The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-04-30
OWLSWOoD

buildings on which had been long de
serted and were said to be haunted.
"But we must live atS0wlswood," >" said
Violet, at length.
sit would seem so," answered hel
brother. at is certainly a great mis-
fortune to have inherited this ghost"
81 do want to live somewhere! l an
tired staying" was Violets response
"staying" being her term for hotel life
"AI the time was at school longed
for home to 60 to, as the other girle
you can for me, dear Vaughan; but g
suit of rooms is very like bird cagei
get tired hoping back and forth on my
perches."
."We must lay our ghost" said
Vaughan. "You shall live at Owls
wood, Violette, it is q splendid place.''
"Why, Vaughan have you been there p'
"No, but ALI Traford has; and he told
me all about it this afternoon"
| Violets face was full OF roses.
"Alf Trafford-is he in townW she
said, slowly.
"Yes, and coming up for lunch
tomorrow. Going to offer himself,
l haven't the least doubt; SO l shall
down and see Morgan again about this
confounded ghost"
Darkness was coming upon Owiswood
The woods were In thick shadow, though
rudy light yet tinted the gray walls
and arched windows. This light pene-
trated into the silent, unstirred rooms,
revealing floors of polished oak; par.
TALLY covered by rich mats and squares
OF foreign tapestry, carven chairs, and
tall .sideboards. The furniture was a
strange mingllng of colonial importa-
ton and modern luxury.
In q large room in the east wing, some
what remote from the body Of the house,
were lights and occupants.
Alf Traford and Vaughan Noble had
driven up quietly during the afternoon,
and taken possession OF this apartment.
Thick curtains of blue damask con-
cealed the lights from the observation Of
any eyes, though the candlebras twink
led family enough in the center of the
dim, spacious room.
eff the ghost comes, there is hardly
light enough to see her by" laughed
Vaughan, throwing himself upon the
leather couch. "You are going to
watch the first halt, Altw
"Yes."
"Because railroad.traveling always
makes me dull. Pll have little beauty
sleep, and then wake up and keep you
company for an hour or two before mid
night"
glance about Che shadowy room, aud
then fell back, and was almost instantly
in sound slumber.
ALI, reclining to the depths Of the blue
easy chair, fell TO musing.
Suddenly, without step or sound, a
figure appeared at his elbow. He might
have toucned it if he had not, for an in
slant, seemed to be petrifed. When he
arose, mechanically, to his feet, it with
drew, without noise, and in gliding,
wavering manner, to the center Of the
room.
A small female figure, robed in white
the ghost! Yet, that which cast the
spell over him was the face.
midnight intruder hag. From under
the snowy coWl the face OF all angel
looked upon himl
Pale cheeks, fine features, pathetic
dark eyes, clustering hair-a tiny hand
holding the drapery across the breast.
Young, eloquent with beauty and sad
ness, she gazed at him, then gliding
softly back, she fingered yet again.
Trafford had no thought of the revol-
yer. in which he had placed his trust.
But he remembered his companion, and
turning, shook him violently.
When he looked back, the figure had
disappeared.
"What- what what did you see,
Alp" cried Vaughan.
For moment Tratford did not speak.
"Has the ghost oomeW demanded
Vaughan, on his ieet.
ktSbo ho hopp harpg
Trafford tried the doors. They were
still securely locked, He examined the
wall AT last he came BacK " the blue
chair. and sank down speechless. r-::ys.-
Vaughan looked at his watch. 1t was
just midnight.
The next morning the friends break
tasted in Bohemian style, and were
ready for operations. ".-~.
Through chamber, hall and balcony
the young men carried their explora-
tions, to return at last to the west draw
ing-room, where they mad passed the
"The question is, How did she enter
and leave this roomf" asked ALI. "For
since / have seen her face have lost be-
lief in q ghost-an airy nothing, inde-
pendent OF bolts and bars-mJfe than
ever"
"WelI, we will both watch tonight,
and leave the doors unlocked, that we
may have chance to follow her. will
take care that she doesn't disappear
vanish into thin air-if am awake"
said Vaughan.
The second night drew on. The oan-
dlebras were again Illuminated in the
west drawing-room, the doors OF which
were left open-one leading to an ante
room, the other into the hall.
They made q fire, and established
themselves before it.
Vaughan NODDED over his book at last.
His face tell against the velvet back
of the chair in which he sat, showing
the protile-like q tnely-cut cameo.
Tratford thought, dozed and dreamed,
perhaps, until he suddenly started to
his feet.
"Vaughan, here she isl''
The small white figure stood by the
hall-door, beckoning, beckoning, and
slowing retreating.
Vaughan snatched wax-candle from
the candlebras, and sprang forward.
Trafford caught up his revolver, but
with no intention CT using it.
Step by step, like one sleep.walking,
Vaughan went on. Frahord followed him.
She drifted like cloud before them
down the long hall, her siren face ever
toward them-loyeiy, appealing sad.