Litchfield enquirer., 1861-10-10


 Rose hesitated, and Bessie regarded her mo- ment with an expressive glance.
 Harry Elliot, is it? Don't be afraid to tell me, dear. l am sure it's nothing to be ashamed of
 Rose nodded, while her face flushed crimson Perhaps it's foolish in me, Bessie, but he has been so kind to me, that I've grown to like him very much-better than any one else in the world. Of course he don't know it was al- ways teasing him when he was at our house, and have abused him shamefully dozen times. He couldn't think l cared for him, though he has told me great many times that he loved me- 0, dear? l shall never see him again! Per haps l shall hear that he is married before long. o, Miss Rose, don't take it so much to heart, now. There never was so bad case that it couldn t be worse. How long does your father intend to stay in this old placer
 don't know-forever perhaps It's not fa- ther's doings, our coming here, but mas and that absurdly romantic Henrietta's.'
 Rose dashed the curls petulanty back from her face, and curved her lip scornfully.
 You begin to look like yourself when you flush up in that way Bessie said. I wished with all my heart we were back in New York. This gloomy old place, full of ghosts
 %, Bessie!'
 Rose was transformed to her old self in mo- ment. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks and lips were aglow, she laughed and clapped her hands as if in one of her old frotcs
 70, Bessie. f you will only hold me y she cri- ed
 What in the world do you mean ? cried Bes- sic, laughing, for her knowledge of her young mistress character enabled her to half anticipate the scheme which had flashed through Roses fertile brain.
 Promise you will help me-
 It is nothing wrong?
 No, indeed.'
 I promise
 Well, now help mo pack my trunks, and l will talk while work. Lock the door,
 Rose was missing. She had not been seen about the house all day. and when night came she was still absent. 'Wherc can she be 2 said Mrs. Hunter anxi- ously.
 She would not dare to stay in the garden at so late an hour--the little coward! /! said IleD- rietta
 Have you seen my daughter since breakfast Besse?' said Mir. Hunter, in his abrupt, sharp way, as the girl entered with lights. A little while after, sir sWhere was she?' She passed me Tn the hall, with her bonnet and shawl on.'
 What did she say?'
 'Only good bye,' Bessie.'' And you asked her no questions ? No, sir
 Mir. and Mrs. Hunter looked at each other, and Henrietta looked at her father and mother
 How did she appear? asked Mrs. Hunter striving to seem calm, but evidently trembling with excitement.
 Well enough then ma am but she cried and took on dreadfully when l was in her room last night
 About what?'
 Staying in this house. 70, dear what has become of her? Charles Henrietta, what in the world shall we do?' And Mrs. Hunter burst into tears and wrung her hands,
 The house was up in arms for three days, and there was no end to the cries, and tears, and lamentations. The strange news was communi cated to Alfred, the only son and brother, who speedily arrived in the midst of the distracted household. He did not come alone-Harry El Hot accompanied him. The latter young gentle man betrayed as much anxiety and distress as any member of the family. Bessie watched him from under her long eyelashes, as she waited al table on the night of his arrival, and then Jeff the room, smiling covertly.
 An hour after they were sitting about the fire engaged in anxious counsel, when they were startled by the sound of screams in the hall, and moment after Hannah, the cook burst frantic ally into the room.
 70, the ghost the ghost she cried.
 What do you mean?' they asked, pale and excited.
 She has seen ghost, she said-a woman iI white gliding up the staircase. She could tel nothing more in her fright. From whence it ap peared, and where it vanished to, she was igno- rant. Nothing could persuade her that she was mistaken; all reasoning was thrown away upon her she would only cover among them, mutter ing stolidly, l seed ghost! O., seed ghost
 However skeptical they might have been 1T Hannah's case, they were terribly alarmed ane shocked on the following evening. As they sal around the table at teatime small figure, cloth ed in white, suddenly appeared in the open door way, and facing them mutely moment, silently vanished.
 Good heavens it looked like Rosev saii Alfred Hunter, in hoarse whisper, breaking the spell which seemed to have fallen upon them
 It did, but o, so ghostly white ? sobbed Mrs Hunter I see it all now. She is dead. o my child my child
 Let us go away from here,, said Henrietta shivering with terror.
 No, th.s mystery must be solved,' said MT Hunter, with something of his old spirit. 'Th' matter shall be sifted to the bottom.
 T quite agree with you, Mir. Hunter, sait Harry Elliot. You are right The affair ough to be looked into-and if you will give me leave I will commence investigation tonight
 What will you do ? asked Henrietta.
 I have clue, which I had rather not men tion now-but I think, if skilfully followed, i will lead to d solution of this mystery. Only al ! low me to take my own course, and promls you complete satisfaction in the matter.' You have my full and free permlsslon to ac as you think best,' said MT. Hunter.
 W hat shall We de? asked Mrs. Hunter. Retire at the usual hour, and keep all know ledge of our intentions from the servants repl : ed the young man. I shall not require lieb r and they will know nothing of the natter Do you want me to sit up with you, Harry 8 asked Alfred. 'No-I had much rather be alone,' was th l At ten o'clock the family retired quietly |