Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-03-23

THE INVISIBLE GIRL.

| 1IALy, lOOkSu dEOGAu 1nc lOT uWSAlAuSS
to be had upon reasonable terms.
found what wanted in the outskirts of
the ancient city of Lucca, 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. L 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, bat the grounds have the reputa-
ton of being haunted. Strange sounds
are said to be heard near that ledge of
rock in the park yonder. We Italians
are supershtions, signor," he added,
with bow, "but / presume to an
American ghost is no objection"
$50 litttle," replied, laughing, that
1 am obliged to you for the opportuni-
ty of making the acquaintance of this
one."
Such superstitions are common III
Italy, and the agents story made very
little impression on me.
During tour of inspection around
the premises | came upon the rock IN
question. 1t consisted of two walls of
granite, perhaps 20 feet in height, meet
ing at an oblique angle, covered over
their greater extent with wild vines. 1t
struck me as an exceedingly beautiful
nook, and appropriate for my hours of
outdoor lounging.
On the following morning, provided
with a book and cigar, went thither,
and disposed myself comfortably in the
shade of an olive. had became absorb
ed i'll the volume, when / was startled
| by the sound of voice near me. 1t was
evidently that of woman, wonderfully
soft and sweet, singing one of the bal
lads of the country. could distinguish
the words as perfectly as If spoken at
arms length from me.
started up In amazement. / had no
visitors, and my only servant was an old
man. Nevertheless, I made thorough
exploration of the neighborhood, and
satisfied myself that there was no one in
the grounds. The only public load was
half mile distant. The nearest dwell
ing was directly opposite, across level
pIain-in sight. but far out of ear-shot.
| Of
| Il observed that when / left my origi
nal position under the olive, the voice
became instantly silent. 1t was only
within the circumference of 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 reveal
anything but the bare rock. Yet it was
out of this bare rock that the voice is
sued.
returned TO my former station in
downright bew1Iderment. The agents
story occurred to me, but even now at
tached no weight to it. am practical
man, and was firmly convinced that
there must be some rational explanation
of the mystery, If / could but discover
it, The voice was certainly that of a
young girl But where was she? Was
the old fable of the wood nymph truth
after all? Had discovered dryad en-
bosoned in the rock? / smiled scorn-
fully even as these fancies ran through
my head.
For more than half an hour the sing
ing continued. Then it ceased, and
though waited patiently for its renew
al, | heard no more OF it that day
When / returned to the house made
no mention of the matter, resolving to
keep it to myself until had solved the
mystery.
The next morning at an early hour
returned to the spot. After tedions
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 I to
pass my whole life In this dreary place?
There was no answer. Evidently the
person was only soliloquizing. Gould
she hear me if spoke, as | heard herr
supposing her to be living at all.
determined to hazard the experiment
"Who is that speak1ng?" asked.
For some minutes there was no reply
then in low, frightened whisper, the
} voice said:
"What was it! I heard voice."
eyes," answered; ''you hear mine
l spoke to you."
"Who are your" asked the voice trem
ulously; "are you spirit2"
81 am living man." [ returned
D "Can you not see me?"
"No," answered the voice, 81 ca