Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-04-22
A Night of Terror.
BY W. A. POE.

The wind blew heavy blasts. Anon,
the lightning flashed, and deep, NUT
tering thunder caused the old house al
Elinwood to tremble to its very center,
on the night Of the 9Th OF December,
1871. The shriekiDg wind struck terror
to the inmates, an elderly lady and her
granddaughter, and as chance and the
stormy night brought Edward Harvey
along the road to Oedarville, the nearest
village and postoffice, he, too. claimed
the protecting shelter of Elmwood
House for the night. Heartily was he
welcomed by the mistress and grand
daughter; the younger lady, Rosa Ash
ton, experienced o sense of relief at
having within the old house one male
protector, though he was an entire
stranger.
As the three sat before the large, open
fireplace, louder and more tempestuous
gales succeeded each peal of thunder,
and as If agonized by its own destruc-
ton the old elm cresked louder than
before as it fell upon the house torn
from the earth by every root.
"Oh, grandmother! Whist is that fear
full noise2 The house is falling-the
roof is torn off" shrieked the terrified
girl.
: "No. no, my child; tbs the fall of our
old friend, the elm which has faced the
st0rms Of many winters; but. like many
OF those who have rested beneath its
vide-spreading branches, it has fallen"
The quiet. sad dignity of the old lady
aroused Edward Harvey from his APP
athy, and he looked intently at the mis-
tress of Elm wood for the first time since
bis entrance into the room.
"And this is Mrs. Ashton" said he
to himself. Well may they say she
Is pretty Mrs. Ashton. Why, I do
believe l am really offended to hear the
younger lady call her grandmother.
Grandmother, indeed" he repeated;
If they are not sisters, will acknowl-
edge that Edward Harvey, attorney at
law. is poor judge Of female appear.
anee. Yes, and poorer judge of wom-
ans age. Well, Edward Harvey, you
should bless this storm, for who knows,
who knows 2" said he, still Illuminating.
His self.communing was interrupted
by . wild, piercing scream, which
seemed to issue from an adjoining room.
Involuntsrily he sprang to his feet and
rushed to the door, and grasping the
knob, had partly drawn the bolt, when
the command OF Mrs. Ashton caused
him to stand back abashed.
Where would you 60, sir! If any
thing is wanting allow nae to call SER
want"
Ill would protect you. madam,
from that voice" he stammered.
when I need your protection, Mr..
Harvey, I will ask you for it," she said,
leaving the room.
More dazed by the harshness of the
mistress OF Elmwood than abashed by
his excitement, he seated himself oppo.
site the younger lady. who he observed
was pale and nervously excited. So
excited did she appear that Harvey felt
constrained to move his chair nearer
hers, remarkipg:
"Miss Ashton. tell me the cause OF
this horrible mystery"
For mercy's sake, say no more"
said she excitedly.
In an instant the excitement was over
and her pale cheeks were as scarlet.
will see about supper. The storm
seems to be spent and the servants can
have no more fear" said she, leaving
the room.
Left alone Edward Harvey began to
pace the room with nervous haste.
Are these lonely womeh," said he,
"the possessors of some mysterious
secret? The older lady appeared calm
and harsh, resentipg my hasty attempt
to rush to the assistance of that poor
person, who, no doubt, was in mortal
terror, for never did any one scream as
he or she did unless Influenced by fear.
Miss Ashton certainly was fearful OF
some calamity. Well, Edward Harvey,
you have excited yourself unreasonably,
without knowing why and for whom.
Ha, hal we'll may these ladies' laugh at
me for my folly--rushing to the rescue
OF some old waiting woman who feared
the house was tumbling on her head
when the old tree fell"
Ashamed of his excitement he re-
eumed his chair near the fire. Not too
soon, for both ladies entered the room
as he seated himself.
81 have ordered the servants TO eerve
tea in this room. During the stora!
the servants fear. was so great that they
have neglected to spread the table in
the diEiug-room," remarked Mrs. Ash
ton.
81 trust, MAIDEN, you will pardon
my excitement few moments ago.
assure you l was actuated by the fear
that some one was suffering snd that |