The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-02-18
THE LONDONDERRY SITTER.
Woman
A SERIAL STORY.
Continued from week to week until Completed,

week until Completed.
pany me-" And he supplemented tn,
request by placing the music befor,
her,
Lesley glanced at Mrs. Greyson. II
her easy lounging chair. the old lad,
had evidently started on a pilgrimag,
to the land Of Nod. Lesley began tC
play soft, sad accompaniment;
Il cannot touch his cheek,
Nor ruffie, with a loving breath, his
hair
I look into his eyes-I hear him
speak
He never knows that | am there!
Oh, If my darling could but only know
That day and night, through all his
weary life,
l, whom he loved in the years long
ago,
Am with him still-his wife!
"Ah! but it cannot be!
The dead are with the living-I am
here!
But he, my living love, he cannot see
His dead wife, though she cling to
him, so near.
seek his eyes; l press against his
cheek;
/ hear him breathe my name In wall
ing tone;
He calls me-calls me wife; / cannot
speak;
He thinks he is alone!
This is the bitterness of death;
To know he loves me, pines and
yearns for me;
To see him, be still near him, feel his
breath
Fan my sad cheek; and yet, am not
free,
To bid him feel, by any faintest touch,
That she, who never left his side
through life
She who so loved him-whom he loved
so much
Is with him still-his wife!"
And, standing beside the piano, the
young man sang in voice which Les
ley Dinsmore was fated never to forget
the beautiful, mournful thing.
Miss Dinsmore," he asked, after
pause, do you believe at all
in the supernatural. Did you ever see
a vision?"
Lesley started involuntarily, and
shuddered little.
mol" she answered.
Then, swiftly to her memory re-
Cured the vision, which she had be-
held that first night at Chadwicke Hail.
John Ardsley bent his handsome
head and looked into her eyes.
Il am going to do very presump-
tuous thing, Miss Dinsmore," he said.
Il am going to tell you of a vision
which came to me once-not so very
long ago. May I? And will you
promise me not to be angry?"
She tried to smile.
1T is unfair to exact a promise in
advance" she said. But l think
may venture to absolve you? What
was the vision you saw, Mr.. Ardsley?"
your facet" he painted, half breath
essly. Il saw it in my dreams! 1.
know that 1t was your face, for rec
'gnized it the moment saw you! For
give me, Miss Dinsmore, l ought not
% have told you this; it was presump-
uous on my part"
There was stifled exclamation near
hem, and, glazing up in surprise, they
Jaw Max Ruthven standing near, with
/ hooking smile upon his lips. He
lad not met Lesley since the memora-
,le day when Barton Chadwicke's will
lad been read.
She advanced with quiet dignity,
while Mrs. Greyson aroused herself,
'ubbing her sleepy eyes.
Il declare, I've been nearly asleep"
he began, alphabetically.
"Mr. Ruthven," said Lesley, coldly,
is 1t your custom to enter lady's par |
or unannounced? If SO, I beg you
will see fit not to practice 1t whom you
ONE to Chadwicke Hail."
He bowed. with sarcastic smile.
Il owe you an apology, Miss Dins-
aore," he returned, "but this house is
ike my own house to me, and | have
een welcomed here at any time for
ears"
As he spoke his eyes fell full upon
he face of the steward.
John Ardsley turned and confronted
i'm quietly.
Max Ruthven had never been pre-
ented to the stranger who had been
Installed as manager Of the Chadwicke
state; and now, as their eyes met, he
tarted and suppressed an imprecation.
Great Heaven!" he exclaimed
How came you here?"
The steward made no answer, and
.uthven turned toward the door. Con-
formation, and something like fear.
-as imprinted upon his face. At the
DOR he paused and glanced back.
Miss Dinsmore." he said, cody. 81
ave communication for you when
gu are at leisure, If you please"
She bowed, but made no reply. The
DOR opened he passed through, and
closed behind him.
"Who-what does he mean?" gasped
esley.
Il cannot explain now, Miss Dins-
ore," returned Ardsley, gravely; but
trust that you will believe that /
ave done no wrong?"
II do believe you" she cried, impul-
vely
Thank you" he answered softly
You shall never regret your conf.
snce. And now, Miss Dinsmore. Il,
lange the subject for one more agree
Die, the horses are in need of exer-
Sc. VIII you ride In the morninge"
Lesleys face lighted up. She was :
passionate lover of fine horses, and
&c perfoctly nj homo in a. =. ~,