THE ROOM WITH THE TASSELS by CAROLYN WELLS Author of "The Bride of a Moment," "Faulkner's Folly," etc. New York George H. Doran Company Copyright, 1918, By George H. Doran Company Printed in the United States of America WITH LOVE AND HOMAGE _This Book is Dedicated_ TO HATTIE BELLE JOHNSTON CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. Wanted: A Haunted House 11 II. The Old Montgomery Place 26 III. Black Aspens 41 IV. The Story of the House 56 V. Eve's Experience 71 VI. At Four O'clock 86 VII. The Mystery 101 VIII. By What Means 117 IX. Conflicting Theories 131 X. Was It Supernatural? 146 XI. The Heir Speaks Out 161 XII. The Professor's Experience 176 XIII. Pennington Wise 192 XIV. Zizi 207 XV. Tracy's Story 222 XVI. What Happened to Zizi 237 XVII. Stebbins Owns Up 252 XVIII. Another Confession 267 THE ROOM WITH THE TASSELS CHAPTER I Wanted: A Haunted House "But I _know_ it's so,--for Mrs. Fairbanks saw it herself,--and heard it, too!" The air of finality in the gaze levelled at Braye defied contradiction, so he merely smiled at the girl who was doing the talking. But, talking or silent, Eve Carnforth was well worth smiling at. Her red hair was of that thin, silky, flat-lying sort, that spells temper, but looks lovely, and her white, delicate skin,--perhaps the least bit hand-painted,--showed temperament while her eyes, of the colour called beryl,--whatever that is,--showed all sorts of things. Then from her canna-hued lips fell more wisdom. "And Professor Hardwick believes it, too, and he's----" "A college professor," broke in Landon, "don't try to gild _his_ refinement! But really, Eve, you mustn't believe in spooks,--it isn't done----" "Oh, but it is! You've no idea how many people,--scientific and talented people,--are leaning toward spiritualism just now. Why, Sir Oliver Lodge says that after the war great and powerful assistance will be given by spirit helpers in matters of reconstruction and great problems of science."