St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-01-01
A. CHAMBER OF HORROR.
From Belgravia.

allow IL 10 Do lllduG uSe VI.
Probably these were the primary rea--
sons for its long-cOntinued unoccupied
but as the years had rolled
touched, INTENDED, save by the hand of
time; as thick, dusty ivy had struggled
around the windows, and sun and rain
cOnSpired to fade and deface the paint;
as grass and dandelion, nettles and
grOundsel, had wrested the soil from
dying flowers; as rust had eaten into
the old iron gates, aid moss and weeds
overrun the fOotpaths; they had pre-
scented too unattractive a picture to
tempt even such persons as could have
with reputable set OF neigh
bors, and The emptiness OF Rivers
Lodge had come to be matter of course
to the inhabitants of Slicorum Lane.
Great, therefore, was their surprise
when it became rumored among them
the house at last was taken.
But taken by whom?
Nobody knew; and after While-the
weeks passing on with nothing more
enlivening than the sight of few hand
carts, containing provisions and furni-
ture, stopping to disgorge their contents
for reception by a small white-haired
old gentleman, and-later on-of an I'M
kempt looking woman cleaning one OF
the windows, while all around remained
in unchanged dreariness and neglect
nobody cared.
Meanwhile, the new tenant had en-
tered into possession, bringing with him
but one servant. a feeble Wrinkled old
woman afflicted with dumbness, aud
over whose person dirt reigned SUI
preme.
"You quite understand me?" he rap
idly questioned his unpreposse do
nestle, the evening of his arrival. "YOu
are to hold no communication whatever
with any one; are not to go beyond the
limits of these grounds; and must obey
impIicitly-tO the exact ietter-the few
orders I shall give you. In return,
provide you with clothing, food and
Shelter; and you may have for the ask
ing anything | consider reasonable.
Your only work is to keep clean the
one room you will discover furnished,
and to attend to your own wants."
I The old woman cOurtesied, then set
her filthy, claw-like fingers IN motion.
s'Cooking? I shall want no cooking?"
replied the gentleman, with something
of a shudder of disgust. And as for
food, and other neceSSarieS for yourself,
they, shall be sent here through my
yOIUoIluR. l. SudlI SlNC yOu HO iuOilCy, ,
for it might prove temptation to your
,endeavering to break some of my
rules. -,...
s'One thing more. I insist-above all
that no person shall be admitted to
the house-during my absence or pres
ence-unless by my express permission.
You may consider this latter injunction
unnecessary, as lock the garden gates
each time upon leaving, but l wish
to use every precautiOn against the
failure of my plans, to leave unsaid no
word that might influence yOu-if need
be-to like care"
The old woman again cOurtesied, fur
lively eying her master.
eff you please, sir, what name must
give if any one inquires?" she asked.
s'No one will inquire" was the sharp
reply. "And if any one calls, you need
not 60 to the gate-yOu must not. But
my name is Chadd. Remember now
let me impress it upon you-tne house
doors-both back and front-must be
kept securely fastened from within, ]
having key to enter as choose. Oh
course, l know you agreed to all this be-
fore; merely repeat it to be certain OF
no misconception.
tMy comings and goings will proba-
Dly Uo very uIOS uldI OuU LII IOOlH uluo
always be ready for me-warmed by the
hot water pipes, and the gas lit. Shall
not remain here tonight. That is all,
think. Good night"
There's something uncanny about
him." thought the old woman, as from
one of the windows she watched hel
master lock the tall iron gates, after
wards place the key in his pocket. 81
was sure on it, when heard his strange
talk the day he engaged me. Maybe
he's gentleman burglar like as Eve
been told on, ans going to bring hi
swag here. Well, so long as l does hi
bidding an doesn't peach on him he'll
let me alone, reckon; and poor OLE
body, who's afraid of the workhouse
and whose friends is ungrateful, mus
take what she can get"
With which conclusion she turned
with some curiosity, to climb the stair
and inspect Mr.. Chadd's apartment.
She found it to be large chamber
covering nearly, half the area of tn
house, and very richly furnished. I
splendid Persian carpet lay upon tn
floor. The walls were hung with sof
velvet draperies entirely cOncealing tn
three windows, and chairs-of whicl
there were few-the table, and Low
velOped in the same claret-cOlored ma
terial. The whole style of the uphol
stery was luxurious, sensuOus, etfem
| mate; and the rays of light streaming
| through crimson globes heightened thi
| effect, deepening the shadows by accent
/ hating the tones.
@GbOd graciousr' unused Mrs. Searle
| lingering a portion of velvet. Its
| room fit for a prince. What ever tina
Shabby, dried-up little stick of ma
| can want with all these cushions. an
lounging chairs, and velvets, l can
| imagine.
eAnd he said he should come her
mostly of night, yet there amt no be
for him as l sees on. Something
wrong. Something's wrong, or IN
name amt Philippa Searle.
T" 'tAnd Pm never to move them cul
taiIS from across them there windows
lAh!9I see. They are sewn together
| And there's another over the door-t
keep folks from spying through tn
keyhble, l suppose.
- ''Well, Mr.. Chadd, must say, sir, 20
| have taken great pains to keep what
go on in here from prying eyes. An
I've always to have that gas lit-da
and night-why it's regular big one
like it was in music hall, instead of
shady old cove's best parlor," with
grim smile. "Well, must be caution
and-as he says-keep myself from id
curiosity. But-all the same-thOugh
am dumb, l am not deaf, nor blind, an
/ shall look out, Mr.. Chadd. Yes;
shall look out"
| Several days went by, the old woma
remaining solitary in the dingy hOu.
with it's two habitable rooms. Few WEI
the attempts made to break in upon b,
privacy. An enterprising vender
patent marking ink, a couple of sire
hawkers and newspaper girl shoe
and hammered the gates, seeking a
mission; but as no result-not even Il
appearance of face at Window
warded their efforts, they speedily
| sisted. The occupants of the neighbo
| ing houses were too much absorbed