The Elbert County tribune., 1906-09-20
[Il2 lXTNI1lX
CHAPTER ~.

ings, and my still stranger host
My imagination at once began to
people the old quiet house with all
manner of beings, over whom | fan
cied Valdermere held some powerful
influence. could hear the wind
moaning through the pines in the yard
and the ancient windows ratified in
their easements. but there was not a
sound within. not football. not a
merry voice ringing out from the rear
of the house to indicate that domes-
tic was preparing dinner The still
ness was so intense. so prolonged and
oppressive. that I longed for the re-
turn of Valdermere. or even the aiish
old housemaid. who acted and looked
SO like a devil.
At last Valdermere came and an
nounced dinner:
You will pardon the conduct of
this house." he said apologetically.
FOR l suppose you have noted the
entire absence of house servants. We
nave only two persons who act in the
capacity of domestics. and these we
can rely upon-one who is a servant
by choice, the other who acts as our
housekeeper, from sense of duty"
"Ah! the old woman?"
Yes, Sista," he replied.
Then he led the way from the room
out into a long dark hallway, par
TALLY lighted by lamp.
AT the end of this hall we came to
door which Valdermere opened.
leading us into spacious room, fur
nished in the manner of dining
room. The table was long, and the
chairs were ranged In order for many
guests.
A white cloth was spread, and the
china and silver was of the costliest
kind.
l gazed around the room in some
surprise, as l noted the number of
chairs; the length of the table, and
the evident preparations for a great
many guests. l expected at every mo-
ment to see others enter from the diff
ferent doors which | observed lead
ing from the room into other parts of
the building.
we dine alone to-day, Castleman,
but there will soon be other guests
with us. who I am sure will interest
you"
Il had thought there were many"
| said, looking up and down the long
table, and upon the silver and china
placed in order.
Yes" he said. "our friends are liza
able to come at any moment, and,
though we only expect two at the
present time. we are always prepared
to receive any number"
At this moment door opened, and
a lad( not yet twenty. appeared, bear
ing decanter of wine, and at once
began to serve dinner with skill and
a dexterity admirable to behold.
When we had finished the courses.
Valdermere ordered cigars. and lean
ing back in his easy, graceful way, he
said:
Ten years ago uttered a prophecy
vas it fulfilled my friend?"
MY presence here completes its
fulfillment." | said, sadly.
Ten years is a long period, and
you have many things to say-or am
taxing your"
No, no." l replied, "I will tell you
my story, but are we quite alone?"
We are quite alone, hut let us sit
near the window. and you will see a
rare sunset; you will hear the pines
sing, and then | will be grateful to
hear you"
He arose and led the way to the
window, where two large easy chairs
were placed for our comfort, and from
whence we could see the sun sinking
in its crimson halo
Shall l now begin?" l said, re-
lighting my cigar.
Il am listening" he replied, lean
Ing back in his chair and blowing
great clouds of smoke above him.
Only fortnight after you had left
us in India, ten years ago. had gain
ed sufficient strength for my journey
back to England With my mind tor
tured by the anticipations your words
had induced, and my heart bleeding
with the anguish of despair in fear of
their fulfillment, my return was a
series of gloomy days and nights. I'm
patiently l counted the hours of that
cheerless voyage, and finally, when
first to land.
Il hastened to London, where my
mother eagerly awaited my arrival |
found her in tears for the first time
in my life, for though | always knew
yes. even before you told me-that
a secret sorrow lay hidden in her
heart, she always smiled when came
near. | implored her to tell me her
sorrow that I might share it. She re-
piled, smiling through her tears. that
| could do nothing for her, that she
had received bad news from home.
From home | cried. from Rus
sia. that accursed land of bondage
Let us not talk of this. my son.
in the first hour of your happy re-
turn; let us not mar the joy of this
meeting which gives me such nerfect