The National tribune., 1881-12-17

a
some and wealthy should throw herself away
upon gentleman more than twice her age, and
who would have better suited the relationship of
father to her, than Of husband. But these were
| all matters with which had nothing practically
to do; and after our first brief salutations were
exchanged-forI was not in a mood to converse
much-I proceeded to business
Having meanwhile dismissed the maid-who
was to be afterwards a eo-witness with myself to
the signing of the contract read the document
aloud The Squire and Madame Favre both ex-
pressed themselves satisfied with it's provisions
thought could detect the Squire rubbing his
hands together under the table, as l read the
clause which made him absolute owner of the
forty thousand pounds which constituted Ma
dame Favre's fortune; and / was sure that here
and nowhere else lay the w0rld-loying old mans
pleasure in the marriage he was thus contracting
When I had done reading the paper, Madame
Favres maid was re-called, and the Squire pro-
ceeded to subscribe his name in due form. The
lady rose and was coming forward to do the
same, when, just as | was placing the deed in
position to receive her signature, the quick rattle
of wheels was heard upon the gravel outside and
in another minute carriage passed the window,
and drew up at the door. The lady's glance
turned towards the window, and [ thought as
the vehicle passed, that peculiar, wild CLEAN
came into her eyes-but whether of fear, surprise
or annoyance or all three combined, l was unable
to determine. She however, took the pen in her
hand and was proceeding to sign, when the ser
want entered the room, bearing visiting card
upon salver
"Why-Jack Silverton" exclaimed the Squire,
as he took up the card and looked at it; what
can have brought him here at this time ?-Tell
the gentleman" he continued addressing the ser
want, that I shall see him very shortly"
s"Please, sir" said the man, he says he must
see you at once, as he has business as is of i'm
portance"
"And SO have l." remarked the Squire, with |
look and smile towards Madame FVre; "and |
Mr.. Silyerton, though an old friend, must bde |
his time Deliver your message"
Madame Favre who I could see was not lit
tie agtated for few minutes, appeared to regain
her composure; and standing with pen in hand,
she heard the Squire explain to her that Jack
Silverton," as he called him. was one of his oldest
md best friends whom he had not seen for many
7ears, owing to his residence on the Continent.
He was going to tell of their early friendship and
ome Of it's events, when the servant again enter
d. with a scrap of paper on the tray, on which
we're penciled few words. The Squire read
hem, and with an expression Of impatience on
lis lips, begged the lady to excuse him for
minute, until he had spoken with Mr. Silverton.
whom he would presently beg leave to introduce
0 her.
AS the Squire left the room, Madame Fayre
aid down the nov - ietly resumed her seat.
watched he | could without max
no my atten and | was certain she
id not feel under this Interrupt
ion Nothin either of u.s. | bus
ed myself --~~,,. 20 busy myself, with
be other papers I had brought along with. me.
he minutes seemed to pass with tenfold te
ium. The great marble clock on the chimney
cked with redoubled loudness and no other
Dund was heard about the house. 1t struck HE
S being like the silence that precedes death or
be hush that foreruns thunderstorm, or the de- {
aptye lull that ushers in some great catastrophe
felt painfully uneasy; and, rising from my seat, t
,alked forward to the window, and looked out i
pon the pretty lawn, in the hope Of diverting I
" attention from the gloomy spirit of forebod- &
,g that somehow or other had settled down upon
le. q
The Squire had been absent about ten minutes :
possibly not so long, for each moment seemed G
minute to me-when the servant returned to a
le room, and said his master wished to see me.
aking the precaution of refolding the deed and V
acing it in my pocket, l followed him, wonder b
lg within myself, as l crossed the long hall, V
hat was to be the upshot Of this days singular e
roceedings. r
As I entered the drawing room, my eyes fell )
l the Squire. What had come over the man v
,ated in large armchair, his whole demeanor ?
strayed nervous agitation. Near him stood a II
whom | had not before seen This "
as Mr. Silverton Opposite to the Squire sat 9
tall, mddle-aged lady, with a matronly aspect. t.
i'd dressed in mourning. What was my aston
hment when heard her introduced to me by b
e name Of Madame Favre!
" Madame Favre!n The exclamation was off h
V lips before was aware Q
Yes, Mr. Woollaston," said Mr.. Silverton u
his is Madame Favre; and my old friend here o
IS, fear, been led upon very thin ice, from W
hch ] am thankful to have been able to rescue 81
m in time" ii
The Squire sunk his head in his hands. and Il
oaned as if in humiliation and agony asked Ii
r. SilvertOn for some explanation. OF
" Only a few words are necessary" said he w
The woman whom you know under the name II