The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-09-25

the horso Guards. And when she brought
us into a trimly.oricrcd parlor, which her
taste had rendered attractive beyond the
landladys rosiest dreams Of luxury, and
presided over pleasant arrangement Of
cups and sauces and watercresses, a very
Hebe of,he tea.board, ] thought wistfdlly
Of Wylde's bank note in my pocket, and
ofall the comfort it conld purchase to lay
at my darling's feet.
Alter tea her father left US for moment
together. II was an opportunity not to be
lost, II would learn whether she knew
anything ot what was evidently within old
Graham's knowledge, and what he would
not disclose. '..-..'.'.
drew my chair close to hers. "Kate,"
lbegan. 81 wan, to usk you something in
confidence"
Sh6 moved back hastily. IL am afraid,
George. we mustn't have any condolences
at least, Il they are very particular"
aWhy, Kate. dear3" asked in some
as,onishment. "What do you mean ?"
"Oh, don't call me thn,," she cried in a
distressed way "there must bo no more Of
that between you and me-"
"But Kate! Arc we not good friends''
"Oh, yes, yes but friends only. Don't
look unhappy I didnt mean to wound
you; but indeed, indeed You must be
guarded, for your own sake and mine, in
tho feeling with which You regard me-"
"Guarded! Good heavens, whyP"
because" answered Kate with sob
which she strove hard to stiac, "becauso ]
am going 10 be married"
In the suddenness with which the blow
fell upon me ! did not notice that the door
had opened, and a tall, sallow.faced man
stood contemplating US. A harsh sneering
voice woke me from my misery.
@lt Is we'll you have u ade tho announce.
ment to our young friend here" said the
newcomer sarcastically ''it Is well tina,
he and and all such interlopen should
know they are ,rcspassing upon private
preserves when they make FREQ with my
property"
lslarted up in undisguisd trcpidation'
"Yom properly, Mr.. Murdon ~ cried.
Do you mean to say that you aro going to
tina, you have the right to coy this ?"
Ihad never liked our sallow.faced cash.
ier: a, that moment positively hated him.
Iie was tall, corpulent man Of fivc.nnd-
thirty. with yellow skin and yellow whis.
kers, which would not grow OH his cheeks,
but wandered aimlessIy down his long neck
and ended somewhere ont Of sight. He
had an cxecrable taste In dress. for no wore
pale yellow shirt collars which matched
villanously with his hair and face, and a
green scarf His short coatee and baggy
trousers hung from, rather than clothed, his
ungainly stou,ness. He had halt when
he walked. Ills features might have been
handsome hut for sneer which always
played on them when he spoke, and look
Of unlappiness which sat on them when he
was silent. Evidently an ill.nHtured man.
whose temper tormented hmselfas much as
Il annoyed others.
~ don't know about the right, my young
FRIEND" said Mr.. Murdon grimly; "but ]
have the power which Is quite sufficient
for your book. Tell this fellow the same,
Kate. and let him Co."
She was too deeply ngitated to confirm
his insoIent words us looked at her with
heavy heart. The cashier swung himself
into chair, and admired tho big check
pattern on his legs. "Well," he asked sud.
denly, "why don't you 60"
II don't recognize your right, sir, to do
mand II. You ara not yet the master In
this house. lfMiss Graham here wishes"
"No, no, George" she cried tearfdlly |;
and added, in an ullder.tone, 1Don't leave
me with him." % ar.' .'.'
She did not love him, then. There wns
some chilly comfort in that smiled and
sat down. ...
"Egad, if you don't mako Gearing, III
let you sec whether I'm master or not"
exclaimed Murdon, his evil lace darkening.
At that moment old Gnham recntered The
room.
"Oh, you're here at last, arc your
cried Murlon. What do you mean by let
ting II parcel Of puppies overrun the house,
aud poison the car Of your daughter, eh !
The nervous old man trombled. 81 did
MT didn't mean-you know George Dun
ming, SIR"
@Know George Dunning!" Murdon ans
weed with sneer. "Yes, do know
George Dunnlng. know he is not an az.
sociate lshould choose for my wife,"
The coapencss Of his manner, even moro
than ,heinsolsnce Of his words, stung Kate
10 the midst Of her agitation.
81 am not your wife, yet, Mr.. Murdon,"
she exclaimed, "snd never will be II this
tone continues. You are harsh, cruel. i'm.
pertinent You have not the right to treat
mo SO, and ,cont be 90 treated Don't
speak to me, father; would do anything
for you-mako any sacrifice, butt cannot
forego all self respect. When no looks and
talks thus DEsPIsE him."
Her magnificent scon lighted up her
face with beauty had never seen before.
The big bully before her was cowed for
moment. and then rose from his chair in
suppressed rags. ,ilsr,.s. .ssW
"oh, verJ good" he rsid between his
teeth .l'll leave you 70 entertain your
friends here with your fne tragedy ain.
A for you, Mr.. Grnham,", turning to tho
trembling old man, Two can settle this mat
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