Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1893-08-12
CHAPTER Y.


from fathoming her mystery if | could,
but | doubt whether anything would
have been done if hadn't happened to
mention Saprani. The Indian name
caught her ear, and she began to ask me
questions. In 10 minutes had her con-
sumed with curiosity. At first had no
intention of admitting her to the sacred
precincts of the laboratory. Indeed no
human being has crossed that mystic
threshold since | established my Lares
and Penates there, and least of all did /
contemplate ever entertaining 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 | could regale her with would
put her in 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 | thought
could touch the springs that would loosen
her reserve Moreover, am by nature
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 had worked her up
to the proper pitch of entreaty and i'm
patience, allowed her to wiring from me
a grudging consent to receive her in the
% I
have made that hour midnight had not
my regard for conventional propriety
forbidden. But the conformation of the
place enabled Inc 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.
Principally to the hour, in the Ian
guage of the old romances, knock was
heard ON the alchemist's door, 1t was
not II timid knock; neither was it de-
fant one. 1t indicated that the person
who knocked was self possessed and
meant to come in.
The rooms in the right wing of the
Cedarcliffe 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 a
later date the extremity of this corridor
was walled up, and the four rooms thus
isolated could be entered only from out
doors. Passing through the outer portal,
the visitor would see before him flight
of stairs leading to the two upper rooms.
On his right was 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. 1t was of
massive oak and turned on hinges of
polished brass. 1t was fastened within
by a heavy lock and bolt of steel
The lady who sought admittance was
Young and had face and figure of dis
tinguished beauty. She was dressed in
thin summer costume of some delicate
white fabric and wore a light silken
shawl with black and yellow stripes
draped over her dark hair and graceful
shoulders. 1t 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 him
drance to the final barrier.
A short pause ensued, during which
the young woman threw one corner of
her silken shawl over her shoulder and
r1ve swift glance behind her. Then
the ponderous portal swung inward
noiselessly on its hinges, and the visitor
stepped fearlessly into the room beyond.
The next moment the bolt was shot, and
she and the alchemist were alone.
docs any one know where you are?"
the latter inquired.
mot 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 headache. The
servants think have gone to the cliff to
read. No one will miss me before tea
time"
You have done WELL" returned the
alchemist approvingly. Follow me"
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 dimly to reveal its
proportions. 1t was spacious and lofty.
The atmosphere was cooler than the ex-
ternal air and was penetrated by sub
tie perfume of delicately aromatic
quality. AS the visitors eyes became
accustomed to the gloom she perceived
that the walls were of solid stone, left
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 of hollow ga
Bile built over il. giving it somewhat the
aspect Of cavern
On the right OF the fireplace as you
faced it there was a window in deep
embrasure. heavily curtained. On the
opposite side of the room was a sort Of
cabinet of dark wood fastened against
the wall and glazed in front with two
broad sheets Of plate glass The floor at
this end was covered with a soft Indian
rug of duh reddish hue. Beneath
the window stood large table covered
with a number Of objects Of singular
shape, apparently used by the alchenist
in his experiments. Other paraphernalia
were collected within the penthouse OF
the fireplace, upon the hearth Of which
was placed kind of brazier. wherein
fickered pale blue flame. A low sofa
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 the
alchemist motioned his visitor to take