A Remarkable Story.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1037, 15 January 1892, Page 12

A Remarkable Story.

A correspondent of the London Press Association sends the following remarkable story, related to a friend by a lady at present staying in Italy : ‘ I am on intimate terms with the Marquis of Salisbury’s family, and the last time when staying in his lordship’s house I was much struck by the face of the major domo, which haunted me as if I had seen it before. I was puzzled to remember where, and in trying to remember where I looked at the man very frequently. At last he noticed I was observing him, and seemed for the moment disconcerted. Still, I could not recall where I had seen his face, but presently I remembered, and ho observed the evident recognition in my countenance ; it was in the Vatican at Rome, over a portion of which he had conducted mo. He was at that time in the garb of an Italian priest, speaking English fluently, and was one of the most affable and gentlemanly men I ever met. I went to bed at niglit feeling very unhappy, and quite sure that the man was in Lord Salisbury’s house for no good purpose. I could not sleep, and resolved on the morrow to mention the facts to the Marquis. Next morning, however, as soon as I got down to breakfast it was reported that the quondam priest had decamped in the night, taking his belongings with him, and causing a good deal of confusion in the household. I then saw the Marquis, and told him all I knew. He appeared to be greatly disconcerted, but said very little. We all con.ciytded at Hatfield that he was an agent of the Jeaui-tes sent over on a special mission.’