ystery Man Alone

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

The people often wondered who was currently living in the large mansion at the far end of Lilliland. Rarely was anyone seen coming or going from the mansion except for one employee who was seen only once a week with a large bag of groceries.

Finally, after the rumors persisted, it was called to the attention of the Baron to inquire if anything was wrong. The Baron asked his chief advisor, Professor Hamblin, if anything could be done. The Professor said that he would make some inquiries.

The single employee was asked if everything was okay. He replied that the man in the mansion preferred living along since his wife died in a street accident while shopping in the town center markets of Lilliland many years ago. Since then he had chosen not to go out of the mansion. He arranged for all his needs to be brought to the mansion.

A note was given to the employee to be given to the man in the mansion. His name was Oscar Peterson and he had lived in the mansion for many years.

The note asked if it would be permitted to have Professor Hamblin call on him one day soon. The note was signed by Baron Von Lodge.

Two days later a note was sent back to the Baron stating that Professor Hamblin would be most welcomed on the next Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. for tea and a visit.

When the Professor arrived, he was warmly greeted by Mr. Peterson. As the conversation progressed, the topic of why he chose to live alone arose.

Mr. Peterson replied when his wife suddenly passed away the best part of his life seemed to pass with her. For many years he grieved the loss, but when it came time to go out into the world to build a life again, he got as far as the front gate and turned around and went back into the house.

“There are just the three of us now,” he said. “My one employee, my pet dog, Jerry, and myself. For the present, everything seems to be going very well. I realize that I am both insulated and isolated from the outside world, but that is fine for now.

“Perhaps someday I may try to venture out again and maybe get a little further than the front gate.”

Mr. Peterson thanked the Professor for his concern and his visit. He hoped that the Professor would come back again for another visit soon. The Baron liked the report that the Professor gave him of the visit.