The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-04-05

to smoke, so | brought Toms cigar
case which fell out of his pocket on the
sofa.n
"A mere excuse, Tom" whispered
Spencer
Miss Durant turned to 90, but Spen-
Ger detained her by saying;
1--WE were talking of you, Miss Du-
rant, just as you came
''Indeed?h
yes" said her lover; Jack has
been letting me into a few Of the secrets
of his profession. 1t seems he's a great
mesmerisi, and was saying that you
were capital subject"
Am /? I've never been mesmerized
in my life What is it like?"
1.-The simplest thing in the world,
said Spencer 'You only drop off into
Il kind of dream"
''And then the me5merist makes you
do what he likes" added Tom.
elbow curious! | should like to try
it," said Amy.
"Ill mesmerize you with pleasure if
you like" said Spencer.
"You will be bound to answer all his
questions truthfully,' said Tom, warn
ingly.
Amy looked up rather annoyed.
Zone vsuld imagine you were of
opinion that truthfulness was not one of
my usual characteristics, she said.
Ell not afraid of the test
"Shall go onP" whispered Spencer
to Tom.
Yes" said Tom, desperately, ''ire
away"
Amy was quite ready. Following
Spencer's directions, she seated herself
in chair and fixed her eyes steadily on
a small disk which he placed on the
wall.
you'll be sure and wake me after
ward?" she said.
80, yes; that's a matter of no diff
Guilty"
Amy settled down to the operation
with the remark that it was like being
photographed.
Wilkinson stood behind her, anXiously
watching the progress of the expert
ment, while Spencer began making
slow passes.
when you feel drowsy let your eyes
close" he said quietly.
In a very short time Amy seemed to
be feeling the influence of the operator,
her eyes closed, and she appeared to be
fast asleep.
sis she OFF" whispered Tom.
81 think 50, but we will leave her a
few moments and make quite sure.
Can she hear what we say?'
go, no."
''I'm half ashamed about it." said
Tom; upon my word don't think she
really cares about Bartlett -"
''Wait few minutes and you will
know for certain.
After few moments more and
powerful pass or two, Spencer gently
opened her eyes, which were quite
fixed.
There she is, you see" he said to
Tom.
care you certain she's off?''
For reply Spencer gave her ear
pinch,
"You see she is absolutely uncon-
scious, he said ''you might cut Oft
her arm and she would not feel it.
What shall ask her 90
''Ask her about the ball" suggested
Tom.
Every we'll; I'll make her believe she
is at the Kestertons' dance. Miss Du-
rant -
Eyes" replied Amy, dreamily.
Can you hear what | say?"
eyes"
'Do you know who | am ?"
"No."
"You ought to know nv voice, " said
Spencer. I'm Tom Wilkinson"
Il say, Jack" interrupted Tom.
"Shut up! Have YOU enjoyed the
evening ?"
every much" was the eager reply.
"Haye you danced with Mr.. Bartlett
tonight ?n
Eyes, several times, and I'm engaged
to him for another waltz"
''Ah, | see him coming" said Spen-
Ger; 81 must resign you, [ suppose.
Now he whispered to Tom, '.quick,
here's your chance; I'll make her be-
Geve you're Bartlett"
Tom came forward.
"Can | speak in my natural voice?n
he asked
Yes; but try and talk intelligently.
like Bartlett"
But Tom could only make few
vapid observations, till Spencer told
him to begin dancing, as he was max
ing Amy believe the waltz had be-
gun. Tom put his arm round her waist
and slowly moved her round the room.
81 haven't often had this pleasure to-
night" he said, speaking in his char
acter of Bartlett.
go, how can you say so, Mr.. Bart
lett this is the third waltz you've
had"
Tom looked daggers at Spencer,
who encouraged him by a look to 90
on.
''Aren't you afraid Mr.. Wilkinson
will be jealous ?'
80, let him be if he likes" said
Amy; don't let us talk about him; let's
talk about something pleasant.
"You dare To- burst out Tom;
but Spencer put his hand over his mouth
and dragged him away.
''1ou had better leave it to me, if
you can't control yourself" he said.
81 must make her believe that am
Bartlett"
you had better take care what you
are doing" muttered Tom angrily.
eve must carry it through, now
we've started" said Spencer.
He led Amy to her chair, and willing
that she should believe the dance ended,