The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-09-13

Brewer, the man-Of-all-wDrk. was di-
rected to see prepared.
Brewer, who had caught the last of
the protests of the guest, thought it
somewhat odd that visitor who came
with no intention Of staying should
bring large Gladstone bag with him.
But surprises were common in that
house. and he held his tongue.
Several times during the evening the
hostess casually introduced the name
of the late curate, and she recalled af-
forwards that her visitor invariably po-
litely averted any further remarks on
that subject.
The evening passed very agreeably,
the advent of the entertaining stranger
proving a pleasant break in the mo-
notony that had pervaded Somerscourt
since Mr.. Hartley's death, and the old
lady lay awake some time evolving
schemes for proonging the stay of her
visitor.
At brea, fast next morning, Mr..
Barstead appeared singular)y dull and
distract. He repudiated the notion of
indisposition kindly suggested by his
hostess, but on her pressing the point
he admitted not feeling altogether as
he should like.
The fact is" said he, half apollo
getically, Il had rather bad night "
Miss Anncrsleigh looked up over her
spectacles, and calculated an interrog-
ative, "Indeedo"
Yes, he continued, diffiidently 81
had a very remarkable dream or vision.
In fact, it was SO vivid that | can hardly
believe it was dream"
''lou don't say SO" remarked Miss
Annersleigh, with painful earnestness.
"What was it ~
''Well, if | were a believer in the SUI
pernatural, should say most emphat-
ically that tall, dark man, in the dress
of clergyman, stood by the side of
my bed, and beckoned me to follow
him."
Miss Anncrsleigh stared with aston
ishmcnt.
"a clergyman, did you sayo" she
gasped.
"Yes; most decidedly. He was
rather pale, and, | should think, about
IS years of age, He carried in his
hand-why, bless me, yes, it was that
very book - exclaimed Mr.. Barstead,
indicating a vellum- bound cash book
upon IN adjacent table, which was the
book in which the departed curate used
to keep a record of Miss Anncrslcigh's
financial dealings with her multiiarious
charities.
Now, like most persons sufficiently
strong-minded to be eccentric, Miss
Annerslcigh was, when she pleased,
very shrcwd and calculating. and though
rot indisposed to subscribe to the the
orlCs of the ghost-secrs, she was not so
Creduous as to be blind TO the chances
of deception. a moments reflection
suggested the hypothesis that Mr.. Bar
stead had been told by the servants
that a man had died in his room, and
that the vision was the effect of morbid
cogitltions or even nervousness.
Have any of the servants told you
what has occurred in this house," she
asked
Told me what has occurred . You
surely don't mean to say that the house
has the reputation of being haunted ?"
''Certainly not, that | am aware of );
but there has been a death here" she
added, slowly.
Then please don't tell me any
more" quickly interrupted Mr.. Bar
stead. Il had assumed as much, but
| assure YOU | had no knowledge of
the fact. But since you have told me
this, my curiosity has been aroused,
and, while dsclaiming any belief any in
the supernatural, | am anxious to be
afforded an opportunity of investigat-
ing any alleged phenomena. l must
confess that my dream has made avery
great impression upon me, as you have,
doubtless, observed. May | ask if the
description | gave you bears any re-
semblance to that of the person you
say died here?"
1T is exact" said Miss Annersleigh,
in an awesome whisper. "And that in
cident of the book is marvellous. He
had it SO much in his possession"
Mr.. Barstead appeared thunder
struck, and unused a minute before
again speaking. This is most re-
markable," said he. Il have been fire.
quently told that | am a medium"
"a medium ~ exclaimed Miss An
nersleigh, excitedly, the revelations
having made a deeper impression upon
her ;han she cared to own.
Yes a medium, and, as such, l
should have the faculty of seeing
ghosts when they are to be seen. Now
| should very much like to occupy that
room again, to see if any further man
ifestations occur"
Miss Annersleigh entered 4 mild pro-
! test on the score of the alarm such
course might occasion her visitor, but
he assured her most emphatically that
his nerves were equal to the strain.
| After short conversation, therefore.
in which the curiosity and interest of
Miss Annersleigh asserted themselves
more than she was aware. Mr.. Bar
stead's proposal was agreed to, he en-