Many of the servants of the province-house had caught glimpses of a visage frowning down upon them at morning or evening twilight , or in the depths of night while raking up the fire that glimmered on the hearth beneath , although , if any were , bold enough to hold a torch before the picture , it would appear as black and undistinguishable as ever . The oldest inhabitant of Boston recollected that his father -- in whose days the portrait had not wholly faded out of sight -- had once looked upon it , but would never suffer himself to be questioned as to the face which was there represented . In connection with such stories , it was remarkable that over the top of the frame there were some ragged remnants of black silk , indicating that a veil had formerly hung down before the picture until the duskiness of time had so effectually concealed it . But , after all , it was the most singular part of the affair that so many of the pompous governors of Massachusetts had allowed the obliterated picture to remain in the state-chamber of the province-house . `` Some of these fables are really awful , '' observed Alice Vane , who had occasionally shuddered as well as smiled while her cousin spoke . `` It would be almost worth while to wipe away the black surface of the canvas , since the original picture can hardly be so formidable as those which fancy paints instead of it . '' `` But would it be possible , '' inquired her cousin , '' to restore this dark picture to its pristine hues ? '' `` Such arts are known in Italy , '' said Alice . The lieutenant-governor had roused himself from his abstracted mood , and listened with a smile to the conversation of his young relatives . Yet his voice had something peculiar in its tones when he undertook the explanation of the mystery . `` I am sorry , Alice , to destroy your faith in the legends of which you are so fond , '' remarked he , `` but my antiquarian researches have long since made me acquainted with the subject of this picture -- if picture it can be called -- which is no more visible , nor ever will be , than the face of the long-buried man whom it once represented . It was the portrait of Edward Randolph , the founder of this house , a person famous in the history of New England . '' `` Of that Edward Randolph , '' exclaimed Captain Lincoln , `` who obtained the repeal of the first provincial charter , under which our forefathers had enjoyed almost democratic privileges -- he that was styled the arch-enemy of New England , and whose memory is still held in detestation as the destroyer of our liberties ? '' `` It was the same Randolph , '' answered Hutchinson , moving uneasily in his chair . `` It was his lot to taste the bitterness of popular odium . '' `` Our annals tell us , '' continued the captain of Castle William , `` that the curse of the people followed this Randolph where he went and wrought evil in all the subsequent events of his life , and that its effect was seen , likewise , in the manner of his death . They say , too , that the inward misery of that curse worked itself outward and was visible on the wretched man 's countenance , making it too horrible to be looked upon . If so , and if this picture truly represented his aspect , it was in mercy that the cloud of blackness has gathered over it . '' `` These traditions are folly to one who has proved , as I have , how little of historic truth lies at the bottom , '' said the lieutenant-governor . `` As regards the life and character of Edward Randolph , too implicit credence has been given to Dr. Cotton Mather , who -- I must say it , though some of his blood runs in my veins -- has filled our early history with old women 's tales as fanciful and extravagant as those of Greece or Rome . ''
`` And yet , '' whispered Alice XXXXX , `` may not such fables have a moral ?
Boston Hutchinson Italy Mather Vane fire first morning province-house twilight