Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1867-05-31
MY GHOST STORY.

MY GHOST STORY.
BERTHE and I had been married only three
months. l suppose "united" would be the
fashionable term, but assure you that were,
and are most united couple. l love my
dear husband better than anybody in the
world, and he il fond Of his "llttle wife,"
I am telling you this lest you might think
it odd Of Berthe to have left me without his
protection in IN old rambling country man
sion. He was obliged to do % poor fellow; he
had to hurry away ON business to Ireland,
and should only have bsen in his way, SO I
agreed to remain behind and make myself
happy in the house he had chosen for me till
his return.
When he took me to look 1t Greystone hall
l Was actually ashamed to let him see how
disappointed was. had pictured 10 my,
self cosy family residence, . sort Of large
cottage, in fact, standing in the midst Of
green fields, lovely rural spot, but Greystone
hall proved 70 be large mansion, quite an
imposing edifce, very old, and 50 gloomy, that
l felt an unpleasant, creeping sensation when
I stood under the shadow Of its ancient porti.
co.
IL hope, Cara, that the housekeeper's for
midsble appearance will not alarm you" said
Berthe, 10 We waited for the ponderous door
to be opened.
"Why7" I asked. us she at all peculiar?''
"Rsther," he replied. "but I am assured
that is only her looks, poor thing, which are
against her, you won't mind that know"
.Of course not, do you think me 50 silly?'
AT this moment the door opened, and the
person in question stood before US. She was
. gaunt woman, immensely tall, with slight
stoop: her face was strongly marked and
lined, but her strong features bore evidently
the remains Of great beauty, beauty lost, and
years ago. har hair was snowy white, and in
. disheveled condition, her complexion o
deadly pallor, but the eyes were ferccly black
and ehone with strange wild lustre. She
was altogether remarkable looking person
''Good morning, Mrs. Rayne." said BERTHE.
have brought my wife, as I promised. You
will of course let US see the house,
Mrs, Rayne muttered some indistinct re-
ply, and instead Of drawing back TO let US
enter stood gazing intently at me, until her
became disagrceable,
"will you, began my husband again.
She started at the sound Of his voice, and
,aid in harsh creaking tone, "Your lady is
! fair lady, l like fair ladies, we shall be
great friends"
Berthe laughed and gave me look Of en-
drawing my arm within his own.
III told you she was odd,' he whispered
,ut did not know what good taste she had
, efore.''
We went over the house, and more dismal
gloomy looking place never beheld; but the
argc rooms were handsomely furnished; and
BERTHE fell in raptures with the old and valu-
lblc paintings which were hung around.
The possesser Of Greystone hall had been
abroad for long time, so part Of the bull
ling was much dismantled and one wing un>
nhabitable. However, these were but slight
draw backs, and BERTHE, who was Of rather .
'omantic turn Of mind, thought the old place
would be moro interesting and delightful to
ne from its very dilapidations.
"Aud to crown ALL" said my husband,
ireystone hall is said to be haunted, and you
know you have always expressed wish to
live in haunted house, he continued turning
o me.
"Did I? almost forgot" faltercd.
.'well you wont be very lonely; Caro-" said
ne, "for have written to ask your friend
Ilrs. Wollaston to spend the time with you,
ny timid birdie, during my absence"
This was pleasant surprise, indeed, for
edith Wollaston Was my earliest and dearest
'riend, We were sisters in affection, and if
had to be separated from BERTHE, she would
n q measure make up for his absence. So l
'ecame little reconciled to my fate, and
rent homo in quite good spirits.
A week after Edith and took possession
( Greystone hall. l babe goodbye to my
ear husband, and made little fool Of myself
nd got pair Of red eyes in consequence Of
~ folly.
Edith and I, when Berthe had gone, sat
own in the large window sill and chatted
bout our two dear absent husbands, for Capt.
vollaston had accompanied my husband on
is journey. There was much to talk about;
,any past and happy scenes to recall, We
Ierc very romantic, and considered our lords
be FIRST and formost in the world. So we
assed the greater part Of the evening. At
.st Edith said, drawing back the heavy cur.
Inns and looking out on the dusky avenue.
II don't think this is cheerful place,
Thy did yon choose it, Cars?"
told her about Berthe and how he had liked
"Uhl said she, With shiver, I could fan
= my girlish nonsense was coming back l
eel most remarkably gloomy
laughed at her and tried. to reason her
ut Of her fears, but my own were far greater.
TRANCE to say from tho moment that en-
bred the house battled against . presenti-
lent Of evil which possessed me. We talked
d in an undertone; not caring to speak aloud
seemed an effort in that great lonely room.
was actually afraid to look into the dark |
orners, but making one trial, l CROPPED my
~ to the bell and rang for lights and tea.
be old woman answered my summons in
lead Of my maid, whom had brought with
10.
II came to serve you; madam" said the
arsh voice Of Mrs. Rayne, - she stood in |