Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1890 — Dr. Elfenstein's Mission [ARTICLE]

Dr. Elfenstein's Mission

fl Remarkable Romance.

BY EMILY THORNTON.

CHAPTER XL A SINGULAR REQUEST. “Has she come?” asked Sir Reginald Glendenning of Lady Constance, as he distinctly heard a carriage stop before the door, and his own coachman’s voice speaking to the horses. “She has; shall she be brought directly to your presence?” “Yes; and see to it that no one enters this room until they are summoned, as I wish to see this girl alone. Do you hear? Alone! entirely alone!” replied the Baronet. “You will be obeyed. No one shall disturb you. Shall I order Matthew to put up the horses?” “No; tell him to wait for further notice!” Lady Constance withdrew, and very soon reopened the door, to usher in and present to her sick husband Ethel Nevergail, his sister’s adopted niece, then instantly retired, closing the door behind her.

Very beautiful looked the young girl »s she stood by the side of the bed, her heavy crape veil thrown back, revealing her sad, sweet face and large, pitying eyes. •“Oh! sir,” said she, after an eager, yet half-haughty greeting, “I grieve to see you so helpless! Have you just been injudre?” ’•' ; “Yes; this morning I was thrown from iny horse, and am tp lie here helpless for months. I sent for you, then, in answer to a letter received a few moments before the accident from my sister, written before her death. In that she asks me to give you a home for four months in return for any service'l may wish rendered. I sent, because I need assistance immediately of a very peculiar nature. Are you willing to undertake it, at a fair salary?” . > “Probably I can tell, better when I hear what tho duties will be.” “Before I tell you that I wish you to hand me the small Bible you see upon that table.” * With wondering eyes Ethel reached him the book. “The duties to be performed are of a purely confidential nature. No human being must know what I tell you, whether you accept the charge or not. Wife, nephew, niece, man servant nor maid servant must eter know that you do more than read to and amuse me, write my letters, and attend to my daily business affairs. The true duties will be performed in half an hbur each evening alone. Will you swear on this book to keep my secret?” “I will swear if you will assure me that these duties can be done with a pure conscience, and that they are perfectly proper for me to do. ” “I assure you you can do them with perfect propriety. Will you take the oath?” “I will,” came from the lips of the trembling girl, reluctantly, it must be confessed, but still it came, because of the promise given to her dying aunt that she would, not refuse his offer. « “Then kiss that book and repeat'after me these words: ‘I, Ethel Nevergail, swear I will tell no person the nature of my nightly duties, and that I will perform them to the best of jny ability.’ ” Again Ethel shuddered, yet did as he required; and, after kissing the book, repeated the words. “Sit down, now, and come very close, so you can hear, while I whisper the sefor ‘even walls have ears’ has sometimes been said. “Now,” he continued, “listen to me intently. I have in my possession a very rare animal, -one entirely unknown. It is the property of a friend, and I am secretly taking care of it for him. He is absent now abroad searching for more wonders to add to a collection. On his return he is going to exhibit all, and ex-1 pects to realize a fortune by doing so, which I am to share. Now, although wealthy, I love money, and always have; therefore I take every care of this creature in order to obtain more gold. No human being, save myself and its owner, is aware of its existence. It is hidden in a ruined part of this house—in fact, in a concealed room, the existence of which no one knows but myself, and in close connection with, but not in, a place we call ‘The Haunted Tower.*, “This tower is not haunted, really, but I pretend that it is, in a way I shall tell you of some othef time, in order to keep prying eyes from off my treasure. “Now. what I wish you to do is this: I myself have always fed this ape, or ourang-outang, for it possesses some of their nature, and if lib is not attended to he will starve. About ten every evening you are to do this for me.

*A basket is always standing in a certain place in the ruined part A person I pay well comes every evening, under a practise of ‘secrecy, and puts food in it. You must get this basket, go through a long covered corridor that connects this tower to the main building, and opens directly into a small ball or passageway near your room, and the door from your room is hidden by a wardrobe. “Open it and pass through, taking a knife of a peculiar shape that you will find in a bookcase drawer in yonr room, together with plenty of candles and matches for your use, also there; and to this drawer I will give you the key. “You will find several of these knives put there, Tor fear one might accidentally get broken. Take one, with a lighted candle, I say, go down the passage to the tower, then count on the wall from the door that leads up the tower stairs, backward, three panels; into a seeming crack that you will see there insert the knife-point, and then turn it around three times, when the panels will fly apart, revealing a small opening, where a set of revolving iron shelves will be seen.

On these place the food. Water is in the room, where the creature can help himself as he wishes it. Keep and restore the basket to its place; also be sure am. keep the knife. Push then the shelves and they will turn slowly around and come back to you with the plate empty. “After this, replace the panel, and return to your room silently. That will be all for about two or three weeks, when I shall add a small service, such as placing a light of a certain nature in the tower, and winding up a little machinery. Will you do all this?” asked he, eagerly. “Yes,” half moaned the poor girl, whose soul shrank in horror from the task, “if you assure me I will not be harmed by the beast. ” “You never will; he is chained to a heavy iron bolt; besides, this room he is in has no windows or doors (being lighted from the ceiling), and there is no mode of reaching him, save by those shelves. 1 could not; you can never even see him or be seen by him. When my friend returns, and wants him, wo will unscrew the iron shelves, and so take him hence.

“Will you stay now, as he must be seen to this very night?” asked Sir Reginald, after a pause. “You can send for your trunks when you wish. I will pay you twenty ponnds a month.” “I will stay.” “Then, please ring the bell you see yonder, as I must inform my wife.” The bell brought a footman, who took the desired message, and Lady Constance soon appeared. “Miss Nevergail is to remain. She is to be my amanuensis, reader, and assist you and the nurse, generally, in my care. I wish the room next this prepared for her immediate use.” “Why that one? It will not be wise to put hpr there. ” “Wise or not, there she goes, so have it in readiness. Also, tell Matthew to put up the horses, as they will be needed no more to-day.

CHAPTER XIL ETHEL AND HER NEW DUTIES. In about an hour a servant maid entered, to say that the room was in readiness, and she would lead Miss Nevergail to it, if she wished. Taking up her bonnet and wraps, the young girl passed through the front hall into the room adjoining, which she found exceedingly beautiful. It had evidently always been exclusively a guest chamber, and so richly was it furnished that she guessed at once why Lady Constance had objected to its daily use. As soon as the maid had withdrawn, Ethel commenced an examination of the implements Sir Reginald had mentioned. The bookcase he had spoken of she knew had been carried thither from the library for; her use since her arrival. The drawer to which he had given her a key of a peculiar shape was a secret one, found, as he had whispered, behind the books, and remembering his directions, she proceeded to open it, after carefullylocking her door. There lay the three singularly shaped, large knives, with long, sharp-pointed blades; there, also, was a china candlestick with three or four dozen wax candles. Matches wore in a large tin box, ready for constant and instant use.

Refastening the drawer and replacing the books, the young girl proceeded to the wardrobe on the opposite side of the room, and unlocking it, she saw at the back a door, bolted on her 'side, which gave her an immediate feeling of security. Softly drawing the bolt, she looked out into a small passage that , led merely from her own room to a similar door inside a wardrobe she had seen in the baronet’s. These two rooms communicated with this little passageway from the inhabited part of tiie house, and these alone. Directly opposite her door was a smaller one, which she at once knew must lead to the Haunted Tower and deserted rooms belonging to this singular old mansion. She did not open this, but retreating to her own apartment through the wardrobe, bathed her face and hands, smoothed her hair, and once more turned toward the room of the invalid. At the threshold, however, she met old Mrs. Fredon, the nurse, who had been in the family for years, who whispered that the baronet had fallen asleep, therefore, she might walk around the grounds if she chose.

Feeling that the fresh air would revive her poor shrinking spirit, Ethel tripped down the broad staircase and stepped upon the piazza. As she did so, she almost ran against a gentleman just entering. Raising her eyes to apologize, she found herself face to face with Dr. Elfenstein, the kind friend that she had parted with a few weeks before. He was as much astounded as herself, it seemed, at her unexpected appearance. “Is it possible that this can be Miss Nevergail?” “It is, indeed; but I can scarcely believe this my friend, Dr. Elfenstein. How is it we meet in this unexpected plaee and manner?” “I was about calling on my patient, Sir Reginald Glendenning, when, instead of being received by a servant, Miss Nevergail comes flying toward me. How is it you 4re here? I see by your black dress that your aunt must have passed away! But come out upon the piazza, as you were about to do, and tell me of yourself.” Passing from the door to the shadow of the trained vines, followed by the physician, the young girl related the occurrences of the last few weeks. “Did I understand that you were to remain here some time?” “Yes. I am to be Sir Reginald’s secretary, amanuensis, and reader. For this, and helping to amuse him, I am to

receive a good salary, and will iave a home for the summer. * “I am very glad to hear it, * exclaimed Earle, kindly, “It seems like a pleasant spot, and I think this pure, fresh air will benefit yonr health and spirits. I also have settled here, having bought a practice. * “Shall we go to Sir Reginald now?” returned she, at the end of their animated conversation. “I presume he is awake by this time.” “Yes, at once, and I hope I shall find him more easy than he was this morning.” “Sleep indicates some degree of ease. Do you think he will be helpless long?” “I am sorry to say it will be months before he can leave his bed. Even then, I fear he will be a cripple for years.” “Poor man! This has been a sad accident for him,” replied Ethel, in tones full of sympathy. Dr. Elfenstein made quite a long,call, as he had much to do to make the baronet comfortable for the night, and as Ethel saw him handle the. injured man so gently, and soothe him with kind, encouraging words, she felt that he must possess a heart of almost womanly feeling, and her interest and admiration deepened, even before, his visit was concluded.

After Earle Elfenstein withdrew a late dinner was announced, and in the din-ing-room Lady Constance presented to Ethel her nephew, Robert Glendenning, and niece, Relle, his sister, the former greeting her with rather an insolent look of admiration, the latter with a bow expressive of haughty contempt From that moment Ethel saw that neither of these young people would promote het hapoinoss while she remained under this roof. Mr. Glendenning did converse with her, but it was with such an. evident air of condescension that her replies were brief and cold, while his sister remained silent during the whole meal, with the exception of answering one or two questions asked by Lady Constance, which answers were given in a cold, mechanical way that told of a mind preoccupied and absent. The truth was this young lady was surprised and not at all pleased with the introduction of such a rarely beautiful girl into the home over which she hold sway. She was intensely proud and selfish, and felt that thfcre might be an influence exerted upon her few admirers that might interfere with her prospects. The prospects particularly in view at present were the winning of the heart and hand of the new physician lately settled in the place.

She had been introduced to him at the home of a friend, and had admired his elegant hearing, handsome face and quiet manners, and instantly had resolved to lay siege to his heart. Witli how much success this siege was to be carried on time alone could determine. After leaving the table the ladies repaired to the piazza, followed by Mr. Glendenning. As Belle paused to pluck from one of the vines a few flowers for her belt, Lady Constance turned to Ethel and remarked: “I suppose you have no friends in this vicinity, having just arrived.” Ethel hesitated, while a faint blush suffused brow and cheek as she replied: “I have found one here very unexpectedly.” “Ah! whom may that be?” asked her ladyship. “Dr. Elfenstein. We crossed the Atlantic on the same vessel, and as my aunt was taken very ill during the voyage he attended her, and, consequently, we became well acquainted.” Belle’s attention was riveted by these remarks, and with a sneer she exclaimed:

“I presume, then, you waylaid him this afternoon in order to renew the acquaintance. ” “Pardon me!” replied Ethel, with dignity. “I waylay no one. We met casually on this piazza as he was about entering to see Sir Reginald, and conversed for a few moments. ” “It seems to me for the future, when my uncle’s physician visits him, it would be well for you to remember that you now occupy the position of a subordinate, and therefore should not put on the airs of an equal to attract his attention!” was the rude and unladylike reply. “Belle,” interposed Lady Constance, who, with all her faults, was naturally kind-hearted and just, “you forget that Miss Nevergail in coming to us does not cease to be a gentlewoman. ” “Or, a gentlewoman’s poor relation!” was the cutting answer. ' “A remarkably beautiful one, however,” said the brother. “Say, Belle,” he added, teasingly, “you must take care or she will carry off some of your beaux.” The indignant girl gave him a glance of withering scorn, but merely said, with an angry toss of her head; “Let her beware how she interferes with me in any way. A word to the wise is sufficient.”

Ethel could scarcely control her indignant feelings, as she listened to these insulting remarks issuing from the lovely lips of the girlish speaker, but alter an effort she did control them, and without a word turned away, and again sought the side of the invalid. But she found him irritable and hard to please, and the moments passed in his room became intolerably long, and she sighed for the time to come when she could retire to her own apartment, even though she knew a strange and annoying duty would follow her there. Finally the baronet told her if she was weary to go, adding harshly: “I am tired already of gazing at your pale face. ” then more kindly, as he saw she was startled by his rough way of speaking: “I hope I shall feel better in the morning; if so, I should like to have you read to me, or, as you understand music, will listen to a song.” fTO BE CONTINUED.] That the commercial practicability I of solidifying petroleum, upon which doubt was catst some time ago, is established, is proved by the exhibition of Prof. Millefleurs, before a meeting of Parisian scientists, of several bricks of petroleum, which he has produced by an original process. The bricks were hard'enough to be handled without inconvenience, yet soft enough to be cut with a stout knife. They burned slowly when touched with a lighted match. Prof. Millefleurs claims that they are non-explosive and inexpensive. Eveby man should have an aim in life, but he shouldn’t spend too much time aiming. The quick shot gets the pigeon when the trap is sprung.