The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-07-03
aYou ridiculous boy II she said; "peopl'

"You ridiculous boy ]" she said; "peopl
will think you are ashamed of me"
The only member of the family no
present was Frank. He had rejoined HI
regiment.
1t was over-breakfast, speeches am
all-and / was refreshing myself by
walk by the sea.
A total stranger came up and addressed
me, inquiring about that mornings wed
ding. He appeared to have been spec
tator in the church Among other things
he asked the brides name.
'sShe was Mrs Vernay," l replied.
"Ah," he said, II thought l knew hel
again" =,
"May ask you where you met her
ain Ceylon. She came out as bride
after three weeks" He paused, but
begged him to go on. :,
at is an unpleasant story" he said
'sHer husband was found strangled II
his bed. They said one of the Syces hac
done it, but some thought Mrs. Vernay
could have explained the matter"
| asked no further questions voice
seemed to whisper in my ear, "Lilith !
and the stranger went on his way.
But I forgot my forebodings as the DAYS
passed, bringing nothing but good news
from Kenneth and his wife as they trav,
eled in the lake district. We talked OF
them, of the weather they must be enjoy
ing, and specialized as to their future
home, as yet undetermined.
One night after my wife had gone to
bed l was lingering over the fire. Care,
iessly l raised my eyes toward mirror
hung over the mantelpiece, and then my
attention was rivetted by the reflection
that met my eye. 1t was no repetition of
the room was in, but faithful picture
of Kenneth's retreat at the chapel.
saw the door open and food of pale
moonlight stream into the room. | saw
Kenneth and his wife enter as from long
journey, and 1 noticed her passing round
the room looking at his treasures while he
lit lamp. She had something in her
hands cleaning against her dress, and l
noted how she stole behind him as he bent
over the light. Then cloud of vapor
arose from the lamp, and he turned to face
her, stern and unyielding. She threw
herself kneeling, praying at his feet, but
be never finched then she rose, changing
into tall, thin, pale figure, with death
like face and hollow, cleaning eyes, Still
he never faItered, and with a cry this being
rushed through the half-open door into the
moonlight. The vision haunted me, though
in every possible way l tried reasonably to
account for it,
The next morning left Torremouth by
the earliest train, stopped at the station
nearest Kenneth's retreat, and with some
little difficulty found my way to the chap
ell. All was lonely and deserted, yet |
seemed to note hanging round the room
faint traces of that smoke-like vapor.
| returned to Torremouth, telling myself
that it was but fancy, and that Kenneth,
with his wife, was in Westmoreland.
At home, to my surprise, found Frank
waiting to see me.
II have seen Kenneth were his first
words.
"Where?'' cried.
"He came to me last night; l have seen
her, too, lowering his voice. in her true
form. 1 know now all that he did for me.
See-he gave me this.
1t was moose made of thick coil of a
golden hair.
From that time to this 1 have never
again seen Kenneth Lambert, nor has any
one else.
Now, perhaps, you may call me silly
old fool for thinking anything supernatural
Law behind the circumstances. You may
call Kenneth mad, as many do, and find
excellent reasons to account for everything
else.
1 have told neither more nor less than l
saw. Put what Interpretation you please
upon it, l can offer none.
Was she Lilith?
I cannot tell. But she cast the, life Ono
matter bow it ended) of one of the noblest
men 1 ever knew. And Frank still suffers
from having once been beneath her in
huence.