The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-12-14
Select Story.
PYC0TT HALL.
English Story of the Last Century,

town is one of the best known. 1t is built |
of red brick, in the Elizabethian style, and
considering the time that has elapsed since
its erection, is in fair condition. 1t is now
occupied as a farmhouse, but large part of
it has been removed, as the walls were con-
sidered unsafe.
This place, known as Pycott Hall, was
formerly the seat of family of that name,
who rose into favor In the time of Henry the
Eighth, John Pycott having been tanner
of Middlesex, who did good service for the
King in some way by aiding him to get rid
of one of his wives. In Mary's reign the
Pycotts had to flee into Lincolnshire, and
find safety there among the fens aud NOR
asses but soon after Elizabeth's accession to
the throne the family came again into notice
and Richard Pycott, the son of John, was
enriched with a fine estate in Leicestershire.
Then it was that Pycott Hall was erected,
and it long had the reputation of being one
of the most elegantly adorned mansions of
the midland counties.
The daughters of the house welded with
some of the wealthiest and best known fami.
| lies in England, but the Pycotts lost caste
by uniting their fortunes with Cromwell
during the great revolutionary strugge. On
the restoration of Charles the Second the
family was allowed to retain its lands, but
it had become considerably impoverished,
and never recovered the high position it
occupied during the first century of its ex-
istence.
The head of the family ranked among the
country gentry, and the younger members
married in their own station and became
naval and military officers, and gentlemen
farmers.
When George the Third ascended the
throne in 1860, John Pycott was the posses
sor of the estates EIe had been in the navy
but retired before he passed the grade of
Lieutenant, and settled down as plain coun-
try Squire. He married Miss Brauntone
by whom he had numerous family all of
whom died in infancy except one son aud
daughter-the son being named George and
the daughter Ann. Ann was courted by one
| a
able fortune as a vintner, and purchased an
estate a few miles from Hinckley, known a.
the Red Gates Young Sileby, his only chile
came into possession at the age of twenty
one, and soon afterward made the acquaint
ance of the Pycotts. A friendship sprung
up between George Pycott and Sileby, ant
through that Sileby was attracted to tn,
Hall and became enamored of Ann, who
was very lovely In the Spring of 176l the
two young men went to London together
George returned within a month, but Sileby
remained, under pretense that some business
matters required his attention. George how
ever communicated to his father the secret o
his own quick return and of his companion
remaining behind.
Sieby had been brought up chiefly in tn,
metropolis, and had many acquaintance
there. These, George soon discovered, wer'
not of very reputable kind, consisting o
fast young men, gamblers and free lancers
who would not hesitate to take a man
pocket-book if they had chance. More
over, Sileby had female acquaintance OF ne
doubtful character, and on these he spen
these facts which induced George to hastel
home. for he was a young man OF good prin
cples, and was, moreover in love with yer.
beautiful girl, whom he expected shortly u
we'd. When the elder Pycott learned hov
Sileby was occupied in London, he spoke t.
his daughter on the snbect, and she at ono
agreed with him that her lover was not tn
kind of man who was calculated to make
desirable husband, Consequently, on receiv
ing Sileby's FIRST letter from London, sh
gave him to understand that she knew tn
course he was pursuing, and that she desired
no further communication with him.
Months passed, and Sileby still RENAME,
in town. Presently it was reported and cor
rectly turned out that he had executed
mortgage for large sum on his estate, an
had actually sold all the timber upon il
After an absence of nine months he returne
to Red Gates, but Pycott saw nothing o
him for a long time,
Early in 1862 Squire Pycott met Sileb
on the stairs leading to the Grand Jury roor
In Leicester Neither spoke or made an
sign of recognition. Sileby stood an
blocked the passage, and the Squire Ell
deayored to move him ts one side with hi
hand. Sileby drew his sword, whereupo
the Squire stepped back to the landing
Sleby passed the Squire leisurely and wit
| IL nd ba
"You will hear from me again, sir"
A duel was arranged and the Squire di,
!, armed his antagonist. Pointing his swor
to Sileby's heart. he said
DOG, if your life was worth anything
would not hesitate"
Another long interval passed without Sill
by's coming across any of the Pycotts, bl
they had heard often of his doings, al
knew that it would be but brief space b.
fore his career of riot and perhaps erin
was ended. One day in the autumn of l7t
Squire Pycott received message from
DR.. Grayton, physician whose charact
l was bad, and who was pet companion
a Sileby, that the latter was dying and d
e. sired to make peace with the squire befo
Y he passed away. The Squire was gene
" Gus, warm-hearted man, and his kindly n
~ ture responded once to the request. As
~ was starting for the Red Gates, Ann PycC
rs said
"a, ,e- Father it is TO be feared that the unfc
'u- tunate man has no Bible or good book ne
him in his illness. Garry this prayer-bo
and leave it with him, and bid him read a
) a act upon it,"
'ss
OF Squire Pycott put the book in the left
re- side pocket of his ridingc coat and depart'
On reaching Silebys house he was met
= DR., Grayton, at whose suggestion he I
buckled his sword and left it in the hall I