The anti-monopolist., 1878-04-18
Imperfect Page

girl he has chosen; and whose only regret
concerning him is that she is not more
worthy of such good fortune. If you
wish to know my fathers opinion Of him
you can easily hear it by asking him also
what he thinks Of the man, who, from his
very boyhoad, has never let an opportu-
nifty pass of annoying and prosecuting
him."
She rushed past him as she finished
speaking, but he caught her rudely by the
dress.
"Wait for minute till tell you mine,
Miss Carroll. Edward O'Hara has been
nv evil genius all my life. He has
crossed my path at every turn, marring
all my plans, and continually robbing
me of the regard Of those nearest to me
and think you fo- moment that l
will let this sneak, this beggar, this sup
planter, this pitiful creature of my foolish
fathers bounty, crown all by depriving
me of you? You shall never be his wife,
Mary Carroll, while have the power to
prevent you. And now CO."
Glad to be released, Mary Carol turn
ed from him into her fathers house but
busy as she was for the remainder OF the
evening, she could not divest herself of
an uncomfortable feeling very much akin
to terror, as she recalled his fierce count
enance and threatening manner.
She was the only child of Maurice
Carol, ardworking honest man, who,
beginning life comparatively poor, had
amassed considerable fortune by deal
ing in cattle, to purchase which he was
in the habit of attending distant fairs,
and in consequence was often absent
from home for week or longer at a
time. So Mary was left gOod deal to
herself, but she was a wise, steady girl,
minding nothing but her own business,
and looking after the two servants, who
were her only companions during her
fathers absence, for her mother was
long dead, and the the greater part of the
management OF the place devolved upon
her.
Edward o. Hara was the son OF a
neighbor, who died suddenly, leaving his
wife and child very poorly provided for:
and as his widow only survived his death
few months, the boy would have been
left totally destitute, had not Gerald
Bassett, genteman-farmer residing IN
u,
home
During his lifeteme, Edward o. Hara
never knew the want OF a father.
Kind hearted and generous, Mr..
Bassett treated him in every respect like
his own son, William. who from the very
first, took strong dislike to the boy,
whom he regarded as an intruder-a dis
like which was no doubt increased by q
rather ipjudicious habit of Mr.. Bassett's
who constantly held up the gentle and
industrious Edward rs model for inita-
tion to his own reckless son. At school
it was the same, all the prizes were won
by Edward; all the punishment came to
William, till at last he began to hate the
sight OF the poor fOY, who would have
been only too glad to assist him in the
tasks if he had allowed him; but all
those advances were met In sullen silence
or with bitter taunts, till at length he
ceased to offer his services.
While his father lived, William Bassett
dared not openly exhibit his iilwiil 10
'Hara, who. on leaving school, was for
tunate enough to attract the s-otice of a
lawyer in his native town, who offered
him place in ms office, promising to
educate him to- his own profession.
The offer was most thankfully accepted
both bv Mr. Bassett and Edward himself
who, at the time my story commences,
held his situation with credit for several
years, and seemed 10 be in fair way of
entering into partnership with his en-
ployer.
When Mr.. Bassctt died, the orphan
whom he had adopted found himself
owner of handsome little dwelling in
the town OF L, together with
small yearly income.
This, OF course, but added to the i'll
will which William already entertained
towards him, SO that nothing was wanting
but the knowledge that he was also his
rival in love. to complete his enmity.
Had he not cared for Mary Carroll
(which he really iid) independently of
the nope of getting hold OF her fortune,
which from his spendthrift habits had be-
come very desirable, the thought of tax.
ing her from Edward O'Hara would have
given zest to the pursuit; so, with Bit
ter oath, he turned homcwards that even
ing. swearing fiercely to himself that she
should be his wife, no matter what means
he should be obliged to employ in ORDER
to accomplish his purpose.
1t was two or three evenings afterwards.
and Edward O'Hara, after closing his Of
flee. strolled towards the river to enjoy
the beauty of the night before returning,
to his solitary abode. He was tall aud
handsome, with frank. fearless face and
honest brown eyes. Altogether his appear
ance was prepossessing enough to justify
the choice Of Mary Carroll, of whom he
was thinking as he sauntered along, and
towards whose dwelling his steps seemed
tending.
\ light touch on the arm and 3 few
whispered words arrested his attention.
''ls that you, Mr.. O'Harai l would
like to have a few words with you, if COZ
venient.'
Edward recognized the speaker in
stantly. He was a man named Smith,
who had lived with Mr. Bassett, and who
still worked for William.
The man had always been friendly 10
him. so Edward held out his hand with
few words of kindly greeting.
Hush, Mr. Edward" said the man.
doc't stop 20 talk with me nov, but step