, 1877-01-19


| I laughingly replied, and ran back tC
| put the treasure in safety.
l hastened indoors again to see then
wind down the private way that LED
through our extensive grounds, and
half wished I were old enough to &C
with them. Hearing a slight noise,
turned and saw a stranger, figure moi
unusual, man with bundle hung on
q stick.
He was leaning on the stone wall, and
apparently looking after the carriages.
He came forward in a moment, and
asked if he might sit down and rest, and
if would kindly give him drink OF
beer. Beer was as free as water with us.
OF course 1 said yes, and with light
steps soon had him a substantial lunch
of bread, cheese and beer, which he
came into the kitchen to eat Betsy and
Hannah were busy, hurrying to finish
their work, for they were going out to
tea and to spend the evening. They
talked gaily about their visit, paying lit
tie attention to the stroller, who was
quietly eating. He had laid his straw
hat upon the floor, and l saw that his
head was bald on the top, and the thin
nish hair brushed up from behind over
it. He had prominent ears, low fore
head, and large mouth, with aretreat-
ing chin, where grew stubby beard Of
grizzly black, like his hair. l did not
know why I observed all this, or his
eyes, small, and hid under grayish
brows, that seemed to glance futively
about him when no one appeared to be
looking.
His voice was harsh and croaking,
and had startled me when he first ad
dressed me. We were used to strollers
of all kinds, as have said. Perhaps 1
was mentally contrasting his repulsive-
ness with my fathers noble and dignifed
features.
He seemed to be very ugly. 1 was
glad when he finished his meal and rose
to go.
He asked permission to light his pipe,
which was readily granted. He went
out directly, passing accidentally
through the dining-room and out of the
great hall, where he fingered for mo-
ment or two.
He had thanked me civilly enough
for his breakfast, but the girls laughed
and nodded, as he went out, and said
they should think, I had picked up
raven.
All that long, bright day I was busy
and happy in the fower-garden, or sew
ing or reading; and when the girls left,
looking very cheerful at their half-holi-
day, I wished them merry time, and
told them not to hasten home, for
Thomas should come for them.
expected my father and mother soon
after eight o'clock, and 1 told Thomas
he might go about that time, as they
would soon behome, and it looked lit
tie like rain.
Heavy clouds were gathered in the
west, and the thunder rumbled sullen-
".
he took the covered wagon and old
gray, and, before he stepped in,
said respectfully: Miss Ann, 1
think you had better fasten the
doors, as you may be all alone for
q short time if 1 go SO soon. Would
you not rather should wait till your
father comes faF
"Oh, no, Thomas; don't mind be-
ing alone in the least and you ought to
60 lest it should rain hard, for it is
more than two miles to ride, and they
may not wish to leave in a minute. I
expect father and mother every moment.
Don't wait" Thomas left, and the wa
gon ratified merrily up the lane.
bolted the doors because he had
told me to, for otherwise I should not
have Thought Of il. 4ss
Itgrew dark rapidly, and the thunder
began to peal heavily, while the wind
rose, and the flashes of lightning grew
more vivid aud frequent.
went into the east parlor, and looked
out to the south, but the sudden light
ing up of the sky, and the following
darkness did not interest me long. I
could no. see very we'll, either, as the
covered the windows.
The large mirror reflected me as /
turned away to cross the room, and l
stopped moment with a natural vanity,
for I was young and fair enough to look
upon. .
I let all my hair fall loose, and wound
L in long, shining brown curls over my
fingers. 1t certainly did look hand
some, for it was very thick, and fell be-
low my waist, and curled almost Of it
self as it fell. ilfNfl3S
There came great fash Of light, and
saw distinctly reflected in the grass, a
face looking in at the window. 1t was
an instant of terror, but I neither
nor moved. The. face could
not see my. face, and I kept my body
still, and rolled the long. shining rings
over my cold, white fingers. It was an
ugly face and recognized it. I had
seen It that morning, and I knew what
lay before me. / prayed inwardly a
brief prayer for help.
Turning from the glass, I went stead
ilv toward a table that stood near that