Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1881-06-02

fine old place. Frank and spend
our days in the fields and woods
amidst the late spring freshness, and
the child is brown and rosy. am a
little worn and wearied by the dull
monotony of my life and the anxiety
for my husband; but his letters are
regular, and so far all is we'll. OF the
interior of the house l know very little
beyond my own corridor. I believe
it is bare and desolate enough. Mrs.
| Norris, in one of her lamentations owe,
the departed glories Of Eyreton Court
has accounted for it's present condition
Some twenty years ago, when the old
man lost his son, everything saleable
in the house was sold to pay off heavy
debts--the sons, l suppose. Once
asked what the son was like, and what
was the story connected with his death
The second query she evaded, and an.
swered the first by referring me tc
some picture down stairs, in the de-
serted suite of rooms to the right ol
the hall door.
l have never had the curiosity tc
look for it; but one day, as Frank and
return from our walk somewhat soon
er than is our usual custom, the fancy
takes me to make a little exploration
in this unknown territory. Frank has
scampered off in the direction of the
kitchen, where he is sure Of care and
petting, and | AIN alone as | gently try
the door. 1t is locked, but the key
has not been removed, and, turning it
with a little difficulty, l enter the
room.
All the shutters are closed, and it is
quite dark save for the light from the
open door. | grope my way across to
the centre win low, and undo the shut
ter. This room is one OF two occupy
ing the right wing OF the house, and
does not look to the front, but out on
what has once been well-lail out
pleasure ground at the back of the
building. The window is made to
to open on to the lawn by a haf-door
and sash, which push up little to
let come air into the long-dlsused
room.
There is little to see by the light I
have taken the pain. to admit. The
room is empty but for some forms
ranged round the walls, above which
are fastened branches Of withered
dusky eyergreens, and festoon of fad
ed pink calico has fallen from its nail
and waves dreariIy in the draught
from the window.
On the wall facing the door hangs
the picture have come to see-yes,
it must be it. 1t is full-length por-
trait Of a young man wrapped IN a
blue cloak, with a riding whip in his
h md. AS l gaze am startled hv the
streng likeness of my husband. Old
Mr.. Evreton resembles him somew hat
old as he is; but this seems Frank
himself, only however as he might
look after some illness, white and thin
with a curious, moarnful light in the
dark eyes.
! At first I remain fascinated by
their strange, earnest expression, try.
ing to separate the likeness and the
unlikeness to my husband. Then, as
l stand alone in the great room, the
strange sad eyes confronting mine,
seem to move-to live. In vain
laugh at my nervous folly. A sud
den irresistible fear takes possession
Of me; | hasten to the door, and, as !
pass the threshold, meet old Mr.
Eyreton issuing from the opposite
room-his study.
l have done no wrong, and yet
wish he had not caught me indulginp
what may seem to him an impertinent
curiosity. He seems surprised at my
appearance and stops short. As
close the door, panied expression
crosses his face, and he speaks with
an effort.
Viewing the family mansion?" lie
says a little bitterly. "Well; it would
be hard no doubt to 60 back to your
friends and be unable to relate its glo.
ries."
I mnrmer that I have no friends I'd
whom they might be related. l was
dull and sought amusement; ! am
sorry ifhe is displeased at what have