Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-09-09
THE POMFRET SKELETON.

When first saw South Clyde / 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 /.
There is Pomfret's house." remarked
my friend.
(which one?n
1.-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
nOwsn
81 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 reality. | had
seen it under its loveiiest auspices. was
tated to see it under others.
My life was dragging very YEARLY 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.
turned my attention to the note. 1t was
as follows:
DEAR DooroR--I 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 being 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-
bend already what the skeleton is that abides
in my house. Use your eyes aud proceed with
caution, and will enlighten you further at
my first opportunity.
RALPH PoMFRET, Of South Clyde.
A singular-enough epistle, but had oc.
casionally received more incoherent ones
from anxious friends.
was seldom called out of town. /
recollected the beautiful Pomfret place, at
South Clyde, and | apprehended that
thither was to go. But was at a loss
what more to anticipate.
At five precisely the Pomfret carriage
arrived. The coachman shut me in and
we whirled swiftly away. 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.
had only time for rapid survey Of the
premises when gentleman came hur
riedly toward the carriage as | descended
and grasped my hand.
Doctor, you are very welcome.
feared something would happen to prevent
your coming. | was anxious that i
should be you who visited us now"
MIR. Pomfret?n / said shaking hi,
hand, which still held mine neryously.
. Yes, am the present resident here
with my sister," in low tone.
We were walking toward the house
bly companion was a young man Of abou
twenty -four, very handsome, with pal,
lace, of remarkable sweetness.
" We must go in directly he said. 81
cannot stop to talk with you here. NJ,
sister may be observing US from window
Understand, you are not physician, bu
8 hr. Richmond. Here we are; be quite a
your ease now"
Tie had preceded me into the hall, and
Ringing open door, ushercd me into 1
quiet, elegant room, where a lady sat a
work. She was petite and graceful, witt
very sweet and gracious manner Sh,