Chapter 33 Unexpected testimony.

Mrs. Belden paused, lost in the somber shadow which these words were calculated to evoke,

and a short silence fell upon the room.

It was broken, by my asking, for some account of the occurrence she had just mentioned,

it being considered a mystery, how Hannah could have found entrance into her house without

the knowledge of the neighbors.

Well, said she, it was a chilly night, and I had gone to bed early.

I was sleeping then, in the room off this.

When, at about a quarter to one, the last train goes through Riverdale.

At twelve fifty, there came a low knock on the window-pain at the head of my bed.

Thinking that some of the neighbors were sick, I hurriedly rose on my elbow and asked who

was there.

The answer came in low muffled tones.

Hannah, Miss Levinwurst's girl, please let me in at the kitchen door.

Startled, adhering the well-known voice, and fearing I knew not what, I caught up the

lamp and hurried round to the door.

Is anyone with you, I asked?

No, she replied.

Then come in.

But no sooner had she done so than my strength failed me, and I had to sit down.

Before I saw she looked very pale and strange, was without baggage, and altogether had the

appearance of some wandering spirit.

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