The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1866-07-13


table lay clean Marseilles quilt, which ha,
been left there by servant, and 10 the aS
sence Of anything better, ! unfolded 1t ant
threw II over my shoulders. 1t completed.
enveloped my body, and felt quite cOmfOrta
BILE again.
Destroy the new will, " saId DR.. Rowne.
| dropped my book, for this looked like
foul play. 1t occurred to me that Mr.. Cole
brooks poor relations would have to suffer
for this midnight conference. knew that be
had an only sister, an invalid, who was depen-
dent upon his bounty for subsistence, and my
blood boiled with indignation as thought Of
what might be the result from this midnight
interview.
] rose from my chair and went to the door.
That the end will justify the means do not
think is sound logic but where poor suffer
ing, dependent woman was in danger Of being
cast upon the tender merces Of a cold world |
was content to be blamed for the msanness
Of eaveSdrOpping, If thereby could prevent
so foul wrong
Before did 1t, could not but recall the
reputed character Of Mrs. Colebrook. With
out believing much of the gossip that had
circulated concerning her, could easily ar
rive at the conclusion that she had been the
bane Of her husbands happiness.
I had been personally acquainted with him
who now lay cold in death before me, so that
was obliged to guess at the facts in the
case. Ny own observation, though I moved
in an humber sphere than her, was sufficient
to assure me that all was not right, placed
my ear at the keyhoe.
"When we are married.
"Hush," said Mrs. Colebrook
They spoke in whispers then, and could
disti nguish nothing more. Need Ihave heard
more?
Woman-ange or devil.
Was il she who had wept great tears in
my presence, who trembled in the agony of
grief before me, now calmly plotting with her
parsmour, bargaining away the affections
which should have fingered like a weeping
angel over the couch Of him who was not yet
buried out of sight7 Was It she who had
groaned in bitternessat her bereavement now
seeming to rob her sister and orphan of her
bounly2
40, woman, false as fair Yet she was
not woman, she was demon !"
The clock struck twelve, and turned from
my reflections to attend to the corpse. The
alcohol which had been provided to wet the
face was all used, and | needed futher sup
ply. Taking the dish in my hand, | went to
the door with the intention of calling upon
Mrs ColebroOk for IL.
First rapping on the door, SO as not to sur
prise them, opened it and stepped into the
room.
~ need little more alcohol, Mrs. Cole
brook" began.
She rose from her chair, and with one long
and most unearthly shrek, she fell upon the
floor.
DR.. Rownes knees smote each other, and
he, shrank back to the fsrtherest corner ofthe
room.
"Who are you " be gasped.
OF course, was very much surprised at
this singular reception. Long familiarity
With the dead had made me so indifferent to
hose breads aud fears, which disturb many
persons, that had little consideration for nerV-
BUSINESS on this subject
"Who are your" groaned the doctor, his
eeth chattering with terror. {
Then It flashed upon my mind that the
uilt which enyeloped my body was the cause
fthe mischief. was inyoluntarily per7onat-
ng the ghost Of the deceased, Mr. ColebroOk,
nd 90 not wonder that the guilty wife, and
he more wretched accomplice were terrified, @
lhen at midnight Stalked into the room b
| had pinned the counterpane around my il
eek, so that no thing could be seen Of me :,
ut my face.
was a ghostly spectre coming
How awful 10 that hour when conscience stlngs-"
, curse her for the base treacbery she was u
No wonder she tainted no won o
ei even the doctor trembled. b
threw offthe quilt and told the doctor who o
was. II
"See what you have done !" said be point /
g to the PROSTATE lady.
az heard some voices here, and came for u
me alcohol" y
"Nssd you have come In that garb7" b
al bad quits forgotten that I had the guilt b
l." =,
" You have killed her, I believe" he con- o.
nued, bending over the PROSTATE form Of "
rs. Colebrook. u
We raised her up, and placed her upon "
unge. She was not dead, and presently her 81
es opened. O,
q" Where 10 hsi" gASpsd she, shaking cou- ,,
Ilsiysly.
" Be ealmlp
d" He viii haunt me all my days" u
" It was only Mr.. Mortal. Il
Her eyes glarsd upon me, and then rolled
In ber head. Heaven grant that may "
yer see such hldsouI expression again.
Ia Waa In A.