The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-07-09

!
| be declared-who's would be the same
shame, think you?-who's the disgrace?
The woman was denied the shelter of
| her fathers roof through the evil ma
chinations of her own brother. The
brother lives in idle luxury upon the
wealth which is her true inheritance.
''If you came here merely to indulge
in vagaries such as these"
81 have travelled many weary miles,
Giles Eversleigh. ] came to see If time
has worked its changes in vour designs.
Will you make restitution, brother
Giles?"
81 have nothing to restore"
mot for my own sake, Giles. ask it
for my sonp'
"Years ago. Norah, when your wretch
ed husband died, offered you a home.
You then refused my offer, and | shall
not repeat it. We are strangers to each
other now. AS to your plea for "restitu-
tion,' it is ridiculously absured. You
forfeited all right to the love and gener-
osity of an afectionate father, and now
you bear the natural punishment"
ale was reconciled to me, Giles. You
known that my words are true. Long
before his lips were sealed in death. he
gave me his forgiveness and his bless
ing"
at is useless continuing the argu-
ment," said Giles.
"Yes-as you say-henceforth we are
strangers to each other. ! will never
seek TO break yOnr peace again. But,
Giles" she continued, wildly, "when /
am dead and cold" she raised her arm
menacingly, and spoke in cold, impas-
sive words, as if the gift of prophecy
was hers-'if the dead have power to
influence the living-and think it is
great-wrong--your teachery shall be
avenged! And Giles, would have my
vengeance slow, but sure. The blow
shall reach you on youcr daughters tced-
| ding-doyi"
However mad and meaningless her
words, her measured tones seemed to af-
feet him greatly, She turned toward the
door. He stayed her, with gesture Of
impatience, and caught her by the arm.
"Womanp' he said, menacingly, chow
dare you?"-he raised his hand az if to
strike her down. "No, no; you were my
sister! Leave mer'
"Kill ME, Gilesw she said. "Why not?
am defenseless, and a woman; and yet"
she muttered, "in all my long life
through have never injured himp
He touched a bell, and the servant ap-
peared again.
"Show this person out" he said.
"Never, on any consideration, admit her
to my presence againT
She laughed scornfully. Then the ser
want hurried her alcng the passage and
into the grounds. Breathing a long
breath of the pure air. she walked rapi-
dly away.
In her excitement, it was but natural
the woman should mistake the path by
which she came. Instead of taking that
which led into the road, she followed
different course.
Before she was aware Of her mistake
she was at the waters edge. Her mind
was preoccnpied; her steps never falter-
ed; she saw no danger.
Again she stepped forward. 1t was
quite dark. She needed not the gently
ripping of the water. Another step,
and she clipped down the steep incline
into the river.
Recognizing her position then, she
make one struggle to regain the bank.
Another slip. She feebly cried for help
and the waters closed over her senseless
form. leaving no evidence of her unhap-
py fate.
The body was found days afterward.
Giles Eversleigh recognized it by the
clothing, but he said nothing which
conld lead to its identification.
alt was the body Of a woman who
called on me one night" he said, seek
ing my charity"
Secretly his sisters death annoyed
him. IF that event had happened milfs
away, and he had come TO hear of it, he
would have given it only a passing
thought; but its happe hing almost under
his own roof, and after such an interview
az had passed between them, aroused to
a new existence conscience that had
long ceased to mortify his will. He had
not acted a brothers part toward her.
He had crsftily advanced his own inter
ests at the expense of his honor and her
welfare.
Success in life, insured by unworthy
means, must sooner or later disturb
the peace of mind of the most indifer-
ent
Giles became suddenly morose. His
face assumed thoughtful, fretful look,
and il WAS reported in the neigoborhood
that Eversleigh House was "haunted."
PenpIe who professed an utter disbe-
lief in ghosts, would shrug their shoul-
der Sc expressively. Others, of animagina-
tive turn, laid great stress upon every
little incident which could be twisted
into a semhlance of mystery and terror
Every new speaker added to the story
and there were few dare venture to ap'
proach the building after dark.
Meantime, Giles Eversleigh's dauth
ter, Flor-the maiden who had unwit
tingly procured his sister Norah's ad
mission to the house upon that night ot
terror-grew into womanhood, unmInd
full Of it all. If there were ghosts, they
visited not her. She was as bright as 4
sunbeam in the house-the only beinl
who could extract a smile or kindly
word from Giles.
And when, of her love for her father
deeper and more enduring love wa
born-when she first began TO feel tn
Loneliness of the house, and to find. II
another lonely house, a being beneatl
whose adniring gaze she would blush
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