New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1880-02-18
my name is Stapylton." he Al
aNvered GENTLY 49, ~

my name is stapylton." he an-
swered, gently.
The Emperor of China!'' she ex-
claimed, involuntarily, and then feared
what might happen; but he only said:
IAN l? just as you please. Will
you sit down here till the next square
begins? l never waltz. y
That is something to be thankful
for" thought Violet, as she obediently
took the offered chair.
MIR. Hunter, neighbor of the Eyer
tons, who never failed to visit these
dances, had returned home with some
friends the day before, and at break
fast announced his intention of going,
as usual, to the dance at the Dunstone
Asylum.
He was surprised when one of his
guests started at the name, and eagerly
asked if it was near.
Ten miles but why do you want to
know, Stapylton?''
I'm tell you afte1ward," was the an
swer and as soon as they were alone
he told him a younger brother of his
had had sunStroke in India, which, in
addition to other troubles, had COM
pletely driven him out of his mind, and
that he was now in the asylum at Dun
stone.
So Major Stapylton entered the asy-
lum that evening with Mr.. Hunter, but
waited alone till the doctor could come
to him.
!" am afraid you have given yourself
I needless trouble" the doctor said; 81
have inquired, and MIR. Stapylton il
asleep. In his weak st4te> he must not
be disturbed. He is better, however,
and the new delusion. I told you of in
my last letter quite passed away Il
you will cal again.
"Yes, thanks. Don't let me detain
YOU"
The doctor turned fussily to the door.
"You see should not be absent fol
an instant to night; but pray do not
wait here. Come with me; you will
see nothing painful, and Mr.. Hunter is
so kind, he always stays to the end.'
The doctor, recovering his temper,
talked on as they walked toward the
ballroom .....,
"ln white7" Major Stapylton asked
in doubt as to which was meant.
The doctor was suddenly calico
away; and as Major Stapylton was still
looking at Violet, wondering if it wa!
she, her apparent forwardness in ad
dressing an unknown stranger con
firmed the idea of her madness, while
the slightest doubt on the subject wa!
removed when she spoke to him a!
heard Of his brothers imperial deiusion
"Nothing painful, assure you; bu
if any of them speak to you, be sure Il
humor thcm.'
AS they entered the room, Majo,
Stapylton, rather Mortified, shrank bacl
behind a curtain while the docto
added, as Violet looked toward them
"Do you see that girl? She is on
of our worst cases."
They sat together for few moments
in silence, till Violet, finding it unbear
able, growing more and more nervous
and trying to suit her conversation tt
him, said
Is it long since you were il
China?"
| IL never was there in my life,' wa
the startling answer, while Violet fel
frightened as he added confusedly, ga
least, meant don't know" AMI h
thought in his turn, "Poor girl I for
got was the Chinese Emperor. How
on earth can keep the characterP''
Violet hurriedly went on:
"Of course. I understand. sup
pose you knew DR.. Smith before, ant
are paying him visit?''
Major Stapylton shuddered.
8 What! She thinks I am a fellow
patient, then! However, poor Charle
is, so she can talk sensibl W and HI
hastily changed the conversation by
asking her if she had read one of tn
books of the day.
Violet knew it well, and to her sur
prise and delight found her Emperor
capable of rational conversation
She had seldom enjoyed one so much
She was very young, and had not ye
got over her shyness with strangers
but why need she be shy with poor
lunatic? So, with the object of pleas
ing him, she talked without hesitation
of her favorite pursuits and books, anC
answered personal questions without
taking any otfense.
Major Stapylton, on his side, de.
lighted with the fresh young girl,
touched by her openness, and pro.
foundly sorry for her awful misfortune,
tried from mingled kindness and
curiosity to encourage her almost un'
conscious revelations of character.
''Have you been here long?" he al
last ventured to ask.
"About an hour, I think" she an
swered, not understanding.
.'In the ballroom; but mean how
long have you been at Dunstone?''
20, what shall do! he thinks am
| mad, too!' she thought; but her look
of terror warned Major Stapylton he
was on dangerous ground.
"Ibeg your pardon he said, 81 had
no right to ask. Tell me more of your
visit to Italy" And plunging into mu.
tual Roman recollections, they were
again delig GIFTED with the rational way in
which each conversed.
One of the gentlemen of the Egerton
party now came and asked Violet to
dance, explaining ,nat he could not find
her before, and adding in low voice
''Will you come, or do you prefer
staying here?"
Il would rather stay here, thanks;
but please ask Mrs. Egerton if She
minds"
Certainly; but I should think in
this case it was all right and he went
off to report Miss Brook was perfectly
happy, talking to very good-looking
lunatic.
Mrs. Egerton, not knowing what wa,
the usual etiquette at lunatic asylums,
left her undisturbed, and she and Major
Stapylton had another hour of delight
full talk; till Mr.. Hunter came to look
for him, when she seized the opport,a.
nifty to escape. Mrs. Egerton leaving
soon afterward, she saw her new friend
no more.
Frank secured q seat in the carriage