The Silent House

Lucian, recognising

bending forward to see who had jostled

rister, unable to conceal his surprise,

wrong, you see.

is in yo

shoulders. "No one

our room, and I saw the shadows of a man and a

win, laying a shaking hand on

you it

look for them," said Be

ave gone by

on

fatal quarrel going on within. At once the light was put out, and as I cou

d a few steps. "You must be mistaken, Mr. Denzil," said he in altered tones, "there can be no per

or dreaming!" retor

er of the two, sir. Come with me a

times people have been known to be in your house while you were absent, and your mode of life, secretive and strange, does not commend itself

That will never do! My house is my castle! The police dare not break into it! I am a peaceful and very u

n I told you of the shadow

am afraid o

u?" hinted Denzil, recalling the co

a pace, as though to place himself on his guard. "Wha

you hinted at whe

f on that night. The wine

" said Lucian drily, "judging b

gentleman," whimper

oniously. "It seems to be my fate to hold midnight conversations w

e is causing. Pray add to your kindness by coming with me to my house and exploring it from attic to basement. You will then

s," replied Lucian, "as I never heard, to my

for yourself that

wever bold he may be. Still, Lucian had ample courage, and more curiosity, for the adventure, as the chance of it stirred up that desire for romance which belongs peculiarly to youth. Also he was anxious to satisfy himself concerning the blind shadow

ard with cool courage and an observant eye, to spy out,

viously, a dainty supper was spread. Berwin turned up the lamp light and waved his hand roun

e performance of their pantomime. But I would have you observe, Mr. Denzil, that there is no disturbance of the furniture to show that such

the bell," said Lucian, glancing towards the heav

, stripping off his coat, "were

d a young man to be so gulled. Berwin's explanations and excuses only confirmed the idea that there was something in the man's life which cut him off from humanity, and which would not be

ooks wild and wandering, and the hectic colouring of his face and narrow chest showed that he was far gone in consumption. Even as Lucian

him; the first, a serpentine cicatrice extending on the right cheek from lip almost to ear; the second, the loss of the little finge

aid Lucian, pitying the feeb

one!" gasped Berwin. "It will so

it is sheer madness to dwell in

but I can't leave England-I can't leave this house, even; but on the wh

ngs, and furniture were all of this cheerful tint. The chairs were deep, and softly cushioned; on the walls were several oil paintings by celebra

placed. There was also a gilt clock, a handsome sideboard, and a neat smoking-table, on which stood a cut-glass spirit-stand and a box of cigars. The whole apartment was furnished

the supper table, which, with its silver and crystal and spotless covering, glittered like a jewel under the

ing doors draped with velvet curtains, and placed opposite to the window. "They a

n. Your contrast of poverty and riches i

n my house save yo

er night that I had no time for observation. Besides, I am not

. "I had no intention of offending you.

think it

cried Berwin. "I'll pa

chman?" asked D

demanded Berwin,

entially Scotch

retorted the man. "I may be a Scot, I may be a Yankee, but

ng from the chair in which he had seated himself, "and in my

rvously. "I am glad of your company, although I seem

necessity

at rest regarding the

y, "and I am certain that before I met y

small lamp, "come with me and I'