Page:The Keepsake for 1838.djvu/219

 seemed to me, was studiously and designedly pursuing this theme, when the officer, who was slightly inebriated, suddenly demanded, with all the reckless audacity of wine—

“Whether the circumstances that had happened to the General were also a deception?”

Bentheim became visibly embarrassed, and could not deny that the occurrence was quite inexplicable to him.

“Though,” continued he, “it is useless for us to attempt the solution of this mystery. To me, at least, the general never related the events of that night, and I see,” added he, with a feeble smile, and a painfully visible effort at jocularity, “no necessity for attributing them to a ghost.”

Both officers now insisted on examining the mysterious chamber themselves; the opposition of the Baron and the agitation of Adelaide only serving to inflame their curiosity.”

“We are resolved,” said they, “to pass the night in that room. How do we know that our visit may not be productive of some startling incidents like those which we find in comedies and romances?”

I offered to share their nocturnal watch, saying, that I had often heard similar adventures could only be successfully accomplished by three persons. They gladly agreed to my proposal, and Bentheim, also, at last consented. He whispered some words to his daughter; and a few minutes afterwards he desired her to cause the chamber of the Silver Lady to be prepared for their guests.

In a short time, the two officers and I, rising from table, and eager to encounter the mysterious adventure we anticipated, bade farewell to our host and his lovely daughter; and proceeded to the eventful apartment, which we found prepared for our reception.

Our arms lay on a table; numerous candles lighted every part of the room; some sofas, in case we should be fatigued,