The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-03-10
MYSTERIOUS COURTING.
A Man Falls in Love With
WOmans Voice.

Italy, l iOohcu dbOut lliC loI " uNcilluSS
to be had upon reasonable terms. I
found what / wanted in the outskirts of
the ancient city of Lucca, one of the
loveliest spots in the peninsula. The
house was quite new, and in every way
desirable, while the rent asked for it was
absurdly low. | questioned the agent
in regard to this circumstance. HAY
ing my money safe, he could afford to
be truthful.
'.There is nothing against the house
ITSELF" he said, 'but the grounds have
the reputation of being haunted.
Strange sounds are said to be heard
near that ledge of rock in the park yon-
der. We Italians are superstitious,
signor,n he added, with bow, "but I
presume to an American ghost is no
objection.
$50 little" replied, laughing, ''that
am obliged to you for the opportunity
of making the acquaintance of this
one.n
Such superstitions are common in
Italy, and the agents story made very
little impression upon me. During a
tour of inspection around the premises l
came upon the rock in question. 1t
consisted of two walls of granite, per-
haps twenty feet in height, meeting at
an oblique angle, covered over their
greater extent with vines. 1t struck
me as an exceedingly beautiful nook,
and appropriate for my hours of out
door lounging.
On the following morning, provided
with book and cigar, went thither,
and disposed myself comfortably in the
shade of an olive. / had become alb
sorbed in the volume, when | was
startled by the sound of voice near me.
1t was apparently that of woman,
wonderfully. soft and sweet, and was
singing one of the ballads of the coun-
try. I could distinguish the words as
perfectly as if spoken at arms length
from mo. I started up in amazement.
had no visitors and my only servant
was an old man. Nevertheless, l made
a thorough exploration Of the neighbor
hood, and satisfied myself that there
was no one in the grounds. The only
public road was half a mile distant.
The nearest dwelling was directly OPP
posite, across level plain-in sight,
but far out of ear-shot. In word, I
could make nothing of it.
l observed that when left my original
position under the olive the voice be-
came instantly silent. 1t was only with
in the circumference of a circle of about
two yards in diameter that it was audible
at all. 1t appeared to proceed from the
angle between the two walls of rock.
The mlnutest examination failed to re-
veal anything but the bare rock. Yet it
was out of this bare rock that the voice
issued.
| returned to my former station in
downright bewilderment. The agents
story occurred to NE, but even now [
attached no weight to it. lam practi-
cal man, and was firmly convinced that
there must be some rational explanation
of the mystery, if could but discover
it. The voice was certainly that of a
young girl. But where was she? Was
the old fable of the wood nymph a truth
after all? Had discovered a dryad em-
bosomed III the rock? smiled scornful-
ly even rs these fancies ran through my
head For more than half an hour the
singing continued. Then it ceased and,
though l waited patiently for its re-
newal, heard no more of it that day.
When returned to the house made no
mention of the matter, resolving to keep
it to myself until | had solved the mys-
kry.
The next morning at an early hour !
returned to the spot. After tedious
interval the singing began. 1t went
softly and dreamily through one verse
ola song and ceased. Presently heard
deep sigh and then in slow, thought
full tone the voice said:
"Oh. how lonesome it is. Am I to
pass my whole life alone in this dreary
place."
There was no answer; evidently the
person was merely soliloquizing. Coult
she hear me if spoke, as / heard her
supposing her to be q living being al
all. determined to hazard the expert
ment.
who is it that is speaking?" Iasked
For some moments there was no reply
then in a low, frightened whisper. the
voice said:
What was itp I heard voice.
''Yes, answered. "You heard mine
Ispoke to you.
''Who are your asked the voice
TREMENDOUSLY; "are you spirit?"
II am a living man." l returned
Can you not see me?"
No. answered the voice. Il car
only hear you. Oh, where are YOU
Pray do not frighten me. Come out 0
your concealment and let me see you.
Indeed, | don't wish to alarm you,
] replied. Il am not hidden. | an
standing directly in front of the spo
whence your voice seems to come. y
You are invisible" was the trem
bling answer. ..Your voice comes to hi
out of the air. You must be spirit
What have done to deserve thisP"
Have no fear of me, entreat you.
! said earnestly. ut is as much a mys
terry to ME as it is to you. | hear YOU
speak, but you are likewise invisible.
care you real living being?' asked
the voice, doubtfully. Then why do
not see youp Come to me- I will 81
here I will not fiyn