The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-06-26

Matilda, was thankful for not being cow
ard; and in the midst of these alarms
could have explored the whole house alone
with perfect serenity. qsa .sse s-.g sas..w
! enjoyed life at Pinehurst, though the
girls pronounced it dull; and SO enraptured
was with the place, that in consequence of
this and my Resemblance to the portrait, it
became quitea standing joke with my cous-
ins to call me Miss Eleanor Pyott. Now
this was not disagreeable; Twas very sensi-
tive respecting my nose, and Miss Eleanor's
certainly was little larger than mime
When, therefore, they urged me to don some
old bonnet that been discovered at the top
Of the house, and arrange my hair in puffs, 1
declined affording them this qualification, for
which they teased me daily. ....'....
The walled-up chamber, which was re-
garded with a mixture of horror and curios-
ity, was soon pointed out to me. 1t was in
q sort of wing that joined on at the extreme
end of the mansion and looked out upon the
densest part of the grounds. Being in the
second story, narrow fight of steps led
up from the ontside to low door that open
ed directly into the room. This was never
unfastened, and ths one window was tightly
boarded. ! regarded this spot with longing
eyes, and often proposed an exploration Of
the haunted apartment; but this Uncle Al
thorpe decidedly opposed, alleging that he
was only temporary tonant, be had no
right to penetrate into these carefully guard
ed recessess. ..ss.-. ...-. 3D.. .....0.. .....
One day my cousins had been more than
unusually aggrayating upon tho subject of
| my resemblance to Miss Eleanor Pyott, and
! retired to rest at night in no very pleasant
frame of mind. -s.,- -1t''.....
Matilda was soon asleep, but l lay awake
thinking of the former occupants of the
mansion and wondered if Pyott Denmore
would ever DO restored to what considered
his rightful position. 4.
l was restless; and finally rose from the
bed, and lighting candle, proceeded to
view Miss Eleanor's portrait. The more /
looked, the more became convinced that
l did look like it; and the desire came over
me to attire myself in the ancient dress and
then compare noses. Hilly had caught q
glimpse Of some old fashioned things in the
back part of deep. closet, and thither ac-
cordingly repaired. A faded dress Of stiff
brocade, that had evidently seen long ser
vice soon replaced my wrapper, and having
rolled my hair into puffs, a Ia Miss Eleanor,
| donned green caleche, and almost trem-
bled at my reflection in the glass. -
looked at the portrait again, to DO sure
that it was really l, and not the old lady
stepped from the frame; and then uuhesi-
tatingly directing my steps towards the wall
cd up room, was determined to see it 1t
were possible to effect an entrance there.
1t was ridiculous expedition; but walk
ed gravely on through tho silent passage,
until came to little entry that opened in
to closet. Carefully guarding my candle,
peered around in search of some outlet,
for knew that this closet was at the end
Of the house near the mysterious chamber.
The narrowness of my quarters caused
rattling sound in the capuc GUS pocket OF
my dress, and drawing forth a roll of paper,
l grasped it tightly for the future investiga-
ton. My candle was not brilliant enough,
or should before have discovered sort Of
board window at the end of the closet. This
was secured by hooks, that were noiselessly
unfastened, and then found myself in a
small room, from the further end of which,
seemed to proceed light.
was staggered, and my first impulse was
to turn back; but resolving to inquire into
the cause of this strange phenomena. l
proceeded trembling forward. l could not
have told what expected to see, but GER
tainly was not prepared for 'h" sight that
The room into which l entered led to a
larger one, and in this, seated by table,
was a gentleman, completely absorbed in the
perusal Of some old yellow letters. His
face wore an expression of sadness as he
sat there, but could see that he was very
distinguished looking, and quiet young man.
The situation in which found myself
was extremely embarrassing-alone there,
at midnight, but instead of retracing my
steps, stood spell bound, staring at the
occupant of the mysterious room.
Presently he turned and saw me. His
face grew white, as he exclaimed in husky
voice, Gam l dreaming! Merciful heaven!
that nose!
This unprovokcd attack upon my much
injured feature quite exasperated me and
without stopping to consider what did, l
threw the paper in my hand at the speaker
and glidedb ack to my closet. thought that
heard heavy fall; but now thoroughly
alarmed at my own impudence, hastened,
breathless and painting to my room.
My cousin still slept; and divesting my
self my masqueradiDg attire, l sat down and
pondered over my singular adventure. As
| had told my uncle did not believe in
ghosts, and the gentleman whom encoun-
tered had given full evidence Of being a
living man, fully believe it to be PyOtt
Dcnmore; though how he came there, and
for what reason, could not tell: had
evidently impressed him with the conviction
that be had been visited by his Aunt Flea
nor; and with sort Of mischivous glee, and
a little inward trembling, retired to bed,
wondering what would come of it.
half feared to 60 to the breakfast table;
but nothing was said Of the performance Of
the night before; Uncle Althorpe looked per-
fectly unconscious of the scene that had
been enacted, and began to breathe freely.
Ny cousins teased me during the day for
being so unusually silent; but my thoughts
were wandering OF to the solitary looking
gentleman, and l wondered what had be-
come of him. It would not do to trust tho
girls with my secret, for they would laugh
at mo, and declare that had been dream
ing, and that was, after oil, as great a
coward Us themselves.
stole of to the thicket that was immc.
diately under tho boarded window, but all
looked dark and deserted rs before, and |
almost asked myself if had not imagined
the whole affair.
Unclo Althorpc went to town every tficrti-
ing, and rctured every night, and always on
his appearance, he was besieged with host
of questions respecting Pyott Denmore's
case. The usual reply was that it was
standing still; as everything in law always is;
but on the evening succeeding my promo
made, he made his appearance with coun-
Etenance that was perfect series of notes
of exclamation.
'What i, it, papa?' was demanded in five
different keys; but an uncountablo trembling
seized me, and remained silent.
'The strangest story | ever listened to-"
said my uncle at length, in solemn man
ner. 4 cannot possibly account for it.'
'Why2' exclaimed the volatile Emma,
'shas old Miss Pyott appeared to her neph-
ew, and told him in a sepulchral voice where
to find her will?'
Something very likeit,' was the reply, in
a tone that drew five eager faces closely
around him. ...-..... ..,-
'Denmore's story continued my uncle,
sbegan with On apology. 1t seems that the
walled mp room was not walled up at all,
but only boarded, and to one acquaited with
A. L. fn of