The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-04-21


well. Belfed is very eactic.''
She smiled she spoke; but 1t struck MISS
Stirling that the question was, nevertheless, Poz-
zIing one so she took the first opportunity OF en-
treating her to take no trouble on her account;
char by the fire was really all the accommodation
she cared for, she wished to be in readiness 10
pursue her journey as soon as the coach could
proceed.
" We shall be able to do better for you than that,
Ellen" Mrs. Atherton answered cheerfully.
cannot it is true, promise you g state.room,"
for every bed in the house is full, and know you
will not allow any one 10 be moved Tor your con-
venlence but have one chamber still at your
service, which, except in one respect is comlorIa-
BILE enough"
g Haunted, of course - said Miss Stirling
gaiIy.
"Oh, no, no, it is not that had it fitted up
for nv brother William when he used to be
here more frequently than of late and it is Of
ten occupied by gentlemen when the house Is
full but, as it is detached from the house, have,
OF course never asked any lady to sleep there till
now"
(" Oh if that be all, | am quite willing TO be-
come its first lady TENANT said Miss Stirling
heartily. So the matter was settled, anG orders
were given to prepare the Pavilion for the unex-
pected guest.
The evpEing passed pleasantly music, dane
was long past ten-the usual hour Of retiring al
Befeld-when Miss Sterling, under her hostess's
guidance, took possession of her outdoor chamber.
1t really was pleasant cheerful little apartment.
The crimson hangngs of the bed and window
looked warm and comfortable in the flashing fire.
light; and when the candles on The mant!e-ptece
were lighted, and the Two easy chairs drawn close
TO the hearth, the long departed friends found Ii
impossible to resist the temptation OF sitting down
hay hat in nj dayS hoy t0 a
handed chat" There was much TO tell of what
had beaIlen both, of chequered scenes OF Joy and
sorrow, deeply interesting to those two whose youth
had been passed together; there were mutual
friends and future plans 10 be discussed; and mid
night rung out from the stableclock before Mrs.
Atheron said good mig ght. She had already cross
cd the threshold to go, when she turned back to
say g forgot to tell you Ellen, that the inside
bar of this door is not very secure, and that the
key only turns outside. Are you inclined to trust
TO the bar alone, will you, William used to
do, have the door locked outside, and let the SER
want bring the key in The morning William used
TO say that he found it rather an advantage TO do
so, the unlocking of the door was sure to awake
him.
Miss Stirling laughingly allowed, that though
generally, she could not quite think it an advan
tage TO be locked into her room, still she had no
objection it on this particular occasion as she
wished to rise in reasonable time.
Very we'll; then you had better not fasten
the bar at all, and will send my maid with the
key, at eight precisely. Good night"
Good night"
They parted; The door was locked outside the
key taken out; and Miss Stirling, staEdng by the
window, watched her friend the narrow,
black path. which had been swept clear of snow
TO make dry passage from the house to the pavil-
lion. 4 ruddy light strcamed from the hall door
as it opened to admit its mistress, and gave a
cheerful friendly aspect to the scene ; but, when
the door closed and shut out that warm comfOrta.
be light, the darkened porch, the pale moonlight
shimmering on the shronded trees, and the stars
twinkling in the frosty sky, had such aspect Of
solitude ms to cast over her a kind of chill that
made her half repent having consented to quit the
house at ALL aud let herself be locked up IN this
lonely place.
Yet what had she to fear No harm could
happen TO her from within the chamber; the door
safely locked outside, and strong iron stanch.
ions guard the Window there could be no posi-
BILE danger. So, drawing her chair once more
TO The fire. and stirring it into brighter blaze she
took up little Bible which lay the dressing ia
bic, and read some portions OF the New Tesla
ment.
When she laid do wn the book she took out the
comb that fastened up her long. dark silken tres
Ses-in which, despite her fve-and- thirty years,
not silver thread was visibe-aEd, she arran-
ged them for the night, her thoughts strayed back |
10 the old world memories, which her meeting with
Mary Athcrton had revived. The sound of the
clock striking two was the first thing that recalled
ler to her present life. BY this time the candles
we're burned down almost 10 the socket, and the
ire dying fast. As she turned to fling fresh
og into the CRATE her eyes fell upon the dressing
glass, and in its reflection she saw, at least ancled
he saw, the bed curtains move.
She stood for a moment gazing at the mirror,
Xpeciing a repetition oil the movement; but all
vas still, ard she blamed herself for allowing ner-
'ous fears TO overcome her. Still it was AN exer.
ION, even OF her brave spirit, to approach the bed
nd Withdraw the curtains. She was rewarded by
hiding nothing save the bedclohes folded neatly ;
own, if inviting her to press the snaw-white
heeis, and luxurious pile of pillows, that looked
most tempting. She could not resist the mute in.
itation to rest her wearied limbs. Allowing her.
eff no time for further doubts or fears, she placed
er candle on the mantel-plece, an stepped into
ed. t
She was very tired, her eyes ached with wearI-
ess, but sleep seemed 10 fly from her. Old re-
olecIions lhronged her memory; thoughts a
onnec;ed with The business she had still 10 get t
trough, haunted her; and difficulties that had not
ccurred 10 her till now, up before her. f
he restless and fevcrish and the vexation C
feeling so, made her more wakeful. Perhaps If il
he were 10 close the curtains between her and the J.
re she might be better able 10 secp-ihe flicker Fl
g light disturbed her, and the moonbeams seal l.
bplUapn the Xrindoyv r.atps -hn IL