Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1890-10-03

Ofolly was the beauty of our family,
and, therefore, of course, monopolized
the almost undivided attention of our
maid).
We spent pleasant enough evening.
Mary understood thoroughly how to keep
things going. and it was long after IL
o'clock when we ladies trooped upstairs
TO bed.
Mollie came into my room for a few
moments, and commented condescend-
lngly upon the fact that it was q nice
room. fancied she was rather annoyed
to find it much larger and more elabor-
ately furnished than her own. Molly
was capital girl in some ways, but just
a trifie spoilt in others, and she used 80
like to be thought very important
young lady. and to get the best of every
thing. Anyway, she did not stay long
with me that evening, but, after few re-
marks, she went yawning off to her own
room.
It was next door TO mine.
Once again found myself alone in the
haunted room. But this time was re-
solved not to think about it. I was
| nervous, and I knew that the more my
mind dwelt upon the matter, the more
nervous should become, and so hustled
theoretically about the room, heaped
Goals upon the fire, which had the season
had its due, ought to have been conspicu
Gus by its absence, and began to IN
dress.
had not mentioned anything about
it to Molly. Talking about it would only
have made it worse, and Molly would
probably only have laughed at me had I
done so, for since she was not going to
sleep in the haunted room herself, she
would certainly have been disposed to
treat the ghost question lightly.
A tap at my door, and Marsden, our
maid, entered the room. ~ shall not
want anything tonight, Marsden," ex-
claimed, upon seeing her.
eff you will excuse my doing so, /
wish to say few words to you'll lady,"
she replied, in rather nervous manner.
'There are some terrible tales going
down in the housekeepers room, my
lady, about this room," she said, in a
mysterious whisper.
"Thank you, Marsden. I know all
about it, though. Haunteda" I replied,
with would-be Indifference.
eyes, my lady, terribly haunted. I be-
lieve, and, not feeling quite happy about
your ladyship's sleeping here, I took the
liberty of looking about the room little
this evening.
"Thank you again, Marsden, for
thinking of me. Well, and what have
you discovered?" I returned lightly.
"This, my lady," she replied quietly,
drawing aside a curtain as she spoke, and
disclosing behind it a small paneled
door.
''ls it cupboard?" I inquired.
"NoAmy lady," she replied, opening
the door and revealing a small, narrow,
extremely steep, winding flight of stairs.
II don't know where it leads to-" she
continued solemnly, ''but I don't like
the looks of it."
AS a matter of fact, no more did 7.
'We will lock this door, Marsden," re-
turned with decision.
''There is neither key nor bolt, your
ladyship," she exclaimed protestingly.
And, seeing that she was right in this,
Twas forced 10 hide my fears: and, feign-
ing Indifference, to put an end to the
matter by dismissing her. But no sooner
had she left me than seized candle
stick and hurried into Molly's room. I
had given up all idea of sleeping alone in
the Warneford Abbey haunted room.
Molly already was sleeping soundly,
but without moments consideration I
woke her.
''What is it, dear2" she inquired
drowsily-
awake up, Molly, want to talk to
you," replied briskly, sitting down on
the foot of her bed. "Can I sleep in
here with you2"
''My dear Florence, just look at the
bed!" she exclaimed, sitting up as she
spoke, and bestowing an indignant glance
upon me.
at is certainly rather SMALL" replied
dolefully.
"Small! Indeed it is. I assure you
it is nearly half yard too short, and
as to turning over in it, it is sheer i'm
possibility" she returned testify.
sob, am so glad!' exclaimed, and
meant what said.
"GladS" she repeated
every glad; because I have huge
double bed in my room, and want you
to share it with me-"
"But, my dear, I am so sleepy, and
know you will talk all night"
''No, indeed will not, Molly,"<1 as
sured her. ''You must corne; really.
The room is haunted"