Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-06-25
NO. 144.
HASTY CONCLUSIONS.


amy success since l saw you yester-
day P"
None"
Then don't hang about any longer;
join the service at once. Why, man, if
you keep square, you'l II be sure of com.
mission in few years. Turn in here,
and have drop of something"
So Walter Barnard turned in, and, with
glassful of ale, took the Queens shilling
to serve in an infantry regiment for term
of twelve years.
About three weeks previous, Walter
Barnard enjoyed the benefits of good
home. Parents, indeed, he had none, be-
ing left an orphan at an early age. The
loss, however, had been supplied by a
kind and independent guardian, who gave
him fair education, and started him in
one of the best houses in the city, where
he gained the confidence of the principals,
thus satisfying the mind of the Mr.. May
lie, his guardian, to whom besides feeling
grateful for the benefits he had bestowed
upon him, he paid the respect due to
kind foster-father.
Saturday till Monday was always spent
in the family of Mr.. Maybe, which
consisted, besides his guardian, of
Grace, young girl just approach
ing womanhood, an only child, on
whom her parent lavished his whole love
and care, her mother having died shortly
after giving her birth and three servants,
who had lived with their present master
years before he had retired from business.
AS a natural consequence in such cases.
Walter and Grace became inseparable
companions, till, one evening-they had
hoo ooIsnor Tarvroas,f, SsEnnoh Arrovf3
they stood revealed to each other in the
had come upon them the first time, but
the surroundings, and the influence of that
evening somewhat prematurely disclosed
the state of their hearts.
"And now Gracey. darling" said Walter.
as they prepared to separate for the even-
ing, 81 must request you to keep our Sc
cret until obtain preferment; then will
ask your fathers consent to our engage
ment."
Grace at first demurred but her lovers
solicitations induced her to accede to his
request.
The next day being Sunday, Grace, who
had never held secret before, fancied
the whole congregation knew of her en-
gagement to Walter. and it was only on his
laughing and reasoning away her foolish
thoughts that reinsurance came.
MY dear little Gracey," he said,
"should your father refuse his sanction,
we must not despair, but work and strike
on to win his appreciation"
1t was the custom to have breakfast an
hour earlier on Monday, so as to enable
Walter to reach the city in time for busi-
ness; and, on such occasions, he invaria-
bly, had the pleasure of Grace's society
alone. Mr.. Maybe not rising early enough
to join them.
One morning, Grace not appearing. and
Walter, fancying he would be late, in
quired of the servant whether Miss Grace
had not made her appearance.
''Oh. sir" she replied, 'Miss Grace Is
in her room crying about something mas
ter has said to her. There's the bell again
he's in an awful temper !"
Walter mused to himself on the cause Of
the outburst, and concluded that Grace,
unable to keep the secret. had told her
father, who he considered would look
upon him as ungrateful for stealing his
daughter love.
The servant here re-entered and in
formed him Mr.. Maybe desired his pres.
ence Immediately.
On knocking at the door, q harsh voice
responded Come in!' and Walter saw
Mr.. Maybe himself pacing the room.
$50 SIR" he exclaimed. as Walter
crossed the threshold, "this is the return
for all my kindness to you"
believe me. sir. l am sorely grieved.
Allow me to explain"
Explain! What can you explain you
migrate, to treat me in this mannerP"
Walter felt his blood rise. He loved
Grace with the ardor of a young and gen.
erous nature, purely and devotedly. Her
father might object to their union, but he
felt that his guardian was not justified in
applying to him the epithet that he did;
and replied, "Mr. Maybe, feel deeply
grateful for all your past kindness. /
know have much to be thankful for; but
if did, in an ungusrded moment, commit
an indiscretion l make atonement. Be-
lieve me, my motives were not dishonora.
ble.'
"Dishenorable !" said the guardian.
why, the very act shows unprincipled
motives No, sir, | will no longer shell
ter viper beneath my roof! Elsewhere
you may seek protection. need not say
that you have no longer situation"
Very well, sir; may you never repent
your unjust and cruel treatmentm
Walter, as he left the house, felt his
heart turned to gall and wormwood.
With hastily-written not to Grace. whom
he did not endeavor to see, bidding her
farewell, and giving her every wish of fu-
ture happiness, he went forth to the world.
Like others left alone. he discovered
there are times when no amount of indi-
vidual eXertion will secure to the unknown
a living.
Walter traversed the great city for sew
eral days without success so we find him
at the commencement OF this story, con-
senting in return for food and clothing.
to shoulder rifle for his country's good.
A week afterwards he was at the depo,
of his regiment.
The new life, so novel to him in its as.
poets, and the hustle of barrack routine
for time exercised beneficial influence
upon his spirit and although the majority
of his comrades were low and coarse. still
he found them possessed of many sterling
qualities, which caused him to overlook
their faults.
On first taking up his berth in the bar
race ha uac tho cuhiant IF cu;yxinn m.