The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-12-23


patty. To tell the truth,I scarcely knew
what to say. I was b%ewildered 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
I 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 thai it was by
no means a pleasant prospect to be a
guest in a house the mistress OF which
was mad. It was not altogether kind of
Fred to invite me, I thought, under the
circumstances, without some explana-
ton of his wife's state. I began to feel
quite ar injured man. I was quite tired
Of my own company, and Fred was fast
asleep. So I opened the door softly and
made my way down to the hall. As I
passed an open door Mrs. Hallaton ap-
peared and beckoned me in. I had no
alternative but to obey her invitation.
'"Mr. Neillson," she said, in an agi-
tated tone, Gas you are going to stop
here for a day or two, there is some.
thing connected with this household
which you ought to know. Has my
husband told you ~anythings"
Ibowed and told her gravely that
knew all, and that she had my profound
est sympathy.
She sighed.
"Perhaps you are surprised that
should ask whether Fred had told you,"
she said, turning a little away from me.
'sIt seems strange, doesn't it, that one
should be mad and be conscious of iii
It only comes on in fits, and they are
terrible.
She shuddered, and so, to tell the
truth, did !.
"Snch a phase of madness is probably
not incurable,"I vcntured to suggest
tiuidly.
"Incurablel of course it is not incur.
able" she answered, vehemently.
edged a little toward the door. ]
had no experience in talking with luna,
tics, and felt anything but comfortable
in my present position. Mrs. Hallator
was beginning to look very excited and
dangerous.
"Of course if you are frightened, Mr.,
Ne%illson," she said Il little contemptuous'
ly, ssyou can leave US whenever yor
please. These fits do not come on often
but they are anything but pleasant
things to witness when they do come
on"
II should imagine So" 1 assented, de,
voutly hoping a fit vas not then pend
ing. Soon I managed to make my
adieu, and with q sigh of relief found
myself once more in the hall. I made
my way to Eurdett's room, but he had
gone to bed, and seeing it was nearly II
o'clock, I decided to go to bed, and,
preceded by a servant Il could never
have found the way myself), mounted
again the wide stairs and threaded the
numerous passages which led to my
room. 1t was at the end of a wide cor
ridor, on either side of which were six
doors. .
"Does any one sleep up here?" asked
the man as he babe me good night.
He pointed to n door exactly opp.s site
mine.
THAT is the masters room sir" he
replied; and the one at the bottom end
is Mrs. Hallaton's. No one else sleeps
in this part of the house. The servants
rooms are all in the north wing"
am generally able to sleep ut what,
ever hour I retire; but it was early, and
the fire looked tempting; SO, instead OF
Immediately undressing, I changed my
coat for a smoking jacket, and, lighting
a pipe, made myself comfortable in an
easy chair. Soon l heard Mrs. Hallaton s