Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-04-14
MAsTERLY INACTION.
BY Il. T.
a Sketch from. LsYe.

Laurence Delmar was one of 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 he was INDECENT to a
degree bordering on laziness
His father, Judge Delmar, was one of
those exceptional men who add active en-
deavor TO 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
family store, until his wealth and int1u-
ence had grown to be almost incaculable.
Like most men of his class, he priced
energy above all other qualities. Con
sequently, when he saw his only child
developing into careless, ease-loying
youth, his anger and modification knew
no bounds. After vainly attempting to
teach his spiritless son the value Of
Promptness and persistcncy. the irate
parent determined to try different
method. az the boy won't move of his
own accord, I'll move him; for, by Heav
ems, he's got to strip was his inward re-
solve
Accordingly Laurence was compelled
to master his studies at school. after
which he was, with much difficulty, driy-
en- through college On graduating, the
young man, sorciy against his will, had
been forced into an attorneys office, and
at the time our story opens the indefati-
gable Judge was preparing to push his
icti ;ot;,, ~;
They were seated in the large old 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 openea the conversation by
remarking, in his sharp, decisive manner,
Laurence. tit time you were married"
"Too late to think Of SUCH thing to-
night replied the young man, glancing
at his watch
Since your return from college, con-
tinued his father, " have waited, Top
ing that you would take decided step
in this important matter. AS you evince
no disposition to do SO, I am obliged to
follow the old plan aud help you along.
Here are the names Of three ladies'
drawing slip of paper from his vest
pocket either OF whom will make
you an excellent wife. besides bringing a
moderat dowry to increase the family
property. | have spared no pains to IN
form myself as 70 their circumstances
and 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 saying
=" The selection does credit to your dis
elimination, and had you mentioned the
subject six weeks ago l. would have mar
ried either Of the ladies with the greatest
pleasure; but unfortunately, the propo
sition comes to late. I have already de-
termined to wed one who is ten times
richer and twenty times pretticr thar
any other lady in the village"
Judge Delmar eyed the speaker in as
constituent. "Who is shc!" he asked
eagerly.
Blanch Conway" was the quiet reply
g The old gentleman sprang to his feet Il
Marry that beggarr' he shouted
twenty -four for lessathan wood-sawyer'
pay! BY Heavens, if you ever mention
such thing again in my presence II
disown you'll"
"A teacher isn't a beggar," said Lau
-- renee, coolly. Don't you remember wha
you said in the last school report abou
the moral grandeur Of the position2 Now
think OF it, 1t was your paaegyric which
caused me to notice her.
"Are you intimate with her2" askec
the judge. He tried to speak calmy, bu
his voice trem bled with passion
L think | may venture to say | am,
-~ answered his son.
And your are determined to MARI.
herr"
Just as soon as Gun without hurrin
matters . was the candid reply
Then" said the enragcd parent, re
Stunning his seat, "to-norrow morning yo
leave this house forever"
-- 'At what time am I to start?" aske,
Lawrence, who feared he was to be dc
prlved OF his morning nap
you may CHOOSE your own time, pre-
vided you keep out of my sight," was til
stern reply.
Thanks for your consideration sal
Lawrence; and bidding his angry sill
.~- goodnight, the thoughtless fellow wer
yawning to bed
The next morning, after removing hi
personal effects to the hotel, he proceede
TO the nearest recruiting office and delit
erately enrolled his name among the de
tenders OF his coIutry. Then he strolle,
leisurely to the home of his affianced an
rang the doel u7ll. 1t was holiday, an
---- the object or his affections answered th
summons in person. She looked pre.tie
than ever in her dainty morning -wrappe
he thought, and his heart smote him fc
having called at so early an hour t
trouble her with business matters. Ther
was no help for it, however, and after the
were seated alone in the humble sitting
room, he came at once to the point b
e lnquiring how long it would take her t
arrange matters for their wedding.