The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-04-25

MASTERLY INAcT!ON.

Laurence Delmar was one or those rare
beings who seem to possess the happy
faculty of enjoying life without an effort.
Indeed, If his enjoyment had depended
upon personal exertion, he would doubt
less have remained forever in state of
wretchedness, for h. was INDECENT to a
degree bordering on laziness.
His father, Judge Delmar, was one of
those exceptional men who add active en-
deayor 10 hereditary endowments. AL
though he had inherited an immense
property, instead of resting content with
the abundance Providence had given him,
he had labored constantly to increase the
farily store, until his wealth and infiu-
ence had grown to be almost incalculable
Like most men of his class, he priced
energy above all other qualities. Con
seQuentlv, W len he saw his only child
develop NJ into careless, ease-loving
youth, his anger and modification knew
no bounds. After vainly attempting to
teach his spiritless son the value of
promptness and persistency, the irate
parent determined to try different
method. If the boy won't move of his
own ac' ord, III move him; for, by Heav-
ems, he's got to stir.' was his inward re-
solve.
Accordingly Laurence was compelled
to master his studies at school. after
wnic', he was, with much difficulty, driv-
en- through college. On graduating, the
young man, sorely against his will, had
been forced into an attorneys office, and
at the time our story opens the indetati
gable judge was preparing to push his
unresisting victim into matrimony.
They were seated in the large FASH
Toned library where three generations of
Delmars had sat before them. If there
was anything Laurence dreaded, it was
these private interviews with his father
He never attempted to avoid them, for
that would have necessitated action of
some sort; but on such occasions his looks
as in the present instance, plainly indi-
Gated his adherence.
His father opened the conversation by
remarking, in his sharp, decisive manner,
Laurence, lit time you were married"
"Too late to think of such a thing to-
night" replied the young man, glancing
at his watch.
Since your return from college," con-
tinued his father, " L have waited, hop
ing that you would take a decided step
in this important matter. As you evince
no disposition to do so, am obliged to
follow the old plan and help you along.
Here are the names of three ladies'
drawing a slip of paper from his vest
pocket" either OF whom will make
you an excellent wife besides bringing q
moderat dowry to increase the family
property. have spared no pains to IN
torn myself as 20 their circumstances:
and l assure you that, pecuniarily con-
sidered, there is little to choose between
them.
"You needn't have taken the trouble,
father" said Laurence, as the old gentle
man handed him the paper. Having
glanced at the list, he returned it saving,
The selection does credit to your dis
elimination, and had you mentioned the
subject six weeks ago. would have mar
ried either of the ladies with the greatest
pleasure; but unfortunately, the propo-
sition comes to late. have already de-
termined to wed one who is ten times
richer and twenty times prettier than
any other lady in the village"
Judge Delmar eyed the speaker in as
constituent. who is shef' he asked
eagerly.
Bianch Conway" was the quiet reply.
The old gentleman sprsng to his feet
MARY that beggar." he shouted
"Wed girl who works six hours in the
twenty-four for less than wood-sawyer's
payl By Heavens, if you ever mention
such thing again in my presence Ill
disown you."
"A teacher isn't beggar," said Lau-
renee, coolly- Don't you remember what
you said in the last school report about
the moral grandeur Of the positioni Now