The National tribune., 1882-02-18

yOu1 was
For second or two Fred was so astounded at
this sudden decision in his favor that he nearly
forgot it.
"And can you come mmediately-to-morrow
morning." was the next question.
"Where-that is, how far-or do you live here
in the city, SIR"
"No. My place is called Renberry Lodge; is
situated in the interior of the State, and, If we
leave earIy tomorrow, we can be home the same
night Will you 60 with me? cannot wait
any later"
Fred thought for a moment. 1t was very soon,
and so far away, too; but then the gentleman
had seemed so taken with him, had not even
asked him for his reference.
There might never be such another opening;
life on a farm doomed up so dull in comparison,
and
"IU 90, sir," he said.
Then followed few directions in regard to
baggage and the precise time of leaving, at the
conclusion of which Fred hurried home with all
possible speed, to tell of his great good fortune
and pack his trunk
"What does he pay?" asked Lucy, as, after
the first exclamation had subsidized, she was look
ing over her brothers clothes, to see that all
buttons were in their places.
PAY" repeated Fred, as if he did not quite
comprehend.
"Or has the gentleman adopted your" con-
tinued his sister.
"Why to tell the truth, never once thought
about that point" exclaimed the boy, in some
what anxious tones Then he added: but I'm
sure it's all right though, to be positive, I'll ask
Az hpfn |
He seems to be such regular tirst-class business
man that I've no fear but that he'll give me
what's right"
Mrs. banning wanted to 60 herself and see
about the matter, but Fred so disliked the idea
of having his mother concern herself in regard
to the affair, which he looked upon as purely
business transaction, that she reluctantly gave
up the idea, striving to console herself with the
thought that her son did seem manlier for his
years than other boys.
And how enthusiastic he was, to-be-sure!
"Tll write you the longest letters, Lucy, tell
ing you all about the elegant things I see the
nice people I meet and how famously we two
Young Fanworth and get on together"
And thus in the fullness of his heart Fred rat
tied on, planning all sorts of happy results that
were sure to spring from his association with the
Fanworths.
There was no danger of oversleeping himself
on such morning; so, having said brave good
bye, and dispatched his trunk by the expressman,
Fred hurried off, to arrive at the depot full
half-hour before the time appointed.
Mr. Fanworth appeared in the course of ten
minutes, and, in answer to young Dannings
questions in regard to salary, quoted the last
line of his advertisement adding:
"You shall be treated like my own son; like
him. be allowed reasonable amount of pocket
money; and when the time comes, be given an
equal chance with him in business. Of course,
you are neither adopted nor bound-out, yet you
will enjoy all the advantages of the one, without
the disagreeable features of the other"
This sounded fair enough surely, and Fred
settled himself comfortably in the cars confident
of the realization of his brightest dreams
Occupying himself with such pleasing refec-
tons, varied by observing the different objects
of interest along the road, the youth almost for
got the home he was leaving further and further
behind, as the train sped swiftly on.
During the journey, Mr.. Fanworth said scarce
| " dozen words, beiog engaged most OF the time
The early autumn twilight had already closed
in when the cars stopped at the station for Rem
berry Lodge, from which the Lodge itself, it ap-
peared, was distant some eight miles.
And here the castle in the air Fred had erected
showed the first signs of approaching dissolution
for. in place of the handsome carriage and pair
waiting too meet them rather rickety-looklng
! farm wagon with one horse, was backed up to
the platform by man whose clothes seemed to
be all patches
Fred and his employer having taken thei'
seats in this rude vehicle and the luggage hav'
ing been put in behind them, the horse was
started off and the last stage of the journey tt
Renberry Lodge began.
1t was now quite dark, and as the road Lay To-
the most part through the woods, the man was
forced to drive very slowly, and it was, therefore
after nine, when, at last, the wagon turned ou
of the main highway and came to standstil
before long, low building that ought to have
been only one story in height, but which, by din
of making the ceiling of the first floor very low
and running that of the second very high vi
into the roof, had been expanded into two.
"Were here" Mr.. Fanworth condescended t.
TO inform his sons companion as he clamberet
over the wheel to the ground.
This was almost the first remark he had mad
since leaving the cars, but now that he ha'
reached his own domain, his tongue seemed t.