Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-06-14
A Ghost In the Carrot.

"This is the gsrret flour It's relic
of the past, said Miss Pettigrew. '"They
do not build such garrets now. The
house is more than 100 years old. It twas
nv grandfather'sg grandfather who built
it. BY the way continued the lady,
turning on her guest in a sharp and
bird-like manner peculiar to her-'by
the way, this garnet is haunted"
"How delightful! Do tell me about
the ghost .''criia7dt Hsg lady who
had followed her into tide great room
which covered half the large house.
1.-THE ghost, Miss Walker, is soldier,
an officer who was killed by jealous
husband in duel, which took place
here. He walks up and down, trailing
his sword after him, and is said to be as
pale as death /; however, he hasn't been
seen for ten years, though the servants
are terribly afraid of him yet.
"They Sleep" said Miss Pettigrew,
sin that half of the garnet which is par
titioned off, and use the back stairs
They wouldn't come here for all the
world, SO make sort of store closet of
those shelves there, and feel perfectly
safe about my sweetmeats."
"Here," said Mrs. Pettigrew, opening
q little door, "here is still another pair
of stairs. They lead to the orchard. 1t
Is said that the idiotic lady who caused
the duel had them built so that her lover
might come to the garnet without dis
covery. 1t may be true. It Is evil
dent that they were not built in the
original house. Nobody ever uses them
now, and they are actually moldering
away"
With some difficulty she moved
rusty bolt, and the young lady peeped
down the rickety stairs.
IT can fancy the ghosts coming up"
she said with little shrek, as she drew
back. "HOw romantic"
Descending the large, well carpeted
stairs that ran down the middle of the
house, the two ladies entered the parlor,
where an elderly gentleman sat waiting.
The young lady then addressed him:
1.-THE rooms are lovely, pa, and If Miss
Pettigrew will let us come we ought to
be delighted"
Miss Peftigrew gave polite wave of
the hand, which signif1ed that she was
charmed to receive such boarders.
'Eisie, dear, go out and get into the
carriage" said the old gentleman. "Miss
Pettigrew and l will have word about
terms"
The young lady tripped lightly away.
II have but one condition to make,
madam" said the old gentleman, the
instant she was gone. "That you will
takeno single gentlemen boarders."
IT have one, sir, " said Miss Pettigrew,
"Mr. LETTERS. seventy. five years of age,
and quite rheumatic"
"Ah! I don't mind him." responded
Mr.. Walker, "I-I mean, In fact, I
haye brought my daughter to this quiet
place to separate her from person who
Is paying his addresses to her, and I am
afraid he will follow u.s."
grew. my other rooms are filed; two
families, mother, father, and children
q widow lady and daughter; and Miss
Budwick, principal in school in -"
1.-THE place will suit me perfectly"
said Mr.. Walker. "We'll come over to.
morrow )" and with q bow he trotted
down the path and also took his place
In the carriage.
About fortnight from the day on
which she had received her first board
or, Miss Pettigrew descended to the din
ing room at an early hour, as was her
wont, and in a very cheerful mood.
This Is very comfortable, indeed,
thought she to herself. Every comforta-
BILE. Why shouldn't turn a penny as
well as my ne!ghbors? Certainly my
house is full of genteel people, and it's
really pleasanter than to live alone
And Miss Pettigrew regarded her we'll
spread breakfast table with just pride |
and pleasure.
avery comfortable, indeed-my good
ness!"
The latter part of the sentence did not |
belong to the former. 1t was not an
ejaculation forced from her by the sud-
den appearance of her two servants, pale
as death, hollow. eyed, and with COM
pressed mouths, who, having made each
. courtesy, ground themselves against
the wall and stood looking at nothing,
In way, as Miss Pettigrew afterward
said, calculated to freeze the blood Of an
observer.
"My goodness!" repeated Miss Petit :
rev, "Fanny Ann and Abby Jane,
what's the matter? Is tho house on
ire?n
mo, Miss, y replied Fanny Ann.
'sHave you seen ghost ?" proceeded
Miss Pettigrew.
'Yes, Miss, /" replied Abby Jane.
sAnd please, Mis-, We can't sleep IN
hat awful plAce no moresu continued |