, 1865-03-17
The Secret Room.

Our regiment was stationed at Colchester. 1t
was midsummer-hot, arid midsummer. l had
grown intensely weared of the idle inactive life
we were leading. The days had become almost
insufferably long and dreary; feeling of ennui
and restlessness took possession of me, and |
sighed for green meadows, shady lanes, and the
cool murmurs of rivulets. Leave ofabsence was
easily obtaned but, where should | go?
l now more forcibly realized than ever before
my isolated life. was alone in the world. No
kindred to extend to me the kindly hand of
greeting-no home to which my steps might
turn. l had formed but few friendships among
my companions, for had but little in common
with their levity and gaiety.
1t was at this time that opportunely received
a letter from old friend ofmy fathers resid-
ing in the wild and romantic district of West
Carbury, in the southern part of Ireland. He
wrote, begging to pay him a visit, saying
that nothing would give him greater pleasure
than to welcome the son of his highly esteemed
friend to his heart and home.
Highly delighted with the prospect of change
Rn8 ugepag9tjiqPfb tjiq lFFfre5 Is dad ong 5een
stranger, I started on my journey, and when
reached my destination j could scarce identifvmy-
self with the gloomy, morbid being ofa shorttime
back AS the carriage rolled slowly up the av-
enue had ample opportunity oftaking survey
of the premises.
Glenrue was a large rambling mansion, SEEM
ingly many centuries old. The right wing only
was inhabited the left being much decayed and
covered with the green, clinging ivy. The lawn
was closely moWn and adorned with shrubs
Mr.. Glenn stood in the open doorway and in a
few moments was folded in his fatherly en-
brace.
"God bless you, my boyr he said, in tone
full of emotion; ''you are heartily welcome, and
we will do eyrything in our power to contribute
to your pleasure during your stay will show
you to your room, Harold - he continued, 'and
then leave you to make preparations for dinner.
We dine precisely at three, being too unfashion-
able for late dinners"
Alasl if he had foreseen the sorrow and misery
that my coming brought, would not his blessing
have been turned into curse, and would he not
sooner have seen ne fall dead at his feet than to
have crossed his threshold? am anticipating
My room was cool and commodious, and afford
ed a fine view of the distant mountains, cleaIy
defined against the deep blue sky. was not at
all addicted to a long and elaborate toilet, and
had completed my preparations when Mr.. Glenn
made his appearance and led the way to the din
ing-hall
'My daughters, Harold I hope youwill be-
come good friends, was the rather unceremo-
nious introduction as we entered and we were
soon seated at the hosptable board, all restraint
being effectually banished by Mr.. Glenn's frank
manner and ready conversation.
ruin OleQQ, Ju6 elueT Ol lue Two sisters, WOulQ
have been generally termed a beautiful woman.
she wore a regal look, with her high white
brow, raven hair, and dark, flashing eyes, but
there was expression lingering around the
chiseled lips that marred their beauty.
But Maud how can l describe her? She was
different from any woman that bad ever met
with A soft charm-a nameless, undehnable
something pervaded her every word and action
that was irresistibly attractive. The eavy
ma Of Golden hair tvvined around tho en,a II
shapeIy bead, seemed almost too heavy for the
slight, dropping figure; and the eyes half-hid by
their snowy lids and long lashes, reminded me of
purple yiolets.
When we repaired to the drawing, room, Maud
seated herself on low cushion and bent over
her embroidery Edith, taking her stand at the
open window, beckoned me to her side with a
bright smile.
"What do you think of our scenery, Mr.. Ash
ley?" she asked. care not some portions of it
grandly sublime 2"
~ can readily share your admiration, Miss
Glenn replied; 'for have rarely, if ever,
seen it equaled"
''You may perhaps wonder at our selecting so
secluded situation" said Mr.. Glenn; "but we
have resided here only the last few years, and
have proved by experience that the truest happi-
ness is found in retirement"
His countenance wore troubled look and be
sighed heavily as be spok.
'You have quite rambling building" I re-
marked. "Did you ever explore the unused left
wing? Is there not some weird tale attached to
itP'
~ believe there are some reports respecting
it," replied Mr.. Glenn, "but considered them
of no Importance, and had never suficie mt curl
osity to penetrate its gloomy reeesses" ~-
Conversing upon varied topics, my first even
ing at Glenrue passed swiftly and pleasantly
away. Every coming day was replete with
pleasure. We walked, rode, and sailed, Maud
would charm away the evenings by warbling
sweet songs, while her fingers swept the chords
of her harp. +.-,.-t.-
Iloved Maud Glenn. That my love was re-
turned, did not doubt. read itin the droop-
ing of the violet eyes, the varying color of the
soft cheek, and the trembling ofthe little white
hand when it chanced to meet ny own.
One evening as We stood together in the recess