St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1901-05-11
A Grim Comedy
WON'T you give US some of your
" acting this evening, dear Mrs.

s'VXTON'T you give us some of your
w acting this evening, dear Mrs.
Sterling?"
The time was four p. m. Through
the window we could see the rain
sweeping over the lawn, as it had
never ceased to do the last 4s hours,
and my guests lounged about the big.
uncomfortable hall in various stages
of ennui.
''Oh, yes. Please act for u.s." came
in a chorus from all parts of the hall.
And young Charlie Fleetwood excited
ly sprang up and offered to improvise
temporary stage it would consent
to perform on it.
would not make any rash prom
ises. being doubtful, indeed. whether
my somewhat limited repertory in
cluded anything that would serve as .
monologue. And the subject was still
under discussion when tea was
brought in, and with its fragrant pres
ence carried our thoughts away from
things theatrical to the more impor-
tant matter of satisfying the cravings
of physical nature.
r Over the sodden lawn, battling with
the wind and rain, half a dozen eager
looking men advanced and steered
straight for the entrance porch.
We watched their progress in mild
surprise, and then suddenly my curios-
ity was whetted by recognizing the
foremost Of the six as one Of the keep
ers at the big lunatic asylum which
stands, grim and silent, about . league
from Winston Lodge.
This mana burly, hard-faced York
shireman-walked straight into the
hall, after knocking, and asked to see
Mr.. Sterling. My husband lazily rose
and went with him to the door.
The keeper Immediately commenced
TO talk to him in loud. excited voice
so loud, in fact, that we could not
avoid overhearing part of what he
said. And that had the effect of throw
ing my guests into something like a
panic, for the keeper spoke of luna
tic who had escaped from the asylum
that morning after nearly numbering
an attendant. The lunatic was still
at large. and had been seen. not half
an hour ago, lurking in . plantation
near our house.
1t was with rather grave face that
nv husband returned to us. But he
spoke some words to allay our alarm.
Nothing to be frightened about. He
would soon be caught. They were now
securing the country side in search of
him.
But nevertheless It was some time
before the more nervous members of
our circle quite recovered their equa-
nimity, and when the time came for re-
firing to dress for dinner that lunatic
was still the leading topic of conversa-
ton.
.Well, have you prepared your pro-
gramme for tonight, Mrs. Sterling?"
Charlie Fleetwood asked when we met
in the diningeroom.
..Don't ask questions!" answered.
ssLet 1t be q pleasant surprise for you"
Afterward both question and an
swer proved to have strange signifi-
canoe.
III.
We were sitting In the drawing
room after dinner. Felix was talking
to the blonde widow about curious
book of heraldry he had been reading.
He said he would show her the volume
Ia question, and rose to 60 to the Ii
brary to fetch it.
Now, Winston Lodge, which we have
been accustomed to take each year
for the shooting season. consists OF an
central pile. with two long
wings extending east and west. The
house was too big for our require
meuts; consequently we only occupied
the center and the west wing. But it
was into the east wing that my hus-
hand had now gone, the library being
situated there.
He had scarcely left the room when
/ recollected that the book he wanted
was not in the library ut all. and. to
.ave hin the futile task of looking for
it. 1 ran after him.
crossed the hall and plunged down
the narrow, oak-paneled corridor
leading to the east wing. Ny course
was unillumined, save for the dim
that penetrated the null
lioned windows, but knew my way
well enough. and marched along with
out hesitation.
passed through the lofty picture
gallery with its rows of old-world
faces and grim guardian suits OF
armor. Out into = second passage /
went-ra low, tortuous passage. very
dark, and smelling of musty tapestry.
Suddenly, rs was groping my way
along, 1 saw . slight movement in
front Of me, and there, but . few feet
away, stood . gray, silent human hg-
ure.
: Felix. il that your said. And l
won't be positive that there Was not
tie suspicion Of . CULVER in my voice.
There came no answer to the ques-
fion, and the Agure comnenced to
elido. away down the passage.
Without waiting to get thoroughly
frigAte6ed I followed IL, quicksning
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