Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-07-09

LA. FNlDA JUL Is 1919
thing that alarmed you at Ashford Sta.
ton? You suddenly became extremely
pale, and appeared agitated and discomfit-
ed ever since"
s'Sir,'' faltered, ST really think that
l must have been under an optical delu-
sion, and yet it seemed very real. [ OBJ
served that you also were looking from
the carriage window. Did you, may l ask +,
see anything that struck you at all as re-
markable?"
Nothing, assure you, my dear young
lady," he replied. ga few quiet-looking
women and the porters were all that OBJ
served near u.s."
1T is strange!' I murmured, sinking
back thoughtfully into my seat; then I
added hastily, will you excuse me from
mentioning, just at present, the cause Of
my alarm"
He bowed kindly, but I saw that he was
disappointed in my reply.
For some time we both sat silent.
We were now near Pluckley Station.
AS the whistle sounded our approach
I firmly closed my eyes, resolving not
again to open them till the train had once
more moved on.
But [ could not keep my resolution;
some irresistible power seemed to impel
me, as the carriage became stationary, to
unclose my timid orbs to look out.
He there again-the same features,
the same figure; could not mistake it.
He was reckoning NOSE earnestly than
ever-clasping his hands beseechingly,
and pointing with imploring gestures to
the platform.
"Again!" [ murmured; che is there
again!' and sank back, half fainting, in
my seat.
When I recovered little the old gentle
man opposite was regarding me earnestly.
Z MADAM" he. said, 'you have again
seen the illusion, presume-for such it
must have been! I looked out carefully,
and seen nothing either extraordinary or
alarming. Come, tell me about it!''
I considered moment; then, glancing
at his kind, sensible face, I felt treasured.
Il will tell you,'' said.
In low. rapid tones 1 related to him the
sad story of my lovers death; and then,
tremblingly and shudderingly, spoke of the
apparition [ had seen at the two preced-
ing stations, adding, that it was on this
very day two years that the fatal accident
had occurred.
My kind friend unused little then
when I had ended; then he said. II am
not inclined generally to be superstitious,
yet warnings are sometimes sent. My ad-
vice is this: Should the appearance again
be visible to you at thenext station, which
is Headcorn, alight; then tell me quickly
what you see. Perhaps it may be better
that you wait for the next train instead of
proceeding in this. Will you be guided
by my advice?"
81 am Wiling" l replied. 'But my
luggage, added, ''that must go on.''
us it properly addressed to your desti-
nation at Tunbridge Wells?"
,-.sz ssYes, = replied.
Isae gentleman handed me card.
ss3erhaps you know me by name?" he
said.
professional circles,
II have often heard it, replied.
s'Then, in The event of your alighting
at Headcorn, will you trust me to see that
your boxes are properly delivered, with
the intelligence that you will follow by
the next train?"
assented, thankfully, to this arrange
ment, though my heart failed me little
as we now approached Headcorn, at the
thought Of obeying the strange entreaties
of my phantom lover. We drew near, the
whistle sounded, the train slackened-
stopped My heart beat fearfully, but
outwardly was calm.
My friend-for so I must call him
stepped out of the carriage the moment
the train came to standstill.
| '''Tell me exactly what you see" he said
in low, whispering tones.
''He is kneeling now," faltered, ''beck
oning me again beseechingly, pointing
EDWARDS, and shaking his head.''
''Get out quickly!" he CALCULATED
'sStay till the next train. SHAH enquire
of you tomorrow. Is the phantom gone?'
he enquired, as 1 alighted.
eyes; gone with hands clasped, as IT II
thanksgiving. am not afraid now, an6
will stay quietly here.''
farewell. Perhaps l shall come an(
meet you at the Tunbridge Wells Station,
my old gentleman said, as he lifted hi
hat and the train whirled him away.
felt very strange, and lonely, and dis
composed, as may well be imagined; ant
when the last carriage had vanished il
the distance, turned slowly to seek tn
waiting room, noting carefully the spo
where had seen standing the phantom o
my lover.
Nearly two hours had to wait, ant
the minutes seemed to pass so slowly as
glanced occasionally at the station clock
Presently observed an unusual commo
ton on the platform. The station maste
came out, and much excited conversation
evidently passed between him and TIA
other officials.
! concluded that down train must b
expected, but soon became convinced tina
something startling had occurred
porter passed me with such evident mark
Of CONSERVATION on his face, that l IA
up to him, and inquired it anything wa
the matter.
! Matter, indeed, ma'am!" he replied
ssThere has been dreadful accident a
Staplehurst."
cat Staplehurst" 1 repeated. eth
next station from this?"
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