A CURIOUS FACT

 

A CURIOUS FACT.- TRUE STORY

MANY years ago a friend of my father's built a country house, which he fitted up and furnished according to his own taste. To accomplish this, he caused to be brought from Italy a piece of pure white marble, out of which a mantelpiece was constructed for his own particular sitting room. The mantelpiece was of singularly pure marble in one block, and free from flaw save in one part. Shortly after its erection, the owner of the house noticed a small damp-looking stain, nobigger than the nail of his little finger, in the very centre of the mantelpiece; this, however, was so slight a blemish that it did not trouble him, till, as months and years went by, it became evident that the mark slowly, but surely increased in size. For twenty years the good man of the house sat in his arm chair facing the curious stain, and marvelling what caused its certain spread. At the lapse of that period. it had increased to the size of the palm of his hand. and he could no longer rest in patient contemplation of it. Masons were sent for, and desired to take down the marble, and break it in two, so as to disclose the mystery. This was done, and to the amazement of all, out hopped an enormous toad.

 H.A.F.

References:

1. Chatterbox 1877
2. The Brickbuilder 1912