The Haunted Chamber

sleeping flowers and swaying boughs, on quiet fountains-the marble basins of which gleam snow-white in the uncertain light-on the glimpse of th

t. High up the tendrils climb, past mullioned windows and quaint devices, until they reach even to the old tower,

his corner of the old tower is wrapped in darkness, as thoug

erein no servant, male or female, of the castle has ever yet been known to set foot. It is full of dire horrors to

ord. There was even in the last century a baronet-the earldom had been lost to the Dynecourts during the Commonwealth-who, having quarreled with his friend over a reigning belle, had smitten him across the cheek with his glove, and then challenged him to mortal c

nd softness of the dying daylight, one can hardly thi

s from room to room uttering commands and injunctions to the maids as she goes. No less occupied and anxious is the butler, as he surveys the work of the footmen. It is so long since the o

and the determination to be the M.F.H. when old Lord Dartree shall have fulfilled his declared intention of retiring in his favor. He is a tall young man, lithe and active. His skin, though naturally fair, is bronzed by foreign travel. His hair is a light brown,

own from town to give directions for the reception of some people whom

g due half an hour ago Sir Adrian is standing on the ste

ty is open and undisguised, and there is a little frown upon his brow. Presently his face brightens as be hears the roll of carriage-wheels. When the carriage turns the corner of

opening the carriage door himself. "I am so glad! I began to thin

face that had looked from the carriage at Sir Adrian. "It has been ti

ost girlish. Laying her hand in Sir Adrian's, she lets it rest there, as though glad to be at her journey's end, conveying at the same time by a gentle pressure of her taper fingers the fact that she is even mo

has been built. "And it was more than good of you to come to me. I can only try to make up to you for the discom

d bid her welcome. He says nothing to her, strange to say, but it is his hand that seeks

and rest awhile before dinner. You will like to go to your r

s Mrs. Talbot plaintively, "it will be such a comfort!" she alw

ng like champagne as a pick-me-up. I'll send you te

albot declares, with a graceful little shrug of her sh

a mischievous glance at him from under her long lashes

seldom smiles, having learned by experience that her delicate face looks prettier

much as they have been able to bring in the carriage; and now the tw

ing Sir Adrian to the best of her ability, whilst Miss Delmaine is strangely silent, an

hall full of mysterious beauty. The grim warriors in their coats of mail seem, to the entra

of the stone staircase, she says abruptly, b

least a bogy of some sort? Do not spoil the romantic look of it by telling me you have no tale o

istressed and ashamed that it should be so. We can only boast a haunted chamber; but there are certain

asant!" exclaims Mrs. Talbot, with

s in Miss Delmaine. "Sir Adrian, is this

be afraid of that!" an

eeking an adventure of some sort. I am tired of my prosaic existence. I

like that; it is positively wicked," plead

y house if you persist in your evil courses," say

ily. "Then keep close to me. I can defy al

a tone so low that only she can hear it. "

e, and marks with some uneasiness the glance that passes from his eyes to hers. Breaki

m you speak of wil

one might be safely incarcerated there and slowly starved to death without any one of the household being a bit the wi

n," says Dora T

e I am a week older," declares Florence defiantly. After which she smiles

welcome at the castle; but none perhaps give so much ple

ut the heart of Adrian Dynecourt as well. She had come home to England on the death of her father about two years ago; and, having no nearer re

that she would be glad, that is-with an elaborate sigh-she would be a degree less miserable, if she, Florence, would accompany her. This delighted Florence. She was wearied with attendance on the sick, having done most of the nursing of the Hon. George, while his wife lamented and slept; and, besides, she was still sor

st two years in his quiet grave amongst the Hills; and, with her cousin, who was now

sure, the girl looked forward to a few months passed amongst the best of th

into society a girl, well-born and possessed of an almost fabulous fortune. Stray crumbs must surely fall

ot deemed it possible that Florence would seriously regard a mere baronet as a suitor, when her unbounded wealth would almost entitle her to a duke. But "love," as she discovered later, to her discomfiture, wi

y Sir Adrian, and at the close of the season she and Florence Delmaine find themselves t

perhaps are not altogether faultless, being too fine and too closely drawn, but then her mouth is small. She looks considerably younger than s

Mrs. Talbot is prettily rounded, petite in every point, an

one is tired of dancing and music. The season has given them more th

ided is Goldsmith's famous prod

nder the impression that she looks well in a cap and powdered hair. An impossible Tony Lumpkin has been discovered in a nervous young man with a hesitation in his speech and a difficulty about the letter "S"-a young man wh

tances-as to be allowed to make love to the reigning beauty of the past season? Nearly every man in the h

le from the proffered honor, and to consult the wishes of his guests rather than his own. Miss Delmaine herself has laughingly declined to make any choice of a stage lover,

y are all talking together, and, in the excitement that prevails, no one hears the door open, or the footman's calm, intro

with a dark face and dark eyes, and, wi

prised tone that has certainly no cordiality in it

day I suddenly recollected the general invitation you gave me a month ago to come

to see him, and that he is a good fellow to have come without waiting for a more formal repetition of his invitation. Then he t

others, but, when he brings him to Mrs. Talbot, tha

hand to the new-comer. Then, turning to her cousin, she adds

ne. Then she too gives a cold little hand to Mr. Dynecourt, who lingers over it until she disdai

tly bored; so eager has been the discussion about the Marlow matter, that she has been little sought after by the opposi

glancing at the animated group in the middle of the room.

after a scarcely perceptible paus

Adrian, who is still leaning

nsist?" inquires Arthur Dynecou

, as we all know, is a finished actress, and we dread spoiling her performance by fault

then for coming to your relief this afternoon; I have played the part several times,

ay something, but, after a second's reflection, restrains herself. She sink

rt would fall to his lot; but now-what is to be done? How can he refuse to let his

not a pleasant laugh, but has rather a sneering ring in it, an

t to render you a little assistance. I thought I understood from you that you were rather in a dilemma. Do not dw

apparent want of courtesy. "I assure you, you mistake. It is all so much to

" begins Art

great favor. "Look here, you fellows," Sir Adrian goes on, walking toward the other men, who are still arguing and disputing over the vexed que

erturbable smile. Rising, Arthur approaches one of the astonished group who is known to him, and says something upon the subject with a slight shrug

ed a very dear desire all to please you," says Sir Adri

e returns coldly. Then, seeing his amazed expression, she goes

Stooping over her hand, he imprints a kiss upon it. Dora Talbot, whose head is turned aside, sees noth