Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-11-29

ed the hOusemaid, siding little nearer
the footman. And, at times, there is
such queer noises in the house
Rats, and fallin' plaster answered
Symonds, with the air Of hero. The
'ouse is sentries old, they say. But don't
fear Mary dear. Ghostesses never do
any harm, that I've heerd on; and amt
near to purtect yer?'
The housemaid giggled; and cook, who
appeared not amused by the turn the
conversation had taken, remarked,
sharply, Amt you going to hanswer
ladyship's bell, SymOnds?'
Not till she troubles herself TO ring
again. She will in mint. and no mis-
take
He was right. Almost as he spoke,
the bell rang violently, nearly few up
to the ceiling, then set to tossing and
shaking, creating such an uproar that
the pretty housemaid had to put the
smallest tips of her fingers to her ears
not to be deafened.
Hi told you so. You may tell by that
her Iadyship's temper hain't on the
mend remarked Symonds, rising cool
Iy from his chair, and chucking the
housemaid under the chin; adding, as
he sauntered from the room. It's all
over now, my dear. Don't be frighten-
ed
Lady Penderleith's private sitting
room-a boudOor, as the lady's-maid
called twas a spacious apartment, sit
uated in the left wing Of the dwelling,
adjoining the portion which, though the
other parts had often been modernized,
had never, by an unanimity of feeling
Of the successive owners, been touched.
When Gertrude Ray visited Penderleith
with her future bridegroom, she had Sc
lected her private apartments in this
wing, and had lived chiefly there when
she returned, a proud, handsome, but
cold d-hearted bride, as the mistress OF
Penderleith.
Aa a widow, her taste had not chang
ed. She avoided society, and lived
more secluded than ever. Feeling, how
ever, the necessity for Alma to see the
world, she had sent her to London dur
ing the season; under the chapronage of
a friend--a proceeding she ultimately
bitterly repented, as the result of those
visits was her encountering and loving
her cousin, Sir Gerard.
The room in which Lady Penderleith
now sat was handsomely furnished with
heavy furniture of the Elizabethan or
der. The walls were panneled oak, rich
" carved, while thick maroon curtains
shaded the too Obstrusive light, the
whole'givingan air of solemn, imposing
grandeur to the place, rather than grace
or beauty.
! In high-backed crimson chair, the
wood frame of which was black with
age, sat Lady Penderleith, attired, &C
cording to her wont; in black velvet,
the only relief to which were the snowy
lace frilIs about her throat and wrists,
the bright jet ornaments, her white,
long hands, her pale face, and iron-gray
hair, braided back from her forehead,
and surmounted by a cap of black vel
vet and lace, presenting tout-ensenl6Ie
that, Ided to her proud, austere featur-
es, harmonized well with the appear
ance of the room.
by Jovev had remarked Symonds,
more than once, slapping his plush
encased thigh, if she don't, for all the
world, look as if she'd jist stepped out
of one of them old pictures in the gall
cry! Why hever does she dress up like
a ghost of those grim old sticks? Pm
blest is I don't think as 'ow she's hall
out of her mindT
it's vanity, Symonds,' had respond
ed the cook; right down vanity
The lady and the room bore more than
ordinary resemblance to those seIf-same
gloomy pictures at the present moment.
The shaded lamp cast its brightest rays
on Lady Penderleith herself, while be-
you'd all was wrapped in semi darkness;
and the cool indifference of the servants
hall was speedily replaced by disa-
greeabIe sensation of awe as SymODds
stood respectfully before his mistress.
why did net you answer the bell di-
rectIy?' asked her ladyship, sharpely.
I rang twice.
TT only rang once, can assure your
ladyship, for were in the kitching.'
That will do! Take this awayp and
her ladyship eoldly indicated the supper
tray. Also tell Digby not to come to
my room till I ring for her.
Yes, my lady
Have any visitors called to-day@
NO, my lady,
Lady Penderleith appeared as if wish
Tng to say something more. 1t was So
but she feared. She wanted to learn il
her nephew had been in the neighbor-
hood, yet pride or some other cause pre-
vented her putting the question. Sym
mods, noting the expression, stood tray
in hand.
For what are you waiting% asked hel
ladship, abruptly, becoming aware that
his eyes were fixed on her.
Nothing, my lady. II thought you
were going to speak,
NO! You can leave. Do not forget
my ordersp
mo, my LADY, And, willingly, Sym
onds withdrew.
There's something ghostly about heI
I don't likep he muttered. by JOve, il
it wasn't such a capital easy place, I'd
resign, that would! Her big gray eyes
puts me all in a creepp
When alone, Lady Penderleith sat q
space silent, her head on her hand.