The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1882-1884, 1882-09-28

grave to forbid the marriagc!'' % said
Charles. mo, ] am not mad, sis
ter And then he told her in what
way his mothers spirit had appeared
to him.
"You slept and dreamt. Charles p
said Mrs. Leffingwell.
mo, that L deny would not re
joice to think 1t SO p replied Charles
''The spirit was there-no fart
shadow. could have touched il
with my hanl."
Mrs. Letfingwell listened.
DO you not remember that there
are such things as optical illusions?'
said she.
''Yes, lave thought of everything -
said Charles. But [ saw heard
|-and then the perfume p
Every we'll; it is possible that
things of this sort may happen
said Mrs. Leiiingwell 4; ''but, Charles
if your mother could come once, she
come again. Promise me that you
will not let this one experience de-
eide you TO break Rosa's near: and
make yourself miserable for life. &c
to the long drawing-room again TO
night. Sit where you sat, and watch
If your mother comes again, do as
she bids yon. Otherwise, bel l'eve
me, you have had a dream-noth:ne
more.''
Perhaps you are r';ht," SAID
Charles. 81 will do as YOU say
) Believe ME, Rosa is dearer to me
chan my life. Nothing less solemn
than this could part us.''
Mrs. Lctfingwell left :,im when he
he'd made he" this promise. anil went
+" Estella, who professed herac1i
Nv "" what hal happened
a~s-Sstf,eteh ~ =. ''+her coul,.
hut detl afeed hist har n.y..-.
do no better than to ka]iaw aii,s so,
vice given to- him:
Midnight came asain. Il found
Charles Leff'nawell III the apartme
where he had beei visited by
his mothers spirit.
The same pale light burned upon
the table. Charles sat in the same
: place. The figure of Time upon the
: clock Struck twelve slow strokes wit |
his scythe: Aid t;ien--yes, Charles
LeliingwelI was not sleeping, tid,
, drcalning-yet then the sam soft
, white smoke began to creep over the
, picture! The same faint perfume
} filed the room. The figure on the
canvas faded. aud another stoo6
amidst the mist that hi'l it. Agar
: his mother, in her velvet robes
4 pointed at him with a warning finger
n sit is your spirit, mother!'' erie,
Charles Hellingwell. Il cannot de
:. ny it. Bless ME Tell ME if I 1t
4 we'll. | love her: she loves me
] Bless us both, my mother!'' -
h And she answer red:
''4furrN ard Ireturn to curse you!
e Charles Leilingwell SUNK: into hi
chair with a groan.
: The cold. SLOW voice was silent
and the figure stepped back into tn
- heavy, white depths that covered a
d the way.
But now lighter, smaller, nor
s human. was seen in the room. Wit
y a llJtle cry, 1t tiittsI ACROSS tile fcu
l. and into the stnui1e
IS A sound rs ot u struggle wa
n heard, and taan the voice OF youn
|e Mrs. Iseifingwesl wac lifted ugh
S More light more light. Charlie
st it cried. I've caught your ghost
,e More light to see her BY"
lie The llyhJ flashed up; and, thron4
the dispensing smoke Charles LIE
le fingwelI saw his ster-in-law, wit
,e her arms about the waist Of velve
al clad woman.
g cit is EsJella hot your moth er
she said. Look in the little CT
e, closet by the chimney. You will fin
s the pcriumed drugs burning in a pa
re Look ! it is only Estella.''
n. And Charlie, advanced, and sa
IS. his sisters face lined into age vii
is true actress art.
ed 'sConid gov do that to me p
{ !; said.
it ''It was on:y to carry out yo,
,e mothers wish, Charles" said Estell
IS in a low voice. Il knew you wou
not regard me. spoke as s.
b. would speak if she could come ba,
from heaven
to "In heaven they do not think
ne pride Of birth, Estella,'' said MI
Leffingweli ''but of true love,
I'd doubt not, they think often. Charls
Sc must marry Rosa. You see it no
of Forgive her, Charles-or l shall
sorry for my part in this affair
- The brother held his hand. II
he sister took it.
ed But she left the old house on tt
Ell day the young wife entered it; an
e. dwelling in solitary state, treasur
$. her family pride, rs did ol' MADAM
IL Leffinswcll in her lifetime.
ne Despite OF this the welded love
ut arc happy.
u!
H. THEIR WEDDING NIGHT.