The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-07-15
THE SKELETON IN MIR. BULBO'S
CLOSET.

mn hN Ahhs DtAibV ~
CLOSET.
Mr.. Bulbo was decidedly nervous on this
evening. lie was more than fldgety; for,
besiies constant change OF position, he cast
quick looks behind hun, as II he heard
some one. and made many vain attempts
to whistle. Ills room was pleasant, his
chair comfortable. bis tobacco excellent,
and his pipe coloring in most envinblc
manner; but he frowned as he shifted
about. and finally sprang up with groan.
Behind him was smnll closet where bis
bachelor odds and ends were thrust, and
now he jerked the door open and eagerly
examined the interior.
What was the matter with Mr.. BulbO 2
lie appeared to be well, being rosy and
active. He was a pleasant looking man,
not yet troubled with age, as he had
even reached the "yOuth Of forty sum-
mcrs." He was rather prosperous in bus
incss. had a pleasant circle Of friends, and
no membranes. To look into his frank,
sunny face-for Wash Bulbo ibis name
was not an unfamiliar one to patriotic
Americans, and had been thus abbrcviated)
was n good fcllov-to interogate his
bright blue eyes, no one would suspect
that Mr.. BulbO was any thing but the
happlrst of men. But he had n secret
trouble which so preyed apOn him that
he was losing his spirits, and iclt as II he
was haunted by an actual presence. 1t
pursued him in the streets, sought him in
biz office, but was most vitali in its attacks
in his own room during the hitherto cheer
full hours which he had spent with his
book and pipe. II It's dreadful bony form
could only be shut in his closet--i6stened
in But no sooner was he seated thnn it
would steal out, whisper its wretchcd
suggestions in his car, and would drive him
on to the full deed against bis will, unless
he could find some way to stiile It.
It was this that stole Mr.. Bulho's sleep,
destroyed his appetite, and drove him from
n state of bliSsful unconsciousness to
condition Of rueful wretchedness. For
more than week he bad nailed up the
closet door-gOne without his oveshOes
for that length Of time, as they were
there bestowed, and had caught bad cold
in Consequence. as, pervcrsly enough,
the weather seemed in league with his
tormentor, and storms were rife. He had
left town and spent several nights with
friend. but there had been no escape for
him; and now he had returned to renew
the conflict or die.
Here he was, as badly of as before, for
there was no use trying to read or divert
himself In any wav. Some actual plan
must be devised and put into immediate
execution; and as he walked his room,
having thrown open oil the windows to
give himself MS much relief as possible, he
reviewed the circumstances which had
placed him in this unpleasant position.
A little more than year ago the first
stroke had fallen upon him as he was en-.
joying bis pipe in the twilight. The post.
mans ring had not hitherto annoyed him,
and he gave It no thought as he went to
the closet for bis tObacco-pouch, and
quielly said "Come i'm in response to
the knock which moment later Jared
his door. But his mood changed as he read
the letter which was put into his hands.
On breaking the envelope dainty note,
with dark lines Of grief on the edges end
delicate tiaccry in feminine hand within,
futtcrcd into bis lap, while heavy,
dnrkly written sheet Topped boldly on the
floor. lie read first BIT from one, then
from the other, in some confusion and
iismay. The gist Of both was that Horace
Francis, IN old friend of his fathers, had
lately deceased, and left Mr.. Bulbo In
charge Of his daughter Mary's property
until she should attain her majority.
clearing such fine reports OF your
business capacity, and having been so well
beloved of your father, select you of all
other men in the world. dear Bulbo,"
the dying man had written. The fortune
was large and had many cumbersome de-
tails; but Mr.. Bulbo, for the sake Of the
trust, and with certain pride in the ap-
probation Of his abilities, gladly under
took to discharge the obligation. The
lady had forwarded her fathers letter.
md begged that all communication be held
with her lawyer, es she hardly felt like
meeting strangers at present. Mr.. Bulbo
had acquiesed, and for q year now had,
with much trouble to himself, taken con-
scicHtiOus charge of the property, often
being obliged to neglect his own business,
hut had never seen the lady, their com.
munioatiOn having been entirely through
the lawyer. Now, In his own room, as
he thought of the reasons, he dashed his
hands into his dressing-gown pockets, and
fairly howled; in the midst of which
ebullitiOn he rushed into the closet, threw
the letters on the floor, and piled boxes,
boots, books, every thing he could gel
hold Of over them.
All he, Bulbol George Washington
Bulbol-A man most scrupulOus on such
points. Could he not strangle tia,
sbadowless mOnsteri What II he was
poori II he had been rich he would
have done the same-he, who had come
and gone In this famous city Of Brookley
for ten years, treAding his quiet path 0f
life uncriticised. He had never used hi,
modest wit against any one more than In
0ive n hArmlesa thrust Al felloW.IuifOror