Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-09-21
SINFIRE.
By JULIAN HAWTHORNE.
ICopyright, lsOs. by American Press AssocIa
 tioO
CHAPTER V.

lOSl a SOO0 tt1AIAAI4S ASttAAAo from mere neglect in writing them down at the time. But it will be long time before forget the afternoon my Cousin Sinfire spent with me in the laboratory last week.
 It was partly purpose and partly acci- dent. John had asked me to talk with her in his behalf, and was not averse from fathoming her mystery if l could, but I doubt whether anything would have been done if l hadn't happened to mention Saprani. The Indian name caught her ear, and she began to ask me questions. In 10 minutes 1 had her con stunned with curiosity. At first 1 had no intention of admitting her to the sacred precincts of the laboratory. Indeed no human being has crossed that mystic threshold since l established my Lares and Penates there, and least of all did contemplate ever entertaining a woman.
 However, reflected that if wanted to get anything out of her there could be no place better suited to that operation than my laboratory. The environment would kindle her imagination, and the disclosures l could regale her with would put her in a mood to render a return. knew her general character tolerably well by this time, although the particu- lars of her experience were still as much an enigma as ever, and l thought l could touch the springs that would loosen her reserve Moreover, l am by nature romantic, though the world may think otherwise, and could imagine very in terestinG scene taking place in the al chemists cave between the magician and the maiden.
 At any rate, when 1 had worked her up to the proper pitch of cntreaty and i'm patience, allowed her to wiring from me a grudging consent to receive her in the penetralia at certain hour I would have made that hour midnight had not my regard for conventional propriety forbidden. But the conformation of the place enabled me to make it appear quite as impressive at one hour of the day as at another. appointed o'clock in the afternoon, and she was to come at that time secretly and alone.
 Punctually to the hour, in the lan- guage of the old romances. knock was heard on the alchemist's door It was not timid knock; neither was it de liant one. It indicated that the person who knocked was self possessed and meant to come in.
 The rooms in the right wing of the Cejarcliffe mansion which constitute the alchemist's abode are separated from the rest of the house. Formerly they were accessible by the corridor com municating with the main hall, but at q later date the extremity of this corridor was walled up, and the four rooms thus isolated could hc entered only from out doors. Passing through the outer portal, the visitor would see before him a flight of stairs leading to the two upper rooms On his right was q door giving access to a small library. In the partition wall of this library between two bookcases was another door which few persons had the privilege of passing It was of massive oak and turned on hinges of polished brass It was fastened within bv a heavy lock and bolt of steel
 The lady who sought admittance was young and had q face and figure of dis tinSuished beauty. She was dressed in thin summer costume of some delicate white fabric and wore q light silken shawl with black and yellow stripes draped over her dark hair and graceful shoulders. It was evident that she came by appointment, for the outer door and that of the library had been left ajar, and she had penetrated without hin drance to the final barrier.
 \ short pause ensued, during which the young woman threw one corner of her silken shawl over her shoulder and gave a swift glance behind her. Then the ponderous portal swung inward noiselessly on its hinges, and the visitor stepped fearlessly into the room beyond. Tlle next moment the bolt was shot, and sh" and the alchemist were alone.
 Docs any one know where you are: the latter inquired.
 Not a soul.' she replied Cousin John has ridden to town to see the sher- if about that gang of burglars, and aunt has gone to bed with a headache. The servants think have gone to the cliff to read. No one will miss me before tea, time"
 You have done we'll" returned the alchcmist approvingly Follow mey And he led the way toward the farther end of the room.
 The light of day was excluded from this chamber. but the illumination of a few lamps sufficed dimlv to reveal its proportions. It was spacious and lofty The atmosphere was cooler than the ex ternal air and was penetrated by a sub tie perfume of 9 delicately aromatic quality. As the visitors eyes became accustomed to the gloom she perceived that the walls were of solid stone. Jeff undisguised in their naked simplicity The ceiling appeared to be vaulted, and at the end opposite the door there was Q large fireplace. with . sort e hollow g. hle built over it. giving it somewhat the EaSpect of q cavern.
 On the right of the fireplace as you faced 1t there was q window in deer cmbraSure, heavily curtained. On the opposite side of the room was a sort ot cabinet of dark wood fastened against the wall and glazed in front with two broad sheets of plate glass. The floor al this end was covered with soft Indian rug of a dull reddish hue. Beneatl the window stood a large table covered with number of objects of singular shape. apparently used by the alchemis in his experiments. Other paraphernalii were collected within the penthouse o the fireplace. upon the hearth of whicl was placed kind of brazier, whereil tiickered pale blue flame. A low sofi or divan, furnished with silken cushions was so arranged as to front partly to ward the glazed cabinet and partly to ward the fireplace. Upon this divan tn alchemist motioned his visitor to talk her seat.
 You feel no nervousness he said letting his fingers rest for q moment O her wrist.
 II feel at home," she replied. flor tn first time since left India!'
 II must be Indian then, for it is m home" observed the other.
 "When 1 first saw You and heard yo