Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-09-02
II understand, interrupted Jack with bitter
,SS: ssYQu nrQnoso To hux off V


Bligh, coolly. You know best what prospect
port wife,"
81 beg your pardon" said Jack. feeling rather
abashed; 81 spoke hastily. What are the con-
ditions ?'
THAT you leave England for good, to-mor-
row, after writing Miss Trevanen such letter
as Will make it quite clear to her that every
thlng between you is at an end. You will let
me see the letter, of course. and, If necessary,
Will adopt any suggestion Of mine in wording 1t.
And, as a matter Of form, shall ask you to give
me your note Of hand for the amount OF the ad-
vance, with interest"
"Why do you want me to leave tomorrow ?"
said Jack. II have got until Monday, you
know"
at is one of my conditions that you start to-
morrow" returned Mr.. Bligh, with decision.
"You can accept the terms or leave them. AS
regards the note of hand" he added jOtting
down few words on the back of an envelope
and handing it to Jack, that is my sugges-
tom"
81 have nothing to say to this, of course" re-
marked Jack, fairly staggered by the enormous
premium which was added to the debt.
"Is there any prospect then, of my being re-
paid?" asked Mr.. Bligh, innOcentIy.
81 can't say there is at present." replied Jack,
Though, II accept your offer, it shall be the
all to this, but am sorry to say"
Don't be hasty, Mr.. Howard" interrupted
Mr.. Bligh, rising from his seat and looking at
his watch. "Think it over, and if you can see
any other way out of your difficulties so much
the better for you. IT not call upon me at nv
office at II O'Clock tomorrow
Very well, said Jack, doubtfully, 81 will
come if-if-'
"If you are wise," interposed Mr. Bligh,
playfully. "Well. good bye, until we meet
again." =
Left to himself Jack pondered long and SER
iously over Mr.. Bligh's startling proposition, and
though his impulse was to refuse the offer, he
Wavered when he thought of the alternative
The young man did not shrink from going abroad
and commencing life afresh i'm the new world for
such now seemed to be his inevitable fate under
any circumstances. But he shuddered at the
idea of leaving behind him ruined reputation.
and bringing disgrace on his old regiment by
falling to meet his obligations. On the other
hand, he felt that by agreeing to Mr.. Blighs
termshe would be guiltyiOf the meanness of treat
ing Maud Trevanen's love for him as q subject
of bargain and sale. His whole nature reyOlted
at such a base act the more especially as he
fully lecprOcated the young ladys f1attering re-
gard. 1t was quite true that all hope of gaining
her hand must now be definitely abandoned but
he resolved that the sacrifice he was bound in
honor and from necessity to make should not be
tainted by suspicion Ofinterested motives.
Poor Jack Howard did not arrive at this de-
termination until after many hours bitter ref1ec-
ton. The night had run into the small hours of
the morning before he retired to rest, and he
seemed hardly to have closed his eyes when he
d
standing by the bedside saying that gentleman
wished to see him.
'Old Mr.. Trevanen, by Jove!" exclaimed Jack,
as he glanced at the card which was handed to
him. evidently the old boy has heard have
come to grief and has determined to lose no
time in sc ndng me to the right-about. Well, l
suppose | can't blame him for looking after his
daughters interest but think he might have
given me credit for intending to do the right
thing"
Nevertheless the young man resolved, while
performing hurried toilet to be fOrbearing and
consderate to Maud's father, whatever he
might say, and to receive his dismissal in q
proper spirit of humility
IL must apologize for keeping you waiting,
MIR. Trevanen," he said, on entering the sitting
room. ''The fact is oversight myself"
Don't mention 1T, my dear Howard" replied
the old gentleman, rising from his seat. at is
almost Sin to disturb anyone at this early hour
My excuse must be that | am not responsible
for the present visit. Maud insisted on nv
coming and she must bear the blame"
Jack was considerably puzzled by old Mr. Ire
vanen's tone and manners. He was less pom
pous and consequential than usual. and evinced
sort OF guarded cordiality. No doubt he had
heard nothing of the young man 8 fresh troubles:
but even in that case his demeanor was I'M
accountably civil. Jack could not help feeling
rather embarrassed, knowing how soon the old
gentleman would change his tone.
~ expect have come on FOOLS Grand"
SAID MI Irevanen. adjusting his gold eyeglasses
and searching in his coat pocket but Maud
was memorable. She said she would come her
self If l didn't, 80 l chose the lesser evil
Obge me, Mr.: Howard by looking at that"
He handed Jack telegram as he spoke. and
watched him rather anxiously while he read.
The dispatch bore the previous days date,
and was addressed by Mr.. James Stone. of
Liverpool to Mr. Porter Bligh London. 1t ran
thus:
''You are right. Spicer misprint for Spencer.
No
ping office suspects Identity"
~ should explain interpOsed Mr.. Trevanen,
while Jack was reading the missve for the
second time with blank expression, that our
friend Bligh promised to send Maud the name
OF the winner of the GOodwoOd Cup imme-
diately the event was known. What it mat
tered to her, Heaven only knows. but Blioh
TOOK the trouble to come up from the city dur
ing business hours. and, finding Maud from
home, he enclosed that telegram in an enve-
lOpe and left it for her"
HE must have had two kilograms in his
pocket and enclosed the wrong one by mistake. :"
said Jack.
''No doubt" replied Mr.. Trevanen. .sbut what
has occurred to Maud is this; that the Mr..
Spicer or Spencer referred to is probably your
uncle. She thinks she has heard you say that
when your uncle travels abroad he generally
calls himself Mr.. Spencer to avoid being i'm
posed upon on account of his title"
"By Jove! that's true. remember men
tiOning the fact few days ago when Bligh
was present." exclaimed Jack, with sudden in
terest.
well, now look here" said Mr.. Travanen
with Importance, unfolding the morning paper
which he had brought with him: Il read this
announcement aloud at breakfast, and Maud
was 80 struck by the coincidence that she in
sisted on my coming to you at once Bear in
mind Bligh's telegram. and read that"
Mr.. Trevanen pointed out to Jack short par
agraph, and handed the newspaper to him. The
Item OF news referred to was telegram from a
Lloyd's agent, confirming report which had
appeared In the previous days issue concerning
the loss, with all hands, of an outward-bound
passenger steamer the Good Samaritan, on the
voyage from Liverpool to Canada. No details
were given, but q list Of the passengers and
crew ofthe Inflated vessel was appended, and
among the former appeared the names of Mr..
and Mrs. Spicer and two children.
ut is my poor uncle and his family. without
doubt" exclaimed Jack. turning pale
Then allow me to congratulate you. nv dear
Howard" said Mr.. Trevanen darling forward
and graspln9 his hand effusively 81 do not. OF
course, refer to the melancholy event. but to
your altered prospects You will not. 7 am
sure, misunderstood my motive in hurrying to
you with the news Maud insisted on INV