The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1892-06-29
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A Bluebeard.

hSSufeuly nave Deen nlSSeu.
He was almost as thin as a yardstick,
and had a decided stoop in his shoulders.
His hair was straw colored; his face be-
nevolence itself.
This benevolent appearance was accent
uated 10y II pair of gold trimmed spectacles,
which he was rarely without, for he was
as shortsghted as mole.
He was very wealthy, and he had been
great traveller. He was an f. II. s., an
+. q. S, an f. S. A. and Fellow of many
other learned societies.
He resolved to marry. When wealthy
man and a savant resolves to marry he is
as good as married.
Mr.. Polwhele fell in love with very
nice young lady-a Miss Grace Arnold
whom he met at a friends house
She being bit of n blue stocking her.
self, took to the traveller and savant at
once.
He proposed, was accepted and asked his
fancee to name the day.
81 must consult mamma" she said.
"Your mammal" cried Mr. Polwhele.
"Really | didn't know you had a man.
ma"
"Oh, yes; mamma lives in the country;
not from preference but necessity. We are
not rich, you know. | live with London
friends so that | may visit the reference
library at the British museum She will
come up to town at once-tomorrow.
Mr. Polwhele did not look very pleased.
Mrs. Arnold came to town on the morrow,
and Mr.. Polwhele was duly introduced.
The instant she set eyes on the meek
looking little man who was about to be-
come her son-in-law she resolved to come
up to town and rule him, his wife, his
house and all that was or would be his.
The instant Mr.. Polwhele set eyes on his
prospective mother-in-law he said to him
self:
81 don't like her. She's a medder, or l
am much mistaken. | must keep her at
arms length"
Miss Arnold was married from her home
in the country village. Immediately after
the ceremony she left with her husband
for the residence of one of the latter's arts
tocratic friends, which had been placed at
their disposal.
AT the expiration of the honeymoon
they returned to Champion Hill Twelve
hours had not elapsed when Mrs Pol
whele received letter from her mother.
James," she said, shortly after it's re-
ceipt, mamma wishes to visit u.s. and to
bring Marie and Annie"
DOeS she! RETURNED MT. 1OlWlele.
"Well, | suppose they must come l think
-yes-I think you may invite them for n
week. BY the way, my dear, | wish to
speak to you with regard to room up
stairs wish no one to enter it but my
self, so l always lock it up and carry the
key in my pocket when | go out. 1t con-
tains my treasures; they lie all over the
place, but they must not be moved, as am
writing about them"
Doesn't the room want dusting?" asked
Mrs. Polwhele, whose curiosity was
aroused.
"My dear, would much rather no one
entered the room but myself"
"What, not even your own little wife?"
Not even my own darling little wife"
II believe you are u nasty, disagreeable
old thing and won't love you any more"
The great traveller, the learned savant,
etc., laughed and drew his bride to him.
Then, just like any other less famous man,
he kissed her.
81 will know what's in that ROOM" said
Mrs. Polwhele to herself "Wait till nam
ma comes"
She did not wait so very long. Mrs. Ar
mold started directly she got the letter of
invitation, and took her two daughters
with her.
reached the Polwhele residence, "you see
I've come Now l want to know if you are
happy? Does your husband treat you
wellS"
sob, yes, mamma. James is an angel"
But are you sure?" persisted Mrs. Ar
mold. "Where is Mr. Polwhele, my dear?'i
cat work in his ROOM"
"Indeed Why is he not here to receive
us? am disappointed in him. He must
be taught
"Mammal' interrupted Mrs Polwhele
81 trust you will not attempt to teach
James anything. He is considered among
those who should know quite genius"
Nonsense, childp' she exclaimed "Ht
is only a man, and men must not be spoiled
by foolish wives. Did | understand yor
to say he is at work in his room?"
''He is writing book"
"On what subject"
"Really, mamma, do not know. James
allows no one to enter his room but him
self. His work is secret and the door il
always locked"
Mrs. Arnold lifted up her hands in aston
ishment
Goodness, gracious!" she cried, Ear
you the mistress of this houseS Do you
mean to say that you don't know what h
does-that you have never been in hi
room?"
81 asked him to let me dust the room
but he said no one must enter it."
81 see must deal with Mr.. Polwhele
Keep a secret from his wife, indeed Hav
a locked up room in his housed He may b
a coiner-a forger-a"-
"MammaS"
81 say he may. I've heard of such things
You must insist on knowing what is goin
on. You have a right to know"
Mr. Polwhele did not appear unit
lunch time. His mother-in-law greete
him rather stiflly.
81 hoped to have seen you much eal
lier," she said,
81 was busy just then" he rejoined. e
must apologize for not coming down
welcome you"
"Grace says you lock yourself upin you
room and allow no one to enter-not eve
your wife" continued Mrs. Arnold. 20
some more fitting occasion should like t
point out that secrets are-are''-
Secrets" prompted Mr.. PolwEele. g
beg you will point out nothing"
She took the hint and said no more jus
then. But she never lost an opportunit