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

mond. Emma, please order tea immedi-
ately''
"Yes," 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?n
"She is very lovely young lady, and
appears quite WELL" / answered, 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 aiabaster
swinging from the ceiling and retired.
Tea will be served Immediately, Rail-
We have had very warm day, Mr. Rich
mond," she said, crossing the room to
draw a curtain near me-
The July heat has been oppressive in
the town." | 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" / stammered, and to
change the subject rose and examined the
pictures, and so led the conversation to
other matters; but was far from being at
ease in false position, and took advan.
tage of the first opportunity to ask Mr..
Pomfret if his sister supposed me to be re-
covering from fever.
Yes he answered, and as thought
it might be necessary intimated the posi-
bility of your remaining with us for a lit
tie time. Will il be possible?n
81 think not. l have patients in town
who require my daily attendance"
"But / will have you taken in every
day by the carriage" he replied eagerly.
The servant had brought in tea and
Miss Pomfret had been giving him some
directions; but now she glanced toward
us, neryously, thought, as she announced
tea.
We seated ourselves at the table. Miss
Pomfret drank her tea composedly; her
brother ordered iced sherbet and partook
of little else.
"The hot weather takes away my taste,
and don't think it is good for you TO
drink that hot tea, Emma" said Pomfret.
You had much better have a glass of
this" and he passed her a goblet of the
sherbet
As she took it ] saw that her little white
hand trembled. A moment later he OBJ
served that she did not drink it.
Isn't it sweet enough?n he asked
Then, with merry, winning smile, he
held it to her lips. ITO please me!' he
murmured.
She smiled little, and tasted it; but !
saw that she was trembling very much.
Good child ~ he said, playfully; then
suddenly he rose from the table and threw
himself into another chair.
''Are you i'll, Rail-" asked Emma, start
ing to her feet
mo, but my head aches terribly"
pressing his hands TO both sides of his
forehead. Then, seeming to recover him.
SELF he added: g hope you will excuse
me. | seemed to be losing my senses.
If Mr.. Richmond will excuse me for a
moment will retire to my room"
Let me accompany you" / exclaimed,
1t may be sunstroke."
forgot that might be revealing my
professional character as l accompanied
him to the chamber and examined his
condition.
Miss Pomfret came in, bent over her
brother and parted the hair upon his
forehead.
SIS he going to be iii 2" she asked me.
mo, / think net" | answered, some
what at loss for moment under her
clear eyes.
As she sat there caressing his forehead
he fell into deep sleep.
She closed the window beside the bed
softly, and we went downstairs.
Though had not had fever, it is true
that | was not well, and / did not enter.
tain the idea of returning home that
night. When Miss Pomfret asked me if
| would enter the library / asked to be
shown my room. Not only was l ex-
hausted in body, but shrank from tete-
a-tete with her; my false position was
embarrassing; and ] was not prepared
for my part.
NY room was perfect boudoir of lux
ury, and lay awake for long time
watching the moonlight simmer on the
| lace curtains AT last it crept up TO 9
picture upon the wall.
Ii was the portrait of man. l had moi
noticed it at all before | extinguished my
| light. Ii seemed TO CLEAN out suddenly
upon the wall as / caught sight of it.
| sprang up on my elbow to look at 1t.
A remarkably alert, nervous figure OF &
gentleman, not more than thirty years
old, with pale, delicate and sweet coun
| tenance. The eyes were very large ano
melancnOfyi ana tnOugHt uetecbeu III
them slight wildness OF expression
There was something winning and fas
cinating in the face. 1t was beautifully
painted, and seemed endowed with life
| Its eyes seemed fixed on mine and to gaze
down on me with battling meaning
which thrilled me. As sank back | still
felt them watching me.
Still half conscious of the portrait fell
| into an uneasy slumber.
could not have slept long when j was
awakened by slight noise near me.
half opened, then closed my eyes, for
saw that some one was looking at me.
1t was woman. She had long, fair
hair, unbound, and lighted taper in her
| hand. / thought it was Miss Pomfret
had no idea what it meant; only felt
that | must not stir; that l must counter
felt sleep. 1t must have been for nearly
| five minutes that she stood looking at me.
Then she turned softly away, and after
glancing about the room looked up at the
picture on the wall. / opened my cyea
and watched her Her face was too sad
for tears she sighed heavily, and turned
slowly away. | saw, as she went, that II
was Hiss Pomfret She closed the door
softly; then all was quiet A thought
| flashed over me as / lay. The girls brain