Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1891-12-25

During our drive to Gaulby L hazarded
few remarks, with a view to ascertain
ing what sort of party there was col
lected at the Hall, but got nothing de-
finite out of him. He was quite unlike
his old self, and came to the conclusion
that he must be ill. AS we drove up the
avenue leaned out the window to gaze
at the fine old mansion, and It struck me
at once as lookin8 cold and uninviting,
while the grounds were certainly very
much neglected. Something seemed
wrorg all round, and l began to feel al
most sorry had come. We overlook
Mrs. Hallston at the hall door, just re-
turned from a walk. She was as gracious
and as pleasant as she had ever been to
me, but fan rcied that | could detect in
her manner and appearance something
of the i'll being which seemed to exist
around her.
We all three entered together, and the
moment we passed through the door
felt convinced that my expectations of a
jolly Christmas party were doomed to dis
appointment. There we're no decorations
about, only one doleful looking servant
and apparently nothing stirring. l felt
sure something was wrong, but at any
rate consoed myself with the reflection
that had lost little by coming, as it had
been choice between here and the
hotel. But, all the same, did not feel
particularly cheerful as l followed the
doleful looking servant upstairs, along
wide corridors, across passages, upstairs
again, and then down long corridor,
until at last we reached my room in the
west wing.
My surmlses were correct. When
descended, after prolonged and careful
toilette, my host was lounging about in
shooting jacket aud he and his wife
were the only occupants of the room. I
was the only guest.
''I've something very serious to say to
you, Neillson," he said slowly (Neillson
is my name). ''Tm going to make
confidant of you, if may, old man."
Ibowed my head and listened.
"You haven't noticed anything par
ticular about my wife, l don't suppose,
have you9" he asked, with searching
glance.
Iadmitted had thought her strangely
silent, and apparently having some
anxiety weighing upon her mind.
He laughed, short unpleasant laugh,
and leaned over to me contdentially.
II rely upon your discretion, you
know, Neillson. l wouldn't have it
known for the world; but my wife is
mad"
"Mad!' l stared at him incredulously.
"Yes, mad" he repeated impatiently.
''It was the sun in India last year that
did the mischief. She would expose
herself to it. The doctor whom I have
consulted advised me to send her toa
private asylum, but haven't the heart
to do it. She's perfectly harmless, you
know; but, of course, it's an awful trial
to me-"
stammered out an expression of SYM
pathy. To tell the truth,I scarcely knew
what to say. was bewildered at this
painful explanation of the gloom which
reigned over the house. Presently Fred
closed his eyes and left me to digest this
strange and unweleome piece of news.
l am naturally somewhat selfish, and be-
fore very long my sympathy was diverted
iu some measure from my host to my
self. 1t occurred to me tina; it was by
no means pleasant prospect to be
guest in house the mistress OF which
was mad. 1t was not altogether kind of
Fred to invite me, thought, under the
circumstances, without some explana-
tion of his wife's state. 1 began to feel
quite ar injured man. l was quite tired
of my own company, and Fred was fast
asleep. So l opened the door softly and
made my way down to the hall. AS /
passed an open door Mrs. Hallaton ap-
peared and beckoned me in. / had no
alternative but to obey her invitation.
"Mr. Neilson," she said, in an agi-
tated tone, "as you are going to stop
here for day or two, there is some
thing cOnnected with this household