The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1878-04-05

VA III iduicc, Wds IdfSc
screen. Caroline had gone into this
apartment for few moments when we
first arrived, but she now stood by my
side, silently waiting for the finale. !
knew by her irregular breathing and
slight paleness that she was much agi-
/ tated.
The screen was drawn forward a few
feet toward the sitter. and another
placed to throw out the background
By the arrangement thus effected the
subject was half inclosed in an impro-
vised apartment which shut out great
part of the room from his observation.
The operator then gave him a few
directions;
Fix your eyes and your mind both
upon the camera. 1 will not withdraw
the cap until l discern from your ex-
preston that your attention is sufficient
ly concentrated. Only of one thing be
sure, whatever you may feel or become
conscious of, as you value the result tc
be obtained, do not betray any emotion
Remain motionless and silent until ]
giye you liberty to move and speak
Above all do not turn to see that which
you feel approaching you. Many per-
sons become so agitated in the moment
of trial as to render futile their own
wishes. believe you have more firm
ness"
Dudley made deep response, TO the
effect that he should fulfill his part. He
fixed his eyes upon the camera with a
steady gaze. Once or twice his eyelids
trembled, and his hands clutched each
other with the effort at restraint which
he made.
Presently the cap was taken off, and
after a moment, which might have
been years to him-was replaced Mind
full of his promise, he did not speak or
turn his head until he was requested to
leave his chair. During the time OF
waiting for the photograph to be brought
out on the glass he moved restlessly
about.
at is the best I have ever taken, said
the operator, as he placed the glass care
fully in Dudley's outstretched hand.
We crowded close to look over his
shoulder. The marvel had been
wrought There was he with his keen,
eager look, and there, a little to one side
and just behind him, part other figure
hidden by him, was Eleanora. She
seemed almost to float, so light was her
poise as she bent over his shoulder. Her
golden hair, for which she had been so
admired in life, wandered about her
throat and shoulders as if the breezes Of
heaven were at that instant stirring
them. She appeared to be robed in some
ethereal grab, clasped by girdle at the
waist and flowing in full folds about her
limbs. 1t was Eleanora, the fair young
wife, as we all remembered her. She
wore joyful expression. as ifit was an
intense pleasure 10 be near her husband
but it seemed to me that the sweet face
had slightly thinner, maturer look, as
if she, too, had suffered from having been
torn so suddenly from her earthly home
The photographer was uneasy lest
Dudley in his ecstasy should press the
plate to his lips and mar the impression.
He took it gently from him, remarking
This is altogether the best spirit
photograph 1 have ever taken. 1t is
miraculous Mrs Dudley's likeness is as
vivid and perfect as your own"
"And she Das here,' cried Dudley, "as
really and truly as am or as you are
Oh, what happiness is this, to feel that
our loved ones are separated from us by
so slight a barrier. 1 tell you I heard
the rustic of her garment as distinctly
as if in life she were coming once more
to bless me with her touch and smile
1 detected the very odor of violets, the
perfume she always used. Yes, as true
as God vouchsafed me this token, 1 felt
her breath on my cheek"
At this moment his glance became
fixed upon the opposite side of the room
He gazed moment in silence, then re
sumed in a rapt tone, like one who
speaks in vision. Il do see her! be.
hold her plainly. Eleanora She doubts
she hesitates Do not go-stay with
me I"
We looked, and beheld with our own
eyes the truth of what he asserted. AZ
distinctly as ever we beheld friend in
the broad light of day, there stood Mrs
Dudley, wavering between flying and
approaching. Her hair streamed down
as in the picture, her light garments
waved about her. He held out his arms
and took step toward her, pausing lest
the vision should vanish at too near an
approach.
"Eleanora :"
The passion in his voice seemed
mighty enough to withhold spirit from
its heavenly destinies. He took another
step, and she, too, wavering yet, came
forward to meet him. He feared to lay
his mortal hand upon her, but love was
more powerful than awe. The trance
was still upon him, but it was broken
when he stretched out his hand and
touched her hair.
"Ahl what blessed answer to my
prayer is this, my wife" He had turn
ed toward us, then back to her. Il see
her; she comes to me; she smiles she
blushes 1 feel her hair she is weeping;
she is warm; she is living :"
For an instant 1 felt breathless sus-
pense but joy never kills the strong,
and Dudley was strong.
This was the good fortune which had
so exalted me the previous day; | had
received letter from Boston, from Mrs
Dudley, giving me an account of her es-
cape in an open boat the days OF her
exposure, long and wearisome voyage
in sailing vessel which picked up the
boats crew and carried them about un-
I'll it landed them in Boston; and she
had written to me, as Dudleys most in
innate friend, to ascertain it he were
alive, and, if so, to break to him the news
of her safety. Poor thing during all
these months of hardship she had been
compelled to endure the uncertainty as
tn her husband fate. / had immediate