The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-31
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"Wcstovcr'' Is one Of the finest en-
amplcs of Colonial architecture in the
State OF Virginia, and was built and
once occupied by William Byrd who
has been considered the very hest eN-
poncnt of Virginia aristocracy. His
beautiful daughter Evelyn is one OF
the fascinating characters of Mss
Jofnstons Audrey" II there arc
ghosts. If there are ghosts. we eX
poet to see them at ''Westover and VIC
are not disappointed. for Evelyn glides
along the broad stairway and through
the quiet corridors. and so does Will
liam himself.
Two of my friends have had queer
experiences ut "Westover." where tho
ghosts of William Byrd and his daugh-
ter Evelyn appear
a lady--many years aJo--vlsitinS
the old home of William Bird was put
10 sleep in Evelyn Ryrd's chamber.
Naturally strong minded and not q
supersltlous woman, she wal altogeth-
or amazed at the creepy sensations
which overpowered her as soon as she
got In bed. She would ligh. the can
die, become treasured, and put out the
ality seemed near. Each menrcnt 1t
threatened TO assume shape and form.
Her tense anxiety seemed III keep 1t at
bay. for she did not elise her eyes the
whole night.
At breakfast her hostess inquired &c
her rest was good, and she did net
disclose her strange sensations.
The next night in spite OF detcrm-
incd resistance, the same uiicnnny fore
rigld-she would light her candle, re-
comfort, blow the candle OUT and try
to sleep. Each time the hall clock
pcalcd she would say. "one hour near
err the dawn." lust at 1a--wnen sh-
was in larkness-she heard move
ment--a faint slow advnnte toward
her-and before she could strike a
match. a soft, cool hand was placed
upon her cheek. n hand with tapering
fingers as We see in Lely's portrait of
Evelyn Byrd. Many have felt and seen
the ghostly presence of the beautaful
Evelyn.
Again n young man Just twenty-five
went to spend the night a. "Westover."
Around the great library hearth
they told ghost stories. and one said
that the third William BYRD went in
to certain chamber every night and
sat In an armchair before tho fire
Put mo into that chamber, please"
the young man asked. His request was
granted.
For one hour he awaited William
Byrd. AS midnight approached, he
was possessed with the strangcst
sensations. Each nerve and sense was
tight for a manifestation. Ha felt as
ii about to enter realm of awful
mystery. The feet Of the minutes had
no wings.
1t was three minutes TO twelve. His
nerves were so high tuned trat his
fortitude snapped. and he lurrpcd in
to the bed and pulled tho covers tight
over his enrs-hc Ii brave youu:; fell
low was for a time a coward In IL
moment he had controlled himself. ana
was standing In the great, silent cham
Der gazing at tho door.
The tall clock in the hall girdcd its
loins with rafting resolution for
the stroke, and then pealcd slowly
twelve times.
Was the door openingg Yc-cs
Y-c-c-s.
Before the young man could decide
an awful crash resounded through tho
house. 1t seemed as il William Byrd
in great anger was smashing things;
to pieces. The crash was continuous,
tapcrnG off like lcsscniug thunder.
Tho young mans SENSATIONS we're
indcscribable and he assured me that
he felt as if Jehovah irah. Tn wrath,
were stalking about the house.
lie was enabled. however, to pre-
serve semblnncc OF fortitudc. lie
stood unilnchingly and Gazcd AT the
white panels oc the door, dlm!y yis-
bic in tho vast room lit only by lie
autumn sturs.
a million thoughts ran through his
tense brain. He remembered that this
third William had Killed himself in
this very chamber. so fresh and cool
in chintz and muslin drapcries, and
TINT his handsome wife. with whom he
had not dwelt In perfect peace. had
pulled the pondcrous, wardrobe upon
her plump and noble form In sheer
desperation and anMe.y to rid herself
of the troubles of life-iit place indeed
for ghostly visitor!
Tho white door opened slowly.
stealthily. dellberate!y-in. n way pc
cul!ar to immaterini gucsts--and n
shadowy. icy presence seemed TO
Glide between the R!rent bedstead and
the historic wardrobe and 20 maise a
2triangular pathway TO the ch.ntz-cnr-
5 orred'x chfdr. Its ynHory unrcalit$ aIed
not only the chairI but the room. End
TURNED the GRIP autumn atnpsphlrc
,. 1900, Jnn Gil IEuz,nszA lent h.l