Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1881-08-31
A MYSTERY.

/ do not doubt that the yeracity OF the
following narrative will DO questioned by
many and can simply say that ], Dor
othy Allen, while In perfectly sensible
condition, was an eyewitness OF the cir
cumstance-so ineSplicable In its mys'
tery-which IL to be herein chronicled.
About theyoar 1888. q complete change
In my affairs. from what cause II N I'M
necessary TO state here, compelled me to
undertake long, tedious journey, In a
most lonely, friendless state particu
larry disagreeable, as | was only nine'
teen years OF age.
! sailed from my home In America to
London, from thence TO travel by coach
for three long days, At the present Pc
iiod travelling Is much more agreeable
than at that time, ~ there were but fow
railroads, and We had to depend on tho
old slow.coach system.
The parks, old English farms, and
acres Of woodland, past which We travel
cd, tended greatly to break the monotony
OF the ride, which was also varied occa
sionally by little incidents, all this sorv.
ing TO withdraw mo from my sombcr
thoughts and arouse my mind to an in
tercst in things around mo.
We had already been on our way two
days, and having Travelled during the
first night, were going to delay for a lit.
Ito rest the second, About night.iall
the tired, iaded horses drew mp in front
of a curious old building, designated on
its battered, wcathcr.beaten sign the
soak Tree Inn,' which title was duly
accounted for by the presence of a mag.
niiicent tree Of that species standing in
front of tho house, and giving evidence
in its huge gnarled and twisted limbs of
the indefinite period of time during
which IL had occupied that position.
As rapidly Us our wearcd, cramped'np
limbs would permit, we descended from
the coach, and were met at the door by
tho hostess, n genuine example of the
well.known English landlady. Stand.
ing in the doorway-fairly filed by the
ample proportions of her portly body
her fat, round face shining and running
over with good nature and the sense of
importance resting so comfortably on
her with keys jingling and mind on
hospitablc thoughts intent, she met us
rs we approached-flled with an in
tensely satisfied feeling, which the mere
sight OF her created.
We were ushered bustlingly in, and
taken at once to our rooms, where a
plentiful supply of cold water soon re-
freshed the dusty, travel,spent body.
Supper was soon announced, and l
Jared most sumptuously on the tempt
ing viands spread before me, the cooking
Of which my hostess assured me was all
directed by herself, and the bounty OF
all gave full evidence to the fact. My
journey had so fatigued me that very
shortly after my hunger was satisfied
sought my room, resolved to fortify my.
self for the remainder of the distance
yet to be Travelled with as much rest as
possible.
During the process Of disrcbing, my
attention wandered around the apart
men was to occupy for the night. The
room was long and narrow, with q cell
ing so low that the heavy old.fashioned
four-poster in which was to sleep fairly
touched it.
Over in one corner stood high ward
robe, made like the rest of the furniture
of real old mahogany, fashioned in an
cient patterns, and giving to the room {
somber but luxurious character. Cur
tains hung over the bed, which I, mo-
wishing to be smothered in my sleep
pushed back. In the center of the room
stood table, and near it the only mod
ern piece OF furniture the apartment con
tanned, large cushioned easy. chair, il
which I sat while taking my survey.
At last, thoroughly exhausted, L sought
my bed, only to lie therefor wha
seemed to me an age-puzzling my brair
with the thoughts that had occupied il
during all my journey; wonder as to the
reception I would meet with at m.
uncle's, and guesses as to the DISPOSE
ton and character Of the different mem
bers of lis family, perplexed my mind
for I was going among perfect strangers
and although not easily embarrassed, o.
annoyed by circumstances, the position
was not an agreeable one. In the mid
die of my conjecturcs fell asleep-tt
know nothing more until u feeling o
oppression, a frightful sense as of some
thing awful and unreal around me, wok,
me suddenly, and I sat up in bed will
an attempt to throw off the impression
which was chilling me through ant
through, and bringing the cold swea
out on my face and hands. My hurried
look around the room was at once ar
rested by the sight OF figure seated il
the large chair by the table.
I was not cowardly in my nature, ant
resolved to overcome the physical veal;
ness which had taken so firm hold O
me. I sprang from the bed and ar
preached the figure to ascertain who
was.
As I neared the chair, the moonlight
filling the room showed me woman
her hands clenched in her lap, her hea
laid back on the cushion behind hel
and turned distinctly up to the light til
white, set face of corpse.
As L fully compphended the horo
of the scene, my senses forsook me, ant
felt myself sink gradually down unit
I touched the floor - when woman
room, and all faded from my sight, an
everything became a blank. When
recovered consciousness, was lying o.
my face on the floor near the table.
was broad daylight, and for some second
I could not account for my position
Then complete recollection of til
nights occurrences forced itself on me
and / shrank back again trembling i
every limb.
A glance round the room revealin
every article in perfectly natural col
dition, partly restored me, and / wa
able to dress and join the waiting grou
below. My altered appearance struc
them one and all, and when 1 relate
my experience OF the preceding night
could easily see the look of incredulit
on their faces. The hostess said / la
eaten too heartily at supper, and ha
dreamed unpleasantly, IN opinion read
ly agreed with by the others. II wa
useless TO discuss the matter, and / ID
it drop, feeling!only that for dream