Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-05-25

y Anna Katharine Gssn Author Gan IF ""hs Etc. ro''A'n
COPYRIGHT. 1890 sy ROBERT sonAras SONS.

or stone houses, unless 1t were by the
intrusion of a brewery or church?
1t was, therefore. an agreeable sur
prise to discover that the especial
block in which he was for the moment
interested was not like other blocks,
even in this quarter, but was broken
up by a stretch of odd-loOking houses,
which, if somewhat worn and dilapi-
dated, still preserved an air of pictur-
esqueness sadly lacking in most OF our
third-rate dwellings.
There were four Of them, all OF
size. all OF. a grayish. brown color all
with carved strips overhanging the
window tops, and all with square
wooden pillars in front Though their
general appearance suggested past
wealth, it also as certainly betokened
present indigence, Notwithstanding the
fact that before one Of them there
stood at this moment a carriage of
style and elegance sufficient to prove
it the private cqupage OF person OF
means.
Being in an artistic mood he was
greatly attracted by these old-fash-
ioned structures and felt quite an UNI
reasoning desire to enter them.
Long before he came near enough to
be sure Of the numbers they bore he
had begun to reckon onward from the
one he was passing to see whether 39l
would be found on any of them. He
soon came to the conclusion that 1t
would and presently was quite sure
of it, and, as he approached nearer he
was pleased to see that it was upon the
house before which the carriage was
standing Why he was pleased at this
he would have found it hard to tell.
Perhaps because the house looked lit
tie sombre and oppressive rs he came
within full sight of its closely shut
tered windows. and to one of his gay
and careless temperament any hint of
companonship was always welcome.
There was bell at the entrance, but
he did not ring it. For just as he
stretched out his hand toward it the
door opened, and he saw before him n
young servant girl of Il somewhat va
cant countenance who quickly beck
oned him in. AS his foot crossed the
threshold the clock from a neighboring
church pealcd out the stroke of 8. Il
am prompt" he inwardly CALCULATED.
The hall into which he stepped was
dark and seemingly unfurnlshed. There
was no carpet on the floor, and if there
were any doors in sight they were all
closed. Feeling it somewhat chilly
welcome he looked hclplcssly at the
girl, who Immediately made another
gesture in the direction of staircase
that rose in a spiral few feet beyond
him.
Does Signor Montelli live up stairs?"
he inquired.
She gave no indication Of hearing
him, but continued to point to the
staircase. "Is she deaf?" was his men
tai inquiry. 1t would seem so. Some
what dashed in his spirits he went up
the first fight and paused again. Dark.
ness and solitude were before him.
"Wcll. WE'LL thought he, this will
not do" And he was about to turn
about IN retreat when he remembered
the bani-bill in his pocket. THAT was
not sent to me for nothing" he con-
cludcd, and, taking closer look into
silent space before him he perceived
four doors.
Making his way to one he knocked.
There was a hurried sound from with
in, and presently the door was opened
and the face Of an old crono looked
out. Her features lighted up as she
saw him, but she did not speak. Point
ing as the girl had done she indicated
t.!e room he should enter. and then
Withdrew her face and shut the door.
This is an adventure was his men
tai comment, but he had no further
notion of retreat.
Following the guidance of her finger
he crossed the hall and pushed open
the door toward which she had point
ed. An ordinary room Of faded aspect
met his eyes.
But barely had he entered it when he
was mot by the old cronc and led rath-
rr than escorted through another door
into an apartment so brilliantly light
cd that for a moment he found him
self dazzled and unable 10 perceive
more than the graceful figure OF an
u I H., ,i,l,n nr..
of carriage attire, bcliding over what
seemed to be heavily draped couch.
But in another instant his faculties
became clear, and he perceived that
what he supposed to be couch was
in a reality Il bed of death, and that
the woman before him was engaged in
strcwing blossoms of the richest beau
| ty and most delicate fragrance over
the body of n young girl whose face
| rs yet he could not see. Some lilacH
| lay on the floor, half on, half Off the
| edge of snowy drapcry of soft wool
| which fell from the couch, taking
| from it the character of a bed, and
lending to the whole scene an aspect
of poetic beauty which was in no wise
diminished by the rows Of wax can
dies that burned at the head and the
| feet of the dead.
1t was a picture, and for moment
he looked on it as such, but in another
the lady, whose occupation be had in
tcrrupted. turned. and, seeing him,
stood upright meeting his gaze with as
tonishment and half-veilad delight in
her fine violet eyes, then, as he did not
speak and hardly remembered to bow
she coloHd slightly and with q