Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-02-28

Eyes. and abe SO nne and prout-
closed. Well, had forgotten all about
it last night, and after was undressed
saw my figure, clad in my white night
robe, reflected from the glass. You
women must have made me somewhat
nervous by your talk while making up
my bed. Anyhow, was trifie fright
cned at my own shadow, and fired a bull
let at 1t. So, you see, no one tried to
kill me at all. 1t was only my own fool
ishness, of which 1 am heartily
ashamed. Now let me get some break
fast, and then we'll go all over the house
to satisfy you there can be nothing in
1t which could do me harm"
1 said nothing about the voices had
heard, nor of the noise like the slam
ming of door. There was no use in
adding to the inexplicable feeling of
alarm which my old nurse felt.
AS for the man Mrs. Snyder had seen
after the shot fleeing down the road,
that was easily explained.
If my house had the reputation of be-
ing haunted, it was most likely passer-
by would have wings to his heels on
hearing the report of pistol about the
place.
After breakfast we went through the
house.
l noticed that ali the windows were
closed. Therefore it was no sudden gust
OF air that caused the slamming of a
door. But nothing was discovered
which would give one reason to suppose
there was anything unusual about the
place.
We finally came to the attic, and /
looked out of one of the small win
dows, first brushing away the cus9ain
Of cobwebs.
From this height could see over the
orchards. On the brow of Sunset Hill,
about half a mile distant, was n large
house, evidently quite new.
It was splendid structure for the
country, and / fancied a wealthy resi-
dent of the city had discovered the
beauties of Jacksonville and built him
a summer residence here.
Whose place is that over on Sunset
HIP" / asked.
Some rich mans from de city," Sa-
rah answered.
do you know his name?" 1 contin-
ued, moved by curiosity.
well, 1 did know. Ach, What is It.
now? I forget eferysing soon." Sarah
replied.
Here Mrs. Snyder chimed IN: Ellis
name is Morley"
"What?" 1 exclaimed, In amazement.
Morley? Sylvester Morley?"
81 ton't know his first name" the old
widow answered.
HAS he q daughter? Is she here?"
"Ycs, and she so fine and prout. Ach,
and so prettyi Yes. she is here. Dey
live here now In de summer" continued
the old lady. glad for the opportunity of
imparting news. al see dem almost
efery day. Dey drife by. And him, de
man, ach, What fine shentleman! So
tall and straight, such a fine peard, and
he looks so prout, tool"
The garrulous old widows descrip-
ton satisfied me. My heart beat rap
idly. I had come into this secluded
place with no thought further from my
mind than that should find Miss Nor
ley here.
Was there design of fate In this ?
And-was she still my true love? Per
haps I should see her; but 1 remem-
bered my determination and my prom
Use to her father, and how far I still
was from removing the condition i'm
posed on the renewal of our friendship.
and, hoped, our love.
This afterthought filled me with an
impatience to commence some kind OF
investigation on my own hook.
1 had had a short interview with Mr.
Perry, the president of the bank, Just
before my departure for Europe. II
had been most unsatisfactory to me
for Mr.. Perry was able to hold out nc
hope Of immediate relief. He was just
as earnest, however, in advising me to
still keep on my course of apparent in
difference and do nothing in the way OF
search myself.
Since that interview six months had
elapsed, and 1 had heard nothing from
him. / now resolved to take the affair
in my own hands. For to go on living
with Florence Morley so near to me
and still refrain from indulging in hel
sweet society, would simply be tor
ture.
''Come, Mel" Sarah finally said
breaking in upon my thoughts. eve ha,
not seen all yed."
CHAPTER VI.
When we were again standing in tn;
main hall on the first floor, Sarah's last
renaark came 70 me-