Middletown transcript., 1868-05-16

stepped from the stage Gin which 1 had
travelled fifteen miles, at the Wakcland
tavern. A short walk brought me to Mr..
Clayton's door, where, cold and tired, I
knocked hastily for admittance. 1t was
opened by an elderly gentleman whom [
rightly conjectured to be the father of my
friend.
After harty welcome, l was ushered
into library, where bright wood-fre
sparklcd and glowcd between a pair of old
fashioned brass andirons; ruddy refec-
ton played over the walls and furniture.
and the heavy crimson curtains, with which
the windows were draped, were frightened
by the flashes of light which fickered and
quivered over them.
3" You are no doubt surprised at not
seeing my son." remarked Mr.. Clayton,
after we were seated " he was obliged to
leave home few days ago on important
and unforeseen business he will, however,
return tomorrow morning, if possible.
He regretted exceedingly being absent
upon your arrival"
At that instant a servant entered, bear
ing tray, on which q nice little supper
was arranged.
+" Can it be possible that either of these
three goddesses is able to make such de-
licious coffee 7" asked myself, as [ sip
ped the smoking beverage, and then ad-
ded--'' for should either of them possess
that power, here is, at once, point in her
favor"
As | was leaving the apartment, I turn
ed my head to catch a glimpse of the
cheerful scene which had greeted my en-
trance. 1t formed altogether so pleasant a
picture, that involuntarily, l drew a com
parison between it and my old dingy study
at the same time blessing every one of the
many hundred miles which separated me
from it.
When I parted with my host for the
night, it was with the comfortable rohec-
ton that 1 had made an agreeable impress
sion upon him. With the favor of both
father and brother, what might not dare
to hope?
80 shall have the pleasure of introdu-
cling You to my wife and daughters in the
morning" Mr.. Clayton had remarked, as
he badc me good night, and fell asleep
wondering which would be the one, Carrie,
Kathic, or Nellie.
The ringing of the bell broke in, uu-
tremendously, upon my pleasant slumbcrs
the ensuing morning. As became more
fully aroused, heard the quick patter of
rain-drops against the window panes. /
must confess was not very much pro-
voked, . 1t will be capital day to be-
come acquainted with the three graccs," |
thought, and speedily commenced the op-
Grafton of dressing.
My wig | never donncd until all else
was finished. On the preceding evening
before retiring, had curled, combed and
arranged it in the notwithstanding style of
which was capable. I now approached
the table where had placed it in solitary
state But-horror Of horrors lit was
not there! Gould | have been mistaken
Was it possible that might not have laid
it whore had supposed But no, L was
certain, positively certain! rushed to
the doors and windows and examined bolts
and bars. All was secure. Then com
menccd frantic search Under chairs,
table, bed and bureau, in drawers, in
cracks and in creyices, in places possible
and impossible, looked, but all to no pur-
pose.
In the midst of my labors, second bell
sounded through the house. Breakfast! !!
sank into chair completely overcome
with despair.
Then, as though in the mirror of ma
gician, there arose before me table, Ia
den with smoking yiands, and FIVE anxious
faces turned towards the door, watching
for my appearance. This aroused me to
renewed exertions. 1 searched in my va
lise, looked in my pockets and in my
hat, | peered into my boots and into my
wator-pitcher, but all in vain Then
somebody knocked at the door.
q Breakfast, sir"
"Tcll them not to wait for me I'll be
down shortly" I cried, hastily.
heard the servant as she descended the
stairs, but remained, standing motionless
in the centre of my apartment. Then,
with the calmness of despair, seated my
self before the table, and drawing my
watch from my pocket, laid it thereon.
With a sinking heart l watched the
hands as they moved slowly around the ac-
customed circle. My feelings were those
of a condemned criminal whose doom was
approaching.
Then the magic mirror seemed again
placed before me; but the esprit of my
dream" had changed. Iperceived the five
faces now not only anxious but. alarmed;
the smoking viands had disappeared, and
in there places perceived the cold and
tastelocs remains of the morning meal.
This vision was dissolved by second rap
at the door. This time it was Mr.. Clay
ton himself who responded to my question,
"Who's there p
reluctantly approached the door, and,
opening it, stood before him.
With momentary glance of surprise at
the shining pate, which the evening before
he had seen so thickly covered with clus-
tering locks, he informed me that, think
ing ] might be ill., he had como up to see