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 view to ascertain.
ing what sort of a party there was col.
iected at the Hall, but got nothing de.
mite out Of him. He was quite unlike
ms old self, and came to the conclusion
that he must be ill. AS we drove ND tn,
avenue Ileaned out the window to gaz.
at the hne old mansion, and It struck me
at once as looking cold and uninviting,
while the grounds were certainly yery
much neglected. Something seemed
wror g all round, and I began to feel al.
most sorry had come. We oyertooh
Mrs. Hallston at the hall door, lust re-.
turned from walk. She was as gracious
ano as pleasant as she had ever bean In
me, but farcied that could detect in
ner naaaaer, ,eaed--appesrs .son.tAi.,
OF the i'll being which seemed to exist
around her.
we all three entered together, and the
moment we passed through the door 7
ieit 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
ana apparently nothing stirring. felt
sure something was wrong, but at any
rate 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
doietul 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 7
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.
"ive something very serious to saw 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
tlcuiar about my wife, don't suppose.
have yoGf" he asked, with searching
glance.
admitted I had thought her strangely
silent, and apparently having some
anxiety weighing upon her mind.
he laughed, ahort unpleasant laugh,
and leaned over to me contidentially.
~ rely upon your discretion, YOU
know, Neillson. 1 wouldn't have II
known for the world; but my wife is
mad"
"Mad y stared at him incr: luIously.
eyes, mad" he repeated impatie ntly.
ss was .hs s9a IL 4saja ssa hS..l sssbSss
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 harm 81 you
know; but, of course, it's an trial
to me-" sy
I stammered out an expression Of sym.
pathy. To tell the truth,I scarcely knes
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 unwe.eome piece of news.
am naturally somewhat selfish. and be-
fore very long my sympathy was diverted
in some measure from my host to my
self. 1t occurred to me tina; it was by
no means a pleasant prospect to he
guest in house the mistress OF which
was mad. twas not altogether kind o.
Fred to invite me, thought, under the
circumstances, without some explana
tion of his wife's state. began to feel
quite ar injured man. / was quite tired
of my own company, and Fred was fas,
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.