The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-10-30


New York. had been a raving maniac
for a year, and was now being restored to
my rational senses
was visited by my father-in-law, who
was himself bowed down with grief at the
loss Of his daughter.
As soon as began to converse nationally
he had me removed to his own elegant
mansion, where every cure and kindness
that money could purchase and affection
bestow were lavished upon me.
l became melancholy, and longed for
death to reunite me with my lost love in a
better world, though, in the presence of
the family, l made an effort to appear
cheerful and resigned.
1t was the habit Of my wife's parents
retire early, but often passed my time in
the library till beyond the midnight hour;
sometimes in reading, sometimes in writ
ing, though more frequently in think Z
sadly upon the loved and lost, and the hap
piness which had gone from me in this
world.
One night, at late hour, the door bell
was wrung sharply, and the footman, who
was just III the act Of retiring, answered it.
Some two or three minutes later he came
into the library, where l was sitting, and
informed me that lady desired to see me.
ga lady to see me?" | exclaimed, in
surprise. Il know of no lady who would
come here at this time of night to see me.
You must he mistaken, John "
mo, sir, think I'm not" was the
reply. 'She came in cab, which is wait
ing in the street, and she asked if Mr..
Edwards lived here. I said yes. Could
she see him? | told her he'd gone to bed
Was there any of the family up? Nobody
except Mr. Luis Cartna."
All. is he here? she sort of gasped, catch
ing hold of the door. Let me see him,
then.
What name, ma am? l asked.
Never mind the name, she said; but t,
him lady friend begs to see him at once.
"Well, sir, showed her into the parlor,
and came here with her message"
"What kind of looking lady is she !?
| casually inquired as l rose to leave the
room.
81 didn't see her face, sir, replied the
servant. 'She was dressed all in black,
and had on very heavy thick veil, that
completely hid her face"
When entered the parlor perceived the
lady seated on sofa, with her veil still
down. AS advanced toward her with
courteous bow she merely inclined her
head = trifle, but neither lifted her veil nor
spoke, though she seemed to be trembling
and agitated.
Madam" said, with bland politeness,
"the servant has informed me that you
desire to see me-"
saw her tremble more than ever, and
one hand went up to her mouth, under her
veil, as if to still the chattering Of her teeth;
but still she did not speak.
What was the meaning Of all this
mystery?
Madame" said I, politely but coldly,
"if you have any business with me be kind
enough to state it, My name is Luis
Cartina, at your service. You thus far
have the advantage Of me, as your name
do not know
Still no answer, but still greater appar-
ent agitation.
This needs some explanation, madam"
pursued, little sharply. Remember
your mysterious manner and the hour OF
night! II you need any service that can
render be kind enough to mention it,"
Still she did not speak, but shook as il
with the ague, and with one trembling
hand motioned me to sit down.
l obeyed her, feeling strangely mystifed.
For at least minute both remained silent.
l was now resolved to let her have her own
time.
At last, in voice which could not be
otherwise than disguised in its emotional
agitation, she managed to articulate the
words:
you once had wife, Mr.. Cartina ?"
My assent was something like groan,
for the very mention of my lost darling
brought keen pang to my heart.
II knew her WE'LL" uttered the strange
lady. "She was one Of my best friends.
She was supposed to have been drowned at
Nantick Beach"
Oh! madam" burst out, "if you were
ever personal friend of my lost angel,
you must know what treasure the treach-
erous waters Of Nantick snatched from me !;
and must beg of you, in mercy to me,
never to mention the subject again"
mot even to bring you strange tiding ?"
she asked, in choking voice.
''What tidings, madam 2" l gasped
feeling strange sensation which | cannot
describe.
II said she was supposed to have been
drowned"
"Well-well?" cried, springing to my
feet, with my first wild, glimmering hope.
pray sit down again, Mr.. Cartina, and
try to be calm, " said the fair visitor.
Calm madam with such stranoa ,yordo