Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-09-14

closed. Well, had forgotten all about
1t last night, and after was undressed
I saw my figure, clad in my white night
robe, reflected from the glass. You
women must have made me somewhat
nervous by your talk while making up
my bed. Anyhow, I was trifle fright
ened at my own shadow, and fired bull
let ut 1t. So, you see, no one tried to
kill me ut all. 1t was only my own fool
ishness, of which I am heartily
ashamed. Now let me get some break
fast, and then We'll go all over the house
to satisfy you there can be nothing in
it which could do me harm"
1 said nothing about the voices had
heard, nor of the noise like the slam
ming of door. There was no use in
adding to the inexplicable feeling of
alarm which my old nurse felt.
AS for the man Mrs. Snyder had seen
after the shot fleeing down the road,
that was easily explained.
If my house had the reputation of be-
ing haunted, it was most likely passer-
by would have wings to his heels on
hearing the report of a pistol about the
place.
After breakfast we went through the
house.
1 noticed that all the windows were
closed. Therefore it was no sudden gust
of air that caused the slamming of a
door. But nothing was discovered
which would give one reason to suppose
there was anything unusual about the
place.
We finally came to the attic, and I
looked out of one of the small win
dows, first brushing away the curtain
Of cobwebs.
From this height could see over the
orchards. On the brow of Sunset Hill,
about half mile distant, was large
house, evidently quite new.
1t was splendid structure for the
country, and fancied wealthy resi-
dent of the city had discovered the
beauties of Nelsonville and built him
a summer residence here.
"Whose place is that over on Sunset
Hill?" asked.
"Some rich mans from de city," Sa-
ran answered.
"Do you know his name?" contin-
ued, moved by curiosity.
"Vcll, I did know. Ach, What is it,
now? I forget eferysing soon," Sarah
replied.
Here Mrs. Snyder chimed in: ellis
name is Morley"
"Whatf" I exclaimed, in amazement.
MORLEY? Sylvester Morley?"
Il ton't know his first name," the old
widow answered.
elias he daughter? Is she here?"
"Ycs, and she so fine and prout. Ach,
and so pretty! Yes, she is here. Dey
live here now in de summer" continued
the old lady, glad for the opportunity OF
imparting news. II see dem almost
efery day. Dey drife by. And him, de
man, ach, What fine shentleman! Sc
tall and straight, such fine peard, and
he looks SO prout, tool"
The garrulous old widows descrip.
ton satisfied me. My heart beat rap
idly. had come into this secluded
place with no thought further from my
mind than that should find Miss Nor.
ley here.
Was there design of fate in this:
And-was she still my true love2 Per
haps I should see her; but remen-
bered my determination and my prom
Use to her father, and how far still
was from removing the condition i'm
posed on the renewal of our friendship
and, ] hoped, our love.
/ This afterthought filled me with ar
impatience to commence some kind O.
investigation on my own hook.
| I had had short interview with Mr.
Perry, the president Of the bank, jus
before my departure for Europe. I
had been most unsatisfactory to me
for Mr. Perry was able to hold out NJ
hope Of immediate relief He was jus
as earnest, however,, In advising me Il
still keep on my course of apparent in
difference and do nothing in the way o
q search myself.
Since that interview six months ha,
elapsed, and had heard nothing froI
him. ! now resolved to take the affai
in my own hands. For to go on livins
with Florence Morley SO near to m,
and still refrain from indulging in lie
sweet society, would simply be Ia
ture.
Come, Mel" Sarah finally sal,
breaking in upon my thoughts. 1--WE h,
not seen all yed."
(To 'ne 'continued)
|