The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-06-11
AN OCCULT SCIENCE.
Story of the Most Eventful Year
Of My Life.

1t was dear old Aunt Judith who first
instigated me to attempt an account of one
year of my life, which, though it contained
more uncertainty, more thought and more
Unhappiness than any other, is neverthe-
less that for which 1 have always been
most thankful, and to which l am fondest
of looking back.
l was engaged to Ernest Crofts, and had
been so for six months. We were to be
married in the summer, by which time
Ernest assured my father that he would
have sufficient competency upon which to
marry. l then thought was very fond of
him; probably in a way was. l admired
hi n; he was better looking, and had a
more distinguished air than any one in the
village. Even young Walter Fardyce
who was articled to old Mr.. Welsh, fell
into the background on occasions when
Ernest came down for day or two; and
it was not without pride that noticed the
unmiStakable looks of admiration cast upon
him as he walked up the aisle of the church
on Sunday, and reflected that it was just
to see me that he had torn himself away
from the many attractions of London, and
come to spend his Sunday in quiet Stoke
bourne. Ernest was "in the city," He
had to sit in an Office a great part of the
y
very different from what it had been. He
was in much better position than form
-erly: held a responsible and trusted post,
and had the management of considerable
sums of money.
That was about all that knew of him.
My father had made all necessary inqui-
ries when we were first engaged, and my
duty was not so much to inquire how he
obtained his income, as to study the way
in which l was to manage it best
There was considerable excitement in the
village that winter. Old DR.. Williams had
died at Christmas, and everybody was
naturally much exercised about his success
sor. We had heard vague rumors concern
ing DIR. Browne, who, it was stated, had
made all necessary arrangements about the
purchase of the practice. It was quite GER
tain that a stranger had been down to see
old Mrs. Williams, and Walter Fardyce
had put on a very knowing and mysterious
look when questioned about him. From all
accounts DR.. Browne was a wonderful
man; had been abroad a great deal. Some
said in India, others were sure it was Cali
fornia, and deaf old Miss Sedgewick, who
somehow or other always managed to hear
most things, assured me it was Egypt
Walter Fardyce committed himself to the
statement that he was leaving good prac-
tice in London, in order to obtain greater
leisure for his scientific studies than was
possible in the metropolis. l Won
.dered at this, for, from all l had
heard from Ernest, it seemed to
TO me that no place could be so desirable
for residence as London. In comparison
with it Stokebourne was mere desert.
remember well the first time spoke to
DIR. Browne. There was a party at the
Welshes', and Earnest was present. He
had certainly made a great favor of it,
fo- he hated these ''rustic festivities" as
he was pleased to call them, but supposed
it would be as well to accept sometimes.
Besides, had begged him TO come.
i suppose the Stokebourne parties were
Very dull; Ernest said so; but had never
been to any others, and felt that was no
competent judge. There was a bagatelle
board in the hall at Mr.. WelSh's. and some
OF the younger guests generally amused
themselves there. Ernest despised it, but
that was no wonder, for in London he was
in the habit of playing billiards. In the
dTawingroom four of the elders PLAYED
whist. and a round game of cards was
organized at the large table. In addition
II this there was piano in the room, and
one after another, everybody with the
least pretensions to musical ability, was
called upon to do bis or her little utmost
for the entertainment of the assembly.
never quite saw why, for nobody listened,
and with the exception of the whist
players, who undoubtedly hated the music,
everybody talked.
DR.. Browne arrive late. He had been
called out to a patient and detained longer
then he had expected to be, and there was
quite = flutter when he made his appear
-ance. bad just been singing, with Ernest
to turn over for me, and we were standing
in the hall watching the balls running
round the end of the board, instead of GO
ing into the nine hole as the player wished.
The doctor was not handsome, certainly.
j glanced at Ernest as l made this mental
comment, and the sight of his features
strengthened my opinion. But handsome
sor not. felt sure that not even my lover
could have been more self-possessed on en-
tering the room, or made his apologies to
Mrs. Welsh in better turned sentences.
The game of bagatelle came to an end.
DIR. Browne expressed his willingness to do
ANYTHING that was desired of him, and
soon found that was to play on one side
with Ernest, against Annie Welsh and the
newcomer. Was he young or old? That
was question difficult to decide. ! had