The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-09-08

Fanny offered no opposition to the plan
but consented to remain at home with their
little daughter, Muriel.
The journey was performed in safety
the object of Mansells visit to India was
accomplished, and he was about to start on
his homeward voyage, when he fell in with
an old friend who was on his way to join a
brother then engaged in making explora-
tions in the Himalayas. Mansell's love OF
mountain climbing returned so strongly on
receiving this intelligence that he was easily
induced to form one of the party. The
brothers, wishing to attempt higher ascent
than any they had yet accomplished, were
glad enough to have the aid of an expert
enced Alpine climber.
The disastrous result of the expedition
was fearful blow to Fanny. She had a
few friends TO look to for help and comfort
Fortunately she was rich enough to con-
tinue to live in the red-brick house, and
the first shock over, she found some solace
in devoting herself to the care of her child.
A few months later an event came to
pass which brought fresh interests and oc-
equations into her life. Lord Undercroft
returned from long course of foreign
travel and took up his abode at Undercroft
Manor, fine old mansion standing in a
large park, the principal gates of which
were within stones throw of the red brick
house. He was not only polished man
of the world, but he was also something of
an artist and an amateur photographer
Moreover, he was rich, good looking, and
unmarried. Soon after his arrival at Un-
dercroft he learned the tragic story of
Mansell's death, and shared in the general
sympathy felt for Fanny in her sorrow.
One day he caught glimpse of the pretty
gables of the red-brick house, and, seized
with happy inspiration, requested that he
might be permitted to photograph the
house and grounds. Needless to say the
permission was at once accorded him.
In our sunless climate the accomplish
ment of this feat necessitated several visits.
Fanny felt bound to offer luncheon to the
enthusiastic photographer. He on his
part could do no less than show her the
pictures when they were finished and re-
quest that she and little Muriel would avail
themselves of the extensive grounds at
Undercroft whenever they were so disposed.
Thus an intimacy speedily sprang up be-
tween them. Fanny also invested in a
camera. A small clubhouse adjoining the
conservatory was turned into dark room,
and Lord Undercroft gave her lessons in
the art of photography,
Yet Fanny was never alone without her
past happiness rising again before her,
causing her to realize anew how great had
been her loss She recalled her husbands
bright, handsome face and tall, manly form
She loved to trace some resemblance to him
in the little Muriel. She constantly re-
gretted that she possessed no portrait of
him with which to refresh her memory
Never had she succeeded in prevailing
upon him to have his likeness taken. In
reply to her entreaties he would tell her
laughingly that he had once been photo
graphed when boy, but that the perform
ance was too similar to visit to the den
tist to be repeated. So even that small
consolation was denied to her.
One morning she and L,rd Undercroft
were seated in her pretty little drawing
room looking at some so-called spirit pho
tographs which he had brought for her in
spection. They had been sent to him by a
believer in Spiritualism who was eager for
his conversion.
"Who took them?" demanded Fanny,
with much curiosity.
tAn ardoDt cDirituol;cf xpho Hn1s rho
trade lucrative" replied Lord Undercroft.
ellis theory is that we are constantly sur
rounded by spirits, invisible to the naked
eye, yet sufficiently substantial to affect the
highly sensitized Photographic plate. The
photographer, presumably, is a medium,
whose influence brings the shadowy visitant
at the right moment. The bereaved sitter
then sees in the completed picture the
spirit whose presence he was unconscious
of when the likeness was being taken, and
even recognizes the face as that
of a deceased relation or friend
''You don't believe in them, do you?"
asked Fanny.
"No more than do in flying pigs" he
replied with light laugh. II dare say
they are easy enough to manufacture. We
will have a trial one day if you like. l have
often obtained very funny results by taking
two pictures, one over the other on the
same plate.
But you say that the sitters sometimes
the spirit as that of dead rela-
tive" said Fanny, taking up the photo
graph of sad-looking man seated in an
armchair, over the back of which leaned
white form. "One cannot see much of
this spirits face at any rate"
"No; suspect the sitter makes up his
mind that he is going to see the shade of
some particular defunct individual, and
then he recognizes the apparition, no
matter whether it is recognizable or not.
However it may be possible to produce
even the required resemblance in the spirit
by making use of a likeness of the deceased
person. | am not experienced enough to
judge. suppose you have not taken the
house for me yet? You would have light
enough this afternoon. But mind, this
attempt is to be made all by yourself"
81 must wait till you are gone, then, or
you will not be able to refrain from giving
me hints, " replied Fanny.
She was still young and pretty, and
mourning suited her well. Lord Under
croft had noticed this very often of late
"Poor old red brick house, she contin-
ued, with sigh. at is not such bright,
happy place as it used to be-"
ut is lonely for you" said Lord Under
croft, sympathetically.
He had risen to bid her farewell, and
had already taken her hand in his. ''There
is another house waiting to welcome you,'
he went on TREMENDOUSLY. eff only dared
''Oh, no" cried Fanny, in alarm. And
then there came great temptation. The
red-brick house had indeed been lonely;
Lord Undercroft's society had been very
pleasant If she refused him their ihtima-
cy must be interrupted She and MuEiel
could no longer wander at will in the lovely
grounds of Undercroft; there would be an
end to her photography lessons; the old
dreary existence must again be hers.
SIS that your answer" asked Lord I'm