A MODEL GHOST STORY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7170, 8 November 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

A MODEL GHOST STORY.

A very singular story, which forms one of the sensational social topics of the day, is the. best authenticated of the many stories of the supernatural that have been lately told. Only a short time ago a young and well-known artist, Mr. A., was invited to pay a visit to his distinguished friend, Mr. Izzard. The house was filled with guests, but a large and handsome room was placed at his disposal, apparently one of the best in the house. For three days he had a delightful visit, delightful in all particulars save one—he had eaoh night a horrible dream. He dreamed—or was really—suddenly awakened by someone entering hie room, and looking around saw the room brilliantly lighted, while at the window stood a lady elegantly attired, in the act of throwing something out, This accomplished, she turned her face towards the only spectator, showing a countenance so distorted by evil pastions that he was thrilled with horror. Soon the light and the figure with the dreadful face disappeared, leaving the artist suffering from a frightful nightmare. On returning to his city home he was _so haunted by this dreadful oountenance which had for three consecutive nights troubled him that he made a sketclTof it, and so real that the evil expression seemed to horrify everyone who saw it. Not a great while after the artist went to make an evening visit oh Mr. Izzard ; that gentleman invited him to hia picture gallery, as he wished to show him some remarkable old family portraits. What was Mr. A's surprise to recognise among them, in the likeness of a stately, well-dressed lady, the one who had so troubled his slumbers on his previous visit, lacking, however, the revolting, wicked expression. As soon as ho saw it he voluntarily exclaimed, "Why I have seen that lady." " Indeed," said Mr.l., smiling, "that is hardly possible, as she died more than a hundred years ago. She was the second wife of my great-grandfather, and reflected anything but credit on the family. She was atrongly suspected of having murdered her husband's son by the former marriage, in order to make her own child heir to the property. The unfortunate boy broke his neck in a fall from a window, and there is every reason to believe that he was precipitated from the window by his stepmother." The artist then told the host the circumstances of the thrice-repeated experience or dream, and sent for his sketch, which so far as the features were concerned, was identical with the portrait in Mr. Izzard's gallery. The sketch has since been photographed, but from its hideous expression, is far from pleasant to look upon.—Boston Courier.