There had been no calls in my absence, and so the prospect looked fair for a quiet evening--just what I wanted; for the strange condition of Henry Wallingford, and the singular circumstance connected with the old Allen House, were things to be conned over with that second self, towards whom all thought turned and all interest converged as to a centre.
After exchanging wet outer garments and boots, for dressing gown and slippers; and darkness and storm for a pleasant fireside; my thoughts turned to the north-west chamber of the Allen House, and I said-- "I have seen something to-night that puzzled me." "What is that ?" inquired my wife, turning her mild eyes upon me.
"You know the room in which old Captain Allen died ?" "Yes." "The chamber on the north-west corner, which, as far as we know, has been shut up ever since ?" "Yes, I remember your suspicion as to foul play on the part of Mrs.
Allen, who, it is believed, has never visited the apartment since the Captain's death." "Well, you will be surprised to hear that the shutters are unclosed, and lights burning in that chamber." "Now!" "Yes--or at least half an hour ago." "That is remarkable." My wife looked puzzled.
"And more remarkable still--I saw shadows moving on the walls, as of two or three persons in the room." "Something unusual has happened," said my wife.
"Perhaps Mrs.Allen is dead." This thought had not occurred to me.

I turned it over for a few moments, and then remarked, "Hardly probable--for, in that case, I would have been summoned.

No; it strikes me that some strangers are in the house; for I am certain that I saw a young girl come to the window and press her face close up to one of the panes, as if trying to penetrate the darkness.
"Singular!" said my wife, as if speaking to herself.

"Now, that explains, in part, something that I couldn't just make out yesterday.

I was late in getting home from Aunt Elder's you know.