The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1891-12-25
to see me, however. and greeted me

During our drive to Gaulby hazarded
q few remarks, with a view to ascertain.
ing what sort Of a party there was col.
lected at the Hall, but got nothing de.
Unite 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 g raxs
at the fine old mansion, and e struck me
at once as looking cold and uninvitiny,
while the grounds were certainly yery
much neglected. Something seemed
wrorg all round, and I began to feel al.
most sorry had come. We overtook
Mrs. Hallston at the hall door, lust re-
turned from walk. She was as gracious
ano as pleasant as she had ever bean 10
me- but farcied that could detect In
ner. ner.naaeasr-,ssa-=spzpa.sResssssnssAhinse
OF the i'll being which seemed to ems
around her.
we all three entered together, and the
moment we passed through the door I
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. Ifelt
sure something was wrong, but at any
rate consoled myself with the reflection
that l had lost little by coming, as il had
been choice between here and The
hotel. But, all the same, did not feel
particularly cheerful as I followed the
doieful looking servant upstairs, along
WIDE corridors, across passages, upstairs
again, and then down a 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.
was the only guest.
i've something very serious to cay to
you, Neillson," he said slowly (Neillson
ls my name). "I'm going to make a
contidant of you, if may, old man."
lbowed my head and listened.
"You haven't noticed anything par
tlcular about my wife, don't suppose.
have yoGf he asked, with a searching
glance.
admitted had thought her strangely
silent, and apparently having some
anxiety weighing upon her mind.
He laughed, ehort unpleasant laugh.
and leaned over to me confidentially.
81 rely upon your discretion, you
know, Neillson. I wouldn't have il
known for the world; but my wife is
mad"
"Mad! ~ l stared at him incr: lulously.
"Yes, mad, he repeated impatie ntly.
s is Was sas syn IL 1paIa ssa hSas 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, 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 kneS
what to say. I 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 unwe,eome piece of news
am naturally somewhat selfish, and be.
fore very long my sympathy was diverted
III some measure from my host to my
self. 1t occurred to me thai it was by
no means a pleasant prospect to he
guest in house the mistress OF which
was mad. 1t was not altogether kind o.
Fred to invite me, thought, under the
circumstances, without some explana
ton of his wife's state. l began to fecl
quite ar injured man. 1 was quite tired
of my own company, and Fred was fus.
asleep. So opened the door softly and
made my way down to the hall. AS
passed an open door Mrs. Hallaton ap.
peared and bcckoned me in. had no
alternative but to obey her invitation.