, 1874-01-18

something more. There was in that room what
can only describe as the consciousness OF .
presence. The w1nd h9d died away in long
lull =; not sound was heard save the hoatse
creaking. ct the ''coeoonH" and our own
troubled breathing. and yet We both felt that
we wero not alone. A hot flush mounted to
Harry's brow. knew that vas deadly pale.
We looked instinctively toward the bed. Our
paused. Could it be possible that We heard the
faintest sound OF breathing. not our own? The
tatteted curtains we're closed; through the Sits
ne could something. get We could distin-
gently drew them back. Yes. There lay still
form. The long hair covered it, and the head
was TUNED away. Harry rnised the head aud
turned the young dead face toward us. and We
saw high-bred delicate features, an old-young
look, strange coloring. And then came q long
shrinking buck to awful repose. Aud then a
shrek. woman's wall. burst forth 80 close, so
very close, that it seemed IN our very ears, and
the brcath that sent It forth PLAYED upon our
checks. Without waiting for it to die away. as
it did with prolonged vail through the vaulted
corridors, We rushed from the room, fed throus sh
the passages, stumbled down staircase. and,
how know not, found ourselves safe in the open
air. We never want to bed that night. We
passed it in Harry's room, in wondering discus
leaned strongly to the opinion that
some trickery WAS at work, ana with morning
light grew ashamed Of our ranic- He resolved
to relate the whole 70 Mr. Bandeswyke. Firm
as was my belief in Harry's wisdom, could
not convince mysolf that ali We had aeen
and heard was attributable to natural causes
alone.
The next morning we soucht and obtained a
private interview with our host and Harry told
our tale. Never did mans face cloud over as Mr-
B4ndeswvke's. when be began to perceive the
pfSt Of HntrY's remark.
'Then, in spite OF my warning. you did 60 out
last night" was his first observation. After that
he listened in silence 10 the end. and then he
eaid with smile. for which hated him, s. When
the property is yours, young Sir, you will prob
ablv fatbom the mystery"
Harry colored violently, but diedained to re-
ply, I waa up in nrms at once. II hope, sir,
you do not for . moment do Harry the gross in
Justice
II have heard your ta'e," interrupted Mr.
Bandeswyke. utterly ignoring my existence, and
addressing Harry: II have heard your tale.
Po. sibly hold the key to the mystery. Posi-
bly, it is mystery to me. At all events it is as
vet no business of yours. md I must request
that your lips Mill be closed on the subject FUR
ing nv lifetime. Yon will also answer f0f your
friends discretion. Do you like to ride to-daTI
fancy even Har1y was nettled as thls rop!y.
and at the abrupt transition OF So 11ect, ana
own that listened with delight to his re)o'nder,
which was merely an announcement that ne
must leave the Drmberdcne that day. Not only
was he hurt At Mr.. Bandeswyke's manner, but IN
nv heart I felt convinced that his repugnanca
was as great a. nv own to passing another night
in that haunted ri1o.
Mr. Dandeswyke ecened rather surprised, but
received our decision with indifference. An hour
later WAS amused By his seeking us with regl ~ts
at onr euddcn departure. entreatlea that We
would stay, and Invitations to rs to Join tue fnm
ily in italy IN the autumn. AL this attributed
to Mis-. Bande.wyke. who VAS evidently much
payo3 at foe,po ma and was almost angry With
Harry at his cordial reception! OF tue last pro
posaI. Gwen was very BILL. |eif o4tent- ~
was Harry all that day. and the next, and for
many days to come lie seemed 70 nave stown
home.
Years passed beforeether OF us revisited the
Dumberdcne. Our friendship suffered no dlmi~
mutton, though our careers were very different.
I wae ordained. and succeeded to comfortable
family living. Harry married G"on' as hne"
he would, He eawA great deal 1t her abroad.
where the Dandessykes lived almost entirely
after our ill-fated visit. The Dunberdene was
shut up. At length, Mr. BandeswYke beng
dead and his widow settled in Loudon: Harry
with their eon. bow OF OFT: The following
note apprised no OF their Intentions:
GHosvESon STREET: July IS
Dean cnAnLE We are in 6neana afaah nna 10 shs.o
10 1e ,st ro to to us as the greatest post
ble M fayor. know your horror Of the place bat the
m
md clergyman. know more than did Come.
Prepare to rough It, As We bring no rerVants a. first
for reasons. We leaFe the boy N Town; aonrn ssel
nANn, nr.'Ds ~. a"i4 "'
"As friend and c!crGEman- me hIss' o1
courao: the second could not comprehend nn,
lees he wanted me to exercise tue demons and
I smiled to myself At the 1dea as 1oufoesea
along. Years had weakened tue '!sia htp1es,
sions OF the tlH1e.' For Haf1y WAS t'6n1' IL nau
been terror to- me lor long. nag q severe ~
nervous illness i1:medlate1y a'ter"arn' ana 1or
some time l could not bear 10 Lear Inc ns"e Oh
the place.
Dear good Harry met NO ~ ne !'a .ase s,a'
and. As We wound mp the zlgzag 70 Tue Ces.ie. .,
he told me all he aaa hearo from GMeu o. @ sne
mystery, and detailea ns Plan, winch was se1y
simple. Ovens father vas ING younsest OF
seven brothers. who one a1tof hnotner lnneIltea
tho Dumbcrdene, and AL died chlialess, or lcaV-
ing only daughters. lhclr iatner nao neen IRE a1e-
markable nan-most remaskaolo; !of sne !o1co
OF his character was eucn thas ms u1lecLons o:s
we're re!,giously aud mlnusely onserVea a3see us
death by every one OF MS sons. Gown 20 q Tue seiy
youngest, although the Isttes was gu. ~ yGasS
old when left IN orpnan' lney nau ne'es cAi'eo
him father, nor could any ono o. them rccau a
word OF Kindness from nun. ne appeateo 20
have struck awe INTO thcir very SOUS: al H"a
sufficient to render dlsobedlence 70 nus WISHES