Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-03-03
Isabel's Dream.

end said, hesiiatingly:
"Are you able to see him, father"
"Yes, Isabel, let him comeup."
The servant vanished, and presently reap
appeared, usheriug in this time man Of vul-
gar appearance, with black hair and abundant
whiskers. he wore loose coat. which fitted
him badly, and bis whole appearance was in-
ferior and repulsive.
al believe am speaking to Mr.. Huniley,
be said, with smirk.
You are right in your supposition," said
The old gentleman, turning toward him, and
speaking in a dignifed tone.
"Well Mr.. Uuntley, you and have got
little business to talk over" said the visitor,
with familiarity that savorcd Of impudence ;
go, if you don't Object, I'll take a chair"
And he extended Lis hand towards chair
that stood between him aud Isabel.
al don't know you, sir" said Mr.. Hnniley,
collly.
"No, very likely not. Ny name is GOOdge,
solicitor, New Inn"
"Wcll, Mr. Goodgc, what may be your bus
mess with me ?"
"Just what I'm coming to, if you'll have
patience"
Sir" said Isabel, "my father is just re-
covering from fit Of illness. Would 1t not
be better to defer your conversation about
business until he is stronger 2"
"Well, that's as you say; but really don't
think it would be fJr his interest to delay it.
It's very impo tant business, may say"
"Go on" sail Mr. lIuntley 4" am not
strong, as my daughter says; but thiuk am
strong enough for the business you speak OF.
Go on. will give best attention"
al am sorry to bring You bad news-I am,
really; but perhaps you remember endorsing,
for Mr. Henry Faulkner, q promisoTy hoie Of
e2,OOo?'
Mr.. Huntley turned pale.
Well" be sad with difficulty, what
then ?"
It's just this. The notes due, and Faux
ner can't pay and the long and the short OF it
is. that I've come to you for the moacy."
" Vas The note given to you p said Mr.
Huntley, with difficulty suppressins the out
ward show of agitation into which this COM
muuication threw him.
"No," said Goodgc; but it passed into my
hands. am the one you have to deal with in
the matter"
The old man sat fora moment as i stunned.
"sr," said he, Il confess that 7 was un-
prepared for this. was doubtless imprudent
10 endorsing but Mr.. Faulkner, who is the
son Of on old friend, assured me positively
that be could and would meet his promisory
note when It becomes due"
"Oh, they promise anything" sail Goodge,
coarsDly. "All he wanted was your name"
Don't believe it, father" said Isabel, in a
low voice. 81 can't think so meanly Of Hen
ry Faulkner"
"lt was cruel to leave me 10 such strait"
returned her father, ageitatcd. cannot meet
It without selling this place, aud reducing
myself almost TO pcnury'
"Don't lie dowDcast, father" said Isabel.
"I'll work for you. can give music lessons,
and VIC shall get on, never fear. Besides, !
can't help thinking there is some mistake"
at looks bad, ," said Mr.. Iluntley. "IIen-
~ Faulkner is now abroad. It looks as If lie
has purposely left me to meet this Obligation.
II is shameful"
Believe nc, he is incapable Of such a
thing" said Isabel, earnestly. It will he all
right 10 the end"
a see you are in trouble, Mr. Huntly."
said Goodse MAY be it is not convenient
for you to pay this money!"
II is not"
Suppose we compromise, then. I'll let
you of on a certain condition"
"Name it, sir" said the old gentleman, con-
sidcraby surprised
Well, there's no use in beating about the
bush. ! often come down to Richmond, and
I've known your daughter by sight FOR sotne-
time, though perhaps she hasn't noticed me-
She suits me. If she'll promise to become
Mrs. Goodge you shall have no more trouble
about this money"
".Do you mean to insult me, sir| demand
ell Mr. IIuLtley, incensed
81 Insult you should think not. only
ask your daughters hand, and promise to pay
G2,OOO for it. can maintain ber in good
style. I've made heap Of money by dis
counting, and am not in much danger Of
the work-house," he added with a cbuckle.
Isabel gazed with terror and disgust at the
o)arse man, who had the effrontery to think Of
her as his wife.
Mr. Huntley, feeble as lie was, rose TO his
feet and, supported by his trembling limbs,
pointed to the door, saying, leave my house,
si; Sooner than my daughter should marry
you. I will end my days in the very place you
rave just mentioned"
"Oh, you are or the high horse, are your
said Goodgc, sneeriny. "Weil, III leave my
offer open for three days. Nay be you'll
think better Of il"
He rose from his chair. and, with familiar
nod to both. left the room.
"This is horrible" exclaimed Mr. Huntley,
sinking back into bis seat.