The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-09-07
The Skeleton i'm BulbO'S
Closet.

Closet.
Mr.. Bulbo was decidedly nervous on this
evening. He was more than fidgety; Tor be-
side constant change Of position, he cast
quick looks behind him, as if he heard some
one, and made many attempts to whistle.
His room was pleasant, his chair comiortaDle,
his tobacco excellent, and his pipe colorlng IN
Il most enviable manner; but he froWned as
he shifted about, and finally sprang up with
a groan. Behind him was small closet
where his bachelor odds and ends were hastl-
Nv thrust and how he jerked the door open
and eagerly examined the interior.
''Such foolp' he calculated, as he slam
med the door, taking up book resoutely, de-
termined to read.
What was the matter with Mr.. Bulbo? Hs
appeared to be well, being rosy and active.
He was a pleasant looking man, not yet
troubled with age, as he had not yet reached
the youth of forty summers" He was
rather prosperous in business, had pleasant
circle Of friends and no membranes. To
look in his frank, sunny face-Wash Bulbo
This name was not an unfamiliar one to patri-
otto Americans, and had been thus abbrevi-
ated) was good fellow-to interrogate his
bright blue eyes no one would suspect that
Mr.. Bulbo was anything but the happiest of
preyed upon him that he was losing his spir-
its, and felt as if he was haunted by an actual
presence 1t pursued him in the street,
sought him in his office, but was the most vi
tai in its attacks in his own room during the
hitherto cheerful hours he had spent with his
book and pipe. If its dreadful bony form
could be shut in its closet-fastened in! but
no sooner was he seated than it would steal
out, whisper its wretched suggestions in his
md would 1rivo hin, on, 70 tha fol 1aoJ
against his will unless he could find some way
to stihe it.
1t was this that stole Mr.. Bulbo's sleep, de-
stroyed his appetite, and drove him from a
state of blssful Inconsistencies to a cOndi-
ton of rueful wretchedness. For more than
a week he nailed up the closet door-had gone
without his overshoes for that length of time,
us they were there bestowed, and had caught
a bad cold in consequence, as, peTyerSely
enough, the weather seemed in league with
his tornentors, and storms were rife. He
had left town and spent several nights with a
friend, but there had been no escape for him,
and now he had returned to renew the con-
flict or die
Here he was as badly off as before, for
there was no use trying to read or divert him
self in any way. Some actual plan must be
devised and put intoimmediate execution and
as he walked his room, having thrown open
s'i OiO hiiuoWo W give uiiiloCh DIS HluCn IT.
lief as possible, he reviewed the circum-
stances which had placed him in this un-
pleasant position.
little more than year ago the first stroke
had fallen upon him as he was enjoying his
pipe in the twilight. The postman's ring had
not hitherto annoyed him, and he gave it no
thought as he went to the closet for his to-
bacco pouch, and quietly said, "Come in,' in
response to the knock which a moment later
10 lie Ruth 10 Lib h.
read the letter which was put into his hands,
On breaking the envelope dainty note,
with dark lines of grief on the edges and deli
cate tracery in feminine hand within, futter-
ed into his lap, while heavy, darkly written
sheet Topped boldly on the floor. He read
first bit from one, then from the other, in
some confusion and dismay. The gist Of both
was that Horace Francis, an old friend of his
father, had lately deceased and left Mr.. Bulbo
in charge of his daughter Mary's property
until she should attain her majority
Hearing the fine report of your business
capacity, and having been so well beloved of
your father l select you of all other men in
the world, dear Bulbo," the dying man had
written. The fortune was large and had
many cumbersome details; but Mr.. Bulbo,
for the sake of the trust, and with a certain
pride in the appreciation of his ability, gladly
undertook to discharge the obligation. The
iauy hdu iOi WdluCu idGiiCl lttlcI3 anu
begged that all communication be held with
her lawyer, as she hardly felt like meeting
strangers at present. Mr.. Bulbo had acqui-
esced, and for year now had, with much
trouble to himself, taken conscientious charge
of the property, often being obliged to neglect
his own business, but had never seen the lady,
their communication having been entirely
through the lawyer. Now, in his own room,
as he thought of the reasons, he dashed his
hands info his i'm
fairly howled: in the midst of which ebulli-
ton he rushed into the closet, threw the let
tiers on the floor, and piled boxes, boots, |
books, everything he could get hold of, over |
them.
Ach he, Bulbol George Washington Bull
DO Ia man most scrupulous on such points.
Could he not strangle that shadowless mon
ster? What if he was poor? If 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 path of |
life uncriticised He had never used his |
modest wit against airy one more than to
give harmless thrust at felow-sufferer for
the benefit of his pretty, well-abused compan-
ion at some amiable ''tea-fght," where ones
friends are served up hot with the fragrant
urn, and their favorable fobles form an APP
petizng sauce for the tempting rasher. Why
did this come upon him? He was pursued
pers; even haunted in his own chambers; no
secret place where he could escape. "Yes,"
everyone said, she will marry her. ''See
how he looks after the property ''That's
a nice nest-egg for him, and no mother-in-
law" ''Observe how the sly rogue keeps
the rest away-lucky dog" Then to him.
When will the happy event come off, eh,
BulboT Clapping him on the shoulder, 81
say you were born with gold spoon in your
- "a; L: |
most sincere acts were aginst him. 1t was
fairly uncomfortable. Something must be
done, He had thought of suicide but that
would never do, for then the voceful tor
'nent would bri Ag upon his inanimate body
and proclaim in tar-reaching tones, she pro-
posed, and she Tilted him." No, no! Mr..
Bulbo feverishly paced his room, looking
here and there for an escape.
At last he stood, with his hair bristling
wildly, and burst into a loud, echoing laugh.
The closet door creaked, and he shouted in
reply;
"Ay, come outl come outl I dread YOU
no more! You're outwitted," and dragging
4 yalise from recess, he began to hurl in
articles, making the most extravaganza dem
'nstrations of delight the while.
Was he crazy? No, but a solution of his
llfflculty was presented. He would marry
some good girl Immediately, and then what
'ouiu Iiey sayF he paused Tor nothing, eX-
,ept once or twice to glare at the closet.
until the valise was packed and locked, when
he sat down upon it to wipe the perspiration
rom his forehead, and consider where he
should go. Then in the quiet which ensued
he realized the sacrifice he was about to
make. His easy chair so inviting, his dress
ng gown so comfortable, his fireside so cozy,
rs belongings so conveniently scattered
about, his club meetings, his pleasant little
iinners with friend or two-al would van
sh like happy dream, to be followed by
wat unknown, dreadful reality of here
liter! Well, well, it must be done. He
aughed no more, as he arose to complete
lis preparations, His honor was at least at
take. He might sleep then, at least Te-
ious curtain lectures! These might even be
injured if he had his business hours in peace;
nd Mr. Bulbo's spirits arose again sufficient
to give the closet door a good kick, and
make ma his closed fist at it as he left the room
With the TRAVELLING oaor