The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1915-08-27
Tue VIOLET LADY
BY KEITH KENYON.

east wing OF the building. At the
foot Of the great bed was full.
length portrait OF young girl in
white, with bunch OF violets in her
hands. Dick Latham studied the face
as he prepared for bed, and he told
himself emphatically that 1t was
small wonder that Lady Violet was
the subject Of haunting dreams
Surely that lovely, dreamy face with
those violet eyes and corn-colored
hair would haunt the dreams Of an
anchoret!
Dick Latham was not free from
dreams, so when he awoke suddenly
and sat up in bed what he saw seemed
merely the continuance OF his dream
OF the fair portrait. Somewhere a
clock was striking twelve. In the faint
light from the open door he could
make out clearly slender. white-clad
form standing by the mantelpiece.
There was the odor OF fresh violets In
the room
At the sound made by his quick
movement. the figure turned, and with
swift. noiseless passing drifted to-
ward the open door and vanished
Instantly Dick was out OF bed and
peering keenly. up and down the long
corridor. The dim vista showed not
sign of the enhancing vision. He
rubbed his eyes doubtfully, closed and
bolted the door and went back to
bed. He slept very little more that
night, and in the morning when he
arose to an invigorating cold tub he
found faded violet on the hearth
rug. M
My word" gasped Dick, rumpling
his hair into tangle. do ghosts
scatter fresh flowers, wonder?'
He found Mrs Chaswick walking on
the terrace.
We will not wait for the Others"
greeted his hostess. I'VE will break
fast now-the reward OF early rising"
She led the way to the dining room.
Tell me" she smiled when they were
seated, did you see glimpse of our
lovely ghost?''
Il did" declared Dick emphatically.
She even left my door ajar when she
went out. BY the time reached the
door the corridor was empty"
Mrs. Chaswick's eyes were inscru-
table. Il am afraid you have little
faith in our haunted chamber" she
said carelessly.
Dick picked up q newspaper from
the morning supply and stroIled
across the park to the beech planta-
tion. Here were ferns and forget-me-
nots and purple vi0iets and the song
OF birds and the chatter of squirrels.
He became engrosaede in y leader
which breathed or war and rumors
of war, but not so deeply that light
step close beside him failed to rouse
his attention.
he jumped to his feet and faced the
apparition OF the haunted room! A tall,
dreamy eyed girl with corn-colored
hair. her hands full OF freshly plucked
violets.
A little wavering smile broke the
gravity OF her face and she inclined
her head with gentle courtesy.
Good morning, Lady Violet"
dared Dick.
"Oh. don't quite know what you
mean" she falterad.
Dick blushed. Il beg your pardon"
he said humbly; but thought you
were the ghost that haunted my room
last night"
A startled look came into her violet
eyes. Her face was like a delicate
pink rose.
4 am avery substantial ghost" she
said tritely.
But a. ghost after aH!''
"Sometimesl' she flashed with un-
expected spirit.
Then the story OF Lady, Violet
Lang. is true-she truly does haunt
the guest chamber" he insisted.
People have said so and believed
It, but | never have thought their
visions were anything but pleasant
dreams said the girl calmly.
Dick continued to look at her with
such a puzzled expression that at last
she broke down completely, laughing
unrestrainedly to cover her confusion.
4 must tell you all about 1t, she
said, sinking down on the mossy
bank. Il am Mrs. Chaswick's niece.
Violet Lang. | arrived at Belltower
late last night, I've been stopping at
the Hammills' place and came over
by motor after the ball. Aunt Sara
sat up for me-
1 My room Is next to the Violet
Ladys room. as we call 1T. and as
v.olets are my favorite flower had
worn great bunch OF them at the
ball. After my maid had gone, dis
covered that had nothing to put my
flowers In, and. recollecting that there
was glass vase on the mantel of the
haunted room, went to get it.
The room is seldom used. unless
the house is overcrowded, and stu
pfdly entered and went right to the
mantelpiece to get the vase. Imagine
my fright when | heard the bed
springs creak. OF course | vanished. "
Dick smiled. Now. as "a panacea
| for my fright, may not have those
violets to put with this one?" He
pointed to the faded violet in the
lapel OF his coat
She gave them to him. and they sat
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