Year: 1862

HARRIET HosMER's NARRATIVE OF A SIN


GULAR OCCURRENCF.


Lydia Maria Child's article on ''Spirits," in
the May number of atlantic Monthly, contains
the following interesting passage:


When Harriet Hosmer, the sculp ptor, visited
her native country, few years ago. had an
interview with her, during which our conver
sation happened to turn upon dreams and
visions.


IL have some experience in that way" said
she. "Let me tell you singular circumstance
that happened to me in Rome. An Italian
girl named Rosa was in my employ for long
time, but was finally obliged to return to her
mother, on account of confirmed ill-health.
We were mutually sorry to part, for we liked
each other. When took my customary exer-
else on horseback frequently called to see her.
On one of these occasions found her brighter
than had seen her for some time past. had
long relinquished hopes of her recovery, but
there was nothing in her appearance that gave
me the impression of immediate danger |
left her with the expectation of calling to see
her again many times. During the remainder
of the day was busy in my studio, and do
not reccollect that Rosa was in my thoughts
after parted from her. / retired to rest in
good health and in quiet frame of mind. But
woke from sound sleep with an oppressive
feeling that some one was in the room. /
wondered at the sensation, for it was entirley
new to me; but in vain l tried to dispel it.
peered beyond the curtain of my bed, but
could distinguish no object in the darkness
Trying to gather upmy thoughts, l soon reflect
ed that the door was locked, and then put the
key under my bolster. / felt for it, and found
it where l had placed it. | said to myself that
had probably had some ugly dream, and had
walked with vague impression of it still on
my mind. Reasoning thus arranged myself
comfortably for another nap.


IL am habitually good sleeper, and a
stranger to fear; but, do what would, the idea
still haunted me that some one was in the room.
Finding it impossible tosleep, Ilonged for day
light to dawn that i might rise and pursue my
customary avocations. II was long before |
was able dimly TO distinguish the furniture in
my room, and soon after heard, in the apart
ments below, familiar noises of servants open
ing window and doors. An old clock, with
ringing vibrations, proclaimed the hour. |
counted one, two, three four. five, and resolved
TO rise immediately. My bed was partially
screened by long curtain looped up at one
side. As | raised my head from the pillow
Rosa looked in side the curtain, and smiled at
me- The idea of anything supernatural did
not occur to me. | was simply surprised, and
exclaimed, why Rosa. How came YOU here
when YOU are so ILL.,? In the old familiar tones,
to which was so much accustomed, voice
replied. Il am well now With no other
thought than that of greeting her joyfully, l
sprang out of bed. There was no Rosa there.
Imoved the curtain, thinking she might perhaps
have plavfully hidden herself behind Its folds.
The same feeling induced me to look into the
closet. The sight of her had come so suddenly
that in the first moment of surprise and bewli-
derment. did not reflect that the door was
locked WhenI became convinced there was
noone In the room but myself recollected that
fact, and thought must have seen vision.


- At the breakfast table | said TO the old
lady with whom | boarded, Rosa is dead.
What do YOU mean by that!' she inquired.
You told me she seemed better than common
when YOU called TO see her yesterday | re
lated the occurrences of the morning, and
told her had a strong impression Rosa was
dead. She laughed and. said had dreamed
IL all. l assured her / was thoroughly awake,
and in proof thereof told her had heard all
the customary household noises, and had
counted the clock when it struck five. She
replied. All that is very possible, my dear.
The clock struck In YOUR dream. Real sounds
often mix with the illusions of sleep. / am
surprised that a dream should make such an
impression on Young lady so free from SUI
perstilion as YOU are She continued 10 jest
on the subject. and slightly annoyed me by
her persistence in believing it dream, when
, was perfectly OF having been wide awake.
To settle the question | summoned messen-
ger and sent him to inquire how Rosa did.
He returned with the answer that she died
that morning at o'clock


| wrote the story as Miss Hosmer told it To
me, and after had shown it to her, asked
her if she had any objection to its being pub
lished, without suppression of names. She