Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1874-12-11
selefted sflistellauv.
WHICH WAS BEST

e" thought, when he settled down in
possession Of his property, that we should
enjoy him but he falls far short Of the
mark had set for him."
mot only falls short of your mark,
Tom. but he really deserves a black
mark. We must cut him"
" have made up my mind to do so.
He deserves it--richly deserves ii y
The two who had thus spoken we're
Tom Gardener and George Scaverns.
They were young men of good standing
in society, and possessing considerable
social influence, in what is vulgarly
termed the upper circles
"Who was this deserving one 2" de-
handed third voice at that moment APP
pcaring to view around the corner-for
this conversation had been going on in
the street.
I" We were speaking of Paul Britnall, ;"
replied Gardener.
The new comcr Charles Votel,
young man Of the set, shook his head,
obviously.
II have been disappointed in him"
just what we have been saying.
Charles. had thought him prince
Of good fellows, and a pattern Of liberali-
ty, and | had supposed, when he came
in possession of his property. that he
would add his full share to our pleasures
but. instead Of that, he has drawn him
self completely within his own she'll ]
have nothing to say against his close APP
plication to his profession That, sup
pose, is eminently proper ; but he GER
tainly has time to join us in our sports.
He owns two of the very best horses in
the city, and he will not enter them for
any of our society's purses. Yesterday
| went to him TO get him to subscribe
to our club, and what do you suppose
his answer was? III tell you: Tom"
said he, I" cannot afford it," And
when / asked him what he meant, he
told me had better use for his money
and better Use for his time"
Rather stiff and puritanical," said
Seavcrns.
Rather say, mean and selfish" sug-
gcstcd Votel.
THAT is it," nodded Gardener.
Hes mean and selfish You can't call
it anything else"
" A mean, selfish fellow p echoed
Seaverns and Votel, in concert.
Who, may ask, has the misfortune
to be thus condemned p demanded a
new voice. It was clear, musical
voice, rich and heartful
-. III Al
man Of whom they had been speaking
Paul Britnall He was young man of
five and twenty, and in every point and
particular a gentleman. His blue eyes
we're clear and bright; his face was fair
and handsome; and perfect health of
body gave strength to his goodness of
heart.
The three who had been talking were
for moment confounded /; but Tom Gar
dener was not coward AS soon as he
recovered himself he said
:" 1t was private conversation. Paul.
but since you heard so much, we will
not prevaricato, nor swallow our words.
We were speaking of you"
Z" That | vas mean and selfish"
" So we thought"
A flush upon Paul Britnall's cheek,
and tremor upon his lip; but the emo
ton was quickly subdueI, and a quiet
smile broke over his handsome face,
. Elucidate," he said, with nod.
" Why, you ought to understand"
replied Gardener.
q l shall understand better when you
have explained, Tom"
" Well, Paul, you have disappointed
us in every way. You refuse to join
both our yacht and boat clubs"
Il find riding enough behind my
horses. and exercise enough in healthier
ways than rowing-at least for me
" But you drive your horses, and yet
won't enter them on our course"
:" purchased my horses for the COM