The record-union., 1899-09-03

TWO miles that finally brought us TO a
large house standing quite alone lit
tie way off the road, somewhere in the
direction Of Edgeware. Although not
many miles from London, the country
about here is very lonely, and there
was not house near. 1t was about
lO O'Clock and quite dark when Keen
opened the door with a latch key.
"Welcome!'' he cried. You must be
tired an hungry. Well have supper at
once, it's all ready
And without further ado he led the
way into a good-sized room, lit by a
lamp, and revealed a table spread with
cold viands
There was a change in his tone of
voice that made me feel rather uneasy
as he went on:
We're all to ourselves, Fendron. I've
let the servants go out for the even
ing. But everything's ready for US,
so sit down and begin. We must be our
own buffers"
1t was an excitable meal The whole
of the time Keen talked and laughed
and joked He ran on about old times
and our college days; he laughed long
and boisterously-once [ expostulated
with him for his noise
What does it matter?" he shouted.
There's not a soul near. That's the
beauty of the country. You might
yell yourself hoarse in this shanty OF
mine and no one would hear you
He even touched upon my engage
ment. Leaning across the table, he in
sisted. upon grasping my hand.
I've never congratulated you yet,
old chap, you know. Last time we
were on this subject I was in a huff.
But it's all right now. May you be
happy-ha! ha! ha.-as happy as you
deserved"
Supper over he took up the lamp.
Come" he said, we'll adjourn to
the studio and smoke there. I've got
to show you my great work. 1t will
surprise you. Come along"
He led the way to the very top Of
the house, and we entered large room
which he had turned into a studio
Lumps of clay, pieces of stone, tools
and half finished works were lying
about in artistic confusion. On a small
table was q box Of cigars, several de-
canters Of wine and spirits, siphons
and tumblers. In one corner of the
room was a large bath. filled with a
white powder while a small shovel and
couple Of pals of water stood by it
| In the center of the room was a very
! large, hollow wooden pedestal, shaped
| like cylinder, and quite as high as
my shoulders. such as is used some
times for standing busts upon. The
top. however. had been removed from
this cylinder and there was nothing
on it. The room was evidently only
lighted by a skyIight, and stretched
across what was apparently recess
at the farther end Of the apartment
was another curtain hanging in blacl.
folds
| Keen gave me a cigar and sat me
! down in a chair.
'Well, what do you think of my
Workshop" he asked
I've hardly had time to look around
yet" I replied. Whats that huge
pedestal for?"
You'll see later on" he said.
| Again that ominous change in his
voice. tlc
| And what's in that bath?''
"Oh, plaster of paris he answered
with a laugh; but now watch. Tn
going to draw the curtaini"
| First lighting a couple of more
| lamps, he drew the curtain aside with
a sudden jerk. The result was electri-
| cal. There, standing on a small raised
platform, life size. and most exquisite
ly modelled. was a statue of Ivey Stir
| ling, my betrothed. I sprang to my
feet and uttered an exclamation of sur
prise. a
EFVocfy CD AZ
the image of the woman you love-anC
the woman / loved once. She whose
image was so craven upon my heart
that I was able to mold this statue as
you see it: to mold it for you. Leon
ard Fendron. who have won the prize
Did I not tell you it was a master
piece?"
'You did And so it is" I replied
with an indescribable feeling of terror
creeping over ame. My companion
rushed to the table and filled two
glasses. One of them he thrust into
my hand
"a health." he cried Drain it tc
the dregs. A health to the fair Ivey
your betrothed! Drink it. Fendron." +"
"a health to the fair Ivey-my fu
ture wife, said. mechanically, drink.
ing the liquor and gazing at the
| statue.
Your future wifel' echoed Keen
with a terrible voice. Never" ]
turned and gazed at him. He was
foaming with madness and rage Al
the same moment my head grew dizzy
and the room seemed twirling around
/ made a wild rush for the door. buf
fell in a dead faint before I coult
! reach it.
When I came to my senses agair
| there was an awful feeling of cramp al
over me. My whole body, with my legs
and arms, seemed to be held in a vice
that was pressing me at every point
1 opened my eyes. The first thing thai
met my eyes was the statue of Ivey
| placed opposite me. / was in an up.
right position. but I could not move
l looked downwards. but not even ther
did I realize the horrible truth 1 was
UP to my shoulders in the hollow Pc
estal
'Halloai you've come to, have you?'
said mocking voice, and Jasper Keer
stood in front of me. the grin of &
lunatic on his face.
For Gods sake. what have you
done?' I asked
III very soon tell you,' he replied
with a sneer; 1--WE made a statue OF
you. Listen. You are up to youl
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