Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1882-02-17
The Invisible Girl.

Having decided to finish the year in
Italy, looked around me- for dwell
ing, to be had upon reasonable terms.
I found what I wanted in the outskirts
Of the ancient CITY of Lucca, one of the
loveliest spots on the peninsula. The
house was quito new. and in every way
desirable, while the rent asked for it
was absurdly low. 1 questioned the
agent in regard to this circumstance
Having my money safe, he could afford
to be truthful.
"There is nothing against the house
itself. +" but the grounds have the repu-
tation of being haunted. Strange sounds
are said to be heard near that ledge of
rock in the park yonder. We Italians
are supersiitious, signor," he added,
With bow. "but I presume to an
American a ghost is no objection"
80 little," l replied, laughing,
that am obliged to you for the op-
portunity of making the acquaintance
of this one."
Such superstitions are common in
Italy. and the agents story made very
little impression upon me.
During tour of inspection around
the premises I came upon the rock in
question. It consisted of two walls OF
granite. perhaps twenty feet in height,
meeting at an oblique angle, covered
over their greater extent with wild
vines. 1t tstruck me as an exceedingly
beautiful nook, and appropriate for
my hours of outdoor lounging.
On the following morning, provided
with book and cigar, went thither
and disposed myself comfortably in
the shade of an olive. 1 had become
absorbed in the volume, when I wat
startled by the sound of q voice neal
me. 1t was evidently that of a woman
wonderfully soft and sweet, and was
singing one of the ballads of the cosr-
try. could distinguish the words al
perfectly as if spoken at arms length
from me.
I started up in amazement. 1 had ne
visitors, and my only servant was al
old man. Nevertheless, I made {
thorough exploration Of the neighbor
hood, and satisfied myself that there
was no one in the grounds. The onl.
public road was half mile distant
The nearest dwelling was directly op
posite, across level plain-in sight
but far out Of ear.shot. Ir q word
could make nothing Of it.
I observed that when left my origi
J nal position under the olive, the voic'
became instantly silent. 1t Was onl,
within the circumference Of circlo o
about two yards in diameter that i
was audible at all.
1t appeared to proceed from th'
|: angle between the two walls of rock
The minutest examination failed to re
! veal anything but the bare rock. Ye
it was ont of this bare rock that tn
, voice issued.
I returned to my former station il
downright bewilderment. The agent
story occurred to me. but even now
attached no weight to it. I am prac
tical man, and was firmly convinced
that there must be some rational ex-
planation of the mystery. if could bu
discover it. The voice was certainl,
that of young girl. But where wa
she? Was the old fable of the woot
nymph truth after all? Had I dis
covered a dryad embosomed in th'
rock ? smiled scornfully even a
these fancies ran through my head.
For more than half an hour the sing
ing continued. Then it ceased, ant
though I waited patiently for its re-
newal, I heard no more of it that day
When l returned to the house I made
no mention of the matter, resolving t.
keep it to myself until 1 had solved thu
mystery.
The next morning at an early hour ]
returned to the spot. After tedious
interval the singing began again. II
went softly and dreamily through one
verse Of song. then ceased. Presently
heard deep sigh. and then in slo W
thoughtful tone, the voice said:
Oh, how lonesome it is! Am I to