Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-03-02
THE INVISIBLE GIRL.

Italy, / looked around me for a dwell
ing to be had upon reasonable terms.
l found what wanted in the outskirts
of the ancient city of Lucce, one of the
loveliest spots on the peninsula. The
house was quite new, and in every way
desirable, while the rent asked for it
was absurdly low. | questioned the
agent in regard to this circumstance.
Having my money safe, he could at
ford to be truthful.
There il nothing against the house
itself, but the grounds have the reputa-
ton of being haunted. Strange sounds
are said TO be heard near the ledge Of
rock in the park yonder. We Italians
are superstitious, signor," he added,
with a bow, "but | presume to an
American ghost is no objection"
80 little," l replied laughing, "that
j am obliged to you for the opportunity
of making the acquaintance of this
one"
J Such superstitions are common in
Italy, and the agents story made very
i little impression upon me.
During a tour Of inspection around
the premises, l came upon the rock in
question. 1t consisted of two walls of
granite, perhaps twenty feet in height,
meeting at an obf9ue angle, covered
over their greater extent with wild vines.
1t struck me as an exceedingly beauti-
full nook, and appropriate for my hours
of outdoor lounging.
On the following morning, provided
with book and a cigar, went thither,
and disposed myself comfortably in the
shade of an olive. | had become alb
sorbed in the volume, when l was star
tied by the sound of voice near me.
1t was evidently that of a woman, won
derfully soft and sweet. singing one of
the ballads of the country. / could dis
tinguish the words as perfectly as if
spoken at arms length from me.
started up in amazement. l had
no visitors, and my only servant was
an old man. Nevertheless, / made
thorough exploration of the neighbor
hood, and satisfied myself that there
was no one on the grounds. The only
public road was half mile distant.
The nearest dwelling was directly OPP
posite, across a level plain--in sight,
but far out of ear-shot. In q word, l
could make nothing of it.
l. oDStiNtu lldt Wilou lClt III
nal position under the olive, the voice
became instantly silent. 1t was only
within the circumference of a circle of
about two yards in diameter that it was
audible at all.
1t appeared TO proceed from the
angle between the two walls of rock.
The minutest examination failed to re-
veal anything but the bare rock. Yet
it was out of this bare rock that the
voice issued
returned to my former station in
downright bewilderment. The agents
story occurred to me, but even now |
attached no weight to it. | am prac-
teal man, and was firmly convinced
that there must be some rational ex
PLANTATION of the mystery, if / could
but discover it. The voice was certain
" that of young girl. But where
was she? Was the old fable of the
wood nymph truth after all? Had I
discovered dryad embosomed in the
rock? / smiled scornfully even as
these fancies ran through my head.
For more than half an hour the
singing continued. Then it ceased,
and, though J waited patiently for its
renewal | heard no more of it that day.
When ! returned to the house | made
no mention of the matter. resolving to
keep tito myself until | had solved the
mystery.
Inc next morning at an early hour l
returned to the spot After tedious
interval the singing began again. 1t
Went softly and dreamily through one
verse of song then ceased. Presently
| heard deep sigh, and then in slow,
thoughtful tone, the voice said:
oh, how lonesome it is! Am l to
pass my whole life in this dreary
placer"
There was 10 answer Evidently the
person was only soliloquizing. Could
she hear me if spoke, as / heard her !?
supposing her to be a living beicg at
all ! determined to hazard the e1
pertinent.
Who is it that is speaking" ask ed.