Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1896-10-15

terles' to which she conducted me.
but IN the weird effect Of its hancinr4.
mirrors, grotesqne carvings and myth
ical symbols it challenged the most
hardened skepticism. Throwing the
white light Of a golden lamp upon nv
face with "a powerful reflector, she
generalized upon my past life as anv
shrewd Judge of human nature might
do. Then suddenly knitting her brows
and leaning closer she slowly spelled
out Marcia Arnold.
That is the name Of the girl you
will marry, she announced in dreamy
voice, and there you see her
with that the lights faded to the
dimness of deep twilight, and there
followed the darkness OF the dungeon.
Opposite me as If iu life was the image
Of the sweet and beautiful woman Won
know as Mrs. Robeley. Never before
had | been dominated bv the tender
In love with what might have been an
enchanting illusion or superb paint
ing. SO deeply was l impressed that
after leaving in bewilderment f
doubt l sketched the magnificent
creature SO indelibly impressed upon
my memory.
Eighteen months later | was in
southern California enjoying the
medicinal virtues Of the climate, aud
finding subjects in some Of the delight
tul scenery. One morning | had my
easel at the edge Of n wooded precipicc
overlooking charming spread Of
landscape. The velvet carpeting Of
grass and moss had failed to warn me
Of approaching footsteps, and when
turned 1t was the startled movement
caused by half-suppressel scream.
There were two ladies', the elder
nnxlousy y supporting the younger,
whose face was blanchcu and whose
eyes were fastened upon me as though
| were terrifying upparation. 1t was
the girl the Indian sorceress had
| shown me in Paris but what did she
| know Of me? AS she sank down under
| the weight of her emotions, hastened
| to a nearby spring for water, and
when / returned her eyes were upon
me in that same fixed and troubled
look
"'W hat can be the matter, daughter?
You have always been SO strong and
vigorous
is yonr name Henry Morton?'
asked the younger of me, without heed
ing the mothers question.
Iti is Wilton Robelev, l respond
ed quietly. At that instant it flashed
upon me that In desire to conceal
my identity l had given the name Of
Henry Morton to the fortune teller
Then with the inspiration of an nnX
ious lover l added: But / have i
cousin Of that name who bears a s1rik-
ing Resemblance to me.
MY Immediate reward was revival
OF strength AMI spirits on the pa,t Of
the young lady. The mother intro
dnced herself as Mrs. Glsen, and the Ii
said Lucy, we had best get back to
the hotel.
Lucy Gllsen?' and yet it was her
my b.idc to be- She was the girl 0
my sketch and my dreams. The hex,
day ! called at the hotel TO inquire
after her called often. We walked,
drove, painted and boated together
came to know through the intuition
OF love that she wns not Indifferent to
me. One evening as we drlfted lazllv Y
through the water lilies sue handes
me sketch of myself and asked: l.
that picture Of Henry Morton?'
''It's perfect l answered ,linugi
,lumfonnded. 4 shadow OF angcl
crossed her face. and she was about I,
tear the picture to pieces when
caught her hands ana sudden y
showed the reproduction Of herse.
i that had .nnlc IN Paris. 1t was Lc.
turn to b. surprised, and when | u :,
ner oi nr experience N the iorlun'
, tellel's on Rue de Buuges, giving be-
the date, she quickly exclaimed:
= Why. | was There with Marc.
Arnold. Mamma and | did Earop
, tina, season. and We two girls vlsi,e.
i hat Indian princess jus, for LARK
That was where | saw Henry Morton
r whom | VA, tod tate had decreel il
nv future husband.
Z Before W roNe,l home II was a
explained. and the sequel OF ou
strau9, experience was happy ma.
Tna In py,rb...ss n, !