Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1873-04-12

lingly, to spend it at the barracks, as the
few officers there wished to have a fare
well dinner, and, in addition, there was to
be an entertainment for the soldiers at an
early hour.
1t had been showing heavily all day,
and when Arthur left, about half-past
three O'Clock in the afternoon, darkness
was beginning to come on.
l had begged of him not to return if the
Snow continued, as l knew it might be
very late ere the party broke up, and /
could not bear the idea of his coming
home through that dark, narrow road, in
the middle of a snowy December night.
If he did come, he was to tap at my win
dow, which would enable me to let him in
without disturbing the servants, who
slept at the other side of the house
After l had watched his figure disap-
greeable sense of solitude, and timorous-
ness, which tried to dispel by ringing
for the nurse to bring my baby, stirring
the fire to cheerful blaze, and otherwise
occupying myself. Though almost quite
dark, it was now only about four o'clock,
and the blinds in the little sitting room
were still undrawn. l was sitting on the
hearth-rug, with baby on my lap, amusing
her with my watch and its glittering ap-
pendages, which were an unfailing source
of pleasure to her; and as she stretched
out her little hands to grasp them, l was
suddenly attracted to the direction of the
window, through which, to my unuttera-
BILE horror, 1 distinguished distinctly the
face of man cleaning upon me. In
that swift, mOmentary glance, could see
that it was pale, sinister, malevolent
countenance, with small, hungry
eyes. My heart beat wildly, but
dissembled my terror well, L suppose,
as had done otherwise, baby and might
have Jared differently. So rapidly had |
comprehended the necessity for appearing
not to have observed him, that L hardly
stopped speaking to my baby; but thou
sand projects for escape from my present
position revolved themselves through my
whirling brain. How could escape from
that little room, with its dark, unshaded
window? Furtively looked again, and
was infinitely relieved to find that the ap-
partition had vanished, for the present at
least, from its late close proximity to the
window. l got up at last, still chattering
to my unconscious child, and moved
slowly towards the door, even pausing for
an instant at the table, partly to gather
strength to proceed, as my limbs were
tottering beneath me; partly because
dreaded lest the lurker without might
still be marking my movements. l had
scarcely strength left to turn the handle of
the door, but once on the other side of it,
1 rushed across the little hall, and gained
the kitchen, where found my two domes-
tics seated at their tea.
l briefly told them of the fright l had
got, and was not much reassured on find
ing that both were, if possible, greater
lie fhov, II
The sound of a whistle at no great dis
taRce from the cottage reused me to the
necessity of instantly making every place
as secure as possible. Accompanied by
the two trembling servants, and with baby
in my arms, began my tour of inspec-
ton. At last, every bolt was drawn,
every shutter closed, and nothing more
remained to be done. l found, on looking
at the clock, that it was little past five, so
that long evening was before me.
Not sound was to be heard, nothing
fresh occurred to alarm us in the least,
and at last grew almost ashamed of the
panic had given way to. merely from
having seen a man glance through the
window. Very probably he was some
strolling vagrant who had been attracted
by the bright light of the fire to look in,
without an idea of doing us any harm.
SO l reasoned with myself, and so
tried to reassure the servants. Under any
circumstances, was glad to feel that we
were safely shut up for the night, and de-
termined to go soon to my room, where l
felt less lonely than in the empty drawing
room.
Had there not been the chance of Arthur
returning, / would have proposed that
the servants should sleep in bed there
happened to be in his dressing-room but
as they assured me they were not at all
afraid, now that nothing more had been
heard of the man, and knew it would be
great nuisance to Arthur, if he did re-
turn, concluded that it was wiser to let
them sleep in their own room, though it
was at some distance from mine.
went to my room at about half-past
nine, and proceeded to undress; after
which put on my white flannel dressing.
gown, placed my candles behind me, and
seating myself in front of the fire, be-
gan to read.
In spite of all my assurances to myself
and my servants, l felt strangely nervous
and restless. My book was very inter-
esting one; but It failed to obliterate from
my mind the horrible remembrance of the
face at the window. Perhaps he was
there still-perhaps he was watching fol-
AfLnur B TeCuTn W Wdyldy anu muIucI
him. All sorts Of wild visions presented
themselves to my mind. Once baby moved
slightly and it made me start nearly to my
feet with terror.
was thoroughly upset, and the only
thought that consoled me was, that had
begged Arthur not to return; so he was
no doubt, safely at the barracks, little
dreaming of my state of mind.
1t was showing heavily still. 1 knew
it by the dropping that came steadily
down the chimney. The atmosphere
seemed to choke me, somehow. Ane
ever and anon found myself listening
intently.
The hall clock struck eleven; every
stroke vibrating through me. Still l sal
on my fire growing dim, and myself feel
ing cramped, cold, and almost immov.
able.
What was so afraid Of? l asked my,
self hundred times. could not tell II
was vague, shadowy terror that seemed
to be claiming me down. l had heard o.
peoples hair turning white in a night
from fear. Surely mine would be az
snowy as the ground without, if had tC
spend the whole night thus.