Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1875-02-20

warmth. 1t was evident that my
old friends house was full OF Christ
mas guests.
In answer to my inquiries, thu
footman said Mr.. Fairlie was a,
home. He ushered me into the Ii
brary, and went off in search Of his
master.
Five minutes afterward, John
stood before me, but there was nc
gleam of recognition in his eyes.
looked earnestly at him. The same
honest, kindly face, bnt full Of anx-
i0us lines the same true, clear eyes,
with q shadow in them.
"Johp," cried, "do you know
met"
His ruddy, honest "sace turned
quite white.
ut cannot be Paul-Paul Hyl.
ton I" he said.
"lt is indeed ~ l replied; "come
to spend Christmas with you."
Then he grasped my hands, as in
an iron vice, and l knew that he
was unchanged.
"My dear old friend," he said,
| with Uuiyeripg Inns. wI am so pleas.
ed to see youp
l thought he would never finish
shaking my hands, or bidding me-
welcome home. God bless him! I
might have known he would be
true.
We talked for half an hour with.
out stopping, of our parting, of old
times and old friends then Johns
kindly eyes resting on my travelling
suit, he said, $50 the world has not
prospered with you, Paulp
smiled, but did not undeceive
him, feeling, for the first time, proud
and happy that l was millionaire,
resolving to keep my secret for q
day or two, then surprise him with
it.
At that very moment the library
door opened, and tail, stately lady
entered the room.
ooh, beg PARDON" she said,
coldly; ~ did not know you were
engaged. Perhaps, with a house
full of visitors, you can spare time
for more than one!"
ITO be sure, my DEAR" he said
meekly-''to be sure! l am very
remiss, Lady Clary. Let me intro.
duce my old friend Paul Hylton, to
you."
The lady favored me with very
naughty bow.
''He, lie has just returned from
India" said John with trembling
hesitation, "and has come to spend
Christmas with u.s."
Then she looked at me slowly and
steadily, from head to foot. l felt
conscious that might have visited
a Lendon tailor. My clothes SEEM
ed shabby, my boots dirty, under
the calm search of those proud eyes.
"What room will suit Mr.. Hylton
best I" asked John. ''He will want
good fires; England is very cold af-
ter India"
III understood you that our list of
friends was quite complete" said
Lady Clara, haughtily. "You had
better send for tile bousekeeper
there are no rooms to spare"
So saying, with decided trown,
she swept from the room.
I saw it all; john was fearfully
henpecked. He stood feebly trying
to smile, rubbing his hands, and
looking ruefully. at me.
'.Lady Clara is-,ired tonight"
he said !; tive have so many visi-
tors"
"JOhn," l said, che quite frank
with me, l am an uninvited guest;
if l have come at An inopportune
moment, will 60 away again."
He flushed crimson.
"Nothing of the kind" he said
'how can you speak SO, Paul. You
are my friend,-my guest-welcome
always. az are flowers in May.
Lady Clara is rather peculiar; she
has always been amongst grand peo.
pie, you know. l think it would,
perhaps, be as we'll not to say that
you have been unfortunate before
1er, she would not understand, you
,ee."
He looked so miserably conscious,
80 rueful, so fond ofme, and SO fright
,ned at his wife, Icould not forbear
smiling.
The housekeeper came, and
'oom was found for me. more thanks
% old Mrs. Green's remembrance of