Connecticut western news., 1877-05-11
VOL. VI.

dies, here is the housekeeper; let us follow her, and find the ghost"
 Heaven forbid, miss! !'' said the old woman, gravely; Git would be an ill sight, indeed, and followed by ill con- sequences"
 "Oh, Mrs. Carey" I laughed, ''who believes in such nonsense as ghosts :? I will sleep any night you like in your haunted chamber, with pleasure, and l will answer for it no ghost or sprite will disturb my peaceful slumbers."
 "That's right, Kate!" exclaimed Sir Guy, laughing. "You're a brave girl. I don't believe in the ghost, though Mrs. Carey there does, and my own poor mother did also; but she was a nervous fragile creature, Heaven bless her-afraid of her own shadow, poor thing! The ghost is the only family possession do not value, and for which I have a secret contempt. But there I am shocking Mrs. Carey by my ir- reverence, so be off all of you on your voyage of discovery"
 We followed Mrs. Carey down a long corridor, which led from the south to the west wing of the Castle, up along the oak staircase, through number of dis used rooms, some paneled with carved oak, some hung with tapestry, till at length, pushing open heavy door, which creaked grimly on it's hinges, we found ourselves in an octagonal room, dark and gloomy-looking, in spite of the large oval window facing the rest that gave light to it, and beneath which lay the still, deep waters of the moat, on which the rays of the winter moon now sparkled and glittered.
 The room was completely furnished iu the style of two centuries ago. A large carved oak four-poster, hung with deep red curtains, stood in one corner !; beside it, on the right, was an old and massive chest; and on the left ward- robe, high, narrow, and curiously carved.
 A spinnet stood not far from the inn mense hearth, and variously shaped chairs stood here and there in the apartment, whilst large mark on the wall, in the form of crucifix that had once hung there in former days. The place had a strange, weird aspect, and silence fell on us as the housekeeper said, "This, young ladies, is the haun- ted chamber" z .zs-# -t5
 A cold air, colder than the December wind, seemed to pervade the apartment, and some loose pieces of tapestry, hang ing on the walls, rustled and quivered in the blast. ..
 "Come away, Kate! !'' said my cousin Lucy, shuddering; ''come away, do! There's something horrid here, I'm cer- tain." .... -.=.F .s...
 ''Why, Loo!" I cried, taking her by both hands and looking her in the face; ''I declare you are quite pale! I VOW have taken quite a fancy to this room, and shall never be satisfied until I have slept in it.''
 "What! alone, Kate!' she replied, shivering. 'Indeed, think it will have to be alone, for none of us would dare to sleep with you, and as to the maid- seryants-But do come away! An !! what was that ?" she added, as sound between moan and sigh was heard, followed by pit-pit-pattering
 Saints defend us! p circulated Mrs. Carey, who was a devout Catholic, crossing herself. .........
 Nonsense, girls!'' I exclaimed; Git is nothing but the wind, and the snow falling from the roof.'' But they all took to flight, led by Mrs. Carey. When I left the room l was fain to confess that I heard heavy footfall behind me. I followed the flying croffd, how ever, with a slow and dignified pace. I felt no fear, but only an intense curiosity and a feeling of determination to in- quire into the secrets of this haunted apartment more closely.
 As Christmas drew near, other guests were added to our numbers and all the usually occupied rooms of the Castle were occupied, when Sir Guy received letter announcing to him the advent of relation to whom he could not we'll refuse his hospitality.
 ''My room is at your service, uncle,' , said gaily.
 "And where will you migrate to, Kate?'' replied he, doubtfully glancing at Mrs. Carey.
 "Oh! to the haunted room, sir,'' I replied carelessly. should really like it. You. know I have no fear of the supernatural, so do say yes.''
 l begged, coaxed, I entreated, and at last prevailed on Sir Guy to give the necessary order for my change of apartment; but Mrs. Carey was far harder to persuade than Sir Guy, and it was with the greatest difficulty that induced her to have the terrible room put in order for my reception.
 'sIt's tempting Providence, miss and laying yourself open to the snares ot the tempter. If MT. Gerald were here he wouldn't allow it, depend on it, miss,'. said the good woman.
 Nonsense my dear Mrs. Carey" replied, laughing. ''I shall sleep here as soundly and as safely as I should in the newest, brightest room in the Castle So good night, Mrs. Carey, and don't alarm yourself about me-"
 The rope beside the chimney-pi rings the alarm, Miss, should you re- quired help," she replied, gravely, and left the room.
 Before getting into bed I examined my new apartment; the embers glowed two to keep up the fire. Now that the place had been dusted, and the furni. ture set in order, the room didn't look so weird; and yet-and yet-well, was not sorry when I found myself ir bed, and the candle safely put out! felt odd, but, for all that, soon fel asleep.
 Next morning many were the in quiries with which was greeted whe1 I appeared at the breakfast table, but tt all them I triumphantly replied tha never had passed a better night, anC that Mrs. Carey's ghost, like all others was a myth. ..-.
 So two or three nights passed quietly but on the fourth l awoke suddenly with start. What had brushed by my bed-curtains, and whose was the foot step now distinctly heard cross tht room? 1 waited with a beating heart The ffre-light still dimly illuminated the room, and, to my horror, darl something" crossed it, then the flicker ing flame died out, and I was left in thu | darkness with my unknown visitant
 fhiS thn Castle clock ctr al two-a deep sigh echoed through tn room. I remember no more-I suppos I fainted!
 Next morning my pale looks attracted of violent headache, to which at tributed them.
 II EsWan uuall Kate J, said Sir Gl1u