The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-03-20

room. | admit that had retired to rest, on
the first evening Of my visit at Ashly, with the
Impressions that, in spite OF myself, forced
themselves upon me on this, imagination might
then have claimed part in what Witnessed.
But the feelings were wholly distinct. On the
first night, had seen nothing---knew nothing.
On this, was steeling my mind against the
worst.
after determined and minute inyestiga-
ton Of the room.--after thorough examination
Of every closet and corner---after barring and
boiling each door with beating heart---a wo-
mans fears (shall confess II y stole over me;
and hastily finging myself on the bed, ! muf-
fled up my face entirely in the clothes. After
lying in this manner for two hours in state of
agony that battles all description, ventured to
cast hurried glance round the ROOM II must
be, thought ], near day-break twas so but
by my side stood the fgure-- her form bent
over me, so that my slightest motion would
have discomposed il: looked again to con-
vince myself that il was no deception, and---
have no recollection Of any thing further.
"When came to myself il was nearly noon.
The servants, and indeed Mrs. Mannering her
self, had repeatedly knocked At the door; but
'SNS'HiS Nv ohoWCis WCAC NuWAnIh& W utotuiD
me. My kind hostess was alone in the break
fast room when entered, and was preparing
to rally me on my early hours, she inquired il
was well. Not particularly said family;
and if you will allow me, will return home
this morning.
She looked at me in silence for some mo-
ments, and then said with emphasis Have
you any particular reason? Nay, ! am sure
you nave she continued, as her keen pene-
traflng eye detected an involuntary tremor : /
have no concealments,' was the reply; and
Immediately detailed the whole transaction
She heard me gravely, without interruption,
or expressing any surprise. / am grieyed
beyond measure, my dear young friend, for
the event. Icertainly have heard strange and
unaccountable stories about that room but
always treated them as idle tales, quite I'M
worthy Of credit This is the first time for
years it has been occupied, and shall never
cease to reproach myself for having tried the
experiment But for Gods sake she added,
don't mention it assure me, promise me,
/ you will not breathe syllable on the subject
to any living being. II, among these igno-
rant and superstitious people this inexplicable
occurrence should once get wind, not a SER
want would stop with me- assented and
on all her offers of different room, pressing
entreaties to remain, and promises Of fresh
arrangements, ! put decided negative
Home returned that morning
"A long interval elapsed before ! again
visited Ashly Miss Mannering, my kind
and warm hearted friend, had sunk into an
early grave and had had in the interim to
stem the torrent Of affection, and buffet with
its waves. At length most pressing and
personal invitation brought me under Mrs
Mannering's roof. There found her sister,
who, with her three young children, were
laughing and revealing away their Christmas.
Lady Pierrepoint was one Of those fortunate
women, who, by dint Of undauntei assurance,
and fool-hardy tact, as poor Sir Richard in
formed his friends, an objectionable tongue,
had contrived to have her own way through
| life. Her first exploit, on coming to Ashly,
was to fix up the cedar room for her children.
In vain poor Mrs. Mannering pointed out its
faults. She was afraid they would find it
cold' Her ladyship wished them to be
hardy 1t was out of the way So much
| the better their noise would not be trouble
some.' / fear went on Mrs. Mannering
-' Don't know what it is said Lady
Pierrepoint 'In Short she continued, with
her impe rturbable face, this room or none !
and Mrs. Mannering, not daring to avow the
real cause Of her fears, yet feeling that further
contest was useless, saw with feelings of
horror the little cribs and rocking horses,
nurses and ninepins, formally established in
the dreaded apartment.
"Things went on very smoothly for a fort
night no complaints Of the cedar room trans.
PRED and Mrs. Mannering was congratula-
ting herself on the happy turn affairs had
taken, when one day, on her going into the
nursery, she saw her little nephews busily
engaged in packing mp their playthings.-
Z What are you ,irid Of Ashly, and going to
leave me = oh, no, Aunt they shouted,
one and all oh, no, but we're going to hide
away our toys from the White Lady: she
came last nj ght, and Sunday night, and she'd
such large black eyes-and she stood close
b, our cribs--just here, aunt. Who is she,
do you know for Fred. says she never
speaks. What does she do here, and what
does she want 2
"sWhat wretched, miserable woman
am = cried the panic-struck Mrs. Manncring.
Every hope had entertained Of this abom-
Unable room is dashed to the ground for ever;
and if, by any chance, Lady Pierrepoint should
discover-Oh, they must be moved directly,
Ring the bell. Where's the housekeeperl
I'll give no reason-I'll hare no reason. Oh,
my dear departed Mannering, to what sorrows
have you not exposed your disconsolate wi
dow In spite Of all inquiries, interrogato-
ries, and surmises,--moved the little Pierre
points were that very evening. Our precau-
tons, however, were all but defeated; for one
Of the little magpes began after dinner
4. Mamma, I've something to tell you about
the White Lady, He was instantly crammed
almost to suffocation with sweetmeats. The
rest were very shortly trundled out Of the
room, choking with bon bons. And shall
never forget the piteous expression Of Mrs.
Mannering's countenance, as she passed me