Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-10
Gales ano Skettbss.
Mr.. HEAPHEY,s GHOST.


among his papers his own version which has
been published in London. The following
narrative Is by gentleman now living in
New York who knew Mr. Heaphey and his
family well; it was printed on Monday last
in the New York World.
Mr.. Thomas Heaphey was a distin-
guished and very accomplished man, an
artist by Inheritance as well as by train
ing. He was one of the best OF the many
water-color painters to whom England
owes her pre-eminenee in that department
of art, and was for some time President
of the ROYAL Society of Water Color
Painters. as / think his father, who died
nearly fifty years ago, had been before
him. II was from his sister, whom
knew very well and Of whose death at an
advanced age ! have just received the
news, that | heard the story originally.
This lady. Yrs. Elizabeth Murray, was
well known in New York some years ago.
She resided here for some time, her hus-
band. Henry John Murray. being then
British Consul at Portland. in Maine. He
was afterwards transferred to a post in
South America. He was a brother, by
the way, Of Grenville Murray, of whom
YOU must have heard. and who died only
vear or two ago after strange and
troubled career az diplomatist first and
then as a Journalist Of rare vigor and
originality.
''Mrs. Murray was a woman of consid-
cradle ability and very clever artist.
She wrote an entertaining and valuable
book on the Canary Islands, where her
husband was Consul for number of
years. Here is the book, which, az you
see, is illustrated with engravings from
drawings made by Mrs. Murray herself.
She gave lessons in water-color painting
in this city during one winter at the re-
quest of number Of ladies of her ac-
quaintance. and yonder on the wall hangs
portrait painted by her in this very
room in which you now sit.
The strangest feature of the strange
story am now about to tell you is the
combination in it of unearthly and i'm
probable with ordinary and everyday in
cidents. The seen and the unseen world
If indeed there be world unseen--are
mingled and almost confoundcd in it. so that
the action oil the story passes from one
world into the other and back again, as a
man walks out of one room into the next.
Mrs. Murray firmly believed in the truth
Of the narrative as she gave it to me.
have heard ii since more than once related
with variations, none Of them affecting.
however, the substantial framework of the
tale, by persons oil character and consid-
GRAFTON in England. whose belief in it was
as positive rs hers. Thomas Ileaphey
himself was not only man OF genius, but
man of character. The material evil
dences OF the extraordinary experiences
which had occurred to him. still, think,
exist. In short, it is most unaccounta-
BILE business from the beginning to the end
and am very glad to have an opportuni-
ty now of putting on record my own rec
objections of it. that | may compare them
with Mr.. Dickens's version when receive
it,
Near the end of long summer day,
towards the close of London season. Mr..
Heaphey was alone in his studio in Lon
don. This studio was situated. think.
somewhere in the neighborhood of Lang
ham place-but that is immeterial. 1t
was large apartment of two or three
places. in one of which number of por-
traits and pictures were hung upon the
walls, with the usual bric-a-bric of an ar
lists reeepton-room. This room was en-
tered directly from landing place at the
head Of a broad flight of stairs leading
down into the street and past a small por-
ter's room. for the studio was in public
building occupied by a number of persons
Coming into his reception-room from
smaller cabinet, in which he was putting
away some papers. Mr.. Heaphey was
startled TO see a lady quite unknown to
him. young, of good figure and carriage.
dressed quietly, in perfect taste and in the
fashion. who wan walking around the
room and inspecting the pictures. Mr..
Heaphev approached and saluted her, oh.
serving as he did so that while she was
unquestionable fine-looking, her counte-
nance was unusually pale and that her
eyes, which she fixed upon him as he
spoke to her bad a singular, and as he af-
forwards described it. almost 'uncinny'
expression. She made no explanation
whatever of her presence. but at once
asked him whether he could paint inn
mediately portrait of her for dear
friend to whom she wished to send as soon
as possible. Mr.. lIeaphey replied that he
would be happy TO do so if it were in his
power, but that he was on the point of
leaving London for round of visits i'm
the country; that he had many profession
al engagements which would proba-
bly, occupy him during the remainder of
the year. and that he could not at all
see his way clear to doing what
she was so good rs to ask him to do. The
lady treated these objections with polite
indifference and persisted. saving that it
would no. be necessary for Mr.. Hesphey
that she should sit to him. You will not
forget my face. she said, with singular
information. and If am not misintormed
as to your talents. You can make sketch
Of me this moment from which YOU could
paint such portrait as | wish Mr..
Heaphey thanked her for her good opinion
but again excused himself. Nothing
woald do, however. and the lady finally
carried her point SO far that Mr.. Heaphey
he could hardly say why. and certainly
against his own will and judgement--con-
sented to undertake the commission.
AZ 1t will be necessary for me- he said.
to find some time when can give YOU
your sittings. snd if YOU will oblige me
with your name and address | will see
what can do and VIII let YOU know
That is hardly necessary said the
lady. i will be here at any time you may
appoint"
'.Mr. Heaphey looked at her with aston
ishment and said:
a. But don't see how you can be here
unless let YOU know when that will be.