The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-27
THE GHOSTS TOUCH.
A STORY BY WILKIE COLLINS.
FINCH OTHER PoPUAR
PART L.-CHAPrER I


The course Of this narrative leads the reader
on new and strange ground. 1t describes the
return of disembodied spirit to earth-not
occurring in the obscurty of midnight but in
the searching light of day; neither seen as a
vision nor heard as voice-revealing itself to
mortal knowledge through the sense which Is
least easily self-deceived-the sense that feels
The record Of this event will OF necessity pro-
duce conflicting impressions. It will raise in
some minds the doubt which reason asserts; it
will invgorate in other minds the hope which
faith justifes and it will leave the terrible ques-
ton of the destinies of man where centuries OF
vain investigation have left tin the dark.
Having undertaken in the present narrative to
lead the way along succession of events the
writer attempts no more. 1t is no part Of his
duty to follow modern examples by thrusting
himself and his opinions on the public view. He
returns to the shadow from which he has
emerged, and leaves the opposing forces of in
eredulity and belief to fight the old battle over
again on the old ground.
The events happened soon after the first thity
years of the presen, century had come to an end.
April, a gentleman of middle age manned
Rayburn) took his little daughter Lucy out
for a walk, in the woodland pleasure ground
of western London, called Kensington Gardens.
The few friends whom he possessed reported
OF Mr.. Rayburn mot unkindly) that he was a
reserved and solitary man. He might have
been more accurately described a widower
devoted to his only surviving child Although
he was not more than forty years of age. the one
pleasure which made life enjoyable to Lucys
father was offered by Lucy herself.
Playing with her ball, the child ran on to the
southern limit of the Gardens at that part Of it
which still remains nearest to the old Palace of
Kensington. Observing close at hand one of
those spacious covered seats, called in England
alcoves, Mr.. Ray burn was reminded that he had
the mornings newspaper in his pocket, and that
be might do well to rest and read. At that early
hour the place was solitude. $50 on playing
my DEAR" ne said; 'but take care to keep where
can see YOU"
Lucy tossed up her ball; and Lucy's father
opened his newspaper. He had not been read
ing for more than ten minutes when he felt a
familiar little hand laid on his knee. Tired of
playing2" he inquired-with his eyes still on the
newspaper.
I'm frightened, papa"
He looked up directly. The childs pale face
startled him. He took her on his knee and
kissed her. You oughtn't to be frightened.
Lucy when I am with you," he said gently.
what is it," He looked out of the alcove as he
spoke, and saw little dog among the trees rs
it the dog2" he asked
Lucy answered: Its not the dog-it's the
lady"
The lady was not visible from the alcove.
HAS she said anything to youl" Mr. Rayburn
inquired.
s'Non
'sWhat has she done to frighten you?"
The child put her arms around her fathers
neck. whisper, papa" she said; Pm afraid Of
her hearing u.s. l think she's mad"
"Why do you think so. Lucya"
''She came near to me. I thought she was
going to say something. She seemed to be i'll +"
''Well9 And what then?"
''She looked at me-"
There Lucy found herself at loss how to
express what she had to say next-and took
refuge in silence.
Nothing very wonderful, so far" her father
suggested.
.'Yes, papa-but she didn't seem to see me
when she looked"
"Well, and what happened theng"
1.-THE lady was frightened-and that fright
ened me. think" the child repeated, positively,
''she's mad
might be blind. He rose at once to set the
doubt at rest. wait here" he said, land I'll
come back to you"
But Lucy chung to him with both hands; Lucy
declared that she afraid to be by herself.
They left the alcove together.
The new point of view at once revealed the
stranger, leaning against the trunk of tree.
She was dressed in the deep mourning of a
widow. The palor of her face the CLASSY stare
in her eyes more than accounted for the child's
terror-it excused the alarming conclusion at
which she arrived. go nearer to her." Lucy
whispered They advanced few steps. 1t was
now easy to see that the lady was young, and
wasted by illness-but ARRIVING at doubtful
conclusion, perhaps, under present circum-
stances) apparently possessed of rare personal
attractions happier days AS the father and
daughter advanced little, she discovered them.
After some hesitation she left the tree, ap-
preached with an evident intention of speaking
to them, and suddenly paused. A change to
establishment and fear animated her vacant
eyes If it had not been plain before, it was
now beyond all doubt that she was not poor,
blind creature, deserted and helpless. At the
same time, the expression of her face was not
easy to understand. She could hardly have
looked more amazed and bewildered if the two
strangers who were observing her had suddenly
vanished from the place in which they stood.
Mr.. Rayburn spoke to her with the utmost
kindness of voice and manner
II am afraid you are not well" he said 'Ie
there anything that can do"
The next words were suspended on his lips II
was impossible to realize such a state of things;