Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-06-27

hope he was Handsomely
every; and a mouth like a girls"
Her forehead grew puckered into
scOwls.
"And what elseP"
"He wore a ring Nth bIood-red
heartW
pray that may never on earth see
a face so fearful rs was madam's at
that moment. 1put up quick prayer,
for thought she was about to kill me.
She clutched both hands about my arm
and held me closely to her.
How dare you, girlP"
al could not help seeing him." l
said. "There he is now outside, look
ing in at the window"
She covered down at my feet, and
covered her eyes with her mantle. 1
do not know how long stood there, or
how long she knelt without moving.
know the figure stood motionless at the
window, looking at us with steady, un-
wavering eyes. Would he never go9
Would he hold us forever with that
quiet, unfinching gazeP
At that moment shrieked, and mad
am sprang to her feet. A crowd came
TO sec us, and fell back fainting.
In the morning we started. 1t was
summer time, and our way led through
the richest of earth's gardens. Allwas
beautiful from the sky downward
birds, flowers, fruit and velvety green
sward. In spite of everything, was
happy.
ave will soon have long rest, !"
madam said, as we whirled along.
You shall hear from the brother and
sister at home"
l was looking out of the window as
she spoke. AS | turned my face to-
ward her l felt some one touch my
| shoulder. turned around quickly.
The stranger was sitting near us in the
| train.
His presence seemed so real TO me
that spoke out angrily:
"lf you please, sir"-
Madam looked around.
"To whom are you speaking,
LouiseP"
| knew, then, that whatever l saw,
whether man or evil one, Madam Rosis
was conscious of nothing. | looked
over the face-at the blue eyes and gen
| tie mouth, down at the white hands and
red ring, without word.
Monsieur Rosis," thought. "But
why does he follow madamPn
We rode the day through with the
fair, immovable figure beside us, and
the doctor in the next carriage. The
one seemed to counteract the influence
of the other. Nothing could harm me.
At night we came to our resting
place.
"Here we shall find the ring" said
madam, as we hurried out of the train.
at is like an inspiration. feel it
through and through"
We did not go to a hotel, but to a
house near the outskirts of the town.
know the coachman of the fly stared at
Madam when she told him where to
drive us. The night was very dark.
Looking around for my friend could
not see him, and thought was lost.
Warm as was the night, the place to
which we went was chilly. Madam
had fires made in the CRATES and or
dered wine to be brought.
"Where are weP" | asked.
pardon me for not saying. This is
my home. No one dares to intrude
here"
No oneP Was madam so sureP As
she spoke, the pleasant-faced stranger,
ghost or man, came noiselessly in, and
sat down by the fire. He wore the
same expression as when 1 had first
seen him. CHANGING at his hand, 1
saw the blood-red ring glowing upon
his finger.
"You do not drink madam said,
as sat holding the wine glass. What
is itp"
put down the glass with a shudder.
"Madam Rosis, Iwant to go home"
"This is your home. BY day it is
beautiful. Tonight 1 know there are
shadows-and it is cold. We can have
more fire."
"That is not it-I want my sister.
l seem to be sitting here"
"Well, WE'LL will play to you. l
will sing"
She threw open the piano. Good
heavens, what wall came from it as
her delicate fingers ran up and down
the keysl Wild unrest, agony, despair
found voice in the melody which she
awakened. Then her little hands pat
broke out softly to the wierd accom-
paniment. Through it all could hear
the falling of the ghostly feet; the
whispers from shadowy lips. The
stranger listened at her side; so close
was his face to hers, that in the un-
steady light they seemed to mingle and
waver together.
My God! where was Up The atmos-
phere was like that of tomb! Was |
among fiesh-and-blOod realities, or had
been drawn into the charnel house to
expatiate some sin which. | had COM
mittedP Sin, indeed! what did know
of sin?
"Don't madam-don'tr l cried,
"You are driving me mad Let me go
in the n anne of mercy let me gov'
you need rest" spoke madam.
You are nervous. You shall go to
your room, and have supper there"
She led me like child. What could
l doP
Up stairs it was more cheerful. The
fire was fresh, and the lamps gave out
clear, steady light. drew a sigh of
relief.
"You like itP" said madam.
How can l help itP"
Il am glad. My room is opposite.
In the night, if you are walIeful, you
can come TO me. But think you will
sleep. 1 will send your supper up in a
moment"
did not wait for supper. Thorough
ly exhausted, bodily and mentally,
sank upon the bed. do not know how
long / slept. l started up suddenly
from my pillow, fearful shrek echo
ing through my brain. 1t was madam's 8
voice that aroused me. In moment
there was a sound of hurried feet in the
hall, murmur of strange voices, and
some one threw open the door opposite
mine. / stole softly out, and crossed
the hall to madams room. There was
a group of strange people standing by
her bedside.
A voice said, "Sheis deadr'
GGWhat ia it-what Einad barpil 7