Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-10-24


that was coming.
was about sixteen, (Aunt Betsey began
at last, when l was invited to go and stay
with some relatives in Sussex, whom l had
never seen. My life in this old house
where l was born, and have lived all my
days-was somewhat monotonous. l was
a lively girl then, and, wild with delight at
the prospect of a change of scene, 1 looked
anxiously for my parents permission to ac-
cept the invitation.
After some deliberation, the desired per-
mission was given; so, early one morning,
accompanied by my father, set out in
high spirits for my destination, arriving
there in the pleasant twilight of an autumn
evening.
Our friends gave US cordial reception.
Squire and Mrs. oldham were staid, good
tempered, rather elderly people, and their
two daughters-girls of eighteen and TWEEN
ty-as merry and as wild as 1 could possi-
bly, desire. Their names were Mildred
and Janet.
The house, standing on its own grounds,
and surrounded by lofty trees, was old and
spacious, with many long corridors and
passages, and plenty of rooms OF all sizes
and descriptions. l can recall so well the
great entrance hall. 1t was of immense
size and gloomy, and led to an open gall
lery above. Many merry evenings have
spent in that old hall.
During my stay with my Sussex friends,
Mr.. and Mrs. Oldham went to spend a few
days at a gentlemans house few miles
distant from their own, and it was while
they were absent that the alarming occur
renee I am about to relate to you took
place.
The household consisted of the butler,
and four maid-servaHts. The coach man
who lived in a cottage on the grounds abb ut
quarter of mile distant, was now absent
with his master and mistress The butler
was pompous, stately, middle-age man,
given somewhat TO patronizing, though al
ways respectful in his manners to us young
people; he evidently considered the safety
of The house as his peculiar charge, and
was very particular in the extinguishing
of fires aud in looking after the sa! ETY. of
the fastenings of doors and windows.
We had heard of one or two robberes
being committed in the neighborhood but t
we did not feel nervous, and my cousins
placed great dependence on huge black
dog which always slept at night in the hail.
One EVENING" believe it was the third
after Mr.. and Mrs. Oldman's departure
| my cousins and 1 were sittin chatting
| merrily round the fire in n large room
which opened from the hall think il was
about seven o'clock-wben there came a
pull at the front door-bell, and, after a
short delay, the butler answered it. Pres
emily, hearing somewhat prolonged par
ley outside, wo opened our room door and
pceped out
Two men, apparently much exhausted,
stood at the lower end of the hall, while on
the ground at their feet lay large, long
package. Opposite to them stood the but
Ter and one of the maid servants, and q
stormy discussion seemed going OH be-
tween them. Mildred, my elder cousin,
after few moments pause, walked for
ward and requested an explanation. One
of the men, rather a respectable looking
individual, 1 thought, advanced toward
her, and, making low bow, began to
speak.
"Madam," said he, 1--WE have brought
this bale of goods to your house by mis-.
take; we were to take 1t to Mr.. Needham's, ~
mentioning gentleman's house about five
miles distant, "but have carried 1t here in
stead. We are much exhausted, for VIC
have walked far, and the night is tempest
| uous, and we feel that we can take II nc