The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1875-06-05
CHAPTER \
DIsHoSoE

Cecil Esmond, after leaving the ottice Of
the company Of which he Was the pres
ident, drove rapidly towards his apart
ments in Westminster Square. He felt
safe as to the result of the affair, but the
excitement he experienced was too intense
10 allow his mind to rest ia peace for
single moment. He knew The widest
panic would ensue when the failure be-
came public, but, unable to deter its
course, he reached his house, and bid
ding the coachman 10 await his return,
went to his apartments, and, seating him
self at his escri.oire, wrote several letters.
These he gave to an attendant and bid
ding him mail them, he entered his car
riage and ordered the coachman to drive to
Easton Square.
The carriage rolled ON, finally coming to
a halt before an elegant mansion in the
Square Cecil Esmond had indicated. 1t
was the residence of Sir Edward Berton,
to whose daughter, Eveline, he was be-
trothed. Despite the fact that he.was on
the verge of ruin, he felt solace and
consolation as he was ushered into the
capacious, drawing room where, seated
alone at the piano, was the object Of his
affections. She arose with a glad excla-
nation Of surprise as he entered, and as
he led her to a seat by his side on tete-
a-tete, lost all her brightness and JOY at
his sad aud downcast face.
"What ia it = she qneIied in some lit
tie alarm. 'What has happened Your
face tells me that something more than
ordinary has occurred =
The young capitalist did not at first re-
ply, but sat regarding her with a
thoughtful look Her rare beauty the
love she evinced for him and the fervency
and evident depth Of her constancy, all
appeared to his mind more fprcibly than
any other emotion he knew. Finally,
with low sigh, he drew her form nearer
to him, and said
"You are right, Eveline, | am in trou-
BILE, and something has occurred. The
Australian Gold Mining Company has
failed, and am ruined man.
She started at the despair the words in
dicated he experienced. She knew that
his entire fortune was engulfed in the ruin
he had said had come upon him, and she
also knew that that ruin would have az ef-
feet upon her father. He liked the young
capitalist and did not object To the be-
LrOLnAl Oh his uouSHecI W well ueSCeuu-
ed and wealthy young man. But power
ty he would not unite with the destiny
Of any member of his family. She knew
that failure would deprive her Of her
loved one, for Sir Edward BertoD was a
decided and stern man. But she also re-
allied the sorrow which her loved one
must feel, and she gently soothed hin
with kind and loving words of comfort.
''The ruin is so entire that shall moi
have enough left after paying the de
mands Of stock, to engage in busines.
again. II is a most unfortunate thing fol
me, for am young man and my futur,
will be a bald one, for | must overcOm,
the popular prejudice e~isting against me
cannot but feel that your father vii
turn against me but have one hope
you will never cease to remain true to me
Eveline 7"
Never ~ replied the beautiful younI
maiden fervently. "I-"
At that moment the door was hastil,
flung open, and Sir Edward Berton, flush
ed and excited, entered the room.
"You herel" he cried, perceiving Ceci
Esmond, his eyes flashing sngrily. ''Fe'
men in your position would be dallying i
the arms Of love, while men are awaitin