Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-07-30
CHOOSING AN HEIR.

4 snowy night; gaslights glimmcring
family through mvriads of living Iiakcs
-pavemcnts III that slippery stage when
the newly fallen snow gives beneath
your fcct-suddcn gusts driving the
storm into Your face like shower of
pins and needlcs-and general sense
of discomfort III the aumosphere-that,
as far as pen and ink can render it, was
the state of things upon that stormy
February evening when Marmaduke
Ferroll stumbled over George Leslie.
and they had nearly shut the door in
Frank Fcsscnden's face upon old Med
bury's doorstep.
Il thought" observed the former
gentleman, with 4 slight suspicion of
embarrassment in his manner, that Id
Just step round and inquire how my
uncle Samuel was after that last touch
of govt
Leslie, shaking the snow from his UNI
hrella in the vestibulc AS it was Il
stormy night | thought uncle Samuel
might he lonesome.
And l." observed Frank Fessenden,
debonnairely, '.havc come hither not
because supposed uncle Samuel cared
particularly 70 see me, or because |
found myself unable to exist without his
presence, hut simply to ask if he could
help me to Il situation" Marmaduke
Fcrroll and George Leslie eyed the
third cousin obviously
''Unclc Mcdburv don't like to have
fayors asked" observed FeToll, driIy
I'm sorry for that," said Frank,
hut can't help ii. .
Excuse me, cousin Fessendcn.
smoothly put in Leslie, "but all elder
IL persons have their pcculiaritics, and
my uncle is particular about ones
toilette"
"Oncc again I'm sorry confessed
Frank, with a rucful glance 1t the
threadbarc seams and glossy collar of
his garnet "hut this is the best coat
I've got and don't bclivc III running
in debt for another one"
Just then the door flew open with Il
suddenncss that was startling, and Il
sharp abrupt voice, not unlike a bark,
demanded
"Who's there? And why don't YOU
come in and have done with it2'
Mr.. Medbury was little bald-pated
man, with n faleon-shapcd nose, sharp
keen eyes like blue specks of steel, and
Il smooth shaven skin--and he looked
like second edition Of Napoleon Bona
partc us he stood III the elegantly fur
uished study, with Il low fire burning
on the marble hearth. wine and wal
nuts ON the table, and bunch Of hot
house grapes, half hidden in roses on q
silver basket beyond,
Pen, ink and paper were pushed
back, and crumpled newspaper lay
on the CARPET beyond Mr.. Mcdbury's
easy chair. The three nephews en-
tered accordingly Mr., Medbury greeted
them after his fashion; but rs he went
TO draw toward him the tray of fruit,
pen handle rolled off and fell, of course
with the point of the pen sticking deep
into the carpet. Mr. Medbury uttered
q hollow groan.
There's my gold pen gone!p lament
Cd he. "My goldpcn that | have had
for quarter Of Il century"
The nephews were loud in coincidence
and sympathy, but Medbury was like
Rachael in scripture, and refused e be
comfortcd
.Mill you hold your tonguc2' hrusquc-
IL demanded he Its bad enough 10
lose All old friend like my gold pen,
but to be deafened by your howls is
sufficient to drive one insane.
And the three nephews subsidized At
once.
Now then, said Mr. Medbury alb
ruptly, still cycling the broken nib Of
his beloved gold pen, what do you all
want
To spend social evening with yoi
Fir. said Leslie, politely.
TO inquire after your health,
smoothly remarked FeToll.
To ask a favor Of YOU, sir, said
Frank Fcssendcn.
First two-humbug' harked the
Old gentleman. Last probably
the truth. What favor now, eli. Frank?
Mind. | won't lend money. | never
lend farthing, especially toa relative.
Fortunately il il not money that ]
want. said Mr.. Fessenden with philo-
sophy. II would like your influence
to secure me vacant situation At Mel
lor & Moorham's
What cried out the old gentle
man. ironically surprised "a Fessenden
turning clerk
IA Fessenden had better work than
starye. said Frank. drily.
III see about it, said the old