Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1862-06-25
9A Sorts of @uua gta0ing.
SEEING VISIONS.
HARRIET HosMER's NARRATIVE OF A SINGULAR
OCCURRENCE.

ObCJhttANOA-
LYDIA MARIA CHr1D's article on "Spirits, -
in the May number of the Atlantic Monthly,
contains the following interesting passage:
When Harriet Hosmer, the sculptor, visit
ed her native country few years ago, had
an interview with her, during which our con-
versation happened to turn upon dreams and
visions.
"I have some experience in that way" said
she. Let me tell you singular circumstance
that happened to me in Rome. An Italian
girl named Rosa was in my employ for a long
time. but was finally obliged to return to her
mother, on account of confirmed i'll health.
We were mutually sorry to part, for we liked
each other When took my customary ex-
ercise on horseback frequently called to see
her. On one Of those occasions I found her
brighter than I had seen her for some time
past had long relinquished hopes of her
recovery, but there was nothing in her ap-
pearance that gave me the impression of i'm
mediate danger. left her in expectation Of
calling to see her again many times During
the remainder of the day was busy in my
studio, and do not recollect that Rosa was in
my thoughts after parted from her. Ire
tired to rest in good health, and in quiet
frame of mind. But I woke from a sound
sleep with an oppressive feeling that some one
was in the room. I wondered at the sensa-
ton, for it was entirely new to me; but in
vain tried to dispel it. Ipeered beyond the
curtains of my bed, bat could distinguish no
objects in the darkness. Trying to gather up
my thoughts, I soon reflected that the door
was locked, and that put the key under my
bolster felt for it. and found it where had
placed it. I said to myself that I had proba-
bly, had some ugly dream, and had walked with
a vague impression Of it still on my mind.
Reasoning thus, I ARRANGED myself comfortably
for another nap. I am habitually a good
sleeper, and a stranger to fear; but, do what
I would, the idea still haunted me that some
one was in the room. Finding it impossible
to sleep, I longed for day to dawn, that 1
might raise and pursue my customary avoca-
TONS 1t was not long before was able dim
ly to distinguish the furniture in my room.
and soon after 1 heard, in the apartments be-
low, familiar noises Of servants opening Win
dows and doors An old clock, with ringing
vibrations proclaimed the hour. counted
one, two, three, four, FIVE. and resolved to rise
Immediately. My bed was partially screened
by a long curtain looped at one side. AS I
raised my head from my pillow, Rosa looked
inside the curtain, and smiled at me. The
idea of anything supernatural did not occur to
me. was simply surprised, and exclaimed
Why, Rosa! How came you here, when you
are so ilY In the old familiar tones to which
was so much accustomed, a voice replied, 1
am well now With no other thought than
that Of greeting her joyfully, I sprang out of
bed. There was no Rosa therel I moved
the curtain, thinking she might herhaps have
playfully hidden herself behind its folds. The
same feeling induced me to look into the clos
et The sight of her had come so suddenly
that, in the first moment of surprise and be-
wilderment, I did not reflect that the door
was locked. When I became convinced there
was no one in the room but myself I recol-
lected that fact. and thought must have seen
a vision.
CAT the breakfast table I said to the old la
dy with whom I boarded, Rosa is dead
What do you mean by thatY she inquired.
You told me she seemed better than com
mon when you called to see her yesterday
I related the occurrences of the morning and
told her had strong impression Rosa was
dead. She laughed, and said had dreamed
it ALL told her was thoroughly awake and
in proof thereof, told her had heard all the
customary household noises. and had counted
the clock when it struck five. She replied.
All that is very possible, my dear. Real
sounds often mix with the illusions of sleep.
an surprised that a dream should make such
an impression on young lady so free from
superstition as you are She continued to
jest on the subject, and slightly annoyed me
by her persistence in believing it a dream,
when was perfectly sure of having been
wide awake. To settle the question, sum-
nnoned a messenger and sent hiFa to inquire
how Rosa did. He returned with the answer
that she died that morning at FIVE o'clock"
wrote the story as Miss Hosmer toldit to
me, and after had shown it to her asked
her if she had any objection to its being pub
hshed, without suppression of names. She
replied, " You have reported the story of Rosa
correctly. Make what use you please OF it
You cannot think it more interesting, or un-
accountable, than do myself"
BoUND TO MARRY.-Sunday afternoon a