Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-04-16
THE MYSTERIOUS WARNING /;
Or, the Lady i'm the Sacque.
lCONCLEDED.I

venture within its precincts. Eugenie had
chosen the old oak-panneled room because she
loved the song Of the forest bird, and the mur-
mur of the wind and the trees.
Mrs. Irving often said she thought Eugene
must be lonely at night, so far remote from any
of the household, but Eugenie remained quite
content until the appearance of that phantom
OF which so many had spoken In thought she
often fingered over the legends of Foresters
Hall Ii was said an ancestress of the Russell
family had cherished secret love for IA gay
and gallant knight, and that, when an infuri-
ate Tlval became aware of her love for another
he poisoned her. and ever after her restless
spirit rOamed about the Hall visible to those
whom danger threatened.
On calm deliberation, Miss Boyd resolved
not to mention the fright she had sustained
but wait aud watch the future coming of her
unbidden guest She argued thus-it was prob
ably sne of the menials, who had in rummag-
ing amongst some ancient forgotten rubbish
lighted upon the dress. and so thought to prac-
tice Oh her cTedulity; and she felt ashamed of
her rudeness to Eyerard, to whom she decided
sending an apOlOgetic note, and was about to
reach forth her hand to take the pen, when
behold, reflected within a large mirror, the
form OF the spectre appeared, standing close
behind her chair. Quick as lightning Eugenie
turned her head; no one was thsre-the shadow
had vanished
More than ever convinced the intruder must
be some individual bent upon frOlic, Miss
Boyd felt no terror; a sense of insulted dignity
upheld her; and she commenced a searching
investigation to try whether there was not
some private outlet She shook every pannel
but all were alike immoyable; she next ex-
amined huge wardrobe, near which the figure
had disappeared-it was evident a fixture,
being fastened to the flooring by iron clasps.
Perplexed and indignant, she rang for her
maid, who stood high in her confidence, for
she had in various ways tested her incorrup-
tlble fidelity. After detailing every particular
Of this inexplicable affair, Eugene desired her
attendant would for the future share the same
room as herself.
Laws, miss, faltered out the damsel and
at the same time growing pale with fright, Il
could not sleep here for the world! Why this
Is the room where the poor lady murdered
so many years agOne. YOnder, too, Just by
that window, is the stain of her bIood-it will
never come out. took care to cover ii that it
might not make you nervous although never
supposed the ghost would trouble one so good
''GhOst, Martha ~ said Eugenia, Il request
you to repress such silly ideas; that there is
triekery at work / am convinced. therefore |
wish a companion 1 do not choose to make
stranger a cOnidante. / ask you to Oblige-
say whether you will or not"
"If you not afraid" said Martha, sure
ly, miss, L ought not to hold back; command
my services a. you list, for 1 would 20 through
FIRE and water in your cause"
During several months the faithful girl shared
being disturbed by the mysterious apparition.
Eugenie had long learned to consider the shade
mere chimera of an Over-excited imagination.
and won by her aunt's persuasiOns she had de-
lighted Eyerard Russell by naming their bridal
day Time flew rapidly, and the eve of the
wedding came.
The clock had tOlled forth the hour of mid
night, and all beneath the roof of Forrester's
Hall were fast locked in balmy sleep except
EugenIe. who lay watching the fantastical fig
ures east by the tiickering fire upon the ceiling.
A deep sigh arrested her attention By her
aide stood the ghOstly phantom, beckoning with
Its thin white hand. Slowly, then. il crossed the
room, pointing with its finger towards the an
tique, wOrm-eaten wardrobe, which sign it re-
peated three times, and then faded from her
right.
At daybreak the trembling Miss Boyd arous-
ed Martha. but their united efforts proved in
sufficient to remove the furniture. Painting and
weary they relinquished their undertak ing and
after mature reflection, Eugenie decided upon
calling the groom, Stephen, who was her maid )
ayOwed admircr, and taking him into their con-
hdencc. He soon appeared with the reaui-
site implements for removing the iron fas-
Jennings. but II required vast amount of labor
aud perseverance ere his task was accomplished
When the wardrobe was displaced Stephen
discovered one panel Of the wsinsoot to be
hollow. He essayed various efforts to open IT,
and was about suggesting TO break it down.
when the quick eye of Eugene detected the
small knob carefully concealed amid the carved
foliage adOrning her chamber. She turned it
round, and had the satisfaction of beholding
the panel slide on one side, while disclosed to
view was a dark winding staircase
Determined to follow up the investigation
Miss Boyd despatched Stephen for a lantern
and on his return she led the way down this
unknown passage. On gaining the bottom of
the creaking stairs they found themselves in u
damp stone vault; they moved cautiously along,
IL,
hsd stumbled over the remains Of a human
form. Stephen drew close to examine the body
which was In a state of singular preservation:
he then suddenly exclaimed
Alas. alas, poor Alice Brindsley and was
this thy end 1'
a. DO you then recognise this corpse?' aues-
toned the agitated Eugenie.
" 1t is long tale, Miss answered the
groom, "a tale of sin and sorrow, which will
relate anon. Let Us search this place still more
narrowly
They did so, but discovered nothing further
beyond allow door opening upon the cOpse
-' This entrance, said Stephen, was all
needed to complete my suspicious that Ever
ard Russell was u murderer"
Gracious Providence - cried Eugene
clasping her hands. what is this you tell me -
3. Miss Boyd, replied the man. lit i'll be-
comes q poor fellow like me to speak against
those whom fortune has placed far above him.
1t is now three year. since Miss Alice Brinds-
ley disappeared, and although rumor pointed
ut Everard Russell, as being in some manner
connected with her loss, there was no proof
that he did in reality possess the slightest clue
10 her fate. l told how had seen him and
Miss Alice meet many and many an afternoon
within the copse; nay. the very night she quit
ted home for the last time l saw her Join him
there. The magistrate. however, Oyerruled
what I had to say. Mr.. Russell swore my
statements were false, that / had mistaken
another man tor him; then friend of the
Squire stepped forward. who depOsed to meet
ing Miss Brindsley with tall foreigner. sug
gesIing the idea of her having elOped and gone
with her lover 10 another land. So the Justices
finding themselves nnable 10 arrive at any de-
cisiOn, acquitted Mr.. Eyerard. and there was
end Of the affair. 80
- Are there any relatives Of this unfortunate
young lady living in the neighbOrhOod - in
quired Eugene.
Only her father, who resides at Boldre, -
answered stephen, :. but poor old gentleman,
be is quite an imbecile, and would not be able
10 identify his child
VIII You remain with Martha in the ante
han har n 10 Ia