Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-12-15


beginning TO make powerful impros-
sion upon me. / felt in it's soft tones
tho manifestation of q sweet, re fined
woman's soul.
True. I had made no progress toward
unraveling the mystery. Nevertheless
I was confident that through some in
explicable dispensatien OF Providence,
/ had been permitted to hold COM
munion with real, living, lovely
woman, from an unknown distance. She
had not yet told me more than her first
name, and did not press her for more
as yet. Her only answer TO my ques-
ton as to where she was, was, "In the
garden" She did not seem capable of
grasping the fact that was not invisi-
bly, near her and capable of seeing her.
She seemed content with matters as
they stood, and for the present / could
do no more.
made no one my confdante as to my
daily occupation first, because 1 knew
that should be regarded as mailman
upon my mere statement of the facts,
and next, because shrunk from having
an auditor at my mysterious confer
ences. Will il be believed? was in
love with the invisible girl-in love
with voice Absurd, Of course, but l
am not the frat man who has fallen in
love with a woman's voice. Beside,
was confident that it was only a matter
Of time before should see the girl in
person.
One day toward the end Of summer
We had been talking as usual, and had
said
MY stay in Italy is nearly over, Lee
more"
"Ah." was the quick reply--"you will
leave me, George"
mo, Lenore," answered-"not il
you wish me to stay"
"How can help it, George, whether
you go or stay7 have never seen you
II never shall see you. What am TO
Your
'All in the world, Lenore," an
swered. "Ours has been strange ex-
pefience. Without knowing each other
as people ordinarily do, We have yet
been alose friends. You are more to me
than friend. / love you, Lenore."
There was a quick, suppressed cry, no
other reply.
"Be truthful, Lenore. Tell me your
heart. If you love me, trust to me to
discover your whereabouts aud come to
you. II You do not, say it, and / will
spare you the pain Of nesting me, and
let Us never speak again"
There was pause, then she tremu-
lously said:
II have never seen You, but my heart
tells me TO trust you. know you are
good and noble, and I am willing to
leave my fate in Jour hands. Yes
Georg love you."
Even as she said toe words she uttered
CRY of alarm. Then a grufr mans
voice spoke:
"Go to your room. Lenore. As to
this villain with whom you have been
holding secret meetings, We shall soon
Nod him and punish him a. he deserves.
pArch for the rascal, Antonio, and
Dripg him to me-
There was a quick trampling of feet
and the sound Of crushing shsshbery,
as Il men were breaking through II.
Then another mans voice spoke:
''Ho has disappeared, your excel
lency."
Very we'll, We shall find him jet.
He cannot escape me. This is ine
piece of business, surely-the daughter
Of Count VILLAIN holding secret meet
ings with some common vagabond. Le-
more shall take the veil"
yes" I cried, "the bridal veil,
count shall pay ny respects in
person to day"
Then leaving them to get over their
astonishment a. beat they might I re-
turned to the house in high spirits. The
name, Count VILLAIN. had given me the
clew to the whereabouts Of Lenore. The
dwelling of which havo spoken as
situate across the plain and opposite
the rock was the residence Of Count
villani had met tho old gentleman
in the city and formed speaking &c.
quaintanco with him. As neither Of US
had mentioned our private affairs, had
had no means OF connecting his daugh.
ter with my invisible girl.
That afternoon presented myself TO
the count, and after amazing him with