The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-08-24

and rough in his manner. but after |
had given him taste Of the straight
jacket few times. he troubled me
very little. Occasionally he would
30 down on his knees and plead love
for an imaginary lady, then start UP
with clustering air, and order me
out of the room as If | had no business
there. And really, | must say there
was very little neci of my staying by
him all the time; but was paid for It
SO | was obliged to obey.
They were both bachelors. having
considerable property. Mr. Charles he.
came insane few years previous. His
brother preferred taking charge of him
instead of sending him to an asylum.
At times, Mr.. William did not ap-
pear as rational as he should be. but it
was his peculiar manner. learned
from the servants that he had been for
years paying his addresses TO a Miss
Stebbins, an elderly maiden lady be-
longing to one of the first families of
Louisville. She often visited the
house. He would be very tender in
his manner toward her, and would Of
fer her his arm when they walked in
the garden, but marriage, or any ar
rangement to that end, was never hint
ed at. He seemed to be content with
paying the polite addresses due from
an engaged swain to the object of his
choice. and there il ended IL was evil
dent that he was either too bashful
to Il q, hnt
mark, or else the lady objected 10 him
and preferred ngle-blessedncss to the
duties and cares of married life.
The latter seemed improbable. as
Miss Stebbins. when they prOmenaded
ON the piazza, hung lovingly on his
arm, and threw such sweet glances at
her escort that they betrayed her will
ingness to unite her fortunes with his.
Then IL was clear that the fault was
on the part of Mr. William.
As the summer advanced Miss Steb.
bins came oftener. The greenhouse re-
quired rearranging before winter set
in. The alterations were begun and
carried out under her plans. Mr.. Will
liam was n willing slave to~her ideas;
and as | watched him from my win
dow receiving her suggestions about
how the dome In the. centre was to
be built, really believed that had she
proposed carrying it up hundred
feet high, he would have had it done.
1t was evidently coming to a climax.
Mr.. William intended getting mar
ried; il not to Miss Stebblns certainly
some lady would soon be mistress OF
his establishment.
At present no other female appear
ed The only conclusion therefore to
be drawn was that Mr.. William Harri-
Sen and Miss Clarinda Stebbins, both
OF the city az Louisville, were about 70
commit mairiMcny.
As for myself. during the hot wealth
or having little to do. | was fast growing
fat and lazy, and the financial prospect
before me looked decidedly cheering.
So well had managed my charge, that
Mr.. William hired me by the year; an
agreement was made out, which we
both signed that was to continue
in the capacity of nurse to his brother
for the space of twelve months, be-
ginning June the first, at a salary of
one hundred and fifty dollars month.
Immediately after we had made this
permanent arrangement, Mr., William
left Louisville for a few days and |
twas alone with Mr.. Charles.
One fine afternoon he was taking his
after dinner nap, which generally last
ed for a couple of hours. | foolishly
left him and went out for q walk. |
was gone about an hour. When ! re-
turned to the house, a sight met my
eyes that made my blood run cold.
Mr.. Charles was in the room, not his
own, kneeling at the feet of a lady.
| always prided myself on being a
gallant, and would never allow a lady
to be insulted, much more to see her
at the mercy of madman. ! rushed in
and secured him.
How dare you come in here and be-
have in this manner, you rascal?' he
said, in his usual crazy manner.
I'm show you," replied, taking the
straight jacket out of my pocket,
where | always carried it, ready for in
sudnL use.
"Unhand me. sir. and go out of the
room," he exclaimed, pointing 10 the
door.
By this time the lady had tainted.
Seeing her dropping head, as she sank
ON the lounge, was enough. | grappled
with him, and in spite of all he could
do, / quickly put the straight jacket
on him, and he was incapable of doing
any further harm.
Having secured my charge, turned
my attention to the lady. Taking the
water pitcher, which always stood IN
the room, ! sprinkled her face; when
she revived, and looked at Mr.. Charles
:hafng in the straight jacket. she
gave an unearthly scream, and tainted
in earnest that time. | thought she
was dead.
What could do? The servants were
out, and | alone with mailman in a
straight jacket, and lady in Mysteries.
II ever mortal was in more trying