The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-09-09
THE POMFRET SKELETON,

When l first saw South Clyde l pro-
nounced it the prettiest village had ever
seen. 1t was certainly picturesque, quiet
and lovely. was driving out of the town
with friend
There is June picture" said 1.
"There is Pomfret's house," remarked
my friend, friend: .,
"The large one ON the hill yonder, with
terraces and fountains"
And who is Pomfret ~ asked
He was the great man of the place.
Within year he has died abroad
And who occupies that fine place
now!'
al do not know"
The next day l was shut up in my con-
sulting-room in the town, and South
Clyde seemed like some beautiful stereo-
scopic view instead of a reality. had
seen it under its loveliest auspices. l was
fated to see it under others.
My life was dragging very wearily just
then: but one day something remarkable
happened to me, calling me out of my
self.
One morning a handsome barouche
stopped at my door, the footman leaped
to the ground, and appearing next mo-
ment before me with a note. He merely
left the note in my hand and departed. 1
turned my attention to the note. 1t was
as follows:
DEAR DoCToR-[ am in great need of your
professional skill. Please come to my house
this evening at five O'Clock; will send the
carriage for you. This beiIg a matter re.
quiring great tact and caution, take the cue
from me when we meet, and appear to have
known me in London, when you studied in
the hospitals there. You perhaps compre-
heud already what the skeleton is that abides
in my house. Use your eyes and proceed with
caution, and will enlighten you further at
my first opportunity.
RALPH PoMFREr, of South Clyde.
A singular-enough epistle, but I had &C.
casionally received more incoherent ones
from anxious friends.
l was seldom called out of town. I
recollected the beautiful Pomfret place, at
South Clyde, and l apprehended that
thither was to 60. But was at loss
what more to anticipate.
At five precisely the Pomfret carriage
arrived. The coachman shut me in and
we whirled swiftly away. I remember
that the DIM evening sky was full of gold,
and enjoyed the luxury of the ride ex-
tremely.
The horses springing hoofs struck a
little bridge, and then we passed gate,
held open by man, and OWNED that
We had entered the Pomfret ground.
AT length We emerged near the house,
which was certainly very handsome. l
had only time for a rapid survey of the
premises when a gentleman came hur-
riedly toward the carriage as descended
and grasped my hand.
doctor, you are very welcome. l
feared something would happen to prevent
your coming. l was anxious that it
should be you who visited us now"
MIR. Pomfret?" I said, shaking his
hand, which still held mine nervously.
Yes, am the present resident here
with my sister," in low Tone
We were walking toward the house.
My companion was young man of about
twenty four, very handsome, with a pale
face, of remarkable sweetness.
We must 60 in directly" he said. II
cannot stop to talk with you here. My
sister may be observing US from window
Understand, you are not physician, but
Mr.. Richmond. Here we are be quite at
your ease now"
He had preceded me into the hall, and,
flinging open door, ushered me into a
quiet, elegant room, where a lady sat at
work. She was petite and graceful, with
very sweet and gracious manner. She
dropped her work and came forward, a
little anxiously, thought.
My sister, Miss Pomfret, Mr.. Rich
mond. Emma, please order tea immedi-
ately."
eyes," she answered, and passed quiet.
ly from the room.
"You have seen her now" said Mr..
Pomfret Immediately that she was gone
What is your first impression?'
'She is a very lovely young lady, and
appears quite WE'LL" I answered, a little
bewildered.
"Observe her closely" he whispered,
for her light step was on the threshold
again.
She was followed by servant, who
placed light in the globe of alabaster
swinging from the ceiling and retired.
Tea will be served Immediately, Raj.
We have had very warm day, Mr.. Rich
mond," she said, crossing the room to
draw curtain near me-
1.-THE July heat has been oppressive in
the town." I said, "but you can know
little of the severe weather here"
Is the fever still prevalent in the
town." she asked.
believe there have been no new cases
within few days." l stammered, and to
cnange the subject rose and examined the
plctures, and SO led the conversation to
other matters; but was far from being at
ease IN a false position, and took advan.
tage OF the first Onnorfnp;t1 %o ooh NJ,