Iuka reporter., 1891-12-24

''TM GOING TO CHUCK HER DOWN.
During our drive to Gaulby hazarded
few remarks, with a view to ascertain
ing what sort ofa 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 looking cold and uninviting,
while the grounds were certainly very
much neglected. Something seemed
wrong all round, and began to feel al.
| most sorry ! had come. We overlook
Mrs. Hallston at the hall door, Just re-
turned from walk. She was as gracious
and as pleasant as she had ever been to
me, but fancied that could detect in
her manner and appearance something
of the Ill being which seemed to exist
around her.
Veal three entered together, and the
moment we passed through the door
felt convinced that my expectations of a
jolly Christmas party wexe doomed to Dis
appointment. There were no decorations.
about, only one doleful looking servant
and apparently nothing stirring. / felt
sure something was wrong, but at any
rate I consoled 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 I followed the
doleful looking servant upstairs, along
wide corridors, across passages, upstairs
again, and then down q long corridor.
until at last we reached my room ii the
west wing.
NY eurmises were correct. When
descended, after prolonged and careful
toilette, my host was lonnging about in
a shooting jacket and be and his wife
were the only occupants of the room.
was the only guest.
"Tve something very serious to say to
you, Neillson," he said slowly (Neillson
is my name. "I'm going to make
conidant Of you, if may, old man."
Ibowed my head and listened.
"You haven't noticed anything par
ticular about my wife, I don't suppose,
have you2" he asked, with searching
glance.
- admfrted nad thought her strangely
silent, and apparently having some
anxiety weighing upon her mind.
He laughed, a short unpleasant laugh, |
and leaned over to me confidentially.
~ rely upon your discretion, YOU |
know, Neillson. l wouldn't have it
known for the world; but my wife is
mad"
"Madl II stared at him incredulously,
eyes, mad" he repeated impatienty.
'It was the sun in India last year that
did the mischief. She would expose
herself to it. The doctor whom have
consulted advised me to send her toa
private asylum, but haven't the heart
to do it. She's perfectly harmless, lou
know; but. of course, it's an awful tlial
to me-"
| stammered out an expression of sym-
pathy. To tell the truth,I scarcely kntw
what to say. was bewildered at ibis
painful explanation of the gloom which
reigned over the house. Presently Fed
closed his eyes and left me to digest t,s
strange and unweleome piece Of ns&s.
am naturally somewhat selfish, and le-
fore very long my sympathy was diveft3d ,
in some measure from my host to rlk-
self. 1t occurred to me thai it was II
NO means pleasant prospect to bda ,
guest in house the mistress Of With ,
was mad. 1t was not altogether kindbf
Fred to invite me, / thought, under be
circumstances, without some explah- ,
tion Of his wife's state. began to iel
quite ar injured man. I was quite ti1d
of my own company, and Fred was fht ,
asleep. So / opened the door softly IA / /
made my way down to the hall. AIIlf
passed an open door Mrs. Hallaton b
peared and beckoned me in. had 10 | !
alternative but to obey her invitation
Mr.. Neillson," she said, in an a.
tated tone, ssas you are going to sbp
here for q day or two, there is soe-
thing connected with this househkd ,
which you ought to know. Has Sy1,
husband told you anythingf' ~,
lbowed and told her gravely thd I ! :
knew all, and that she had my profouh-
est sympathy.
She sighed.
Perhaps you are surprised III / | !,
should ask whether Fred had told yoID
she said, turning q little away from 3.
ait seems strange, doesn't it, that he
should be mad and be conscious 81 Z | J
+ only comes on il fits, snd they're :
| terrible.
She shuddered, and %. 70 tail ba | !
truth, did /. Il
"snch phase Of madness il pfob y
not incurable,"I ventured to sui t .
timidly. Ia
slncurableI Of coursc It Il nof u Is
able, she answered, vehemently. "a x;
edged : little toward tho door. II
had no experience III talking With II
tlcs, and felt anything but comforik Il
~ my present position. Mn. Hall EI
~ bsginnlng II look very excited /,
dangerous, \. ||3|
sof course il you ~ friehtened, I I
! / - ene eald little cont9n1pt