The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1913-08-18

~ I2Eeu possession OF many Sentl-
mental minds In that locality. 1t
exercised strange power. and signs
and wonders were alleged to be OF
constant occurrence. Spirits OF de-
ceased persons appeared. The
ciear-headed and liberia -miRded ridi-
culed such foolish ideas, but In vain:
as usual they were in the minority.
TO the ranks OF those susceptible
TO superstition belonged young Phil
Up st. Afghan. one OF the wealthiest
residents Of B R, the owner
OF large tracts OF land and the des-
centant OF an old and titled French
family, d scion Of which had emf
grated TO that attractive Southern
State shortly after It's first settIe>
ment.
About a year and a half before,
Philip st. Afghan had buried his
dearly loved wife, Hortense. She had
been OF even more susceptible and
sentimntal u nature than was he.
After her death the bereaved hus-
band lapsed into melancholy: but in
course OF time his grief became mild
er. for he learned TO love again.
Marion Gaylord, young. aristocrat-
Sc and Il social leader. whom Philip
st. Afghan believed possessed the
same charms OF heart. mind and dis
position that had characterized HIS
dear Hortense. aroused and recipro-
Gated his love. The newly engaged
couple had not before participated
In public gayetics. 1t was the frst
time since his wife's death that st.
Afghan had entered into any plea
sures of the, social world. With his
promised bride and her mother he
was present tonight at the bali.
Mrs. and Miss Gaylord were seated
on divan In corner OF the ball
room. Before them stood Philip. In
TIL" !! .irrsque dress of Il crusader.
noticeable figure even among the
many handsome and elegantly CO.'S
tuned people present. The scene
was brilliant one.
The young man looked at Marion
with loving eyes, though memories
were present OF Hortense, who once
had taken part with him in festivi-
ties in this very room, and a joyous
bride had participated IN a similar
ball. Now she slumbered beneath
the earth In the cemetery near by.
While engaged in such melancholy
reflections a cavalier, dressed In
black. and wearing a mask OF the
same color. suddenly tapped him on
the shoulder and whispered In hts
ear: Most noble crusader, your
Hortense sends her regards. There
Is present messenger from the
other world who wishes to speak
with you. II you desire further de-
tails. follow me-" and the unknown
slowly threaded his way through the
crowd.
The young man, astonished at the
peculiar words Of the strange mes
scnger who had recognized him not
withstanding his costume and mask.
stopped only to say. as he leaned
over Marion's chair, IL will return
soon. dear heart" and followed the
unknown.
The black cavalier gl!dcd through
a side door having first assured him
SCR that Philip was following. They
were now In u long. narrow hall.
Stpf"
nan.
Come right along" interrupted
the unknown.
who are you?"
"A messenger from beyond"
You dare joke with me, and on
such subtcct?''
THE freedom allowed n masked
person. But here the man In black
opened door at the end OF the half
and pushed back the portiere, re-
vraling Il dimly lighted room.
Enter, Philip st. Afghan
Opposite the door, few steps
from the mantel. stood woman
dressed In black and wearing mask
OF the same color.
philip. Philip. Philip" she
cried slowly, you have come to see
me once more"
Philip St. Afghan tremBled. 1t
was the voice OF Nortense, only
somewhat mutiied. Stature and po-
sition both reminded him of his dead
wife. lie looked around for the un-
known person who had disappeared.
What does this mean" asked
Philip st. Afghan. What does this
despicable humbug mean"
DO you remember. Phtiip. a beau
t!ful evening In May only about two
years ago, the song Of the nightin-
gale? You said passtonate1y. oh,
llortense; not even death shall part
Us. SO bound by faith are our hearts.
Even IN death our souls Will be
united.'"
A shudder went through Philip
st. Afghan. Those were the very
words he had once uttered to Hor-
tense. AT that time the sentimental
young pair had talked much about
unseen influences and spirit revela-
lions.