“Loaded with ball,” replied Stanley. “Come to me early in the morning.”
“I will, sir,” replied Minshull. “I hope you may have a good night. The bed’s as comfortable as I could make it.”
“No doubt — but I shan’t use it.”
Just as Minshull was going out, he stopped, and added, “Pray don’t use that pistol, sir!”
“Make yourself easy, I don’t mean to use it, unless Compelled.”
And the old man departed.
“Why is he so afraid of the pistol?” thought Stanley.
Left alone, Stanley looked carefully round, but saw nothing to lead him to suspect that any one was concealed in the chamber.
Though the bed seemed very tempting, he resolved not to occupy it, but sat down in an arm-chair, which was conveniently placed near the little table, and presently fell asleep.
How long he remained in this state he could not tell, but some slight sound aroused him, and he beheld a female figure standing near the partly-open door.
A momentary view of this figure revealed features of great beauty, but pale as death. The dress was that of some religious order, with the veil thrown back.
He saw no more, for, as he started to his feet, the taper was instantly extinguished; and, judging by the sound, the strange apparition must have passed through the door and closed it.
Stanley quickly followed, but could distinguish nothing in the sombre gallery. Nor could he re-light the taper, for the matches were gone.
We shall not now inquire into the nature of his reflections, but defer their consideration to the morning.
Again sitting down in the arm-chair he again fell asleep.
At daybreak he awoke, and, looking round the chamber perceived a small piece of folded paper on the floor. He took it up, and opening it, read these words traced in pencil:
“Do not search for me. You will not find me. I shall appear again at the right time. I have something important to communicate.”
This strange missive greatly puzzled Stanley, though he had already come to the conclusion that Minshull knew more of the matter than he chose to confess.
Not long afterwards, the old servant himself rapped at the door, and was instantly admitted.
On his entrance, he looked inquiringly at Stanley, and said, “Well, sir, have you seen the ghost?”
“I have,” replied the other, significantly, “and so have you.”
“I, sir!” exclaimed Minshull. “I heard it, as I told you, but didn’t see it.”
“Don’t attempt to impose upon me,” cried Stanley, angrily. “You know who this supposed apparition is, and for what purpose the crazed being who plays the part has come here. Who is she, I say? What is the meaning of the mystification? Speak plainly if you would obtain forgiveness for the deception you have practised upon me!”
Minshull did not answer for a minute or two.
Then assuming an air of contrition, he said, “I fear I have done wrong, sir; but I acted for the best.”
“What have you done?” asked Stanley, impatiently. “Who is the lady, I repeat? — and what brings her here?”
Minshull again hesitated, but finding Stanley determined to have an answer, he said, “She is Sister Aline.”
“Sister Aline! I never heard of her.”
“Oh, yes, you have, sir,” replied Minshull, “She is the lady who went to Dieppe with your uncle, Sir Thomas Starkey, and was with him when he was killed in a duel by Captain Darcy.”
“But that unhappy lady retired into a religious house,” said Stanley. “Ah, I see!” he exclaimed, “that accounts for her strange attire. Why has she come here?”
“Excuse me, sir, I am bound to secrecy on that point,” replied Minshull. “Nor can I tell you why she has been allowed to come into the house. But I am sure you will approve of her design when you learn it.”
“Does my mother know Sister Aline is here?” inquired Stanley.
“No, sir, she does not. I thought it best to keep the matter from her for a time, at least.”
“I know not what to think of her strange proceeding,” said Stanley. “But I trust no harm will come of it.”
“Have no fear, sir,” rejoined Minshull. “If I did not feel certain the poor lady means well, I would never have consented to act with her. You seem to fancy she is not in her right mind, sir — but that is a great mistake. She is as rational as either of us.”
“One more question, and I have done,” remarked Stanley. “Why was that strange story told me about the ghost?”
“Pray, excuse my saying more at present, sir,” replied Minshull. “In due time Sister Aline will give you a full explanation of all that now appears mysterious.”
“Well, my curiosity is still unsatisfied. But, to make an end, tell this poor lady — for whom I have the deepest sympathy — tell her, I say, from me, that she can remain at Brereton, and occupy this room, as long as she thinks proper, and whenever she desires to speak to me I will see her. She need not appear as a ghost.”
“I will do your bidding, sir,” replied Minshull. “You now perceive I was right when I recommended you not to use your pistol. Suppose you had shot Sister Aline?”
“I won’t suppose it,” said Stanley, putting the pistol in his pocket. “And now it is time I should start for Beaucliffe. Go down before me and open the door. You may expect me again in the afternoon.”
As Stanley descended the staircase and crossed the entrance-hall, he did not perceive that he was watched from the gallery by Sister Aline.
CHAPTER XXXV.
SISTER ALINE’S LETTER.
STANLEY deemed it best to say nothing for the present to his wife, or anyone else at Beaucliffe, about the strange occurrences of the previous night.
When Mildred, therefore, questioned him on the subject, he returned an evasive answer, but the expression of his countenance was so singular, that she told him she was sure the ghost must have been laughing at him.
Neither the Squire nor Lady Talmash were aware of his nocturnal visit to Brereton, and he did not enlighten them on the subject.
In the afternoon, — while the ladies took a drive in the phaeton, and the Squire accompanied them on horseback, — he returned to the old mansion. His curiosity had been strongly excited, and he hoped something might occur to gratify it.
He found his mother in the garden, and after a little converse with her, entered the house and proceeded to the library, where Minshull brought him a letter, and having delivered it hurried out of the room.
Eagerly tearing open the envelope, Stanley found a long, closely-written letter, and at once commenced its perusal. It ran thus: —
“I said you should hear from me, and I now fulfil my promise.
“As you are already aware who I am, I will only say that I was with Sir Thomas Starkey when he was killed by Darcy in a duel at Dieppe.
“After that tragic event, I hoped Heaven would take me, but my prayers were unheard. Possibly, I may have been spared for some purpose.
“I then entered a Religious House, and trust that my sighs and tears, my constant prayers, and the severe acts of penance I perform may serve to blot out my guilt.
“Pardon rests with a merciful and gracious Heaven! But the heavy load that weighed upon my breast, and well-nigh crushed me, is somewhat lightened, and hope begins to dawn upon me.
“I should never have quitted, even for a short time, the asylum wherein I have taken refuge, had I not learnt that the perfidious Darcy, who had done me so much injury, had vowed to rob you of your lovely wife, and was endeavouring to carry out his wicked design.
“The pain given me by these tidings was indescribable. I besought Heaven to shield her from the Destroyer, but still dreadful fears beset me, and unable to shake them off, I consulted the Lady Superior, who was filled with compassion for me. After some consideration, she allowed me to quit the Retreat for a time, and proceed to England.
“Having heard much about this old mansion from the ill-fated S
ir Thomas, I resolved to come here, and I carried out my scheme. Your old servant, Minshull, and an elderly female assisted me. From inquiries I have caused to be made, I find that Darcy is still in the neighbourhood, and doubtless, still hopes for success in his wicked project.
“Should you desire to converse with me, come to the Haunted Chamber.— “ALINE.”
Just then, as if specially summoned, Minshull entered the library.
“Is the lady in the Haunted Chamber?” demanded Stanley.
Minshull replied in the affirmative.
“Say I will come to her immediately.”
The old servant at once obeyed the injunction, and when Stanley reached the gallery he was stationed near the mysterious chamber, and opened the door for him, closing it as soon as he had entered.
Sister Aline now stood before him in her dark religious dress, looking pale as death.
For a few moments they remained gazing at each other in silence, Stanley being greatly struck by the expression of the recluse’s countenance.
At length she spoke.
“Strange as my conduct may seem, I have sought to serve you. I cannot deny that a desire for vengeance has likewise influenced me, but my chief aim has been to preserve your wife. This man is more dangerous than you imagine, and will not easily abandon his purpose.”
“It would seem so,” replied Stanley. “I thought he was gone. But it is evident he will not depart, unless driven hence, and I must now undertake the task.”
“No, leave it to me,” rejoined Sister Aline. “I can easily get rid of him. But I shall not see him till to-morrow,”
“To-morrow will be soon enough,” said Stanley. “But I trust you will remain here.”
“Such is my intention,” she replied.
“Will you see my mother?”
“Not till my work is done. Not even then, unless she consents to see me.”
“Since you have decided to remain here,” said Stanley, “I will give Minshull some further orders respecting you.”
“None are needed. He and his old female assistant serve me perfectly.”
“I am much pleased to hear it,” replied Stanley. “To-morrow I shall be here again, and if you wish to see me, send word by Minshull.”
Before departing, he took her hand, and raised it respectfully to his lips.
On reaching the entrance-hall, he met his mother returning from the garden, and remarked that she had a letter in her hand that looked like a telegraph message.
“Have you received some news?” he inquired.
“Yes,” she replied. “We are going to have some visitors. Who do you think are coming to stay at the hall?”
“I can’t possibly guess,” he rejoined.
“Lady Starkey and her niece, Rose,” replied his mother.
“Indeed!” he exclaimed. “I am very glad to hear it But I didn’t think Rose was strong enough to travel.”
“Oh! yes; she’s much better than she was — and I trust quite out of danger. About a week ago, I wrote to Lady Starkey, asking her and Rose to come and spend a month with me, and she has just sent a telegram to inform me they will be here this afternoon.”
“Rather sudden,” cried Stanley, — somewhat startled — for he thought of Sister Aline. “I’m afraid you’ll scarcely be prepared for them.”
“Don’t alarm yourself, my dear boy,” she rejoined, smiling. “They won’t take me by surprise. I’ve got all quietly ready, for I felt certain they would come — and you see I was quite right.”
“Well! Where do you mean to put them?” asked Stanley, rather curiously.
“For Lady Starkey I have chosen the large room in the gallery,” replied Mrs. Brereton, “as I think it will exactly suit her. To Rose I have assigned the adjoining chamber, which you know is much smaller. They are sure to bring a lady’s-maid with them, so she can sleep in the dressing-room.”
“A very good arrangement,” observed Stanley, approvingly. “The large room is so beautifully furnished that Lady Starkey must be charmed with it And all the rest will do very well.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased,” replied his mother. “I hope you’ll stay to welcome them. They’ll be here in less than an hour.”
“Then I’ll certainly stay,” he replied.
His mother now left the room to give some orders regarding her visitors, and Stanley could not help thinking what a strange coincidence it would be if Sister Aline and Lady Starkey should be lodged in the house at the same time. Still, he felt that neither ought to know it.
It likewise occurred to him that he ought to prepare Minshull for the new-comers, and an opportunity of doing so was quickly afforded by the entrance of the old servant “Harkee, Minshull,” he cried. “Are you aware that Lady Starkey and her niece are coming here today?”
“Just heard so, sir,” was the reply.
“Will their coming interfere with you?”
“Not much, sir. Don’t be uneasy, I can manage.”
“I know you are a man of great resources, Minshull.”
“Yes, I flatter myself I am. But this is so unexpected. I wonder why my mistress didn’t take me into her confidence. She generally does.”
“You will certainly want some assistance, Minshull,” said Stanley. “You can’t do all the work yourself.”
“I don’t know what I can do till I try, sir. But I’ve no doubt her ladyship will make some allowances.”
“I’m sure she will,” replied Stanley. “And now mark what I say. Take the greatest care that Sister Aline does not hear of Lady Starkey’s arrival, or it will most likely frighten her away.”
“Rely upon that,” replied the old servant About half an hour later, a smart-looking open carriage, hired at the Railway Station, at Chester, drove up to Brereton Hall.
In it were Lady Starkey and her niece; and on the front seat were placed a couple of large trunks, together with several boxes, distinctly proclaiming that the fair owners had brought with them a goodly supply of dresses, and other articles likely to be required for their adornment during their stay. By the side of the coachman sat a very pretty lady’s-maid.
No sooner did the two ladies make their appearance than Stanley and his mother came forth to bid them welcome; and loud were the expressions of delight on both sides at the meeting. The visitors were likewise greatly struck by the old mansion, and loudly expressed their admiration of its picturesque beauty.
“Dear me!” exclaimed Lady Starkey, lifting up her hands. “What a remarkably pretty place you have made of it! I declare it is one of the nicest old houses I ever beheld! Don’t you think so, Rose?”
“Indeed, I do, aunty,” replied the other. “I really was not prepared for such a charming place.”
“Well, come with me!” cried Stanley, handing them out of the carriage. “I’m persuaded the interior of the house won’t disappoint you.”
“On the contrary, it far surpasses my expectations,” cried Lady Starkey, as she stood still in the entrance hall and looked round.
“There’s a staircase!” she exclaimed. “Perfect! isn’t it, Rose!”
“Quite perfect, aunty. And the gallery beyond! What a picture one could make of it!”
“I hope you may paint it,” said Stanley.
“Nothing I should like better,” she replied.
Stanley then led them to the great banqueting hall, with which they seemed still more delighted, and they remained for some time gazing at the old family portraits, and trying to discover a likeness between Stanley and some of his ancestors.
While they were thus occupied old Minshull came in to say that the coachman wished to depart, upon which Lady Starkey paid him and dismissed him.
Not since Stanley restored the old half had he passed so pleasant an hour as he had on that afternoon.
Very little credit had been given him by his wife for what he had done, so that the commendations now bestowed upon him by Lady Starkey and Rose were doubly welcome.
Under the circumstances, it was
extremely annoying to him to leave them so soon, but they readily accepted his excuse, and agreed to postpone any further inspection of the place until next day.
“I am quite charmed with what I have already seen,” observed Lady Starkey; “and I make no doubt that a still greater treat is in store for me.”
“I can’t promise that,” said Stanley. “But there are several rooms that you have not yet looked at.”
“I hope you will allow us to see the Haunted Chamber,” said Rose. “I’ve the greatest curiosity to behold it.”
Stanley looked quite confused by the request.
“You mustn’t ask to see that room,” he said.
“Why not?” rejoined Rose.
“I have a reason for refusal — but don’t ask me to explain.”
“Well, I must own I’m greatly disappointed,” said Rose; “but perhaps you’ll relent to-morrow.”
Stanley made no reply, but immediately afterwards took leave, hoping to see them next day.
He found Minshull in the entrance hall, and being struck with a new idea, called to the old servant to follow him, and hurried up the great staircase to the gallery. His object was to inform Sister Aline of the arrival that had just occurred, and ascertain what she thought of it
CHAPTER XXXVI.
LADY STARKEY AND ROSE HYLTON AT BRERETON HALL.
ON a slight signal, Sister Aline immediately opened the door and Stanley went into the room, Minshull remaining outside.
“Have you heard what has happened?” said Stanley. “I have just been told by Minshull that Lady Starkey and her niece have arrived at the hall,” she said. “But I feel no uneasiness on that account, for I am sure they won’t disturb me.”
“Every precaution shall be taken to secure you from intrusion” said Stanley. “But the difficulties have somewhat increased, for Miss Rose Hylton wants to see this Chamber, and though, of course, I shall not grant the request, you must keep the door fastened.”
“It is always fastened,” replied Sister Aline. “I only open it to Minshull, or the old woman.”
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 804