precisely -that frame of mind to imagine that everything -was intended as an injury to her; she rushed -at them, crying and scolding incoherently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy in an agony of shame tried to appease -her, but in vain. Windows were hastily thrown -up all along the street: “Oh, auntie, do come -home! All the neighbors are listening; auntie! -auntie! Just think of the comments!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Auntie gave a frightened glance at the many -opened windows, and at a man hurrying toward -them; gossip over her affairs had been the great -bugaboo of her life; she regained command of -herself instantly. The man was rapidly approaching -them, his face alive with curiosity; -just as he was on the point of speaking to them, -auntie sank to the ground with a groan and burst -into loud weeping.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy gave Henry a frightened glance, and -turned to auntie in the greatest distress. Auntie -cried out shrilly: “Lift me up, Henry! Marjy, -do get hold on the other side. Oh, dear! Oh, -dear. My poor ankle, I know that it is broken!” -and with much groaning and crying she allowed -herself to be carried into the house. No sooner -had the street door closed behind them than -auntie straightened up and said laughingly: -“There, I think my ankle is all right now, and -those old gossips have missed a treat!”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>She was so elated over the affair that she -seemed more like herself than for a long time; -but as a sequence Marjy could go out no more, -unaccompanied by her aunt. Auntie gave Henry -a frigid invitation, but he seldom came to the -house, and when he did so wore a preoccupied -and uncomfortable air; auntie was often disagreeable, -and Marjy unhappy and despondent.</p> - -<p class='c009'>About this time a cousin of Marjy’s, James -Jordan, came to visit Auntie Nelson; he was not -long in discovering that things were in an unpleasant -condition. He formed a great liking -for Henry, who on the contrary was very jealous -of James. Marjy went to places of amusement, -and was frequently out riding with him; cousin -James was consulted upon all occasions. Marjy -had no wrong intention in so doing; she thought -of him merely as her cousin, and was glad of -anything that eased the tension under which -they seemed to be living. Henry had become so -hypersensitive that he shrank from everything. -He often answered James with absolute incivility, -to which he only returned some laughing -answer; he understood the situation very well, -and heartily sympathized with the lovers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One evening they had gathered around the -table in auntie’s room; several new magazines -lay scattered about, one of which James had -been reading. Henry was unusually silent and -depressed; his business had steadily decreased, -and more than one taunt had been leveled at -him; he had ever been proud of his integrity, -and scorned all things debasing—as all dishonesty -whether of word or deed must be—and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>the annoyance had developed a nervous restlessness -which prevented sleep, and left him worn, -haggard and miserable.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James looked up from the book which he had -been reading and said, “What do you think -about hypnotism? I have been reading this -article, and am very much impressed, as well as -interested by it.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The question was addressed to no one in particular, -but Henry took it up, and answered -roughly: “I think it is a lot of bosh!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>James replied pleasantly: “I don’t know that -it is, though it may be so. We know that there -are subtleties of the mind which we do not -understand, and I do not see why there should -not be the same amount of force in the higher -power of man as in the physical; great feats, -either of mind or muscle, are but the result of -training; we think because we do not understand -that to which we have scarcely given a -thought—much less investigated—that it cannot -be true; we have no right to cry ‘wolf’ until we—at -least—uncover our eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry lifted up his face, a strange eagerness -in his voice as he said, “Do you then believe -that you could unconsciously to me force me to -do that which is against my will?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, indeed! The hypnotic has no will; it is -the will of the hypnotizer working through him. -I believe that the hypnotizer may not even be -positive as to a knowledge of his own power—merely -a half-consciousness, a way in which one’s -thoughts at times move—like the shadow of a -fast-sailing summer cloud. Of course to be so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>easily influenced, the subject must be of a yielding, -plastic temperament; it is as though the -operator sent a portion of his own soul on a brief -visit into the body of the hypnotized.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>A half-frightened look flashed over Henry’s -countenance—and was instantly gone; he cried -out roughly: “I don’t believe it! I don’t believe -it!” He wiped the perspiration from his face -with a trembling hand. James laughed at his -vigorous protest, and affected not to see the -emotion which lay behind it, so he answered -lightly: “No compulsion about it, this is just a -case of leave it, or take it, as you please—which -does not alter the fact that we have many forces -within us of which we are in ignorance,” he replied -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, all I have to say is this, I wish that I -had the power to get one good night’s rest. I -think that hypnotism would be a blessing, if it -were the means of securing it to me; I lie awake -half the night to think and worry, and at last -fall asleep and dream it all over again, intensified -a thousand times, and aggravated by something, -which each night persistently occurs, and -which I try all day to recall to memory; at times -I just touch the border—it is like trying to grasp -the luminous tail of a comet—it is but empty -air.” He suddenly paused, evidently annoyed -that he had been betrayed into an expression of -his feelings. James sat up, instantly interested: -“Can you not concentrate your mind, and thus -trace the sequence of that which you do remember? -Is it a dream—or—or——”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>“It is nothing! I tell you it is nothing!” said -Henry testily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James said no more, but he knew that there -was something which Henry either could not, or -would not explain. Later, as Henry was starting -for home, James laid his hand on his shoulder -and said, “I think I will go home with you, -and we will have a quiet smoke together, it will -soothe your nerves, and perhaps you will sleep -better.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>At first Henry shrugged his shoulders impatiently, -and made a movement as though he would -jerk away from his detaining hand; but as James -continued speaking he seemed to change his -mind, and said slowly: “Very well! I do not -often smoke, but perhaps it would quiet my -nerves.” Aunt Hattie bade him a very crusty -good-night; she had been very sarcastic, and ill-natured -all the evening; it seemed to make her -angry if either Marjy or Henry showed any enjoyment; -she seemed equally angry if they sat -silent and unhappy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, auntie, you ought not to be so ill-natured!” -said Marjy after they had gone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, of course, I am the one to blame! If I -lost everything I possess on earth, I ought to -keep right on smiling—I should like to know -what James went home with Henry for? some -scheming, I suppose!” she harped upon these -two strings until it was very trying.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James locked his arm in Henry’s, talking -pleasantly, Henry replying absently as though -he but half-comprehended.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As I have said his rooms were in the front -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>part of the house; he pulled down the blinds, -and lighted a lamp with a soft, rose-colored -shade, and threw himself into an easy-chair with -an air of great weariness. James seated himself -at his right side, but with his chair so turned -that he could watch Henry’s face. He led him -gently on, until, before he realized what he was -doing, he was pouring all his distress and grief -into his companion’s ear, in a low, dreamy tone, -an aggrieved quiver running through his voice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Can you explain what it is that haunts your -mind—you remember that you spoke of it this -evening?” questioned James.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The trouble deepened in his eyes, and his -voice took on a more fretful tone: “I do not -know, I tell you the truth, I do not know—but -it is something about that combination, and—Aunt -Hattie; sometimes I can almost see it; but -before I can quite grasp it, it is gone. I believe -that I shall go insane, if I cannot get the thing -off my mind.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>James reached over and laid his hand on the -other’s shoulder affectionately: “Don’t worry, -old fellow! It will all come out right! Did -you ever try to bring the vision before you by -concentrating your mind upon the fragment -which you seem to catch—not at first trying to -get any further—and thus ascertain how much -of the shadow you can make real? When you -have proved that the haunting remembrance is -not wholly illusory, you can then step by step -trace back to that which evades you. Henry -obediently rested his head on the cushion, and -drew a long breath or two like a tired sigh.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>“Well, what do you see?” asked James -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He answered in the tone of a child repeating -its lesson: “I see a bright light—” he started -up excitedly: “I cannot see anything beyond -except a moving shadow—Oh! It is myself that I -see!” his voice expressive of intense surprise.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes? What are you doing?” James asked, -trembling with excitement.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Standing in the middle of the room, repeating -the combination aloud—over and over again, -making Aunt Hattie repeat it after me.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Where is Aunt Hattie?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“In her sitting room.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How do you see this?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is like a picture! This is that which has -eluded me for days—I see it plainly now.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Repeat the scene just as it has been enacted -before.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry slowly arose from his chair, and walked -to the center of the room; here he paused undecidedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, what is wrong?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Very slowly he answered, “I do not know—I—do—not—know.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>James looked puzzled; at last he asked: “Do -you mean that you cannot do again that which -you have before accomplished—that some peculiar -condition is wanting?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry merely repeated helplessly, “I—do—not—know; -it is all dark! I cannot find—Aunt—Hattie!” -in tone of great distress.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James looked perplexed: “Sit down in your -chair,” he said. Henry obeyed, and presently -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>James awoke him; he stretched out his arms, -yawning sleepily. “I feel awfully tired, suppose -we go to bed!” Evidently he had no remembrance -of the hypnotic sleep.</p> - -<p class='c009'>They at once retired; Henry sank immediately -into a profound slumber, but James lay for a long -time troubling over an idea which had taken -possession of his mind. He did not believe -Henry guilty of stealing the money, but he believed -that he was shielding the person who did -take it. Could it be Marjy? The thought made -the cold sweat start out on his face; the next -instant, when he remembered Marjy’s frank eyes -as she appealed to him to try his hypnotic power -over Henry, he felt ashamed of the thought; her -idea was merely to tease Henry for his strenuous -opposition to it, if he could be made to succumb -to the influence; but James had an altogether -different idea, which he did not mention; as I -have said, he believed that Henry knew more -about the money than he professed to know. -Now, after his experiment, he was completely at -a loss; he could form no opinion. He was surprised -that he found him so easy a subject; it -was perhaps owing to his mental depression, and -consequent relaxation of will power.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James had said to Marjy that afternoon, “Perhaps -Henry did take the money!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I know that he did not!” she answered hotly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How do you know that?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Just because I do know; I cannot explain -how I know, but I know it!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>James, watching the flush in her cheek, was -thinking how becoming a touch of anger was to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>her, but he laughed gayly as he replied: -“Woman’s reason; logical of course; just -because!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>This returned to him as he lay there too perplexed -to sleep. “She is right about it; he did -not take the money, or else he would have betrayed -it; and this knocks my theory all to -pieces, as well; he would have told if he knew -who did take it. Confound the whole business! -What is it to me, that I should worry over it?” -He turned restlessly in the bed, trying to get -to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Presently Henry began to mutter. James -grumbled at this fresh annoyance. “I had best -have stayed at home,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry lifted himself upon his elbow, whispering -rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“That confounded combination!” exclaimed -James in disgust, as he turned over to look at -Henry; he caught his breath in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Slowly, slowly Henry arose, his lips moving -rapidly, as a child repeats its lesson to impress -it upon his mind. His eyes were widely opened, -but with a curious introverted look; he stepped -slowly forward, a look of concentration on his -ghastly features; he walked to the center of the -room exactly where he had before stood; there -he paused as though listening: “Aunt Hattie! -Aunt Hattie!” he called clearly and distinctly; -although the tone was very low, as one speaks -who is desirous of being heard by none save the -person addressed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James jumped out of bed, bringing his hands -together softly. “I wonder if it is possible!” he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>cried, quivering with excitement; he hurried on -his clothes and fairly flew down the stairs, and -let himself into Aunt Hattie’s house.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he passed the sitting room he cautiously -pushed aside the <em>portières</em>. Aunt Hattie was on -her knees before the safe, repeating the combination -in almost exactly the tone in which -Henry had spoken. James dashed up the stairs -and knocked softly at Marjy’s door.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Who’s there?” she called in a frightened -tone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It’s I, James; open the door, Marjy; do not -be frightened, but hurry!” Marjy opened the -door as requested.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, what is it?” her voice trembling.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Nothing which need frighten you. I have -found the thief, come!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy had not disrobed, but was lying on the -bed reading, and immediately followed him. He -hastily whispered an explanation as they hurried -down the stairs; in conclusion he said: “Now, I -want you to watch auntie, and see just what she -does; I will go back and watch Henry’s movements; -he appears like a sleep walker, and auntie -seems to be hypnotized. It’s a queer performance, -take it as you will.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy was white and trembling; half afraid, -and wholly excited. They drew aside the draperies, -auntie had all the papers contained in the -safe on the floor, and was now rummaging in -every corner as though searching for some missing -thing; muttering, muttering to herself all the -time.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James hurried back to Henry’s rooms, and left -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>Marjy breathlessly watching Aunt Hattie, who -was carefully gathering up the scattered papers, -and putting them back in their several places; -she then closed and locked the safe.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh!” breathed Marjy, in keen disappointment; -she had surely thought that she should -know where the money was, and her disappointment -was great. She was about to turn away -and go to her room, she felt so vexed, when her -steps were arrested by hearing her aunt say—as -though replying to some person:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, I will! I forgot—Oh, yes! All right!” -and with a quick decided step she walked across -the room to a great easy-chair; this she carefully -turned upon its side; removed one of the casters, -and pulled some bills out of the cavity; she -appeared to count them carefully, after which -she replaced them, putting the caster in the socket -as it belonged. Each one was examined in turn, -then with a sigh the chair was placed in its proper -position and she sank into its depths with the -audible words: “Yes, Henry; it is all right!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy shivered with superstitious awe; silence -unbroken reigned save for the ticking of the -clock, and the breathing of Aunt Hattie, as -she lay back in the chair looking strangely -cadaverous.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James quietly let himself into Henry’s room; -he still stood like a specter in the middle of the -floor; the red glow of the lamp cast a weird light -over his pale features, his expression was fixed -and intent; his face was turned slightly sidewise, -and he held up one hand as one who listens -intently: “Yes, that is right; place everything -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>as you found it, and go to your bed!” As he -ceased speaking he turned toward his own bed, -rested a moment on its edge, then lay down, and -drew the covers over himself as though just -retiring; he was soon breathing deeply, and like -one in natural slumber.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James threw himself into a chair, and slowly -puffed a cigar and thought; finally he arose and -yawning stretched his limbs. “I’ll see if Marjy -has retired; I think I understand this queer -tangle, but I’m blest if I understand how to -straighten it out!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He quietly let himself out of the house, and as -quietly entered auntie’s front door; Marjy met -him in the hall, and drew him into the sitting -room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Where is auntie?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Gone to her bed; do tell me what happened -in Henry’s room!” she said eagerly. She sat -looking at him wide-eyed and wondering, while -he related all that had occurred.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, tell me, what do you think of it?” she -questioned.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He thoughtfully rolled his cigar in his fingers -for a few minutes before replying. “I do not -quite know; Henry was certainly asleep. Now -the question is just this; could he hypnotize your -aunt at such a distance, himself being in a -somnambulistic state?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do not think that he is conscious of possessing -hypnotic power,” said Marjy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, he would doubtless be indignant if one -suggested such a thing; but he certainly has -that power, and really, I cannot see why he could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>not use the force just as well in that state as -though awake, so long as his mind intelligently -directed it; the will power is just as strong as -at any time.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is all very strange! Now that we know -where the money is, what are we to do about -it?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I suppose the proper thing to do would be -to tell Aunt Hattie all about to-night’s free -show!” and he laughed at the recollection.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I should really be afraid to tell Aunt Hattie; -in her present mood there is no saying what she -would, or would not do,” said Marjy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>James replied thoughtfully: “That is true; -we had best sleep over it; we will talk it over -again in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>James did not return to Henry’s room, he -wished to be alone, that he might better solve -the problem which confronted him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He arose the following morning tired, worn -out with sleeplessness, and no nearer a solution -than when he retired.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Auntie was in a terrible ill humor, the atmosphere -seemed surcharged with discord; throughout -the whole day everything seemed to go -amiss. Marjy was burning with a desire to tell -her aunt, alternated with a shivering fear of her -disbelief, and consequent sarcastic remarks. -James made a vain endeavor to see Henry; no -one knew his whereabouts all day; late in the -evening he came to the house, looking pale and -dispirited. Marjy clasped his hand in cordial -greeting; this elicited an angry ejaculation from -Aunt Hattie, beyond which she gave no sign -that she knew of his presence.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>James and Marjy sat looking over some -stereoptic views to cover their desire to watch -the two, and both were trying to find a suitable -opportunity to bring up the subject of the lost -money, so as to be able to explain how they came -by their knowledge of the hiding place. The -attitude of both Henry and auntie was such as -to discourage a commencement. At last James -wrote on a card: “You will have to tell them; I -will corroborate your account.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Marjy replied: “Oh, I cannot. It makes me -shiver to think of it; they both look so forbidding.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry sat on the corner of a sofa, with his -eyes fixed intently on Aunt Hattie; they did not -observe this until she arose and stood beside her -chair as though waiting; her lips were moving -rapidly but inaudibly. Henry, still looking -fixedly at her, said slowly: “Speak aloud!” -She began repeating the combination, and step -by step went through the performance of the -previous night, until she had taken the money -from its hiding place. Henry at that moment, -pale and resolute—though trembling with excitement—commanded -her to awaken.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was most pitiable to see her when she -realized her situation; the overturned chair; the -casters lying on the floor; the bills grasped in -her shaking hands; Marjy and James silently -regarding her; Henry, with a look of exhaustion -on his face, lay back among the dark cushions. -At first she was utterly bewildered; then, as she -looked at the bills grasped in her hands, a ray -of joy, quickly succeeded by anger, gave her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>voice: “You think you are awful smart, don’t -you? Playing tricks on an old woman! I -should like to know what you have been doing -to me!” she stormed; then looking at the open -safe, and the bills in her hand she began to sob -weakly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Don’t cry, auntie, it is all right!” said Marjy -soothingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, no! It isn’t right! I remember now—of -hiding that money; and to think that I have -accused Henry and you of taking it—Oh, dear! -Oh, dear!” sobbed she; “I did not remember it -until now!” she wailed disconsolately.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Henry came and laid his hand upon her shoulder: -“Do not fret, auntie; I think there is no -one to blame, if so, it must be my fault. I have -always been a somnambulist, and always been -ashamed of it—as though I could help it; but I -had no idea that I possessed any hypnotic power; -in fact I did not believe in the existence of such -a force—at least I did not wish to believe it—which -in all probability is just what led to this -occurrence. You remember that we were speaking -of hypnotism the night of the disappearance -of the money; Marjy defended the theory, and I -opposed it in order to draw her out; some assertions -which she made struck me as being very -forcible, and I could not rid myself of the -thoughts engendered, any more than I could get -rid of the repetition of that combination. It has -been like a nightmare to me, and each day there -had been a shadow of some occurrence of the -past night which has persistently evaded me. I -have been haunted all this day by something -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>which occurred last night, which seemed like a -vivid dream, and I thought I would put it to the -test. You cannot be more surprised at the result -than I am.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>James and Marjy now came forward: “I think -that Marjy and I will also have to make confession; -I think that your being able to recall a -portion of last night’s events was due to the -slight influence which I gained over you; I tried -to impress it upon your mind that you must remember -what occurred, but I thought that I had -failed completely.” He then made a complete -explanation, which Marjy fully corroborated. -Auntie laughed and sobbed in the same breath: -“I’ve been an old crank; but the uncertainty -worried me so that I could not help it—and my -part of the general confession is that a sense of -knowledge—which I could not grasp—tormented -me continually, but I would not have confessed -it for twice that amount of money. However, -“All’s well that ends well.” Marjy, you may -have the money to buy a wedding trousseau, and -when Henry is my nephew I trust that he will -not hypnotize his old aunt, either when he is -sleeping or waking.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span> - <h2 class='c005'>HIS FRIEND.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The two log cabins stood on the grassy slopes -of opposite mountains, the dark piñons forming -a picturesque background; a babbling brook ran -between the two, a boundary line of molten silver.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam Nesterwood’s door faced north, and Phil -Boyd’s door looked south; while they were -building the cabins Phil remarked that it -looked so much more sociable that way.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When Phil came out in the morning to plunge -his wind-browned face into the tin wash basin, -filled with cold water from the stream below, he -usually saw Sam doing the same; or perhaps, -taking the grimy towel off the wooden peg just -outside the door, with which he scrubbed his -face, and even the tiny bald spot on the top of -his head, to a shiny red.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil came out as usual one still October morning; -the cottonwoods were just turning a soft -golden color—fairy gold—in a setting of dark -green and gray—autumn’s gorgeous mosaic.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A chipmunk darted saucily by, and just beyond -reach sat up chattering a comical defiance; -a lone bluebell nodded in the wind, swaying -from side to side seeking its vanished companions; -blood-red leaves peeped out from under -dry grasses, or decked the sides of a gray -bowlder.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>Phil looked cheerfully around; he snapped his -fingers at the saucy squirrel, and laughed at the -blinking, black eyes; looking across at the opposite -cabin he bawled, “Hello, Sam!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Hello yourself!” retorted Sam. This had -been the morning salutation, never varied, -though all the summer months. Each evening -after their day’s work they met at one or the -other cabin to compare rock; to talk over a lucky -strike, or the mishap of a mutual acquaintance, -not that much sympathy was expended or -needed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Jim’s claim has petered out; he’s out about -six months’ work, and all his money.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You don’t say! Oh, well, Jim won’t stay -broke very long; he’s a hustler.” It was not -from want of sympathy, but because of a confidence -begotten of this hard life, much as the -sparrow might argue, “having never wanted for -food, I shall be always fed.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Later in the morning Phil climbed the steep -trail which led to his claim high upon the mountain -side. The days were perceptibly growing -shorter, and it was quite dark when he came -down this October evening. Halfway down the -trail he thought he heard a groan.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His halting foot dislodged a stone, and sent it -crashing down the mountain side; the rushing -sound of a night hawk overhead; the melancholy -hoot of an owl in the piñons; the bark of a -coyote in the distance, all seemed but to accentuate -the silence.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As I have said, night had fallen, coming suddenly, -as it ever does in the mountains; no -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>dewy, tender twilight as in lower altitudes; the -sun hanging low in the western sky seems phantasm-like -to drop behind the distant peaks; a -chill wind whistles through the piñons like -a softly sung dirge; darkness settles down like a -pall—and it is night.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil thought that he must be mistaken, and -again started on his homeward way; the groaning -was repeated almost at his very feet.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He searched vainly, but could find no person, -nothing to account for the sound.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Dead silence had fallen again. Phil shivered, -“This wind is mighty cold!” he muttered, -his hand shaking, his teeth inclined to chatter. -He took off his hat to wipe the perspiration from -his brow, which had gathered in great drops -notwithstanding the chill wind; he cast a furtive -glance behind him; it was all so terribly uncanny. -“Oh! O—h!” came again at his very -feet; he gave a frightened start, and an involuntary -ejaculation: “Great God!” then gathered -himself together and renewed his search, this -time rewarded by finding Sam lying under the -shelter of a rock badly wounded.</p> - -<p class='c009'>It was a hard task to carry him down that -steep trail, and Phil said, pityingly, many times, -“It’s awful rough, pard, but there’s no help for -it.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He carried him into the cabin, and laying him -on his bed, built a fire, and with a touch gentle -as that of a woman bathed and dressed his -wound.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He found that a bullet had plowed a ragged -furrow down his leg, and shattered the smaller -bone halfway between the knee and the ankle.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>Phil had a little knowledge of surgery; these -nomads of the hills are often far from surgical -aid, and of a necessity attain a degree of skill in -such matters. Having made his patient as comfortable -as possible, Phil lay down on the floor, -rolled in a single blanket, to rest until morning.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>The autumn days crept by in drowsy calm—a -stillness deeper and more sad than in lower altitudes; -the whistle of the late bird as he calls to -his mate to hasten their migration is unheard -here; the shrill notes of the cicada, which fills -the autumn days in the moist, odorous woods is -unknown in these barren heights; the dry, -stubbly bunch grass, the gray, dusty sage -brush harbors no insect life save an occasional -lonely cricket, and even these are strangely -silent. No birds flit from tree to tree save the -magpies, with their gorgeous black and white -plumage, and their harsh discordant cries, and -these are only seen along the streams. An occasional -hawk sails above the piñons in graceful -curves, or darts downward like an arrow shot -from a bow. All else is silent and lifeless.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The sun lies white and brilliant over all; the -long shadows lie on the gray ground as though -painted there; the tiny streams hurry between -their rocky banks, as though in haste to get -away from a too cloudless sky.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Long stretches of hills rise and fall away, dry, -desolate and gray; a weird loneliness and beauty -lies over all—the grandeur of desolation.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The leaves had fluttered down to the bare -earth, and a few flakes of snow had been tossed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>about by the nipping wind, ere Sam Nesterwood -was able to tell the story of his accident. He -was riding up the trail to a claim he thought of -relocating; he considered the broncho he rode -“all right,” but some reminiscence of his forefathers, -some prompting of the wild blood which -is never wholly subdued, must have possessed -the animal, for without the slightest warning, -head down, back arched like an angry cat, he -bucked outrageously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam was too good a rider to be easily thrown, -but the unexpected movement threw his pistol -from his belt; it struck the pommel of the saddle, -discharging its contents into his leg, and -although it felt as though red-hot iron tore -through the flesh, he still retained his seat; -then he must have fainted, for he knew no more -until near nightfall. When consciousness returned -he was lying on the ground; he felt -chilled through, and his limb was so stiff and -sore that he could scarcely move. He sought to -get nearer to a large rock for shelter from the -cold wind; it had by this time grown quite -dusk, and beneath the rock was so dark that he -could not see, thus he rolled into the hole beneath, -where Phil found him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>During all the time of Sam’s illness, Phil each -day climbed the rugged trail to work for a -neighboring miner, letting his own assessment -work wait, while he earned the money to pay -doctor’s bills, buy medicines, supply Sam -with books to read, and delicacies to tempt his -appetite. Phil denied himself all but the barest -subsistence. Sam smoked cigars, read books, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>and ate the most expensive delicacies, as though -such things were no more than his right.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thus affairs went on until near the beginning -of February. Sam was practically well, but he -made no effort to get about.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil had bought a great easy-chair for him in -the first stages of his convalescence, and he sat -in the coziest corner, and piled the fireplace high -with wood, although Phil had to “snake” it -more than half a mile down the steep mountain -side.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>It was a bitter night; the wind blew bleak -over the hills, driving the little snow that had -fallen before it, so many needle like points, -which left the face stinging with pain. Just at -nightfall it had grown warmer, and the scudding -clouds began to drop their fleecy burden, a fairy -mantle over all the rugged hills.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil came home covered with snow, his long -mustache ridiculously lengthened by icicles, his -eyebrows white as those of Father Time.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He set his lunch pail down moodily, and shook -himself much as a spaniel shakes the water from -his shaggy coat; he threw himself on a bench -before the fire with a tired sigh; and rested his -elbows on his knees, his chin dropped in his -upturned palms.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam shivered as some of the flying particles of -snow struck him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Can’t you be a little more careful; you’ll -give me my death of cold yet!” he grumbled.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I did not intend to wet you,” answered -Philip very gently, not changing his position.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>“You must be down in the dumps! What is -the matter with you?” said Sam irritably.</p> - -<p class='c009'>This habit of half-grumbling and fault-finding -had become so common with Sam that Phil -made no reply. After a minute’s silence, he began -again:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Aren’t we going to have any supper to-night? -It’s most infernal monotonous sitting here alone -all day with nothing to read, and not even a -square meal.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil arose wearily, and began laying the cloth -on the table; soon the bacon was sizzling merrily, -the teakettle bumping the lid up and down -for very joy, and the fragrance of coffee filled -the room.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil took from the box nailed against the -wall a small dish of peaches, a couple of slices -of cake, and a little cheese, which he put beside -Sam’s plate.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Supper is ready,” said he gravely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam arose lazily, and Phil wheeled his easy-chair -up to the table; then poured out the coffee, -and drew up his own rough bench. He offered -a slice of the bacon to Sam, before helping himself.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No,” said Sam testily, “I’m tired of bacon. -I hate the very smell of it. I do wish I could -have something decent to eat!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil made no reply, but ate his bread and -bacon, and drank his coffee in silence. Sam -leaned back in his chair, his head resting on the -cushion, and looked at Phil from under half-closed -eyelids. “Your countenance is an appetizer! -You are about as cheerful as a tombstone!” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>a curious anxiety underlying his -sneering tone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Phil did not reply, he continued: “Can’t -you open your clam shell, and spit out your -grievance? I suppose I have offended your -saintship in some way, ’though what I’ve done -except to stay all alone and put up with all sorts -of discomforts is more than I know,” the -questioning tone in the first part of his speech -shading off into a sullen grumbling toward the -end.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil lifted his gloomy face.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have given you no reason for that kind of -talk; I can’t grin very much when some galoot -has jumped my claim,” he replied slowly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You don’t say! Who the deuce——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“The name marked on the new stake is Jim -Redmond, but that don’t count much,” answered -Phil despondently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I suppose you think I’d be sneak enough to -do it,” retorted Sam, the strange, questioning -look deepening in his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, come off, Sam! What is the use of talking -that kind of stuff? I’m not quite so suspicious -as that; why, you haven’t been up the trail -in months,” answered Phil, with a kindly look.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No; and my name is not Jim Redmond; but -you ought to have done your assessment work; -you can’t very well blame him, whoever he may -be.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No; p’raps not,” said Phil slowly, and it -seemed somewhat doubtingly; then he added: -“What makes me sore is that it was looking -so good. Well, there’s no use in wearing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>mourning, I suppose;” and he tried to laugh -cheerfully. After supper, notwithstanding the -inclemency of the night Phil trudged patiently -the long six miles into town, that Sam might -have the coveted books, and a tender steak for -his breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam evinced no desire to return to his own -cabin; on the contrary he said, in his peculiarly -soft tones, “I guess we’d better finish the winter -together, hadn’t we, Phil? I’m not very strong -yet, and one fire will do for both; of course I’ll -put up my share of the grub.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, that’s all right; I’m glad of your company,” -replied Phil.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam must have considered his company a -sufficient compensation, for he contributed nothing -toward the expense of living; he took the -most and the best of everything; the choicest of -the food; the only chair; the warmest corner of -the fireplace; and the only good bed. If he -ever saw Phil’s self denial, he made no sign. If -Phil ever thought him selfish, he did not show -it; that which he gave he gave royally.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One evening Phil came in from work; it was -bitter cold; the stars snapped and twinkled; the -frost showed a million glittering points in the -white moonlight; the ground cracked like tiny -pistol shots; the wind whistled shrilly, and cut -like a whiplash.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil shook himself, and threw off his cap and -coat:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“This is a scorcher and no mistake,” he -stretched out his hands basking in the warmth.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam had hovered over the fire all day, reading. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>He leaned back in his chair, a tantalizing light -in his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You’ve been working the Mollie Branscome,” -he asserted, rather than asked.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil nodded his head. Sam continued: “I -say, Phil, is Mollie Branscome your sweetheart, -that you named your claim after her?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil colored painfully, but after a minute he -replied dryly: “It must be information you’re -seekin’; I wasn’t aware that it concerned anyone -but myself.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam laughed sneeringly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Awful close with your little romance!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>To Phil it was a romance; and in giving the -name to his claim he but obeyed the impulse to -have it ever on his lips. “Mollie,” his manner -of speaking it was ever a caress.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam laughed, and passed the remark off as a -joke.</p> - -<p class='c009'>One day Sam brought Phil a letter from his -old father, asking him to come home, as he was -very ill and wished to see him once more before -he died. Phil turned the letter over thoughtfully, -and Sam hastened to say: “I tried to get -on to the horse, and he jumped sideways and -dumped the whole pile of mail into the dirt; it’s -an awful mess, but I couldn’t help it,” apologetically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh ’t wasn’t that! but the old man’s writing -don’t look natural. I am afraid he is pretty -bad.” He pulled his mustache thoughtfully for -a few minutes.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I don’t just see how I can manage it. I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>just about money enough to get there, but none -to return,” said he.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam leaned back in his chair, blowing a long -cloud of smoke meditatively. Finally he said: -“I had an offer for the Little Darling this morning; -you go, if you want to, and I’ll make the -deal, and send you a fifty; you can pay it after -you come back.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil’s face lit up with a pleasant smile.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Sam, it’s awful good of you!” he exclaimed -impulsively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, I’m always willing to do a favor when I -can,” nonchalantly, seeming to be utterly forgetful -of all that Phil had done for him; unmindful -that at this very moment he was smoking -Phil’s tobacco, warming himself at Phil’s -fire, and this moment contemplating the eating -of the food of Phil’s providing. His manner of -speaking would imply that this was but one -more of many benefits of his conferring.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Phil was leaving to go to his father, Sam -said:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I’ll take good care of everything for you.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“All right! thanks, and good-by!” called Phil -heartily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil’s father was very much surprised to see -him; no message had been sent; and he was -well but none the less glad to see Phil.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil wrote to Sam at once, but as he received -no reply wrote again and again.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He did not need money, as his father had -given him more than enough, but he feared that -some ill had befallen his friend.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Phil left the stagecoach on his return -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>home, three months later, he at once sought -Mollie; he had received no letter from her during -his absence, although he had repeatedly -written. He knocked, and Mollie herself -opened the door. Phil reached out his hand -in glad greeting; she drew back coldly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Is there anything you wish, sir?” as she -would address a stranger.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil’s face flushed hotly, then went deadly -pale. He looked at her reproachfully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I think not,” he replied sadly, as he turned -away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>With natures such as these a tragedy may -occur unobserved by the bystander.</p> - -<p class='c009'>To Phil the sun seemed to have set, all looked -so dark and gloomy. As he swung off over the -lonely mountain trail, the gurgling water in the -brook below seemed to mock him; the scent of -the springing vegetation caused a feeling of -irritation, his heart was so full of bitter disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Lonely and more lonely grew the way; no life -save himself, he just a dark speck upon that -yellow trail crawling up the mountain side. -Even his panting breath seemed to disturb the -dead calm, as he paused—taking off his hat—to -look up to his cabin. He shaded his eyes, -and looked eagerly. Only a blackened spot -marked where his home—humble, but still a -home—had stood. He looked higher up the side -of the mountain to where the Mollie Branscome -lay; he drew his breath sharply; where he had -left a windlass and bucket, a frame shafthouse -arose. The sharp spurt of steam rising on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>fast chilling air denoted a perfectly set valve; -he saw hurrying forms of men at work; he shut -his teeth hard together, a fiery red spot rising -in either cheek. He felt neither fatigue nor depression -now; he breathed stertoriously as he -toiled up the steep trail.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam was the first person that he met.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil pointed to a name above the shafthouse -door: “The New Discovery.” “What does -that mean?” he demanded hoarsely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What’s it to you?” answered Sam derisively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Poor Phil! His blood seemed on fire. The -sneer; the taunting look; it was like letting a -brilliant light shine into a dark place; he knew -by that ‘sixth sense,’ intuition, all the treachery -of this false friend. He knew who had sent him -upon a fool’s errand; he knew who had stolen -his first claim, and had some accomplice mark -the stake in a false name; a memory of his systematic -sponging for more than half a year -goaded him to madness; many, very many acts, -before unconsidered, came to his mind fraught -with meaning. The veins on his forehead stood -out like purple cord, and he made a wild lunge -at Sam. Sam turned to run; he stepped on a -rolling stone and went down helplessly; he lay -there glaring up at Phil, fear and vindictive -hatred strangely blent in his gaze.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil stood over him like an avenger:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“So! You thought to rob me of this claim as -you did of the other, did you?” his voice quivering -hoarsely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You’ve got me down, now strike me!” answered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>Sam, his eyes glaring wildly, his teeth -showing like those of a wild animal. “Yes, -I did jump your claim; and I’ve got -the papers to show for the Mollie Branscome; -the Mollie Branscome! You thought you were -awful sly, but I jumped that claim too; your -letters to her put me on. She thinks you went -East to marry your old love; <em>we</em> are going to be -married to-morrow night!” he cried tauntingly; -he seemed to have gone insane with rage.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Phil listened to him the fierce anger died -out of his face, and contempt took its place; but -he only ejaculated:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You contemptible cur!” as he stepped back -and folded his arms.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The workmen had gathered about, and stood -in silent amazement; their looks seemed to anger -Sam still more, and he continued his insane -taunting:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, you wanted me to take care of your -things, didn’t you? I took care of them, oh, -yes!” and he thrust his tongue in his cheek -derisively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He had risen to his feet by this time, and -stood leaning his back against the shafthouse. -Phil stood a minute without speaking, pity -struggling with contempt in his heart; finally -he said slowly, and without a trace of anger:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well! You’re slopping over pretty freely. -If you burned my cabin thinking to destroy my -papers, you got left; I took them with me, and -you must have forgotten that they are recorded. -As to the other affair which you have tangled -with your dirty fingers, I think that I can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>straighten that out all right. You are too contemptible -to whip, but I advise you to make -yourself scarce.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I believe he did burn that cabin, because no -one has ever been inside of <em>his</em> shack since the -fire; probably he has some things there that he’d -rather not have seen. I always thought that -things looked mighty queer,” said big Cal -Wagner.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Let’s all quit work. I’ll not strike another -stroke for the likes of ’im,” said Denny Colby.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Say, aren’t you the fellow that took care of -this skunk when he was hurt?” asked Cal.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes,” tersely replied Phil.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, you’d better git up and dust, you -miserable apology for a man!” cried Cal, indignantly -turning to Sam.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“And he made out that you had skipped the -country, and that he bought the claim, so that -you needn’t go dead broke. If he don’t leave -it’s a necktie party we’ll be havin’!” added -Denny Colby.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, let him alone, boys; he isn’t worth the -rope it would take to hang him; upon my word -I pity him, he is so <em>con</em>temptible that I don’t -think he can enjoy his own company,” drawled -Phil lazily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam limped away unmolested, cursing wildly -as far as they could hear him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil turned from looking after him, and said -to the men, “It makes me feel pretty sore, but I -guess that he feels worse’n I do,” he added -philosophically. After a few minutes he continued, -“You might as well knock off for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>rest of the day, I don’t suppose he will give me -any trouble because he knows that I have the -papers to prove my right. I’ll square whatever -wages is coming to you as soon as I get things in -good shape.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>A hearty grasp of the hand, and a ready acquiescence -sealed the compact.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil swung himself down the mountain side -in a much more joyous mood than when -ascending.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He walked direct to Mollie’s house, and as -before she opened the door; she started in surprise -and anger; he did not wait for her to speak, but -said in a determined tone, “You asked me this -morning if there was anything that I wished, and -not understanding the circumstances I said no; -I have since learned some things which caused me -to change my mind—Mollie, would you condemn -me unheard?” reaching out both hands.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She, flushing and trembling, stood irresolute -for one minute, then placed her hands in his.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, that would not be just; but why did you -not write?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I did write several times, but could get no -reply from you.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wonder—” she commenced, but Phil cut -the sentence short.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Were you going to marry Sam, Mollie?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What an idea! That conceited thing!” answered -Mollie indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>They had entered the little parlor, and Phil -caught her in his arms and said quizzically, -“What about me?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Just what Mollie answered I had best not repeat, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>but it seemed to be perfectly satisfactory, -as he left the house an hour later, whistling as -happily as a boy.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>Just after dark Sam hurried into town, cursing -his lameness and Phil, indiscriminately; he -wanted to keep things square with Mollie, as he -expressed it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he came near the house he observed that -the little parlor was brilliantly lighted; his heart -filled with exultation: “I’ll bet Mollie is expecting -me! Let Phil keep his old claims; the girl -is worth more than all of them; it will hurt him -most to lose her, too. Of course it was all a lie -about our going to be married; but I can get -her all right, you bet there isn’t many women but -that I could get!” with a ridiculous air of importance.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He knocked confidently, and was at once -ushered into the midst of a number of guests. -Coming as he did, from the darkness, the glare -of the lights blinded him; but as he advanced -into the room, Cal Wagner said, “We were waiting -for you, sir. Please be seated.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Turning to the group near the center of the -room, he continued, “Reverend sir, this is the -guest we were expecting; will you now proceed -with the ceremony.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Looking radiantly happy, Mollie and Phil -took their places in front of the minister, and -the solemn marriage service commenced.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sam made a bolt for the door; but Cal’s great -hand closed over his shoulder like a vise, and he -was compelled to stand and see his last shred of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>revenge slip away from him, amid the happy -smiles of those around him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Then he crept out into the darkness, out of -the ken of those who knew him, blaming everybody -but himself, yet at war with himself and -all the world, because he had not succeeded in -ill-doing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Phil said to his wife: “I am sorry for him; I -wish he had been content to be my friend; I did -like Sam.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Of course there was not the slightest opposition -to Phil’s assuming control of his own property, -but his conscience troubled him because -Sam had built the shafthouse: “I had much -rather have paid him for it,” he remarked; but -when later he learned that neither lumber nor -labor were paid for, and all bought upon his -credit, he had no more regrets.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span> - <h2 class='c005'>A TALE OF THE X RAY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Christopher Hembold had a mania for experimenting.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He had tried everything from hypnotism to -electricity, when the “X” ray was first talked -about. He could think or talk of nothing else; -he perused every magazine and paper with -greedy avidity in search of articles concerning it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Christopher, do put that paper down and eat -your breakfast,” said his wife.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mrs. Hembold was a nervous little woman, -and it annoyed her to hear the newspaper rattle, -and she disliked to have it held so as to hide her -Christopher from view.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But, Maria, just listen, here’s more about -that wonderful discovery—” he exclaimed -excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Christopher Hembold! Eat your breakfast! -I care much more that the steak and coffee are -getting cold than I do for that nonsense.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You have no sympathy, Maria; the mysteries -of science are beyond your appreciation!” he -exclaimed, as he folded the paper in dignified -displeasure.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Appreciate fiddlesticks!” angrily retorted -Maria, stirring her coffee vigorously.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>Said Christopher, the next morning at the -breakfast table:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Maria, I am going to Abbeyville on business, -and shall in all probability be detained a month.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What business have you in Abbeyville?” -asked Maria in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“It is business of a private nature, which you -wouldn’t understand,” answered he loftily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Which is a polite way of telling me that it is -none of my business,” retorted Maria in a huff.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher left the house in dignified anger; -his portly figure and handsome profile the admiration -of his wrathful wife. The fact was, he -did not wish to talk; he had determined that he -would investigate the “X” ray to his own satisfaction. -A certain idea haunted him by day, -and mingled with his dreams at night; it thrust -itself between him and the long columns in the -ledger; until, with a finger on the figures, he -would fix his eyes on vacancy, and go off into a -deep study.</p> - -<p class='c009'>At last Mr. Brown, his employer, said to him:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What is the matter with you Christopher? -Are you ill?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No—yes—not very,” answered Christopher -confusedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You had better take a layoff until you feel -better,” said Brown; adding mentally, “You are -of no use here; you’ll mix those accounts until -it will take an expert a week to straighten them.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher packed his grip with a sigh of -satisfaction, and left home on the evening train.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Maria gave a little regretful sigh. “He might -have kissed me; he didn’t even say good-by.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>She presently began thinking how preoccupied -he looked, and how strange he had acted.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I do wonder if he was in trouble! I ought -not have been so cross, but he should have told -me; so there!” After a minute of troubled -thought, she added: “Perhaps he didn’t want to -worry me.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Whenever Christopher was present she must -give him a dig as often as the opportunity -occurred; but no sooner was he away than all -his good qualities became apparent.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Instead of stopping at Abbeyville, Christopher -hastened on to a city more than a thousand miles -away. “I’ll just call myself John Smith, and I -shall not be bothered while making my investigations,” -said he complacently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning after his arrival he sought -out the noted Professor Blank, and at some -length explained his project; in conclusion he -said:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You understand that I wish to be cathodographed -many times; the working of the brain -has always been a tantalizing puzzle to me. -What I wish to search out is, how the different -emotions affect the gray matter; for instance, it -is claimed that this bump is combativeness;” -placing his hand on the region indicated. “It -is also claimed that all qualities, whether good -or bad, are capable of being cultivated; that the -bump indicating that trait or quality grows -perceptibly larger; well, then, the substance -known as gray matter must undergo a change; -whenever that emotion is unduly excited, the -gray matter must quiver, vibrate; in fact change -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>position. Have you never felt as though your -brain must burst with the intensity of emotion? -I have; and am eager to test it with the ‘X’ -ray.” He paused as though for an answer, but -receiving none, continued: “Now in order to -test this, I wish to subject myself to every -possible emotion, and in every change be photographed.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The professor smiled incredulously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“How are you to obtain these changes of -mood? Such emotions usually come without our -choosing.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“True! Well, I shall endeavor to create the -emotion as I wish it.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The professor laughed aloud. “I think under -such conditions that the emotion would be altogether -too tame to have a visible effect on the -brain.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher resented the laughter: “Perhaps -you are not willing to assist me in making my -experiments?” he questioned angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, yes; perfectly willing,” was the smiling -answer.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Now, look here! I wish to investigate this -carefully, and I’m willing and able to pay your -price; but I’ll not be ridiculed sir, I’m no boy, -I’ll have you understand!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, of course not,” answered the professor -soothingly, he thought him a mild lunatic; -really he seemed half insane; no matter what -reply the professor made, he grew more wroth, -until he, out of all patience, said angrily: -“What is the matter with you? You act like a -maniac!”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>“Quick! Quick! Photograph me!” cried -Christopher, with livid lips.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, well!” exclaimed the professor in astonishment, -as he hastily complied with the -request; after which Christopher sank back, pale -and trembling.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The professor looked at him admiringly: -“How did you accomplish it?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, I don’t know; I just let go of the -strings;” smiling faintly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thus he went through the whole scale of -emotions; he was taken while under the influence -of anæsthetics; in a placid mood; in a moment -of most uproarious hilarity; in the depths of -despondency; in languishing amorousness; in -fact, in all conceivable moods of the human -mind. He seemed to possess the strange faculty -of producing any desired emotion at will.</p> - -<p class='c009'>After he had exhausted all moods, he one day -stood gazing meditatively, and rather sadly at -the plates.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Are you not satisfied?” asked the professor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher sighed deeply: “No, I cannot say -that I am; it is certainly shown that there is a -change, the exact nature of which is by no -means clearly defined. Some future discovery -will, I am sure, enable the scientist to see the -action of the brain as plainly as we now know -the action of the heart.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He nervously ran his fingers through his hair -while speaking; he withdrew his hand with an -exclamation of horror: it was covered with hairs -and a cloud of the same enveloped him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Heaven! Is all my hair falling out?” he -cried in dismay.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>The professor calmly observed: “I have -noticed it for some time; when you first came -your mustache and eyebrows were very thick -and long, but have been gradually thinning, I -thought several times that I would speak of it, -but we have had so much else to talk about, and -the most of your moods have been so peculiar—” -he smiled as he paused.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, it’s all right for you to laugh! You -wouldn’t if you were in my shoes! Whatever -will Maria say?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He stood ruefully looking at his reflection in -the mirror. “I look like a kid!” said he scornfully. -“I have been so busy with this confounded -foolishness that I did not think of -looking in a glass. Pshaw! I’m going to drop -this nonsense and go home; I know that my wife -is worried about me before this time. I haven’t -written to her since I came here. I didn’t want -her to know what I was doing.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You ought to have told her, though,” said -the professor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You don’t know Maria!” said Christopher -sadly. “Confound it! How my head aches! -Now that I take time to think of it, I know that -it has ached for a week.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The following morning Christopher was very -ill, and was not able to leave his room for weeks. -When at last he arose, he giddily crossed the -room to the mirror, and looked at himself; he -sank into a chair with a groan; not a vestige of -hair remained on head or face.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He covered his long, leathery face with his -hands, and cried aloud: “I look like a great -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>big sole-leather baby! Whatever will Maria -say! I’ll never tell her that it is the effect of -that confounded “X” ray; if I did I should -never hear the last of it; I’ve been sick, I am -sick—sick of the whole business.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Meanwhile at home, Maria had at first reproached -herself with her irritability, and finished -by writing Christopher a loving, and penitent -little note, which she sent to Abbeyville. -Of course she received no reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“He must have been very angry,” she sobbingly -exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She wrote again, a still more penitent and -pleading letter; this not being answered, she -became very indignant.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If he wants to be so awfully huffy, let him!” -she said wrathfully; but when a whole month -passed, and no tidings came as to his whereabouts, -she became alarmed, and began to institute -cautious inquiries.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Of course, all search proved unavailing, and -Maria wept and mourned her Christopher as -dead.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Nearly five months from the day he left his -home, Christopher wearily climbed the front -steps of his own residence, and rang the bell. -His clothing hung loosely on his gaunt limbs; -his long, thin face was the color of leather; his -eyes, devoid of lashes, and without eyebrows, -looked perfectly lifeless.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Hannah, an old servant in the family, opened -the door.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If you want food go to the rear door,” she -cried sharply, as she shut him out unceremoniously.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>He sat down on the upper step, pale and -trembling.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What does Hannah mean by insulting me -thus? Can it be that Maria is so angry that she -has ordered the servants to refuse me admittance?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He mopped his forehead with his handkerchief, -although the air was frosty and nipping. -Presently he muttered to himself: “I’ll just stay -around until Maria comes out, then I’ll persuade -her to forgive me. I’ve acted the fool, that’s -sure.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He walked up and down the street, and hung -around corners, until the whole neighborhood -were watching him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>About three in the afternoon, Maria came out -of the house dressed in the deepest of mourning.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wonder who is dead; must be her father!” -he shambled up to her, and laid his hand on her -arm. “Ma—” he began; she gave a frightened -scream, and started to run; he clutched her -more frantically, and cried wildly: “Listen to -me! you shall listen to me!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She screamed again at the top of her voice: -“Help! Murder! Police!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>A gentleman coming toward them, rushed up, -and gave Christopher a stunning blow; Maria -tore herself loose at the expense of much crape; -ran back into the house, and locked the door -after herself.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher arose from the sidewalk and -shuffled off down the street, muttering maledictions -as he went. “It’s all a conspiracy! She -has got another lover, and thinks to get rid of -me; she’ll find that she can’t do it so easily. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>I’ll wait until dark, and then let myself in with -my latchkey; we’ll see whether I am master -in my own house or not.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He paced the street angrily until nightfall; -stationing himself opposite, he then watched the -house until all was dark and silent. Still another -hour he waited: “I’ll be sure that the servants -are asleep, evidently they have orders to put me -out, or Hannah would not have ordered me off -as she did. I’ll show them that they will not -get the best of Christopher Hembold yet.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>About eleven o’clock he cautiously crept up -the steps, and as cautiously let himself in; just -within he removed his boots; then carefully -groped his way to Maria’s room. Her door was -unlocked, and by the dim light of the night -lamp he saw her round white arm thrown above -her head, thus framing her delicate face; the -lace on her night robe rising and falling with -every breath.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A rush of love and tenderness came over him; -this was his Maria—the dainty bride whom he -had transplanted from her father’s home; he -knelt beside the bed, enfolding her in his arms, -and pressed a passionate kiss upon her half-parted -lips. She opened wide her affrighted -eyes; she struggled wildly, letting out one piercing -shriek, then fainted. The half-clad servants -came running into the room, finding Christopher -on his knees beside the bed, chafing -Maria’s hands, kissing her pale face, and fondly -calling her: “My love! My little one!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Thomas, the coachman, seized him by the -shoulders; Maria regaining consciousness, began -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>screaming again; Hannah added to the confusion -by crying excitedly, “Throw him out! -Call the police! The man is crazy!” Thomas -obeyed the first command; he dragged Christopher -down the stairs, opened the door, and -kicked him out, and down the steps.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He lay there a few minutes, completely bewildered. -Just as he was struggling to his feet, a -policeman came along, and seeing his bewildered -condition, his shoeless feet, and battered appearance, -laid his hand roughly on his shoulder, and -said to him: “What are you doing here?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“This is my home. I am Christopher Hembold!” -answered he.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The policeman laughed: “Oh, come off! This -is the home of the Widow Hembold, all right; -but you look about as much like the defunct -Christopher as a yellow cur resembles a King -Charles spaniel.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher tried to jerk away. “Let me -alone!” he cried angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Will I?” said the burly policeman. “Where -are your boots?” continued he.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“In the house, if it is any of your business,” -was the surly reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The tumult within the house still continued; -lights were carried from room to room, and -flashed weirdly up and down the stairs. Thomas -came hurriedly out of the door, kicking Christopher’s -boots into the street as he ran down -the steps.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Hello!” says the policeman: “What’s the -matter in there?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Some burglar, or lunatic let himself into the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>house, and into Mrs. Hembold’s room; and she’s -gone into hysterics; I’m going after Dr. Philbrick.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Let me go! Let go of me! I’m going into -the house—to my wife!” said Christopher, -struggling wildly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You are going to the station, and if you -don’t go decently, I’ll call the patrol;” and call -the patrol he did.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher fought like a fury, but in spite of -it he was loaded into the wagon between two -burly promoters of the peace and carried to the -station, where he raved like a madman all night. -The next morning they had him up for drunk -and disorderly. In vain he protested that he -had not touched liquor, and declared that his -name was Christopher Hembold. No one believed -him, so he got fifteen days, and the next -morning saw him marched out with the chain -gang to work on the street. He had quieted -down by this time, and had determined what to -do; he watched his opportunity until the overseer’s -back was turned toward him; all the rest -of the gang except his mate also faced the opposite -way. He slipped a dollar into his mate’s -willing palm. “You will not see me leave; look -the other way.” He obeyed, and Christopher -hurried down a side street, walked swiftly -through a front gate into a private yard, out -through a rear gate into an alley, and was lost to -the chain gang.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He went direct to his lawyers. Mr. Hurd, the -senior member of the firm, was seated at his desk -when Christopher entered; he scarcely looked -up at his salutation: “Good-morning Mr. Hurd.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>The lawyer barely nodded his head, and continued -his writing; after several minutes, observing -Christopher still standing: “Well, sir! -Have you business with me?” evidently not favorably -impressed by his visitor’s appearance.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Don’t you know me, Mr. Hurd?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The lawyer looked him over in cynical surprise: -“Can’t say that I ever saw you before.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You ought to know Christopher Hembold?” -interrogatively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, sir; I knew him well; good fellow, but -a little cracked in the upper story.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He returned to his writing, evidently considering -the matter disposed of; after a long time -Christopher, still smarting from Mr. Hurd’s contemptuous -remark, said: “Well?” in a questioning -tone.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mr. Hurd looked up in displeasure. “Please -state your business; my time is limited,” he -said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher flushed a sickly green over all his -yellow face. “Mr. Hurd, I came to you to have -you intercede for me with my wife; she will not -allow me to speak to her, and caused the servants -to throw me out of the house.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The lawyer held up his hand: “First, if you -wish me to take your case, I must receive a retainer; -I do business in no other way.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher opened his lashless eyes in a -grotesque stare. “Sir! You have all of my -business in your hands, and have had it for -years,” answered he angrily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mr. Hurd turned around in his office chair, -and gave his caller an angry look; he touched -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>the button at his side; a colored servant came -instantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“James, show this man out.” Turning to -Christopher he said:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have no time to be bothered with such nonsense. -The idea of your trying to palm yourself -off for Christopher Hembold!” he cried, with -withering contempt.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher stalked out of the office in a rage. -He went direct to his room at the hotel; he -threw himself into a chair, and buried his face -in his hands; his attitude expressed the utmost -dejection; after a time he arose and stood before -the mirror:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Is it possible that Maria did not know me?” -he looked at himself scornfully: “Who would -know you? You old, yellow-faced, putty baby, -you!” he apostrophized, shaking his fist at his -reflection. “Serves you right; serves you right, -you old idiot! Fool with the ‘X’ ray, will you, -trying to find out if you do know anything? I can -tell you that you are a fool. Fool! fool!” he -cried tragically.</p> - -<p class='c009'>After a time he calmed down, and taking out -his purse counted the contents.</p> - -<p class='c009'>There is something akin to the ridiculous in -the near association of pathos and money; they -are very near neighbors, however. Christopher -sighed deeply: “This is all I have left, and—when -my lawyer will not acknowledge my identity, -what am I to do?” He drummed impatiently -upon the table with his fingers; finally he -started up excitedly: “Of course! Good Lord! -why didn’t I think of that!”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>He hauled his gripsack into the middle of the -room; shirts and socks flew right and left, until -he found the cathodographs, also a photograph -taken just previous to his experimenting; he -took them out, and placed them in a row; taking -the photograph, he walked to the mirror and -compared it with the reflection.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I don’t wonder that no one knew you, you -old scarecrow, you!” glaring angrily at his -double.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next morning he again sought Mr. Hurd; -the lawyer turned angrily upon his entrance: “I -do not wish to be bothered, sir,” motioning -toward the door.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher was not to be put off in this manner; -he walked up to the desk, and laid down -the pictures he had brought.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Will you be kind enough to look at these?” -asked Christopher in a quivering voice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mr. Hurd glanced at them impatiently: -“Well! What of them?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You know this one as representing Christopher -Hembold?” he asked eagerly, with his -finger on the photograph spoken of.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, of course; what of that? it does not -resemble you,” curtly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But I sat for every one of those pictures,” -despondently; the hope which he had cherished -dying within his heart.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, stuff, nonsense!” scornfully ejaculated -Mr. Hurd. Christopher’s head fell forward on -his breast; he looked the picture of despair. -His clothing hung loosely upon his long, gaunt -limbs; his hands, much too large for the bony -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>wrists, dropped nervelessly at his side; his -lifeless eyes, his hollow cheeks, looked as though -the great Conqueror had already claimed him, -while still permitting him to roam the earth -for some inscrutable purpose.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mr. Hurd, having little sentiment, thought -only of his annoyance. “Will you please remove -that litter from the desk,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher made one more appeal: “Will you -write to Professor Blank, and find whether -these pictures were taken from my sittings?” he -asked supplicatingly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I will not be bothered with it, I tell you; -write for yourself,” he answered roughly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I will,” said Christopher, with vexed decision, -then occurred to him the thought; Professor -Blank knew him as Smith only. He -gathered the photographs up hastily, and rushed -out of the house. “I’ve a notion to drown my -fool self! Oh, what shall I do! Was ever any -one in such a predicament!” he cried aloud. -Everyone turned to look at him as he ran past -them.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Hello, Smith! Where are you going in such -a rush? What is the matter with you?” cried a -familiar voice in his very ear.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher gave a great shout; then began to -cry like a veritable baby, as he grasped the professor’s -hands. “I was going to drown myself; -you have saved my life,” and he fairly blubbered.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Smith, you are as crazy as you are bald-headed,” -laughingly said the professor.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Don’t call me <em>Smith</em>! My name is Christopher -Hembold,” he said excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>“I only know that you called yourself Smith.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes; it’s surprising what a fool a man can -make of himself,” dejectedly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He took the photographs from his pocket, and -said entreatingly: “Say, professor, do go with -me to my lawyer, and tell him that you took -these with the ‘X’ ray, and <em>don’t</em> say anything -about <em>Smith</em>;” this last in a tone of intense -disgust.</p> - -<p class='c009'>They were just entering a park, and seated -themselves on a bench, while Christopher told -the whole story. The professor laughed, even -as he said: “I’m sorry for you, and will help -you all I can.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Once more Christopher climbed the stairs to -the lawyer’s office. Mr. Hurd arose to his feet -wrathfully. “You are the most persistent -annoyance that I ever met——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Christopher interrupted him: “Mr. Hurd, -allow me to introduce to you the eminent Professor -Blank.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The lawyer jerked his head slightly, attaching -no importance to the name. The Professor -bowed courteously, at the same time handing -him his card.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As Mr. Hurd glanced at the bit of pasteboard, -his manner underwent a great change: “Please -be seated,” said he urbanely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Professor Blank bowed again: “This gentleman -requested me to accompany him to your -office, to testify that I took these cathodographs -of him with the ‘X’ ray. This represents him as -he appeared when I first saw him,” laying the -photograph on the desk: “After having the last -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>of the cathodographs taken he was very ill for a -long time; his hair had nearly all fallen before -his illness, and during that illness he became -emaciated as you see him.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mr. Hurd stood gazing from Christopher to -the photograph, and back again in amazement.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“But what took his hair off?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, the ‘X’ ray; it sometimes has that -effect,” said the professor calmly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Mr. Hurd turned to Christopher: “You don’t -mean to tell me—” he paused eloquently.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, I was experimenting with the ‘X’ ray—having -my brain cathodographed,” he answered -humbly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Maria had entered unperceived: “You mean -that you had your skull pictured; you haven’t -any brain, Christopher; the ‘X’ ray makes but a -slight shadow of soft substances, and none of a -vacuum,” said she sweetly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Said Christopher, in an aside to the professor:</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I told you that you didn’t know my Maria! -My! Won’t I catch it, though!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span> - <h2 class='c005'>AN AVERTED TRAGEDY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Merna Wood stood leaning against the jamb -in the open doorway.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The morning-glory vines made a very effective -draping for a very pretty picture; the attitude -was the acme of indolence, which an indescribable -expression of alertness belied.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ned Glover was standing below, his face just -on a level with hers; he was looking at her -laughingly—in fact he was nearly always laughing—and -Merna was never certain that he meant -one-half that he was saying, which at this moment -was: “Yes; I am going to buy a nice little -home, and I want a housekeeper; will you -come?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna tossed her head saucily: “I do not intend -to go out to service this summer,” she -replied.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“If I must do so, I will hire some one to do -the work, and have my wife oversee it. Will you -come as my wife, Merna?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna flushed rosily, she was not yet sure that -he was in earnest, so she replied lightly, “Oh, -you are just funning, as the children say.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He tried to draw his face into lines of seriousness, -but his bright blue eyes would twinkle, he -was so jolly that it was impossible for him to assume -an expression of severe gravity.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>He caught her face in both his large palms, -and kissed her fondly: “Say yes! Say yes, I -tell you!” he whispered forcefully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes! Yes! Let me go, Ned, mother is -looking!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, mother has a perfect right to look; we -do not care!” his face one broad laugh.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ned was from this time—of course—a privileged -visitor; always pleasant, and in a manner -affectionate, yet no more loverlike than before -their engagement. The tender nonsense that -helps to make courtship so sweet; the airs of -possession on one side, and of loving subjection -on the other, the happy planning by both for the -future, seemed to be entirely forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Love is a magician who fits the eyes with -a deceptive lens; but not even through love’s -magnifying could Merna find tangible ground -for rosy dreams; she was not exactly unhappy, -neither was she quite satisfied. She took herself -to task for being so foolish—just because of the -lack of definite words—but he seemed to have -forgotten the engagement altogether, as he made -not the slightest allusion to it. It made -Merna’s face burn whenever she thought of -it: “I do wonder if he was just making game -of me, trying to ascertain what answer I -would give him! Oh, I wish that I had have -said no—Oh, I do not know what I do wish!” -angry tears filling her eyes as she thought.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ned came as usual one evening, and remained -until very late; once, as she was passing him, -she rested her hand upon the table, and leaned -toward him in the act of speaking; he covered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>the hand with his warm palm, and his breath -swept her cheek as he whispered: “I wish that -I had you all to myself in a nice little home of -our own!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her radiant eyes answered him, and she bent -her head until her cheek touched his caressing -lips.</p> - -<p class='c009'>As he was bidding her good-night, he caught -her in his arms, saying over and over again, “I -do love you, Merna! You are the sweetest little -woman on the face of the earth!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her face was filled with happiness, and her -eyes glowed with tender light; but she laughingly -put her hand over his lips: “I imagine that is -what you call ‘taffy’!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>He held her closely for a moment, his voice -growing low and earnest: “Little one, I mean -every word that I say! I do love you—and if -only circumstances—well, never mind that talk, -but believe that I truly love you!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>She sat in the moonlight thinking for a long -time after he left; what was there in that closing -speech which sent a chill over her? Only this—love -is said to be blind—as to worldly judgment -this is true; but love’s intuition of love grows -keen with the development of the passion. She -felt that she ought to be happy, but she was not—that -is—not so very happy; little thrilling -thoughts ran through her mind deliciously, then -a cold wave of doubt, casting a chill over her -spirits. A woman is flattered and pleased if a -man makes her a sharer of his secrets, whether -of business or otherwise; she thus knows that he -fully trusts her love and judgment, and she holds -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>it a sacred charge. She thought uneasily that -she could have no fond anticipations with any -certainty of their proving a reality. Whatever -she built must be the very airiest kind of an air -castle, its only foundation an engagement which -seemed like a burlesque. Vague allusions, or -even words of endearment do not form a very -tangible ground upon which to build.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A restless sigh escaped her lips: “I wish——” -The unfinished sentence ended with another -sigh.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The next evening she waited for Ned in a state -of impatient restlessness, she had determined to -have a nice long talk with him, although she was -not in anywise certain as to what she would say; -she thought she would lead him to talk of -the future, and the home of which he had -spoken; she wondered if he would talk of it -frankly, or would he evade her questions as he -so often had done, as though he did not comprehend -her remark.</p> - -<p class='c009'>She watched the clock anxiously; she walked -down the path to the gate a dozen times; she -took up her embroidery, set a half-dozen -stitches, and laid it down in disgust; she took a -book instead, turned a page or two without comprehending -a word and tossed it aside with an -exclamation of impatience, to restlessly drum on -the window.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Merna, what ails you?” asked her mother -querulously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, my head aches,” was the evasive reply.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You had best go to bed; you make me nervous, -fidgeting around so!”</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>“It is too early to go to bed! I’ll go out in -the air a little while—perhaps that will help my -head,” answered Merna.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Merna Wood, you have been down to that gate -about a dozen times; why don’t you be honest, -and say that you are looking for Ned!” half in -derision, and a trifle crossly, retorted her mother.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna answered with mock humility: “Yes’m, -I’ll confess, if you will not be cross. Oh, -mamsy, I wish he would come; there is something -I wish to say to him!” she kneeled down -with her head on her mother’s knee, like a little -child.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her mother replied laughingly: “It appears -to me that you do usually have something to say -to him,” but her hand wandered caressingly -through the soft, bright hair; thus evidencing -her sympathy.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He did not come that night nor the next, and -for three almost unending months Merna neither -heard from nor of him; then incidentally, she -heard that he was gone, but where her informant -did not know.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Gone without so much as a word to her!</p> - -<p class='c009'>She shut her grief within her heart and went -about her duties but with the subtle essence of -hope and faith taken out of her life—she thought -forever—she had little idea how elastic is hope; -faith is more ethereal, hope has tough fibre.</p> - -<p class='c009'>When her mother would have sympathized -with her, she made light of it: “I don’t care! -If he wants to stay away, he can; don’t you fret -about me, mamsy!” But mamsy was not in the -least deceived.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>A year swept by, and Merna had become less -restless, more submissive to that which she -deemed the inevitable; it is a mercy that time -casts so tender a haze over all things.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ned had written no letter to her; at first she -grieved, but latterly she had grown indignant.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Why do you not accept other company?” -said her mother.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, I don’t care for them; they are not nice, -mamsy.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You are a very foolish little girl to waste -your affections upon one who cares so little,” -said her mother.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Now, mamsy, I am not wasting a particle of -anything. As for Ned Glover, I hate him!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her mother laughed, but said no more, trusting -to time to effect a cure.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>It was a lovely evening in June; the wind -softly fluttered the thin curtains at the open -window bringing in the odor of the roses which -grew just outside. Merna sat in a low rocker -just within, her arms thrown above her head, -her book lying unheeded upon her lap; she was -so absorbed in reverie that she heard no sound, -and a sudden darkening of the window startled -her.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Resting his arms on the window ledge, Ned -stood regarding her quizzically: “Are you too -sleepy to say ‘how do you do?’ How I do wish -for a kodak!” precisely as though he had not -been gone a day.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna started up with a subdued exclamation, -and before she realized it she was smiling up -into his laughing face.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>How often she had thought of this meeting—<em>if</em> -he should return—and pictured to herself the -cool, indifferent air with which she would greet -him; instead, she was laughing and chatting as -merrily as though there had been no break in -their intercourse.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He resumed precisely his former position; he -made just the same vague, intangible allusions, -without one word upon which to place a hope -securely. Merna seemed plastic in his hands—and -what was there to resist, or to resent? -Nothing—perhaps; yet Merna lost her healthful -calm, and grew restless and irritable; one cannot -successfully resist the intangible, or do -battle with the wind. His alternate tenderness, -and good-natured indifference filled her with -restless longing; she wished that he would be -more explicit, or go away and leave her alone; -she thought resentfully that it was unjust that -because of her sex she must utter no word to -further her own happiness; and because custom -ordered it, she must take the crumbs offered to -her, or go altogether hungry; she must have no -voice in shaping her future beyond an assent or -denial. Oh, yes; to be sure! There are a -thousand ways in which a woman may signify -her preference, but it would be very shocking if -she should put it into words, unless the man -asked her to do so! It looks for all the world -like putting a premium upon intrigue.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Her girlish friends exchanging confidences, -rallied her about her beau: “Oh, Merna, when -are you going to be married?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Just as soon as I can find a man who will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>marry me,” retorted she, but she flushed painfully.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh don’t cheat! Tell us all about it!”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“There is nothing to tell,” replied Merna -looking distressed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A wild chorus of dissent greeted this reply; -as soon as possible Merna slipped away to cry -out her grief and mortification. She thought -that every one of them was laughing at her -because of her uncertainty regarding her lover.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ned certainly had no such feelings; he took -everything for granted in a laughing, off-hand -way, not to be resisted; he came continually, he -monopolized her completely; he spoke to her, -and of her as belonging to him, but always in -that laughing way which left the impression of a -joke; he did not say, such a day we will be -married; such a place will be our home; he said -instead: “You belong to me; you could not get -away from me if you tried; I should find you, I -shall always know where you are.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>This was all very sweet, but—very unsatisfying. -He was strong, masterful, laughingly dominant; -but he was also either very thoughtless, or -very secretive.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He made no allusion to the time of his absence -except once; he had that evening been unusually -demonstrative, and Merna—from some remark -made by him—felt emboldened to ask: “Where -were you while so long absent?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Oh, a dozen places. I can’t tell you—things -get so mixed up sometimes that I don’t know -what I’m about myself,” he replied evasively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You might have written,” said Merna quietly, -it almost seemed indifferently.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>“Yes, I know—in fact I meant to, but—I hate -to write letters, and there was nothing that you -would care to know—” he broke off abruptly, -as though he did not wish to betray himself.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“No, of course not,” answered Merna, with -quiet sarcasm; she felt hurt and indignant, but -was altogether too proud to show it.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Although Merna made no further mention of -it, he seemed to feel ashamed of his neglect, and -repeatedly said: “I will never leave again, without -telling you that I am going;” so that in this -respect she felt a greater assurance; but he -spent the evening with her as usual, and in the -usual manner bid her good-night, and she saw -him no more for three years.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Sad changes came to Merna during this interval; -her mother, long a widow, sickened and -died. Merna’s grief was beyond words—beyond -thought even; it benumbed all her senses. The -home which she had thought her own was taken -from her—unjustly—but what did that matter? -She was alone, and as ignorant of law as a babe. -Poor child! She thought that it did not matter, -that nothing mattered, now that the gentle -face of her mother had faded out of life; she felt -that she could no longer live within those -memory-haunted walls. During all these sad -days she heard nothing from Ned, and her heart -cried out piteously: “Oh, if he truly loved me -he would not leave me to bear my burdens alone.” -These hard realities took away all the lingering -grace of girlhood, but added the charm and -poise of sweet, self-reliant womanhood.</p> - -<p class='c009'>In these old towns, where people are born, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>live, and die in the same old house, generation -after generation; where the ways are peaceful -and narrow; where people drift along, content -with no innovations of knowledge, or new ways -brought from the bustling, outside world, there -develops an aristocracy peculiarly its own, and -those not within its old-fashioned circle can -scarcely obtain a living. Not to own the home -which their ancestors owned is looked upon as a -disgrace; and owning it, to part with it, though -the misfortune is not through fault of the owner—is -considered a greater disgrace, for which -there could be no extenuation. Merna very -keenly realized that she was under the ban of -social ostracism. She left this, her native -place, for a town, newer and busier, where work -was to be had for such unskilled hands as hers.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Being wholly inexperienced in the ways of the -world, as well as in labor, Merna found it hard -to obtain the means of subsistence; she was a -woman fair to look upon, and alone, therefore -her path was beset with peril; but she was able -to retain her own self-respect—that most truthful -of all commendation—she was possessed of too -much native refinement to be led into the vulgarity -of evil ways, or seduced from right by fluent -sophistries.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<p class='c009'>One blustering day, when the wind shrieked -around the street corners, and carried onward -clouds of fine, penetrating dust, intermingled -with the falling snow, whirling both into every -opened doorway with malicious violence, a man -wrapped in a great, shaggy overcoat, opened the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>door of the little store kept by Merna. There -had been no customers all the morning; unless -otherwise compelled, all were glad to remain -within doors.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna came from the sitting room in the rear, -and walked behind the counter awaiting her -customer’s pleasure; with his back toward her, -he had taken off his fur cap, and was knocking -out the snow against the door. Something -familiar in the movements and attitude gave her -a start, but it was not until he had unbuttoned -his coat, and turned toward her, that she really -recognized him; he walked to the counter, -reaching out both hands, his blond face one -broad smile. It was Ned—stalwart, hearty, and -as usual—laughing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna stood like one shocked, a terrible weakness -assailed her; she saw the laughing face but -dimly, his voice sounded strange and far off.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His robust tones aroused her: “Aren’t you -going to shake hands with me, after I have had -such a time finding you?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Why did you seek me?” cried Merna passionately, -surprised out of her usual self-control.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Because I wanted to see you, to be sure!” -The same laughing insouciance as of old, so -impossible to understand; it might be pleasant -raillery, it was quite as likely to be sarcasm.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I wish that you had stayed away—after -three years!” her voice rising shrilly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He walked deliberately around the end of the -counter, caught both her hands and held them -firmly, his warm breath sweeping her cheek, his -face so very near her own. “Did I not tell you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>that I should find you? I shall never lose sight -of you!” his face still lower, his lips touching -her cheek caressingly. “I am so glad to see -you, my Merna! Say, ‘Ned I am glad that you -are here!’” he whispered tenderly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Ah, well! A woman’s a woman! and poor -girl, her heart throbbed so happily; it seemed so -good to have this great strong man holding her -hands, whispering to her in this tender tone; -what if the words did not promise much, the -tone conveyed a world of tender meaning, and—she -was so lonely. She had been so fiercely -angry at him that she thought she hated him; -she found that it was the act that she hated, and -not the man; he held his old place in her heart. -Presently she was shedding happy tears on -his broad shoulder, and looking happily up into -his face through her wet lashes; thrilling from -her foolish little heart to the ends of her fingers -with the delight of his very presence.</p> - -<p class='c009'>From this time on how different the dull, -prosaic work seemed; the anticipation of the -happy evening glorified each day, and he never -failed to come. He appeared to be perfectly -content in her company; he called her fond -names, and usurped all the privileges of an -accepted lover. He occasionally alluded to -business, sometimes ending with, “When I get -things into shape, I’ll pick you up and carry you -off.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Often Merna felt hurt, the allusions were so -vague and really unmeaning, and the talk of -business so indefinite—the sentences never quite -complete—so that she had no certain knowledge -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>as to what was his business. A half-confidence -is much more vexatious than no confidence as it -puts one to thinking; this was really no trust -at all in her; just an aggravating shadow, like -a cloud over the summer sun, which when -you look upward in expectation of its grateful -shade has sailed away.</p> - -<p class='c009'>A whole year passed away, and living in the -light of his presence, her uneasy feeling had -mostly worn away; if she gave it thought—that -in reality she knew no more of the future than -when he first returned, she consoled herself, and -excused him, by saying, “Oh, he is so odd, but -he means all right.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>As upon previous occasions there came an -evening when she waited for him in vain; she -could not settle herself to anything, even the -chatter of her customers annoyed her, and her -ear persistently hearkened for a well-known footstep; -something must have detained him unavoidably; -he would surely come to-morrow -evening, but all the while her heart was sinking -heavily. He did not come the next evening, nor -the one following, and her fear grew to a certainty. -She mentioned his name to no one, but -watched the passers-by on the street, feverishly; -she eagerly looked over the newspapers, hoping -for a chance mention of him. The days seemed -so long and wearisome; the corners of her -mouth took a sad droop; the work grew so -irksome. Others sought her company, but she -turned from them with dislike, or made comparisons -to their great detriment.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Business had heretofore been very good, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>hard times came on, and little by little trade -dropped off; it grew dull, then vexatious and -finally exasperating; complaints were heard on -every side. The days grew doubly sad when no -customers came in to break the heavy monotony; -the very silence grew oppressive, and Merna -could scarcely restrain her tears. Her heart grew -hard and bitter toward Ned, toward the world, -and fate.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The wind whistled shrilly around the loosely -built building, rattling the boards and battens, -and swaying the canvas walls and ceiling dizzily, -making Merna feel more desolate and despondent -than usual. She stood behind the cigar case, -looking gloomily out upon the wind-swept street; -as if conjured up by her thought, Martin -Balfour—her chief creditor—entered the store.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He came in with a great swagger, and called -for a cigar: “Gi’mme a good one—twenty-five -cent-er; I reckon I can afford it!” with an insolent -leer.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Without reply, she handed him the box, to -make his own choice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He selected one, lighted it, and leaning lazily -against the show case, puffed the smoke in huge -volumes; he finally took the weed from his lips, -ejected a mouthful of saliva on to the clean floor, -flicked the ashes off with his little finger, and -said, “Well, Miss Wood, I s’pose you are ready -to chalk up this morning?”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna flushed a vivid red, then went deadly -pale; this man held a mortgage on everything -she possessed, and his manner was distinctly -aggressive. “I could not get the money this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>morning, Mr. Balfour; I have the promise of -it the latter end of the week, and I beg of you -to wait,” faltered Merna.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He laughed loudly and coarsely: “As to waiting, -I’ve waited just as long as I am going to; -my kindness is all right, but I’m no guy, see! -Your chump of a fellow left you to shift for yourself; -I’m not one to drag up bygones—I’ll marry -you, and call the debt square!” He leaned -across the showcase, and tried to grasp her hand.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna drew herself up indignantly: “I thank -you, but I prefer paying my debts in a legitimate -way.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Well, fork over, then,” he said brutally.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Tears filled her eyes, she had not one-tenth -the amount, so she tried to temporize: “I will -certainly raise it by the middle of the week——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>“The mortgage is due; it’s got to be paid to-day! -I’m going to take no more guff—either -you promise to marry me, or I’ll take the stock -before night, see!” Protruding his face toward -her still more aggressively.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna grew calm as he became excited; she -thought of Ned with a pang of bitterness, that -he could place her in a position to be insulted -upon his account by such a man; but her disgust -of the man himself outweighed all else. -“Take the goods now; I shall make no more -effort!” she said coldly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“You’ll be sorry! You’ll come whining to me -when you’re starving,” he flung after her -angrily, as he went out.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Within an hour the place was stripped of -everything; Merna stood with folded arms and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>saw them taken out without a tear, she seemed -benumbed.</p> - -<p class='c009'>An acquaintance passing, came in: “What is -the trouble, Miss Wood? Are you obliged to -give up?” he asked kindly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes,” briefly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He looked at her sorrowful face, and his heart -filled with pity for her. He laid his hand over -her’s, and said kindly: “I wish that you would -give me the privilege of caring for you——”</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna put out her hand as though to shield -herself: “Wait! Wait! I cannot answer you -now; come back this evening; my heart is too -full now to think—I thank you—” she finished -brokenly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He lifted her hand to his lips respectfully, as -he replied, “I will come,” and went out quietly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna felt a hysterical desire to laugh; two -proposals in one morning, and not an earthly -thing which she could call her own; she thought -grimly that she could not accuse either of them -of being fortune hunters. Everything had been -taken except a small sheet-iron stove, an old -chair, and a rickety table, these had not been -considered worth removing. She sat down in -the chair, and laid her head on her arms on the -table; she wished that she could cry, her heart -beat so heavily; a wild anguish swept over her -as she thought of her mother; she would not -have deserted her in her hour of need; she cried -aloud as a thought of Ned forced itself upon her -consciousness: “Why cling to the shadow of a -love, which only tantalizes me; he had no real -love for me! I was just a good comrade—and a -fool!” she added bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>Presently she resumed her self-communing: -“Why not accept this last proposal? Tom -Thornton is a good man, and he loves me; better -one who loves me so well, than waste my life -upon a shadow which ever eludes my grasp;” -the well-remembered look of Ned’s jolly face—though -she was so sad—made her smile, then -sigh restlessly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>With her head resting upon the table she -dropped off into wearied slumber, from whence -she entered dreamland. Strange, troubled -visions passed her, out of which evolved Tom -Thornton’s face, she heard him enter, and he -stood beside her, her affianced husband; he -sought to take her hand, but she turned from -him with aversion, reaching out both hands to -Ned, who approached her, stern and menacing.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I can-not! I can-not!” she cried piteously.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“What is it, that you cannot do?” said a -hearty voice in her ear.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Marry Tom Thornton!” raising her woe-begone, -haggard face.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I should think not! You are going to marry -me this very night! I’ve got everything fixed—a -nice home, and all,” he finished exultantly, -but as usual, indefinitely.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna was very wide awake now, and cried -out, bitterly, “Why did you come back? Why -don’t you stay away when you go?” the only -thought presented to her mind being that he -would stay until her whole hopes were fixed -upon him, then he would again leave.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Why did I come? After you, of course! -Little woman, I depended upon you, you promised -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>me, you know!” his voice trembling with an -undefined fear.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“Yes, I remember that I promised, but you -seem to have forgotten, ever since that you asked -me for that promise!” indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c009'>His good-looking face sobered into amazement: -“Merna! I only wished to keep all the worry -away from you. I thought that you would not -understand, and if I told you it would make -you anxious!” a deep trouble in his voice.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Merna stood up, her hands on his shoulders: -“Oh, Ned, Ned! Do you think that I am a -baby—that I haven’t a grain of sense? A -woman thinks that the man she loves is able to -accomplish all things—if only he tells her all -about it,” she finished with a gleeful laugh.</p> - -<p class='c009'>He stood looking at her in bewilderment, trying -to get the whole meaning of that speech -into his mind; at last he caught her, giving her -an extravagant hug: “I see what you mean; you -want me to understand that we are to be partners -in all things; the business as well as the pleasure—the -sorrow as well as the joys; I never had a -little ‘pard’ before, and I think I did not catch -on just right; but I’ll remember my lesson,” -said he, laughing happily.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The door stood slightly ajar, as Ned had left -it upon entering, and Tom Thornton stepped -quietly within; he paused and smiled; then -sighed as he silently went out. He was answered.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='small'>THE END.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> - -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Remarks by Bill Nye.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='figleft id002'> -<img src='images/i_249.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE</div> - <div>FUNNIEST</div> - <div>OF</div> - <div>BOOKS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>“It will cure the blues -quicker than the doctor and -at half the price.”—<cite>New -York Herald.</cite></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><b>Over 500 Pages.</b></div> - <div><b>Fully Illustrated.</b></div> - <div class='c003'><b>Cloth, $1.50; Paper, 50c.</b></div> - <div class='c002'>LAUGH AND GROW FAT.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>A collection of the best writings of this great author, most -profusely illustrated, with over 500 pages. It is the funniest of -books. Bill Nye needs no introduction. The mention of the -book is enough.</p> - -<p class='c009'>“I have passed through an earthquake and an Indian outbreak, -but I would rather ride an earthquake without saddle or -bridle, than to bestride a successful broncho eruption.”—<em>Bill Nye.</em></p> - -<p class='c009'>“Age brings caution and a lot of shop-worn experience, -purchased at the highest market price. Time brings vain regrets -and wisdom teeth that can be left in a glass of water over -night.”—<em>Bill Nye.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>SPARKS FROM THE PEN OF BILL NYE. 192 PAGES. PAPER, 25c.</div> - <div class='c003'>WIT AND HUMOR. BY NYE AND RILEY. PAPER, 25c.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Kerchiefs to Hunt Souls.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='large'>By M. AMELIA FYTCHE.</span></div> - <div class='c003'>Neely’s Popular Library.</div> - <div class='c003'>Paper, 25c.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>Of late years writers have found it necessary -to attract the eye of the passing public toward -their work by giving it some striking title. Unfortunately -in many instances these remarkable -names serve only that purpose, and have little or -no application for the story. This can hardly -be said of Miss Fytche’s new book, “Kerchiefs -to Hunt Souls.” If for no other reason, this -book should certainly arouse considerable curiosity -on account of the remarkable title, which -the author has, she confesses, dug out of the Bible, -in order to stamp the peculiar features of her -story. It is a book well worth reading, and one -we cordially recommend to all who enjoy a good -story when based upon those great morals that -govern the world. There is a promise of even -better things to come from this talented writer. -“Kerchiefs to Hunt Souls” has aroused considerable -newspaper controversy from Maine to -California, which fact is in itself enough to stamp -the book one of more than ordinary ability, since -space is too valuable to be wasted on trash in -the estimation of the modern editor.</p> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Novels of Willis Steell.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c008'>In <cite class='sc'>A Mountain of Gold</cite> the reader is led through -many strange adventures, while a vein of love arouses -the interest of the fair sex. Mr. Steell has shown more -than ordinary power in describing Western scenes. For -many years to come the region from the Rockies to the -Pacific must be the home of romance. The century before -us is destined to be marked by stupendous discoveries -in the treasures of the earth, and stories of mining -must always commend themselves to the eager public.</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>Isidra, The Patriot Daughter of Mexico.</cite> -The land of the Montezumas has always been invested -with a halo of romance ever since the days when the -Spanish invader, Cortez, swept over the country with -his conquering army of treasure seekers. This interest, -instead of waning as the years pass by, rather increases. -New knowledge of Mexico but whets our eagerness to -learn more of her strange people, their methods of living, -and the vast treasures that lie sealed under her mountain -ledges. “Isidra” is written by one who is thoroughly -at home in his subject. It is a charming tale of love -and adventure under the Mexican flag, and one cannot -read the romance without learning many interesting -things in connection with our neighbors over border.</p> - -<hr class='c010' /> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>ISIDRA. Paper, 50 cents.</div> - <div class='line'>A MOUNTAIN OF GOLD. Paper, 25 cents.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>EVEN AS YOU AND I</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>By</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>BOLTON HALL.</span></div> - <div class='c003'>Author of “Who Pays Your Taxes?” “Equitable Taxation,” “Stories for Little Citizens,” Etc.</div> - <div class='c002'>Neely’s Prismatic Library, Cloth, Gilt Top, 50 cents.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='c009'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/i_252.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -The circulation of this book will -probably depend upon the number -of men and women who are in -search of a religion; not of a new -religion, but of the oldest religion, made applicable -and applied to personal, social and -political life. The second part of the book is -prefaced by a letter of Tolstoy’s to the author, -endorsing his view of life.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The allegories which form the first part show -how in ordinary life, as Olive Schreiner puts it, -greatness is to take the common things of life and -to walk truly among them; happiness is a great -love and much serving; holiness is an infinite -compassion for others.</p> - -<p class='c009'>There is an introduction by Ernest Howard -Crosby, which is a complete sketch in itself.</p> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Through Field and Fallow.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A Choice Collection of Original Poems.</div> - <div class='c003'>By JEAN HOOPER PAGE.</div> - <div class='c003'>CLOTH, GILT TOP, $1.00.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>It is not always the brilliant work which appeals -to us most keenly. Sarcasm and rhetoric have their -place, but the book that lies on the desk and is -found in the mending-basket is the book, nine times out -of ten, that deals with everyday life and sweeps across -the strings of the heart. While Mrs. Page’s work, -“Through Field and Fallow,” often touches the subtle -minor chords, it invariably swells to the triumphant -major and rings clear and true in the sweetness of undying -hope and unquenchable faith.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Much of Mrs. Page’s work has appeared first in our -great daily newspapers, but its life has been less ephemeral -than theirs. Here and there a woman has treasured -some bit in her scrap book; a man has clipped a verse -and put it away in the drawer of his desk marked -“private.” Sooner or later in this little volume the -reader will find the poem that was written for him.</p> - -<p class='c009'>Father Ryan once wrote: “To uplift the downcast, -to sweeten any life, to feel that we in some way have -helped to lighten the great burden that rests upon -mankind—this is the only real compensation that comes -to the poet.” This recompense will be Mrs. Page’s.</p> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Neely’s Imperial Library.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>POPULAR AUTHORS,</div> - <div>BEST TITLES, FINEST BOOKS.</div> - <div class='c003'>Illuminated Paper Covers and many Illustrations.</div> - <div class='c003'>Entered as Second-Class Matter.</div> - <div class='c002'>PRICE, 25 CENTS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<ul class='index'> - <li class='c012'><b>The Charlatan.</b> Robert Buchanan and Henry Murray.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>Burkett’s Lock.</b> M. G. McClelland.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The Land of Promise.</b> (Illustrated.) Paul Bourget.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>Hypnotism.</b> (Illustrated.) Jules Claretie.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>Facing the Flag.</b> Jules Verne.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The Fallen Race.</b> (Illustrated.) Austyn Granville.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The Disappearance of Mr. Derwent.</b> Thomas Cobb.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>Sacrificed Love.</b> (Illustrated.) Alphonse Daudet.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The One Too Many.</b> Mrs. E. Lynn Lynton.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The New Man at Rossmere.</b> Mrs. J. H. Walworth.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>At Market Value.</b> Grant Allen.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>A Daughter of the King.</b> Allen.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>A Monk of Cruta.</b> (Illustrated.) E. Phillips Oppenheim.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The Gates of Dawn.</b> Fergus Hume.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>In Strange Company.</b> (Illustrated.) Guy Boothby.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>How Women Love.</b> Max Nordau.</li> - <li class='c012'><b>The Comedy of Sentiment.</b> Max Nordau.</li> -</ul> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>NEW TITLES WILL BE ADDED RAPIDLY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><cite class='sc'>The King in Yellow.</cite></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>By</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>Robert W. Chambers.</span></div> - <div class='c003'>Author of “In the Quarter.”</div> - <div class='c003'>Neely’s Prismatic Library.</div> - <div class='c003'>Gilt Top, 50 Cents.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>This book has evidently created an astonishing amount of enthusiasm among -the lovers of the weird and eccentric in literature. On all sides nothing but praise -has been heard, coupling the gifted author’s name with that of Edgar Allan Poe, -and predicting a glorious future for the man whose pen has the magical power to -charm the reading public, ever eager to seize on that which borders upon the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bizarre</span></i>. -The odd and attractive cover appeals to the curiosity of the reader, and -once he has dipped into the contents he finds a feast spread before him that awakens -a desire for further intercourse with the same fertile pen.</p> - -<p class='c009'><span class='sc'>Edward Ellis</span>:—“The author is a genius without a living equal, so far as -I am aware, in his peculiar field. It is a masterpiece.... I have read many -portions several times, captivated by the unapproachable tints of the painting. -None but a genius of the highest order could do such work.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>N. Y. Commercial Advertiser</cite>:—“The short prose tale should be a synthesis; -it was the art of Edgar Poe, it is the art of Mr. Chambers.... His is -beyond question a glorious heritage.... I fancy the book will create a sensation; ... -in any case it is the most notable contribution to literature which -has come from an American publisher for many years; and fine as the accomplishment -is, ‘The King in Yellow’ is large in promise. One has a right to expect -a great deal from an author of this calibre.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>Times Herald</cite>:—“The most eccentric little volume of its (little) day -‘The King in Yellow’ is subtly fascinating, and compels attention for its style, -and its wealth of strange, imaginative force.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>New York Times</cite>:—“Mr. Robert W. Chambers does not have a system to -work up to; he has no fad, save a tendency to write about the marvelous and the -impossible; painting pictures of romance that have a wild inspiration about them. -Descriptive powers of no mean quality are perceptible in this volume of stories.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>The N. Y. World</cite>:—“Mr. Chambers has a great command of words; he is -a good painter. His situations are most delicately touched, and some of his descriptions -are exquisite. He writes like an artist. He uses colors rather than -ideas.... The best drama in the volume means madness. The tenderest -fancy is a sad mirage.... ‘The King in Yellow’ is a very interesting contribution -to the present fund of materio-mysticism.... To read Mr. Chambers’ -little book is to escape from the actual on poetical wings.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>Minneapolis Tribune</cite>:—“They have a mysterious eerie air about them -that is apt to stimulate the reader’s curiosity.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>Philadelphia Times</cite>:—“Charming, delicate, skilful, vivid.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>Philadelphia Item</cite>:—“Expected to make a sensation, charming, full of -color and delicately tinted.”</p> - -<p class='c009'><cite class='sc'>Cleveland Gazette</cite>:—“It is wondrous strong, dramatic, full of color, weird, -uncanny, picturesque, and yet a gem of exquisite coloring, dreamy, symbolic, -exciting.”</p> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span></div> -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>PAOLA CORLETTI,</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>THE FAIR ITALIAN.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='large'>By ALICE HOWARD HILTON,</span></div> - <div class='c003'>Author of “A Blonde Creole.”</div> - <div class='c003'>Neely’s Popular Library, paper 25c.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>This is a charming romance of life in Italy -and New Orleans—of a pretty Italian maid, -daughter of a Neapolitan nobleman, who elopes -with the lover of her choice, a poor musician, -and being hounded by the emissaries of a disappointed -suitor, in conjunction with her angry -father, they start for America, settling in the -famous French Quarter of New Orleans.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The story is sweet and pure, and full of exceeding -pathos—the descriptive bits of old New -Orleans, with its Jackson Square and St. Louis -Cathedral, opposite, are clever pictures of the -Creole City of the past. Since Cable has ceased -his admirable novels of these interesting people, -the public will undoubtedly welcome an addition -to Creole literature from the pen of one so -thoroughly conversant with the subject as Mrs. -Hilton.</p> - -<p class='c009'>For sale everywhere, or sent post-paid on receipt of price.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>F. TENNYSON NEELY, Publisher,</div> - <div>96 Queen Street, London. 114 Fifth Avenue, New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Floating Fancies among the Weird and -the Occult, by Clara H. 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