Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-12-13

icate and fragile form was inhaling the
unwhOlesome atmosphere of subter-
ranean prison.
Only four hours after, the gamekeep-
er re-appeared at Roseden with Susan
Pinnerfold, and was Immediately con-
Quoted to the morning-room, where
Mrs. Lyle and the Baronet were impa-
tidetly awaiting them.
The girl had already been acquainted
with the state OF affairs, and her horror
was only equalIed by her sorrow at be-
ing unable 10 be of any service. She
was aware of the rumored existence Of
the dungeons; hut protested there was
not any way to get to them, if they
were really there.
If, my good girl! They are there! re-
Joined Mrs. Lyle, rather impatiently;
'and the way TO them, whether you
know it or not, must be through the
disused apartments
Oh, ma'am it's impossible; for in the
broad daylight I've beeu all through
them.
Through them! Then they are not
locked?
Oh, no, ma'am; any Of the servants
can go in if they like; only, you see,
they don't, because-becausc, she added,
shyly, they do say as how they are
haunted with ghosteses. All at Pender-
leith fancy so, ma'am hut Symonds,
who don't believe nothing, please,
ma'am; for such strange noises is some
times heard-indeed they are!
You've heard steps there yourself,
haven't you Susan, ell? suggested the
gamekeeper, who was not without his
share of superstition.
Yes, that I did, ma'am; on the,very
night of Miss Alma's disappearance.
You may have heard steps, truly, in
terrupted the Baronet; 'but, my girl,
they mightnot have been CHESTS, for all
that.
Oh, yes, sir! retoined the girl, posi-
lively. Nobody of real flesh and blood
could have been there; for I'd been some
while in the corridor; and if any one
had passed through the door into the
disused rooms, must have seen 'em.
Is there no entrance from her lady
ships apartments?
Oh, dear, no, ma'an; not of any kind.
But is there no other outlet save into
the corrodor?
Only one, leading to q small stairctse
that goes to a little door that opens on
to the gIounds, ma'am. That was the
way, please, ma'am, that poor Miss
Alma used to get into the plantation by
when she dersn't, for worlds, have let
her Iadyship know she went.
Mrs. Lyle, resting her cheek on he1
hand, reflected. The girls words had
not shaken her belief that the way to
the place of Alma's confinement was
through the disused rooms, and it was
thus that Lady Penderleith was able to
visit her daughter in secret.
In silent meditation she had heard,
and finally saw but one plan that was al
all reasible for them to pursue-the Sc.
creting of either herself or son in the
disused rooms, to see if they could not
discover the means by which Lady
Penderleith visited her captive.
BeckOning the Baronet to follow heI
into the conservatory, she impaired to
him the idea.
It is the best and only plan, rejoined
the Baronet. But how TO get there?'
By the door, which, according to thi.
girl, so often served poor Alma to meet
you, Gerard. If she will open it for us,
we require no more.
Surely, she will do that. Let US ask
her.
They returned into the room, and af.
ter little difficulty in overcoming the
girls fear Of 'ghOsteses,' the arran9.
ment was come to.
Atwhat time will you be there, ma'am
please?
When does herladyship take tea? ask
ed Mrs. Lyle, answering one question
by another.
At half-past seven, ma'am. It's took
away by Symonds at eight, when her
ladyship gives orders she amt to be dis
turbed till she rings.
Then, my good girl, be ready to ad-
NIT us at eight. Do not fall
And, added Gerard, pressing some
money into her hand, take this as an
earnest of what my gratitude and Miss
Alma's shall be hereafter. Do not fear
for the future; itsshaIl be my part to
look after that; as also, he laughed, his
spirits rising wonderfully with dawning
hope, ito provide your wedding break
fast. Eh, Maybrook?' he added, placing
his hand on the others shoulder.
A speech that sent Susan away with
blushing cheeks, and the gamekeepe1
laughing little sheepishly.
IN he oo,, ,,F;,,oto/y "a, o,,,. ,,ooy