"And how Woman Water ? " I asked, trying to laugh little "Does she still play moonlight ? "

" hungry," answered the Welshwoman, in low voice

"Hungry ? Then feed her " I laughed But old Judith turned very pale, and looked at me strangely

"Feed her ? Aye-- feed her well," she muttered, glancing behind her ancient housekeeper, who tottered after us with feeble steps halls and passages

think much of her words She had always talked oddly, as Welshwomen will, and though very melancholy not superstitious, and certainly not timid Only, as in far-off dream, I seemed her standing light in her hand and muttering, "The heavy one--all of lead," and then leading little boy long corridors his father lying dead in great easy chair before smoldering fire So we went over the house, and I chose the rooms where live; servants I had brought with me ordered and arranged everything, and I had no more trouble care what provided left in peace and was not expected directions; for more listless than ever, owing effects illness at college

I dined in solitary state, melancholy grandeur vast old dining-room pleased me Then I went room I had selected study, and sat down in deep chair, under bright light, , or to let my thoughts meander through labyrinths own choosing, utterly indifferent course take

The tall windows room opened level ground terrace head garden end of July, and everything was open, weather was warm As I sat alone I heard the unceasing splash great fountains, and I fell to thinking Woman Water I rose and went out still night, and sat down upon seat terrace, between two gigantic Italian flower pots The air was deliciously soft and sweet smell flowers, garden was more congenial house Sad people always like running water sound of it at night, though tell why I sat and listened gloom, for dark below, pale moon yet climbed over the hills in front of me, though all the air above was light with her rising beams Slowly the white halo eastern sky ascended in an arch above the wooded crests, making the outlines mountains more intensely black by contrast, the head of some great white saint were rising from behind screen in vast cathedral, throwing misty glories from below I longed the moon herself, and I tried to reckon the seconds before appear Then she sprang up quickly, and in moment more hung round and perfect sky I gazed at her, and then floating spray tall fountains, and down pools, where the water lilies were rocking softly in their sleep velvet surface moonlit water Just then great swan floated out silently midst basin, and wreathed his long neck, catching the water broad bill, and scattering showers of diamonds around him

Suddenly, as I gazed, something came between me light I looked up instantly Between me round disk moon rose luminous face of woman, with great strange eyes, and woman's mouth, full and soft, but not smiling, hooded in black, staring at me as I sat still upon my bench She was close -- so close that touched her with my hand But transfixed and helpless She stood still for moment, but her expression change Then she passed swiftly away, and my hair stood up on my head, while the cold breeze from her white dress was wafted to my temples as she moved The moonlight, shining tossing spray fountain, made traceries of shadow gleaming folds of her garments In an instant she was gone and alone

strangely shaken vision, and passed before rise to my feet, for still weak from my illness, sight I had seen startled anyone reason with myself, for certain that I had looked unearthly, and no argument destroyed that belief At last I got up and stood unsteadily, gazing direction the face had gone; but nothing seen--nothing but the broad paths, the tall, dark evergreen hedges, the tossing water fountains smooth pool below I fell back seat and recalled the face I had seen Strange , now first impression had passed, nothing startling recollection; contrary, that fascinated face, and would give anything it again retrace the beautiful straight features, the long dark eyes, wonderful mouth most exactly in my mind, and when I had reconstructed every detail from memory whole was beautiful, love woman face

"I wonder whether the Woman Water ! " to myself Then rising once more, I wandered down the garden, descending one short flight of steps after another from terrace to terrace edge marble basins, shadow and moonlight; and I crossed the water rustic bridge above the artificial grotto, and climbed slowly up again highest terrace other side The air seemed sweeter, and very calm, I smiled to myself as I walked, new happiness had come The woman's face seemed always before me, thought of it an unwonted thrill of pleasure, unlike anything I had ever felt before

I turned as I reached the house, and looked back scene It had certainly changed short hour since I had come out, and my mood had changed with it Just like my luck, , in love with ghost ! But in old times sighed, and gone to bed more sad than ever, at such melancholy conclusion To-night happy, almost first time in my life The gloomy old study seemed cheerful when I went in The old pictures walls smiled at me, and I sat down in my deep chair with new and delightful sensation that not alone The idea of having seen ghost, and of feeling much the better , was so absurd that I laughed softly, as up books I had brought with me and began to read

That impression wear off I slept peacefully, and morning I threw open my windows summer air and looked down garden, stretches of green and colored flower- beds, circling swallows and bright water

"A man might make paradise place," I exclaimed "A man and woman together ! "

day the old Castle no longer seemed gloomy, and I ceased sad; for , too, I began an interest place, and and make it more alive I avoided my old Welsh nurse, lest she should damp my humor with some dismal prophecy, and recall my old self by bringing back memories dismal childhood But what of most ghostly figure I had seen garden that first night after my arrival I went out every evening and wandered walks and paths; but, try as , see my vision again At last, after many days, the memory grew more faint, and my old moody nature gradually overcame the temporary sense of lightness I had experienced The summer turned to autumn, and I grew restless It began to rain The dampness pervaded the gardens, outer halls smelled musty, like tombs; the gray sky oppressed me intolerably I left the place as and went abroad, determined anything which might possibly make second break monotonous melancholy I suffered

II