A word to my readers before they begin these pages.
As a woman of inborn principle and strict Presbyterian training, I hatedeception and cannot abide subterfuge. This is why, after a year or moreof hesitation, I have felt myself constrained to put into words the truehistory of the events surrounding the solution of that great mysterywhich made Lost Man's Lane the dread of the neighboring country.Feminine delicacy, and a natural shrinking from revealing to the worldcertain weaknesses on my part, inseparable from a true relation of thistale, led me to consent to the publication of that meagre and decidedlyfalsified account of the matter which has appeared in some of ourleading papers.
But conscience has regained its sway in my breast, and with all dueconfidence in your forbearance, I herein take my rightful place in theseannals, of whose interest and importance I now leave you to judge.
Amelia Butterworth.
Gramercy Park, New York.
BOOK I THE KNOLLYS FAMILY
I.—A VISIT FROM MR. GRYCE
II.—I AM TEMPTED
III.—I SUCCUMB
IV.—A GHOSTLY INTERIOR
V.—A STRANGE HOUSEHOLD
VI.—A SOMBRE EVENING
VII.—THE FIRST NIGHT
VIII.—ON THE STAIRS
IX.—A NEW ACQUAINTANCE
X.—SECRET INSTRUCTIONS
XI.—MEN, WOMEN, AND GHOSTS
XII.—THE PHANTOM COACH
XIII.—GOSSIP
XIV.—I FORGET MY AGE, OR, RATHER, REMEMBER IT
BOOK II THE FLOWER PARLOR
XV.—LUCETTA FULFILS MY EXPECTATION OF HER
XVI.—LOREEN
XVII.—THE FLOWER PARLOR
XVIII.—THE SECOND NIGHT
XIX.—A KNOT OF CRAPE
XX.—QUESTIONS
XXI.—MOTHER JANE
XXII.—THE THIRD NIGHT
BOOK III FORWARD AND BACK
XXIII.—ROOM 3, HOTEL CARTER
XXIV.—THE ENIGMA OF NUMBERS
XXV.—TRIFLES, BUT NOT TRIFLING
XXVI.—A POINT GAINED