The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-06-02

It seemed to her that she walked about
n mile and half after him over a
lonely road At last they arrived at an
inn entrance round which there were
some signs of sleepy village life. After
a stern interview with the dull land
lord, Ada succeeded in getting him to
have out a ''po'shay' and two horses
for her. A driver was extracted from
the bar where he was drinking; he came
out surly, and, getting on the box after
Ada and her luggage had been waiting
some time in the ''shay," began to
whip the horses. This amusement he
continued to indulge in until they ar
rived at the Old Hall, taking the horses
at rapid gallop up hill and down dale.
The Old Hall stood high, with wide
lawn about it, dotted by clumps of fine
trees. On the way Ada was charmed
with glimpses of the winding silver
stream and the wooded hills about it.
All was very lovely; yet something in
the aspect of the Old Hall made her
SILVER as she approached it. 1t was
very dark; only the window seemed
dimly lit; the front door seemed to be
Theoretically sealed. But Ada courage
ously ran and knocked, and while she
waited for an answer filled up the time
by paying her surly driver the fabulous
sum he demanded of her. At last the
door moved; it opened slowly, and on
the steps stood tall man.
care you the nurse?" he said
Eyes" answered Ada.
81 didn't suppose you could get here
tonight. Well, come in"
The coachman whipped up his horses
in the familiar style, and ratified away.
A servant who looked like a groom
came out and lifted Ada's box into the
hall A lamp stood on a table there,
and by its light Ada tried to discover
what sort of house she was in. She
was standing in q big, old-fashioned
hall or house-place. Opposite her, his
hands deeply buried in his pockets,
stood the man who was evidently
master.
Il told the maid to get room ready
for you," he said. The man shall
light you up there, and you can see my
wife in the morning. Shall he bring
you some SUPERB
IF you please" said Ada. First
I'll take off my hat, and if you will
allow me I'll go to my patient at once. "
''Nonsense!' said Mr. Mertoun; ''you
must sleep after journey"
But it is my duty to see her first, if
you please, sir"
Ada followed the man-servant up
stairs to little bedroom, where he
left her, saying he would bring her
some supper. She washed her hands
and combed out her bright hair. When
he came back she said: "Shall l find
Mr.. Mertoun down stairs?''
Hes gone to his own ROOM" said
the groom, land he says missus is
asleep, and not to be disturbed"
(Which is her room?" asked Ada.
81 must know, because I've come down
to nurse her."
"Ill show you the door," said the
man. He led laer little way along a
corridor, and pointed up short stair
case. 1.-The door on the left" he said,
and Immediately hurried off, carrying
his light with him.
This is queer house." thought
Ada. However, she found her way
back to her own room by the glimmer
of light from its doorway. Then, TAX
ing her candle, she went straight to the
door of the room the man had shown
her. She Knocked gently; there was
no answer, SO she quietly turned the
handle and looked in. A solitary can
die lit a large room; she could but
dimly perceive that on the bed lay a
woman, who, seeing her, started up as
if in terror. and then fell helplessly
back again, Evidently this was the
sick-room. Ada shut the door, put
down her candle, and approached the
bed.
Don't be frightened" she said; Il
am nurse your sister has sent down
to take care of you"
81 thought you were q spirit" said
Agatha Mertoun; "Ihave had strange
visions to-day Then she relapsed into a
silence, and seemed to forget Ada's pres
ence. After awhile she spoke again.
L am dying she said
Ada went close to her bed and looked
into her eys. They were very strange
Suddenly the unhappy woman was
seized with violent sickness. Ada,
with her quick wits, noticed some things
which made her wonder. When her
patient, weary and exhausted, lay back
again on her pillow she began to make
tour of the room. There were a great
many bottles in different places. She
took out all the corks and smelled the
contents. Suddenly, while thus en-
gagged, she happened to look toward
the bed and met Agatha eyes fixed on
her with gaze full of some extraor-
binary meaning or intelligence. 1t al
most frightened even the brave Ada.
She put down the bottle quickly and
went to the bedside. But Agatha had
closed her eyes, as if too weak to keep
them open. Looking earnestly at her.
Nurse Harcourt realized how wonder
fully lovely she was in spite of the dead
ly pallor which lay on her face. Sud
denly the sickness came again, and then
a violent spasm.
6 This is queer sort of anemia. -
said Ada to herself, and, after LONG
look at her patient began to smell at
the physic bottles. Just then she heard
faint sound at the door, Hastily ap-
preaching it and opening itshe saw Mr..
Mertoun disappearing, through the op-
posite door, He wanted to watch
me-" she thought. "Now, what can
this mean?" She looked the door in
| side and continued har ;nvoe+;, ro+;o,,,