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

him and laid my hand upon his should,
"Hope for the best, Mr.. Pomfret.
these days insanity becomes more al
means to resort to any remedy, and yo
sister is so young and healthy that l a
not at all Respondent of the natter
MY sister," he murmured absent
and sat lost in thought.
looked around me at the gracef
mansion, the garden, the avenues, state
and luxuriant. The gardener came out
the dollhouse with magnificent bouque
which he took into the house. Prospect
seemed to reign everywhere; and yet n
eyes came back to the dropping figure
the master of this beautifully adornt
garden with a weight Of compassion. f
looked very young; and, as have sal
there was something singularly winnir
about him. The fibers of my frame we
seasoned to the work Of living, and Il
impulse to putin experience and strengt
to this young life's support rose War
within me.
"Mr. Pomfret," I said, Il am an oldt
man than you. Perhaps I may hav
learned little wisdom in ten years MOI
of living. Here is the hand of frien
as we'll as that of physician.
"God bless you," he said. doctor,
he added, "my need is beyond huma
help"
The breakfast bell jingled, and he turne
quickly.
"Let us go in. Emma will miss u.s."
How much he looks like his father,
l thought again as he seated himself a
the table.
For the delicate and brilliant smil
came back in his sisters presence. Hi
manner, with its singular attention TO
her, was study. could not but admir-
them both. At last we rose from tn,
table.
Miss POmfret went to the window, wher
she stood feeding goldfinch between thu
bars of his cage with sugar; yet l fel
that she heard every word her brothe
said.
Il will send you by the carriage h
said, in low voice. You will not tai
choose. 1t is at your disposal"
" l will return" answered as quietly
as possible.
Emma" said the young gentleman
" l shall be engaged in my chamber al
day. l do not wish to be disturbed unit
our hour of dining. have writing to do
| shall probably finish it by six O'Clock,
looking at his watch.
"Shall I send up luncheon?"
mo; do not disturb me on any &C
COUNT
Every WE'LL" she answered.
9 Her voice was singularly placid ant
sweet. turned to look at her as left thu
room. She looked so small, so fairy-like
so appealing lovely, that l involuntaril,
paused. Her cheek was very pale; hao
observed that when she first came down
Now thought she looked into my fac,
with an expression of sadness and sorrow
full appeal. 1t was very strange, but there
was nothing in her appearance to warran
the suspicion had regarding her.
II am afraid you anticipate a lonely day
Miss Pomfret," I said.
She shook her head with aofaint smile
g! am used to being alone. I dom
mind it,
Can l execute any commission for yor
in town."
"No, thank you; need nothing" she
answered.
She sat down on a little lounge of rose
colored velvet, her white dress sweeping
the floor, and tiny Blenheim spanie
leaping after the long tassels which de
pended therefrom. Her face was ben
down to him, but there was a smile
upon it.
There are some sorrows which even
wealth cannot alleviate" I said to myself
and went away with an aching heart.
She was so young, so lovable, it seemed
hard indeed for the brother to bear.
thought, if she were my sister, that il
would break my heart I thought of the
matter at its worst and wondered what he
could do without her.
could not decideye what course it was
best for ME to take; but 1 was determined
that no power of mine should be spared tc
save the happiness of this young and love
ly girl. l was so lost in thought upon the
subject that the days duties were irk.
some to me, and when I returned from my
rounds and found the Pomfret carriage
waiting at my door for me it was relief
All my interests seemed synonymous with
those of my new acquaintances, and the
demands of others subordinate.
"Drive FAST" said, somewhat to the
coachman' s surprise but it was six O'Clock
before we arrived at the mansion.
1t had rained hard during the day, and
the roads were bad.
AS gave the servant my hat in the hall
Miss Pomfret came downstairs.
II hope you have not waited dinner
for me-" said.
1--WE have not dined," she answered
=" my brother has not come down.
She looked far from happy, I thought
yet the serenity of her appearance had
never yet seen entirely disturbed. There
habitual silence, and the mournful and alb
sent expression Of her eyes, which OBJ
served for the second time.
went to my room to arrange my dress.
In less than half an hour a servant called
me to dinner.
I met Mr. and Miss Pomfret IN the din.
ing-room. The young man was deadly
pale, and yet appeared to be nervous and
excited. Fearing that something had
happened to distress him during my alb
sence l glanced narrowly at Miss Pom
fret. I was surprised at her heightened
color and the nervousness with which she
presided at the table. Other guests were
present, several gentlemen and lady
evidently persons of wealth and distinc.
ton; yet wondered that her high breed
ing did not place her entirely at ease. She
was inattentive and nervous to a marked
extent.
Mr.. Pomfret was at first silent, but en-
tered into conversation at last, and spoke
animatedly-indeed, with almost bolster
Gus mirth. Looking at his flushed brow
l gave sigh for the inward misery sus
pected. -. .@.-
"More wine, Mr.. Courtney!'' he said ia
one of the gentlemen. "Let us drink
freely-drink to forgetfulness-to oblivion
of lifer'
There were deprecating explanations.
"What!" exclaimed Pomfret, starting to
his feet, "do you wonder that gave that
toast? You think, then, that am hap
ply man9'
He tossed off the wine, motioning the
others to do the same; but we all sat mo-
looking at him.. His manner
was excited-almost frenzied.
"You think sos Ha, hal" laughing
wildly. Why, the beggar at my door is
more to be envied than I, for there is a