Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1885-08-07
A CLOSETS SECRET.

Mr.. Horace Melton was a promising
young lawyer, who had the enviable
reputation of being lone of the best
catches in town." Consequently there
was great rejoicing among the family
and friends of Miss Matilda Palfrev when
it was understood that he had requested
her to be his wife.
MIR. Melton's own family was not 81
much pleased. Matilda herself was GOOD
enough; but her mother-and old Mrs
Melton and her daughter shook their
neads and hoped that poor, dear Horace
wouldn't find his mother in law too much
for him. 'N''''
one was known as a woman of deter
mined mind, who had ruled her husband
ana children, and was inclined to helm
manage the affairs of her acouaintances
In general; and it was not probable that
she would make an exception in favor of
her son-in-law.
ana Horace was so easy and good
natured, his mother said, with a SIGH.
that there was little hope of his opposino o
that woman's" influence in his own
household.
Despite these warnings, Horace, like
true lover, resolved to take his Matilda
tor better or for worse, and at once com.
menced preparations for his marriage.
1he young couple were to live in q
mouse recently left him by an uncle-a
pleasant, roomy mansion, set little back
from the main street, in the midst of an
ornamental garden.
Inc furniture and effects" had been
oequeathed to Horace's mother and sis
fers, and had already been removed-all
save one article, the presence of which
caused the young man some embarrassed
consideration.
Inc late MIR. Melton had been. accord
ing TO the estimation of the neighbors, a
father eccentric old gentleman, who had
interested himself in literary and scien-
'llc pursuits, and in inventing and man
a1acturlng various mechanical contriy.
Ances, more ingenious than useful.
Among these was an artificial human
skeleton wrought in wood, every bone
oelng perfect imitation, and the Joints
mgenlously set on springs, so that when
worked by invisible wires, the CHASTITY
object would go through few convul-
sive motions.
inns grim work of art, upon which the
old gentleman had greatly prided him
SELF, he had bequeathed to his vouno
trlend, Narrowly, medical student, to
be claimed by him so soon as he should
have won his diploma, and had an office
In which to establish it.
And meanwhile, by his own special
direction to his nephew, it remained
apon Its pedestal in small closet be-
longing to the old gentleman's work
room, where its presence, when the
nephew came to prepare the house for
his bride, caused him some embarrassed
consideration. 1t would certainly. he
thought not prove pleasing subject for
the contemplation of his Matilda; nei-
eher was ne sure but that she might feel
nervous and annoyed at the knowledge
OF such ghastly object in the house
30 ne finally concluded to say NOTHING
about it, but to lock the closet; and. as
an additional security against discovery
to put nail or two in the door.
For the first week or two of their mar
rage the young couple were of course
very happy, desiring nothing beyond
their own home and each Others society.
Matilda, who had been all her life ruled
by her mother, was delighted with hav-
ing her own way in her own home. which
1t was her chief enjoyment to make at.
tractlve for her husband. Such delicious
llttie su!ppers as she prepared for him f;
such blissful evenings as they two had
spent together with books aud music.
ana pleasant chat; and above all. the
delightful feeling of independence in
their own house and home.
But alas, for human happiness! Scarce
three weeks had they enjoyed this bliss
fui sunshine, when cloud suddenly
overshadowed it.
This cloud came in the shape of hack,
winch one evening deposited at their
door plethoric trunk, covered with
canvas, and thin lady done up in furs.
Inc latter, without permitting the
servant to announce her, walked into
the parlor. where Horace and Matilda,
his arm around her waist and her head
on his shoulder, were looking over the
new magazines, and enjoying the funny
political caricatures.
Mamma" exclaimed Matilda, start
ing up and coming forward with by nc
means rapturous expression of surprise
"Yes, my dear, it is 1; and I hope yor
are not sorry to see me-"
delighted, am sure" said Mr.. Mel
ton, with great effort to look what hC
professed.
Mrs. Palfrey seated herself in her son
in-law's own special arm chair, and said
amiably:
"Really, | missed you so much, NATL
da, and was so anxious, Horace, to sc,
how you two were getting along, that
just tossed few things together anC
ran down to spend day or two will
! you. You certainly do look very com
Portable" with a criticising glanc,
around the tasteful little sitting-room.
Then she ran on and talked for al
hour, until something was said abou