The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-08-23

large comfortable looking room. The
windows looked toward the east catching
a glimpse of the restless ocean at the
end OF fine old avenue which led up
to that side Of the house. 1t was still
night the moon which was near the
full, had but just risen, throwing a
bright path Of light across the rlppllng
water, and causing the massy foliage of
the elms to look back against the sky
For night view, thought | had never
seen anything more lovely.
The furniture In the room was heavy
looking and old-fashoned, unlike that
in the other apartments, which had all
been handsomely furnished when the
Squire took possession of the place;
this remained just as 1t was in his
fathers time. Between the windows
was large oval mirror of the fashion of
the last century the frame, which was
white and gold, seemed intended to rep
resent a confusion of deer's horns, drip
ping foliage, and icicles intermixed, the
effect of which though the connection
between these objects is not very obvi-
Gus, was undoubtedly pleasing. On each
side of the fireplace was a large, high
backed, well-stufled arm chair; there
were also other chairs of probably the
same antiquity, if l may judge from
their ample size, the elaborate carvings
on the dark mahogany, and the faded
worsted work which covered the seats.
Besides these there, was table, q large
oak chest with brass clasps, such as our
great grandmothers used to keep their
linen or their blankets in, and bed
stead, on which, however, there were
neither hangings nor bedding of any
sort. The walls were of painted wains-
cot, the floor was well carpeted, and the
room had merely the appearance of
being disused, not the least of dirt or
neglect.
The major seated himself in one of
the large easy-chairs, and made scru-
tinizing survey of the room.
So this room is given up to the"
''Come come, :" interrupted the Squire;
"there's the clock striking twelve, and
''
Upon my honor, Jack, believe you
know good deal more than you choose
to tell us-what is it now2 Nay, don't
look so grim. Nv "a great mind to take
up my quarters here for the night. L
wish / may never have worse berth to
sleep in than this great downy chair it
fits me exactly" And the old boy
stretched out his legs, threw back his
head into the soft cushions, and yawned
as if he had finally settled himself for
the night.
" Major, you'll oblige me by going
into your own room," urged the
host.
Esquire you'll oblige me by letting
me have my own way" retorted his
friend and with your leave" continued
he, rising, "I'll just look into that big
chest, too. o +! empty then L will keep
it SO !" and locking it, he put the key
into his pocket,
Amongst the guests was an old cler-
gyman, who, many years ago, had been
rector of the parish, which he quilted
on being presented to better living in a
distant part of England; he was now on
a visit to the squire, with whom, and
with his father before him, he had lived
on terms of considerable intimacy
Whilst the major was making his OBJ
servations, Mr.. Bradley was carefully
1;,,;, on1 fhot1
tapping it, as if to ascertain whether it
were hollow in any place.
els there any closet in this room ~
asked Mr.. Bradley.
"No-and no other door than the one
we came in at By the by, there once
was plate-closet, just behind the chair
next the fireplace, but it was closed up
ages ago, when my father had one made
for the plate in his own bedroom. The
closet now opens into the room at the
back of this-my man servants"
"And formerly the housekeeper's
room; you remember, perhaps, that
came to see her, by her own request, a
few days before she died 2"
The major fixed his eyes on Mr.. Brad
ley as he was speaking, as if he were
trying to read his thoughts, but it was
in vain if he had any secret, his mild
countenance did not betray it.
What do you say, Mr.. Bradley, fol
/ fancy you know something more than
we do; tell me, now, would you have
any objection to sleeping here?''
"None whatever, except that 1 pre-,