The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-09-11
AS WHITE AS SNOW.
BY AdeIine Sergeant.
copyrighted, 1875, by Adeilne Sergeant

mistaken the window, but for my certain
~ that 1t was situated in that particular
spot.
1 was still staring, open-mouthed at the
nearly o5literated moudings in the wall
when Tregarthen came hurrying up 90
me, with a look OF uneasiness in his
honest. set-blue eyes.
WHATS this window, Tregarthen?" l
asked him; and ! noticed that my voice
was a little hoarse.
les never used now, sir" said the old
man. reluctantly, as / thought. PEARSON
had it built up years ago. 1t warn't no
manner of use nowadays, he said
What was il used for in old times
them"
well, sir, the story goes that it is what
was called the Lepers' Window. In the
old days there was a leper-ho close
by here, and the poor leper-folk used to
come 10 this window in the chancel, and
listen TO the words of praise and prayer.
But it's many a year since II was used,
thank Cod"
But what do you mean by saying that
il is built up?" I asked, sharply. Some
influence of the place was affecting me; 1t
seemed to have got upon my nerves 1
could not speak in my usual tone. 1T is
not built up at all ! said. 1T was open
just now, wide open; and someone was
looking IN
God forbdr' said Tregarthen, with
shudder. 1T must ha' been fancy, Sir;
and youm looking main wisht an white,
as il you'd been working too hard wi your
pencil and brush. There's a drop o stuff
in your flask, maybe, as would do zee
good. sir"
Now, look here. Tregarthen," I said.
you know as well as / do that there
something queer about that window. 1t
may be only some trap-door or mechanical
arrangement for moving it, but | tell you
wi a fAu mil
utes ago, and that / saw a man looking
in"
What kind of man might 1t be you
thought you saw, sir?' Tregarthen asked
cautiously.
"Dark-very dark, with black hair and
eyes. He scowled at me as if I had no
business to be in the church. 1 thought
he did not look like an Englishman."
Tregartnen recOiled a little, and his lips
moved as if in prayer. If he had been
Catholic he would, 1 think, have made the
sign of the cross.
You know the MANI" I asked.
Il knew one that favored him once upon
a time" he said, almost solemnly. But
l thought that his soul was long ago at
rest"
What I cried, half-derisively. Are
you limiting at ghosts. Tregarthen? Do
you mean to insinuate that 1 did not see
a living man? Why. man, l saw him as
LAY, sir and you're not the first" said
Tregarthen.
I laughed aloud. "Ah, well, 1 don't be-
lleve in apparitions," l remarked. There's
evidently story about the place, and I
should very much like to hear it. but ]
don't promise to pin my faith on the
ghost"
There is no ghost" said Tregarthen,
with seriousness. AT least, not what
folks would generally cali a ghost But
I'll tell you the story If you like, sir; and
then you can judge for yourself And
frst of ALL I've something to show YOU"
He led me aside, and showed me a grave
still on the north side of the church.
From the way the mound had sunk | con-
jectured that il had been there for many
years. The headstone gave me little in
formation. 1t bore one word only-the
name of Cynthia"
AN uncommon name" I said. looking al
It with interest Tregarthen looked also
and then approached to the stone and
scraped away a little bit of lichen that
was growing over the letters There was
singular tenderness in his manner Al ne
did this, singular gravity in his weather
beaten, fine old face
There lies the only woman ever
loved" he said as quietly as if he had
made the most commonplace statement in
the world-and perhaps he had. There she
has lam for many long year, in a grave
that some folk call accursed Now. sir. If
you Ike, I'll tell you my Cynthia's story. >"
/ give 1t in his words.