The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-02-18
CHAPTER III.

ANOTHER STRANGE oUTRAoE AT THE RUIN.
The person who now approached was a short,
thck.set man, with sandy hair and whiskers, and a
cunning expression of face. His dress was of fine
material, and arranged with some pretension to
elegance. though 1t was rather of flashy order.
He wore his hat set jauntiy the eide of his head,
and carried his thumbs stuck in the arm holes Of
his vest as he drew near with strut and swagger,
which proclaimed his ideas of his own quence.
tall, staring mansion, with portico in front.
supported by massive pillars, stood on the corner
opposite the tavern, the trees had been removed
from that spot alone, to display the handsome front
Of the new ediice. 1t was of composite order of
architecture impossible to describe, and most in
copgruOus in effect From the window of his own
sanctum, Mr.. Withers had observed the entrance of
a stranger in the quiet village, and at once came
forth 10 ascertain as much concerning him as might
be gathered That he was young. handsome, and
refined in appearance, he saw and If his manners
correspopded with his outward bearing he intend
ed again TO deprive the tavern keeper of his guest
for Mr.. Withers felt the dulness Of the quiet little
town in which he lived, and was glad to extend his
hospitality to any presentabe person whose society
could relieve the monotony Of his daily lie.
As the village great man drew near, he removed
his hat, and courteously inclined his head to the
new conner, while he SAID what was meant for an
aside
"a new arrival, eh Higgins? Came over on pur-
pose to make his acquaintance. Nice looking
young fellow; found out his name by this time /
Higgins deliberately removed his pipe from his
lips, and said
"Mr. Arden, this is John withers, as told you
when seen him coming over here He amt much
that he may keep me out of the few dollars you
might pay me, by taking you over to his house, and
having all your pleasant talk to hissef and his love-
REALLY, really Higgins, this is worse than eyer,n
said Mr. Withers growing very red in the face.
1.-THE fact is, Mr.. Arden, love society of kind not
often found in small town like this, and when re-
spectacle looking people come into the place,
sometimes take them to my poor house, and en-
deavor to entertain them as well as can. NY
good friend here does not like this; he thinks in
teIfere with his business though really nothing is
stop it then, and don't keep doing thing for
ever, and yet say you have intention of doing it,
That's fiat contradiction am not smart enough
take him away, for when told him you would come
after him. he promised to stay here-so there now.n
His defiant tone proved toomuch for Mr. Withers'
politeness with much heat he asked:
"Has the old heather really extracted such
promise from You, sir ~
"No more heather than yourself John With
ers," exclaimed Mrs. Higgins. my old man is
better Christian than you are any day. Keep your
names to yourself, and don't forget when you come
to the Washington, that if you and Miss Dora is the
genteel people Of Glenfal, we come foremost among
the respectable ones"
These words were 50 volubly. uttered that Mr..
Withers seemed slightly bewdered, and Arden
took advantage of the brief pause to say
81 beg that there may be no misunderstanding on
my account, it is not my intention to remain with
either Of you Mr.. Higgins misunderstood my
pledge not to accept an invitation from you, Mr..
Withers, if Jon should prove 30 kind as to tender
me one it in yolved no promise to remain after
tonight at the Washington. am an artist BY pro-
oiesson, and have already selected locality
IN the neghborhood, from which to sketch the sur.
rounding scenery to advantage AS soon as posi-
oft"
Both his listeners looked disappointed. Withers
quickly asked
May ask what place you have chosen, sir? NY
house Is the highest in the village, and from the
valley" wa Wv "'
Many thanks for your Kindness. but a. came
down the glen saw a deserted COTTAGE. oyerrun
with ivy, which viii Afford me shelter. If possible,
VIII take up my residence there fox q few weeks
untn can make some studies from neichboriup
spots to combine hereafter in picture"
AS Arden uttered this explanation, the face of
Wi'hers underwent many singular Changes He lost
much oil his ford color and then flushed to a
deeper purple than ever, as he nervously said
You are probably not aware, young man, that a
curse rests upon that dreary spot Its hearthstonc
was once reodened with fratricidal blood, and for
many years the house has had the reputation of
being haunted Strange stories are told obout fitting
lights Being seen through the windows on dark
nights, and wild cries have been heard that seem
wruDg from one in mortal extyemtyr
81 CHANGED to meenan old bercar az I came
hitler, and he related to NE the tragic story con-
pected with the place. To sreak the truth his mar
rative only stimulated my desire to cain possession
Of the ruin. The death struggle he graphically de-
scrbed would make most effective picture. and if
stay upon the spot, may Chance to.gain ipspira.