Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1864-11-17
M Miscellany.
Mr.. John Smith.

1t was a dreary day in the month of
December, 1860, when left the railway
station at l. to start on walk across
to me) new road to find the house OF
my old friend, Dr. Harris. had never
. visited him in this, his new residence,
before; but his invitation to spend the
: Christmas holidays was so urgent, that |
accepted it, as heartily as it was given
sure Of warm reception from my
friend, Mrs Harris, aud the three fair
daughters who were still at home. Armed
with the most precise directions from a
man whom | met at the railway station,
Iand not expecting any conveyance, as |
had not written to say by what train |
should arrive, I started blithely on my
walk, hoping to reach the house before
nightfall. | had not gone more than a
few rods from the station, when the snow,
which had been threatening all day, be-
gan to fall in thick fakes. filling the air,
and laying in smooth sheet upon the
hard dry ground. Although | am a
bachelor ofonly fifty, will own that of
late years, snow air affects me with curl
JUS pains, not rheumatism; [ am hardly
old enough for that, but odd shooting
pains, which make me avoid giving any
occasion for them, if possible, and which
made my present situation decidedly un
comfortable Whether the snow-flled
air blinded me, or the directions were
not sufficiently clear. I cannot tell, but
certain it is l lost my way The little
village of Lay far behind me; night
was coming on.;and the early twilight of
winter had already fallen, yet not a
house could see where | might buy a
nights lodging. or even inquire the way
to my friends. In this emergency, my
delight may be imagined at brilliant
light suddenly appearing at some little
distance, evidently from the window Of
house near at hand Another and
another glcam followed, till the whole
front of large house was Illuminated.
By this light easily found little gate
which opened with some difficulty on ac-
count Of the snow, but which finally
yielded to my efforts, and admitted me
into large inclosure. at the back Of
which stood the house [ have mentioned.
Flooding on through the snow, I at length
reached the high flight of steps. which
led to the door The wide porch was
sheltered by an ovcrhanging roof; and,
having shaken the snow from my coat and
hat. found the bell handle, and gave it
vigorous pull.
The door was thrown open by tall
man in neat livery, and before I had
time to make my inquiries, he asked
eagerly
Are you Mr.. John Smith" ?"
II am," | replied.
From New York ~
"Yes."
Come in The young ladies will be
so glad! They've been expecting you
ever since morning; I'll tell them you
are here" and throwing open the par"
lor door he motioned to me to enter,
and then left me-
"Lo," | thought, II have stumbled
upon the right house after all. The
young ladies are very kind" And l
involuntarily gave my collar twitch
higher, and stole glance at the mirror
over the mantle piece. My survey was
interrupted by seeing reflected in the
glass female figure, who was just enter
ing the room. Surprise kept me motion
less for an instant, for it was the most
extraordinary figure for a private par
lor in country house. The lady was
very tall, and wore white garment
which fell in long loose folds from her
throat to the ground, unconfned at the
waist. Her round, white arms were bare,
excepting that upon the left wrist she
wore steel fetter, to which was attach
ed chain; and the companion fetter,
intended for the other wrist, she held in
her hand. Her face was CHASTITY pale;
indeed it looked as if it had thick coat
ing of powder over the natural complex
ion, and her hair, which was long, thick,
and black as ravens wing, hung in
long masses far below her waist I turn
ed to face this damsel, wondering if
either of the doctors daughters could
be insane, and expecting raving speech
or at the least a burst of tears. She
advanced, however, with a graceful easy
step, and said quietly
"Mr. Smith, | believer
i 81 am Mr.. Smith, Miss. May in
! quire-"
II will tell you all; but as we are
rather pressed fer time, on account of
your late arrival, | must be brief. 1
persume the storm delayed you, You
will find refreshment in the library,
and"
ELLEN I" screamed voice in the dis
tance.
Coming answered the lady besid,
me, in scream that fairly made me
Jump. II cannot watt she added, hur-
riedly; 81 am called; you will find
ipen, ink, and paper on the table. Pray