Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-06-17
Gales aud Skftthts.
BURIED ALIVE.

wv elcOme nome, ALL ml DOy
Nv brother grasped my hand as he said
these words and did not release it until he
had led me up the time honored steps OF
our ancestral home and begun to assist me
to uniaster my coat.
sAnd how are you my lad ~ he contln-
ned, without giving me time to reply TO
his hearty reception. ''Why. you look as
brown as berry and certainly none the
worse for your Is years nabobism."
| had Just returned to England after hav-
ing endured the trying climate OF India Tor
Is years, and had FASTENED at once to the
old mansion where had been born. and
which was, at the time of my story. in the
possession of my eldest brother Stephen.
Our family bear the honored name of
Stanley. and are younger branch OF the
noble house Of that name. They had been
settled for many centuries in wild part
of the northwest riding of Yorkshire, upon
an estate that was very beautiful from an
artistic point of view, but very poor from
a pecuniary aspect; and consequently
many generations OF younger sons had
been forced to push their way in the world
as had My halt-brother Stephen was
II years older than was. and had always
regarded me with an affection more father
ly than brotherly, delighting in giving me
pet names; and even when years OF for
eign travel had tanned my originally fair
complexion and silvered my hair, l was
amused by the way in which, upon our
first meeting after many years, he ignored
the present and kept up the old manners
and savings which had characterized him
when was boy at Stanley house.
A substantial repast was provided for
me in the old dining room, and after had
done Justice to it. and the gray-headed
butler (who had officiated in my fathers
time) had brought in the wine, Stephen
and | were soon deep in conversation on
topics peculiarly interesting to me.
$50 you think the old place is changed?''
he said musingly. in reply to a remark
that had fallen from me. "I've not notic-
ed il but it may be, it may be-"
Indeed it is. Stephen said. land |
think you are allowing the best part of the
house to fall into decay. Now, in my
fathers day the west wing"-
Hush ~ he cried, interrupting me
with startled look in his eyes. Don't
mention that, for heavens sake ! She
loved those rooms"
In moment had grasped his hand.
Forgive me, Stephen'' l exclaimed
as the terrible past flashed across my
mind. and saw had opened an old
wound.
There is nothing to forgive, Alf. my
boy" he said. looking into the bright fire
with an anxious, troubled look. "You
could not know of all the horror of that
terrible time"
Indeed could not; for was but boy
when | went to India. Nevertheless,
had heard sufficient while there of my
brothers marriage to convince me of the
pain which any allusion to it would give
him. had heard how he had married
beautiful girl. and how fondly he had
loved her. and how, after three months of
married life, she had deserted him. With
whom or whittier she had gone no one
knew and her name had become almost
forgotten sound at Stanley house.
changed the subject of conversation,
and tried to make him forget the unpleas
ant recollections which my words had
raised, by relating some of the most anus
ing adventures that had befallen me whilst
abroad; but. though he listened with in
terest, and seemed to try to shake off the
gloom that had settled upon his mind, he
never quite regained his wonted cheerful
uCSS itIC tCuioiEuCk VI tiiC CNCuIips
and retired early to rest, excusing himself
by saying it was his custom.
Among the evils of civilization which
my somewhat stormy passage through
life had taught me, that of late hours was
by no means the smallest; and knowing
that it would be useless for me to turn iu-
to bed before midnight, put on my hat.
lit another cigar. and strolled into the
grounds to get a breath of fresh air.
1t was fine summer night. The moon
was shining brightly from clear starlit
sky. | knew every foot of the ground
and visited many of my favorlte haunts.
and it must have been after IL O'Clock
before l began to think of returning.
My cigar had gone out when | reached
the bottom of the long avenue of tall trees,
and beginning to feel chilly I walked
somewhat quickly towards the house.
crunching the gravel beneath my feet as
went. As drew near the front door my at
tention was attracted by the sudden appear.
ance of a man bearing lantern. who had
evidently heard my footsteps for he stopped
and awaited my approach. At first
thoughthe was one of the servants. but upon
drawing nearer. was surprised to find it
was my brother. hastened to speak to him
when TO my great astonishment. after
glancing at me eagerly, he turned away
without any sign of recognition and hur-
ried rapidly in the direction of the desert
ed west wing. NV first intention was to
call out after him. but upon second thought
decided not to do so, for I was persuaded
that he had seen and recognized me and
that perhaps my company might not be
desired. so entered the house and was
in bed and asleep.
| The next morning when came down
stairs found Stephen already in the break
fast room awaiting me. He was standing
with his back to the fire.
GOOD morning. Alf,'' he said smiling
| in his cheerful manner. You are an ex-
ception to most lovers of late hours,
see.''
Yes" I replied; II sleep soundly,
and therefore rise early"
You will find the nights long and dull
here. I'm afraid. after the excitement to
which you've been accustomed"
'Oh, no. not at ALL" I said. There
are so many old associations about Stan
q