The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1878-06-07
CHAPTER NIX.

CHAPTER NIX.
was so very weary when first re-
turned to my rest that I soon fell into a
sleep Of profound forgetfulness. And
this, too, in spite OF the fact that the
same piercing, eoal-black eyes which
had haunted me so often in the days
agone, but which, now, for months I
had not seen, or, rather, felt, for mad
felt, rather than seen them always,
came into the room and hovered above
my bed, and seemed 10 fill the air with
a reflected light like unto that emitted
from FURNISHED ebony.
AS I had seen visions and dreamed
dreams from my early childhood, I was
not afraid of such peculiar visitations,
and I should doubtless have slept
soundly till the morning but for my
poor crippled baby Gerald, who awoke
me at the midnight hour, piteously
begging that would shield him from
"Ihe eyesf the eyes, ~
I cuddled the dear unfortunate little
waif 10 MY bosom, and assured him
there was no danger. He was as agi-
tated and nervous as though in az ague
fit, and when at last / soothed him into
a fitful slumber, 1 was myself so aroused
and restless that further dreamless sleep
was impossible.
Ofteutimes I wonder at the vague,
distorted, aud yet symbolic visions of
the state of semi-unconsciousness where
in we are said to dream. lido not recol-
lect a dream, no matter how vivid,
wherein my visions have been suscepti-
bleof literal Interpretation, except some
times in part, and am always in doubt
as to which part is thus susceptible; but
/ am sure Of one thing: sleep has its
own world, wherein, though we may
see, as through a glass, darkly, we new
ertheless DO often discern many things
that we may, if so disposed, interpret
for the good Of mortals. I know it is
the fashion to call all this superstition;
but simply giving a nickname to fact
does not constitute the fact hallueina-
tion.
Baby Ethel was sleeping tranquility,
and baby Gerald was twitching aud
starting in my restless arms, and [ had
fallen for moment into what seemed a
slumber, when suddenly the air Of the
room grew strangely light. Il WAS not
a light as Of the sun, OF of a candle, but
a calcium light, Of pale gray or whit
ish hue, that seemed to possess the
power to illuminate certain objects,
while it threw a yet denser gloom upon
others.
After while il seemed as though the
atmosphere became a mirror, into which
I gazed; aud loi and behold the very
same doorstep was before my eyes, ovel
against which ! had taken a parting
look at Gerald and the siren on thai
memorable day when the tempter, who
had lured my husband to financial and
social ruin, had stood there, looking tri.
umphantly and archly into bis down.
turned face, while he bowed his rum.
befogged soul to do her homage.
As looked, the two, as though rep.
Tesenting the figures Of panorama, ap.
peared again upon the doorstep, but
the SIRENS old look OF triumph was gone
and Gerald's well-remembered air oi
subsection had given way to violent
rage, remorse, and hate.
The voices one hears in dreams are as
inexplicable as the nocturnal vision;
are. While they seldom seem to strik,
the tympanum Of the ear as an outei
sound, they vibraie upon your innel
Consciousness, and you feel the words
as mute may, understandingly, rather
than with the sense Of hearing.
Woman, you are beautiful demonw
heard Gerald say.
And then I noticed that the dusk wa
coming, aud street lamps could not b.
lit, because of the disarrangements OF tn
recent fire.
Listened for the reply Of the siren
and it came, a mellow, ripping, silver,
laugh Of defiance, that had the ominou
presage Of threat in it.
81 have been your fool and dupe ,
continued Gerald. "I have WRONGS
my wife aud children, and made of my
self a fieud for your sake, and now yor
scorn and spurn me-"
And now a silvery, mocking laugl
was uttered in derisive answer.
81 thought loved you, aud could no
live without you, but I know mysel
better nov, and despise yOup' sal
Gerald.
Every well" replied the siren. ''Yo
have had your day. I wondered all II
time If you were really simple euoug
toimagine that cared for anything yo
had except your wife's money"
Then my husband seemed to utter
fearful malediction, aud in his wrath
felIed her to the doorstep with a sing
blow.
Murder! firel help! policew shrieke
the woman, the different exclamation
20 startling me that bounded from N
bed in sudden alarm.
But all was still in the room aroun
me save the peaceful breathing Of N