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

while the servant went in and out, laying
the cloth for breakfast As last / said:
Shall we take a stroll in the garden, Mr..
Pomfrets.
He lifted his eyes to mine with such a
look of intense pain that was startled.
I'VE shall have time for little chat,
shall we not, before breakfast" asked
Yes-oh, yes" he answered hur-
riedly.
He seemed so agitated that pitied him.
He OWNED that had made discovery,
and dreaded the revelation of it. Hetook
his hat in his hand, but did not put it on
we went down the steps; saw that there
was a feverish color upon his cheeks, and
he seemed to court the dewy morning
breeze, which was very fresh and rather
chilled me.
We walked the length of long path
edged with pansies and pinks before the
silence was broken.
:" / have made discovery" said at
last.
He flashed upon me an inexpressible
look-furtive, defiant, fearful and some
thing more.
Il am sorry, very sorry to pain you" |
said, "but you probably already antici-
pate what believe have divined-that
your sisters mind is affected"
He grew very pale; and yet / thought
he breathed easier than he had done
moment before. But he was very much
agitated and sat down upon rustic bench.
crushing his hat with trembling hands.
Before proceed to any measures l
would like you to tell me anything OF
your family history which bears upon the
Natter | said. "If this disease is he
reditary-"
" 1t is--it isl" he interrupted eagerly.
" My father died insane-my grandfather,
also"
"The tendency is ON your fathers side
of the family, theny"
eyes. My mother was singularly
healthful in mind and body. Not robust,
but sound and eyen-tempered."
She was blondes"
YES"
"Your father was darkcomplexioned
and of a nervous temperament"
"He was''
sis that portrait of him which hangs
in the room occupied last night?'
As expected, he replied in the affirm
alive. had already noticed the resem-
blance in the whole appearance of the
young man. The same elegant active
figure; the same brilliant, melancholy
face.
at is a frightful malady to have in a
family" he said, trembling. He was
looking toward thehouse, and his glance
wandered to one of the upper windows.
THAT window is barred on the inside"
he said, in low tone.
"For what reasonY'
MY father died there" he almost
whispered He trembled so that reseated
him and laid my hand upon mis- shoulder.
"Hope for the best, Mr.. Pomfret. In
these days insanity becomes more and
more under medical control. You have
means to resort TO any remedy, and your
sister is so young and healthy that am
not at all respondent of the matter"
my sister," he murmured absently,
and sat lost in thought.
| looked around me at the graceful
mansion, the garden, the avenues, stately
and luxuriant. The gardener came out of
the dollhouse with magnificent bouquet,
which he took into the house. Prosperity
seemed to reign everywhere; and yet my
eyes came back TO the dropping figure OF
the master of this beautifully adorned
garden with weight of compassion. He
looked very young; and, as l have said,
there was something singularly winning
about him. The fibers of my frame were
seasoned to the work of living, and the
impulse to putmy experience and strength
to this young life's support rose warm
within me.
90 Mr.. Pomfret," / said, =" am an older
man than you. Perhaps | may have
learned little wisdom in ten years more
of living. Here is the hand of a friend
as well as that of a physician"
"God bless YOU" he said. Doctor, I"
he added, my need is beyond human
help"
The breakfast bell jingled, and he turned
quickly.
LET us go in. Emma will miss u.s."
"How much he looks like his father,
I thought again as he seated himself at
the table.
For the delicate and brilliant smile
came back in his sisters presence. His
manner, with its singular attention for
her, was a study. could not but admire
them both. AT last we rose from the
table.
Miss Pomfret went TO the window, where
she stood feeding a goldfinch between the
bars of his cage with sugar; yet | felt
that she heard every word her brother
said
II will send you by the carriage" he
said, in low voice. " You will not fail
TO return with it at any hour you may
choose. II is at your disposal"
II will return" answered as quietly
as possible.
Emma" said the young gentleman,
shall be engaged in my chamber all
day. do not wish to be disturbed until
our hour OF dining. have writing TO do.
shall probably finish it by six O'Clock, "
looking at his watch.
shall | send up luncheonS'
mo; do not disturb me on any ac-
count"
Every WE'LL" she answered.
Her voice was singularly placid and
sweet. turned to look at her as left the
room. She looked so small, so fairy-like,
so appealing lovely, that | Involuntary
paused. Her cheek was very pale; had
observed that when she first came down.
Now thought she looked into my face
with an expression of sadness and sorrow.
full appeal. II was very strange, but there
was nothing in her appearance TO warrant
the suspicion had regarding her.
az, Of IA con, a ., lon.I,y Ia.r