The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1893-02-17

ence Of the serpent in our Eden was
on returning one day from an excur-
sion found my father and Mr.. Kent
engaged in heated argument. Both
men were angry. but on my inquirina
as to the cause seemed ashamed that
anything so trivial should have made
them quarrel. That same day a
little later we were gathered in the
east room. 1t was dusk, but the
lamps had not yet been brought in
and we sat about in restful attitudes,
discussing the events of the day.
directly across from where l was
iounging at Hope Kent's side and near
one Of the windows sat Mr.. Jackson,
engaged in animated, but low-toned
conversation with pretty little Mrs.
Cairns. Not far away, yet out of ear
shot, sat Mrs. jackson. l could sec
she was watching her husband intent
~ and the peculiar expression her
face wore instantly riveted my at
tention. Suddenly she turned her
head as if,listening, and as l gazed
the dim outline of pale lace seemed
to shape itself beside hers-a mans
face, with demoniacal, glittering eyes.
With an amazed exclamation l start
ed up and crossed to her side, but
there was no one there of course ana
returned to my place beside my be-
trothed, feeling decidedly silly.
Everybody had glanced up at my
nasty movement, and made no COM
ment, SO l subsidized into my chair,
answering Hopes remarks at random
and feeling most dreadfully puzzled.
When glanced again at Mrs. jackson
she was looking out of the window
with pale, sad face. Good heay-
ems thought I, can that woman be
Jealous of that noble husband others?
Then | searched the room far Cairns
and was Mortified to find the same
dreadful look on his face. And-was
| mad or did I again see that diaboli.
cal face bent as if whispering in his
ear?
"sCairns,' l called, without an in
stant's pause, ring for lights
''He started violently at sound of
my voice and his face resumed it's
usual aniable look as he sprung up to
do my bidding. After the lights came
saw no more visionary faces and
should have thought it ali a fancy on
my part had not Cousin Rose found
opportunity to whisper, Did you see
that horrible face beside Mrs. Jack
son's?' and she became very angry
when l laughed at her and told her
she must have been dreaming. In the
end / convinced her OF the folly of such
an idea, but I have many times been
sorry we did not tell the others in
stead OF hushing it up.
"Well, after that night things were
never quite the same. A spirit OF dis
cord was ever in our midst: We got a.
habit OF looking over our shoulders.
though I don't think any one re-
marked it but myself, as if conscious
some one or something was ever beside
us. A malign influence seemed to
have taken possession of the place
and to have got into all our hearts.
Roger and Rose had quarreled Haydn
became Extensively attentive to my
fiancee and evinced such a growing an
tipathy toward myself that all inter
course between us became uncomfort.
able.
"Many times in the dusk thought
| saw that devilish face and the lips
seemed ever whispering diabolical
wickedness into the heart of some
one. Il pervaded the whole house
and the only persons undisturbed
were mother and Mrs. Kent
ooh, DEAR sighed Rose one day
after tormenting Roger until he had
gone away with white face and woeful
eyes. 4 don't know what possesses
me nowadays. / seem to delight in
wickedness and never was so before.
What can it be, Royce?''
"1 believe some evil spirit haunts
this house. was my reply. Let us
try to induce the rest to 90 some
where else for the remainder of the
summer
"For a moment Rose seemed seri-
ously considering the subject: then
saw that half-turning of the head
so dreaded and she laughed hooking
ly.
"'Leave this delightful place?
Why, Royce, you must be mad.
don't want to go. Irather enjoy be.
Ing wicked. It's new sensation, you
know And she ran off, seemingly
much amused at my disappointed
face
81 tried to induce Hope Kent to
propose a change; but all to no pur-
pose. and SO time ran on. One evening
was walking with her on the terrace
and her manner was so kind, so like
the dear old daps before went to that
accursed place, that Twas emboldened
to ask her to set a day for our mar
riage.
cat my words she turned such a
flushed, happy-looking face to me
that for a moment l was sure her
answer would be all l desired. saw
or imagined savior one horrible
instant that diabolical face beside
hers, the malicious eyes fastened up
on mine, while the lips moved beside
her ear.
"Grasping heruarm, cried, excited
ly: RUM Yielding to the impulse OF
my hand, she sped lightly beside me
to where the others were gathered on
the veranda; then she turned upon
me with flashing eyes.
How dare you frighten me so?
Your face was Just Dreadful
''Of course could not explain, but
l have often since wished / had, even
at the risk ofridicnle and chat. After
that Haydn was always more in favdf
than myself and her continued cold