The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1895-08-08
CHAPTER XXXVI AND LAST.
THE GHOSTS OF THE PAST.

THE GttOSIS Of lhE lhNl'
An old, bent man, worn out and fraii,
Ho came back from seeking the Holy Gratl,
Scarcely two years had elapsed
since Clement Dunraven had left
Aboyne Court for the foreign travels,
during which he hoped to find that
peace Of mind which passeth all
understanding; when n evening,
when he was by no means expected,
he crept into his own house by the
back door.
One of the maids, who saw him,
ran shrieking to the housekeeper,
and eaid she had seen Sir Clements
ghost. The h~ousekeeper told her
"not to be a fool" and went out to
look for herself, and then she, too,
trembled with alright until che
heard the well known voice:
"Don't be alarmed, it is myself
Clement Dunraven in the flesh.
have been very i'll and have come
home to die"
ooh, Sir Clement, why ever didn't
you let us know that, we might have
had things a bit comfortable for
you"
Gan right-all right; don't trouble
yourself. There'll be comfort
enough for ne. Light a fire in the
library, Lady Gertrude's favorite
room, and send for DR.. Watson"
The night was a cold one, though
1t was only mid October, and the
trees were still heavy with mellow,
golden foliage.
There was something about Sir
Clements manner and appearance
which repealed question, so the
servants bestirred themselves to
prepare dinner, get his bedroom
ready, and make the place as home
like as the short notice would
permit, without asking for any
further orders.
Sir Clement, meanwhile, sat down
in front of the fire, which had been
speedily lighted, and took no notice
of anyone.
1t was not until DR.. Watson
entered the room that he reused up
from his reverie. The to
come at once to Sir Clement Dun
raven had been received Wy the
little doctor with no small dismay,
and presentiment of coming
trouble took powerful possession of
him nor was his dread of the future
in any way lessened when he saw
the nan who had sent for him.
"Doomed to DEATH" was the
Doctors mental verdict, and that
torture Of mind had ended in pro-
ducing torture of body, he was not
slow in deciding.
Sir Clement held out his hand and
said, feebly;
"It is good of you to have come
80 soon.n
How gladly would Or. Watson
have grasped it, but that the recol-
lection of the awful accusation made
by Jim Glendinning rose wildly in
his mind. He pretended not to see
the extended hand, but drawing a
chair close to his patient, tried to
speak cheerily.
"Sorry you have come back i'll,
Sir Clement, we must see If we can
patch you up"
But Sir Clement noted at once
the want of cordially, and said,
bitterly:
"You cannot minister to q mind
diseased but since | see you know
or have guessed the truth, you will
make my task easier"
DR.. Watson merely answered with
an "Ah," and Sir Clement went on:
81 have not much belief in par
sons. They would ruin you if they
could, as Singleton tried to ruin me. |
But | have sen for you, Watson,
because I know you to be a true
and honest man, and as such you
will help me to make the best
atonement for the past that is in
my power"
81 will use my best endeavors 80
to do" answered DR.. Watson, "but
would not Sir Miles Berkeley"
"No-no," cried Sir Clement,
in%terrupting, "Berkeley has a wife
and, / hear, a child. Let him be
happy and ignorant. I will not
have him freighted with my misery.
You must hear many a tale of
wretchedness, Watson; it is in your
calling"
"Alas! Tales Of wretchedness
and suffering that one cannot always
assuage."
"There is only one incurable dis
ease OF which the torture cannot be
alleviated, and that is the disease
from which / am dying now-it is
called remorse."
ooh, Sir Clement, repentance must
bring alienation OF suffering, even to
the most r~emorseful."
81 have ~repented, humbled myself
in dust and ashes for my sins, but /
am no happier. Remorse gnaws as
a canker worm at my heart. Should
I be any happier II l had made a
public confession, and allowed the
law to take it's course9 l think not.
A a. xuA.lI .. ~