The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-02-10

But when. he got there he was fain to drink so much soda and brandy that he. too, like Laura, was put to bed.
 Thus. tor two or three days, the story Of the dreadful appArition at Membiing Hall never go, about
 When Laura got better she told the story, sitting up in bed, to her sisters she was girl Of fine imagination and ] an eye to dramatic situation. therefore 1 the story lost nothing in the telling; the sighs, the sobs, the cold breath, the fin- | gers at the throat the skeletons. the bells and the weird music, with the dread 1 vision of her great-grzndfather al the end were all duly narrated. The sisters told their father. The Squire enJoined se- crecy, but left corner open Tn the case of trusted friends: every one had a trusted friend. Therefore, before Jack returned, he was assailed on all sides by questions about the ghost of Membiing , Hall, and had to explain, although with fear of making himself ridiculous. that 1t was real, unmistakable ghost-a devil of ghost, accompanied by every kind of row and appearance calculated 10 1 shake 3 fellows nerves and make him ] feel uncomfortable. Jack was not man l of lively imagination, bu, the things he had seen were so extraordinary that he had only to tell them exactly as he had seen them. And 1t would be wonderful. had we the time, to relate the two forms which the story took when related by Laura the imaginative. and by Jack the l matter-of- fact
 1 Think, however, of the pride of the Meinblings at this proof incontrovertible of their family ghost. Where was there, anywhere in England, house with such ghost. so complete in all its parts, so provided with machinery, material gear. and supernatural assistants Was II no, great honor to them that their ghos. did not appear unattended, but was pro- vided with body-guard, or spiri;-ward. of three dancing skeletons? Was there any other ghost at whose bidding bells would ring and drums would beat? |, ] vas like q royal progIess. Josiah Memb- would have wished. like lord mayor on ! lord mayors day. Did ever-m man hear tell ot any other ghost who could con- mand, so 10 speak. private orchestra ot his own. 10 play music al ms coming!
 Il fearful loy io Laura and To the faithful iaeS. l. was dreadful experience to hase undergone; but. like d shlpwreek on a dcselS island. once woriled through. ii became d grand and splendid distinc- ton. Laura : sisters enYieo her :: i.a.fas brothers eavied her. The Squire m..s proud of her: the stoly nro4,h ht ihe greatest credit to tine family; Laura ha,s al Elizabeth, DHr fev'iaa f.4tn
 She became an extremely interesting person, and began 10 cultivate the sad ness which belongs, somehow, to all per sons privileged to hold communication with the outer world. She sat in shad- ewy corners, or in the dim freight with out lamp, in the long and dark room called the library, where she told her story with clasped hands, while the ligh; of the fire reddened her pale cheek ana showed up the luminous depths of her large soft eyes 1; her auditors gathered round her catching breathlessly d, her words, and looking over their shoulders on the chance of seeing the spectre be- hind them But he never came. My great-grandfather," said Laura, twill never, am persuaded, leave the room n which he has chosen to dwell. Let us have no fear. Indeed" she added, smil- ing sadly, why should we fear! He who restored the fortunes of the house, and is good enough to watch over i, after his passing away, can hardly be feared. He may hear, no doubt he does hear. all that Is said and done in the Hall, therefore let us always speak of him with the rev erence and awe which he deserves
 They came from all parts Of the coun- try 10 hear the story. Laura was obliged to beat home every afternoon lack was not allowed to leave her char. Tn or ! der to be ready 10 eorroooIate any statement. lie shcne as the lesser light, not being permitted 10 Tell the story himself because he WAS not good vafonteXr, and because certain sterility oi imagination forbade those developments oi facts which are necessary in a perfect ghost story. But he could put in word by way of proof, and was immensely useful as the witness. A ghost. like miracle, requires the testimony of two or more credible persons
 ''l shall never.' said Laura, again bear to hear the least frivolous or scoffing aiiusion to the appearance of spirits. The subject will always be associated in my mind with manifestation which was truly awful"
 ''Awfully awful" said Jack, behind her chair
 ~I cannot understand, now, how lived through N Indeed, l must have died with terror, had 1t not been for the inyin- eible fortitude of lack, who, will say in his presence, behaved with greatest eour- age and reverence throughout. What reassured me hrst, and convinced me that no harm was intended. was the ce- lestial music which preceded the most awe-:aspirlng sight, the last scene of all.' What was 1t like, the music?r whis- pered young lady.
 Like waltz tune," said lack.
 Not the least like a waltr tune" said Laura. You might as well call recita- ! tive from Handel a waltz s,rne he,,eY ;r