Evening star., 1928-10-30
WORLD FAMOUS STORIES
A PROVINCIAL TALE.
BY MRS. RADCLIFFE.

(Mrs Ann Radcliffe. 17e4-ls23. was q
4amous British novelist, author of thrillers
such as THE Mysteries Of Udolpho," from
which this tale is taken.)
One night, having retired late from
the banquet to his chamber, and dis
missed his attendants, baron was sur
prised by the appearance OF stranger
of a noble air, but Of Sorrowful and
detected countenance. Believing that
this person had been hidden in the
apartment, since it appeared impossible
he could have lately passed the ante
room unobServed by the pages in wait
ing, who would have prevented this in
trusion on their lord, the baron, calling
loudly for his people. drew his sword,
which he had not yet taken from his
side, and stood upon his defense.
s The stranger, slowly advancing, told
him that there was nothing to fear;
that he came with no hostile in
tent, but to communicate to him ter
rible secret, which it was necessary for
him to know. The baron, appeased by
the courteous manner of the stranger,
after surveying him for some time in
silence, returned his sword into the
scabbard, and desired him to explain
the means by which he had obtained
access to the chamber, and the purpose
of this extraordinary visit.
IL Without answering either of these in
Quiries, the stranger said that he could
not then explain himself, but that If
the baron would follow him to the edge
.of the forest, at short distance from
the castle walls, he would there con-
vince him that he had something of i'm
portance to disclose.
/ This proposal again alarmed the
baron, who would scarcely believe that
the stranger meant to draw him to so
solitary spot at this hour of the night
without harboring design against his
life, and he refused to go. But he OBJ
served IN the stranger nothing to inti-
mate consciousness of evil design. The
baron finally agreed to GO If he could
take with him four attendants. This
condition was refused by the stranger.
What would disclose" said he
with solemnity, sis to you alone. There
are only three living persons to whom
the circumstance is known; it is of more
consequence to you and your house
than I shall now explain. In future
years you will look back to this night
with satisfaction or repentance, accord
ingly as you now determine. AS you
would hereafter prosper, follow me,
pledge you the honor of knight that
no evil shall befall you. If you are
contented to dare futurity, remain in
your chamber, and will depart as
came"
The baron paced his apartment for
some time in silence, impressed by the
words of the stranger, whose extraor-
binary request he feared to grant, and
feared also to refuse. "Tell me, at
least" said the baron, who you are
and who assisted to secrete you in this
chamber? Why did not your herald
announce you?"
Il II come not" said the stranger knight,
sfto answer inquiries, but to reveal facts
If you would know more, follow me;
and again I pledge the honor of a
knight that you shall return in safety.
BE quick in your determination-I must
be gone"
i After some farther hesitation, the
baron determined to follow the stranger,
and to see the result of this extraor-
dinary request. He therefore again drew
forth his sword, and, taking up lamp,
bade the knight lead on.
They came at length to a small gate
that opened beyond the walls of the
castle-which the baron supposed was
known only to himself The baron fol-
lowed in silence and amazement, find
ing himself on the healthy platform be-
fore the great gates of his castle. The
wind was strong, and the baron watched
his lamp with anxiety, expecting every
moment to see it extinguished But
though the flame wavered, it did not ex-
pire, and he still followed the stranger,
who often sighed as he went, but did
not speak.