The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-03-06

CHAPTER III.
/. is about time that we should introduce
to our readers two other personageS who
will have important parts 10 play in the
events we are about to narratc.
Mr. Merton Courtney Mr.. Tcnnicl's part
ncr, was quite a contrast to his senior Al
though of the same age, he looked much
younger. \ smile was ever on his lips,
but the smile was always the same, indeed,
to a,skilied physiognomiSL it conveyed no
sense Of pleasure or hiiarlty-hilarity, did
we say? That was an emotion that never
had a place in Merton Courtncy's breast
His whole manner was Of the Suayc and
impressive order He was 4 great iayorite
with the ladies' young and old, never losing
an opportunity 10 render to them those
little attentions which are so dear TO the
fair, or as Mr.. Anthony lIumm styled them,
the soft sex, To Mrs. Tcnniel lie was the
pcrsonitication Of perfect gentleman
"kindly, courteous, christian gentleman
she used to call him, and deeply did she
resent Helcn's criticism OF him 0Or Helen
never liked HIM that you never knew
whether he was sincere or making fun OF
YOU. While not so great a iAvOrlle with
the male as with the female portion OF the
population Of Eldredge, he might yet be
STYLED thoroughly popular man. Even
those who did not like him personally al.
milLcd his ability and general popularity,
md the result was that after having filed
various minor political Offices he had some
BiX wears previous been elected to Congress
and kept his seat ever since, having indeed
met with no opposition worth mentioning
until the last election, when party politics
had run particularly high, and the contest
even in his district had been bitter, and his
seat secured to HIM by comparatively
small majority.
Richard Courtney, his son, was young
lawyer OF considerable ability; thorough
man Of the world, Notwithstanding his
youth; one who, TO an excellent education,
had added the advantage Of two years
travel in Europe, and enjoyed the rcputa-
ton, easily acquired by rich mans son,
who, instead Of relying upon his fathers
wealth and social position, shows himself
equal to carving out his fortune for him.
self.
Richard Courtney was truly devoted
admircr OF Helen Tcnnicl, and Helen re.
turned his ardent feelings with simple
feeling Of friendship, which, while far from
satisfactory TO a lover was perfectly gen.
uinc, notwithstanding her antipathy to his
father.
Richard Courtney was indeed noble
fellow, but it must he confessed that he
partook more Of the nature Of his mother,
with whom, until her death, a short time
before the date at which we write he had
maintained relations of fraternal rather
than strictly tilial character.
1t was only after the strongest assurance
Of his father that Mr.. Tenniel would never
| permit a marriage between his daughter
and Edward Leighton that he had per.
mittcd himself to pay more than ordinary
attentions to Helen, endeavorlng mean.
while TO persuade himself that the apparent
attachment to Leighton was merely the
friendship Of early days, 1t was under
these influences that on the very day when
Mr.. Tennicl, having made all his arrange
mcnts, summoned Leighton to conference
in his private office, Richard Courtney pre-.
scntcd himself at the Tenniel mansion,
and having been duly admitted to an audi.
cnce with Helen, then and there made her
formal offer Of his hear, and hand. We
need not dwell on this interview It's result
will have been anticipated by the reader,
and we will merely state, that while it was
almost as painful 10 the generous hearted
| girl to be compelled TO cause sorrow to q
friend, whom she highly esteemed, rs it
was TO him to hear it, yet each one, after
the interview was over, appreciated the
others worth better than before, and Rich
ard was no longer left in doubt as to
lIccn's true feelings for Edward Leighton.
The interview between Edward himself
and Mr.. Tenniel was, as may be supposed,
Of a most unsatisfactory character.
Edward Leighton proved firm, or, rs Mr..
Tenniel styled it, presumptuously obstinate,
and certainly Mr.. Tcnniels own obstinacy
was never more strongly displayed 1t did
not take long for the persistent lover and
the obdurate father TO come to a conclusion,
and within two hours a check for the bal.
ance Of the current months salary and the
month following was lying on Edward
Leighton's desk and pinned to it was
brief letter of recommendation signed by
Mr.. Courtney and referring in high terms
to Edward q ~ and integrity.
Within aHo.o hour he had left the
bank, irOwn on his brow and bitterness
in his heart. The first person he met on
the street was Richard Courtney, who stop.
ped him, with the remark Whats the
matter, Leightong 1t is not usual To see
! YOU leaving the bank AZ this hour of the