The National tribune., 1881-12-03
TOMS WIFE.
CHAPTER I.

"Well, sir, and what is the result of your in
quiries?"
"Very favorable indeed" 1 replied, as Squire
Atheling, one of my Oldest clients, sank into my
own especial armchair and peered at me, inquir-
ingly, from beneath the grizzled penthouse of his
wrinkled brows "A1y agents in London have
procured me a copy of the late Mr. Martins will.
The whole of his splendid property, with the ex-
ception of few trifing legaces, is left uncondi-
tionally to the testators niece, Cbristabel Martini
for her sole and separate use-that is, entirely
free from the control power of any husband
whom she may have married whom she may
marry"
"Yes, yes; I know understand, )" interrupted
my client impatiently. go on"
"My agents have also ascertained" continued
as | read from their letter, that the testator's
property was in due time realized; and after the
settlement of all claims balance of forty-five
thousand pounds became payable to Christabel
Martin-then widow of Monsip"~ Favrn n
French officer who was killed at Sc
"PreciselY So" assented the Sguir, 1..t
as she told me-"
Inquiries have been made" re -.. ne
old man once more gave me his -ar
my stockbroker, who, by a fortunat. ..aGt....
happens to be the one employed Dy nIaualu
Favre's solicitors, in pursuance of her wish, in
the investment of this large sum; and they state
that the different stocks and securities purchased
by them for her, still stand in her name the div
idends and interest being remitted to her regu-
larly every halt-year."
The Squire rubbed his thin hands together and
gave pleased chuckIe as I finished. "Eh, Wool
laston," he exclaimed "a nice little nest-egg for
a young widow free from encumbrances Con-
fess now, you are curious to know my motives
for all these inquiries, eh?"
at is for Tom" he cried, as l admitted the i'm
peachment.
Tom was the Squire's son-his only child. He
had Just entered his twenty y-sixth year, and was
a fine specimen of what the son and heir of the
lord of the manor should be He was a proficient
in all the sports and pastimes of rural life, and
had fair knowledge of farming and agriculture
His frank, good -humored nature had won for him
the goodwill of all who knew him; while many a
bright eye flashed and fair face flushed their tes-
timony to the young Squire's good looks, as he
rode through the village on his stout roam mare.
His bright blue eyes, golden-brOwn curls and
fair complexiOn-though tanned to darker hue
by the sun-all bespoke Of his Saxon origin
Without being unduly extravagant, Tom was
sufficiently liberal and open-handed to afford
pleasing contrast to the somewhat parsimonious
and miserly proclivities of the Squire. His easy,
good-tempered disposition enabled him to steer
clear Of many threatening collision with the far
less compliant temper Of the latter; but behind
the winning frankness of his smile, there was
look of sturdy, manly determination, that re-
quired but the occasion to bring it into action.
"FOr Tom?" l asked as the Squires shrewd
twinkling eyes showed that some scheme, advan-
tageous to his own interests, was being Matched
in his plotting brain How is Tom to become
possessed Of this nest-egg? Is he going to marry
the wealthy widow?"
"Bravo, WoOllaston!" cried the Squire, with a
half-sneer. "Your wisdom has actually discov-
cred the secret. Yes; Master Tom is to become
Madame Favre's husband number two 1t will
be capital thing for him. She is young good
looking; and an early life of poverty before she
inherited her uncles wealth, has taught her econ
omy YeS-she knows the value of money and
will be good check on the lad who has ten
dency in the opposite direction. And then, Just
think what an advantage to me and to the estate.
/ shall be able TO save the allowance that | now
make to Tom; for the income from the property
will be more than enough for them to live on"
"And what does Tom say to it?" | asked, for
was cognizant of certain romantic episode in
his life which might raise difficulties in the full
filment of his fathers wishes
Say to it! What should he say to to" he
asked with an ill-disguised contempt. II haven't
told him yet; but he'll know better than to say
no. Tom is discreet lad, Woolaston. He knows
on which side his bread is butteSed.-No; you