The Northern Pacific farmer., 1882-09-14
MAY BUDD'S REVENGE.

the rector of the parish, and the father
Of a numerous family of boys and girls.
The eldest Of the brood was called An
tinous by his godfather, and as he grew
up to manhood his appearance justified
the provision ofhis sponsor. A fine, tall,
broad shouldered fellow, with a neck
like bull, head like cocoanut, the
figure of an athlete and the face of a
Greek god, he was the handsomest
young man to be found for miles around
Conscious of his power of limb and beau
ty of face, he staggered like a French
drum-major, looking rs if he could lick
all creation if he chose and as if the
meaner fry swarming at his feet owed
their immunity from destruction solely
to his mercy. And assuredly he seemed
as If he were MISTER of his own life
dnd the captain of his own ship. But
in point of fact, he was the weakest
creature that ever twirled mustache or
swore by Jingo or St. George he would
smash the six foot poacher or double up
that pet Of the prize ring. Whatever
might be the solidity of his physique,
morally he was nothing better than a
pumpkin, and any one with brains and
the knowledge how to use them could
circumvent him as easily as Ulysses cir
cumvented Polyphemus. To women he
was as wax in the hand of the
moulder, as tow in the flame of the fur
mace. No petticoat was too poor, too drag
gled, too scanty 70 wrap him from his
own will and bring him round to hers;
and he always declared that kisses need
eIFo pedigree, and that we'll turned
ankle was its own justifcation The
weakest creature alive, he was also the
vainest and greediest of flattery. Moth
ing came amiss to him. Praise him for
his intellect and he lauded your perspi-
cacity and gave you credit for just so
his own. Tell him you respected his
fine heart and noble nature, his inde-
pendence and intergity, and he was
your slave. Let woman look up into
his face and say, ''How handsome you
are !" and he was her lover; let her pre-
tend to be his lover, and though she
were one Of the most notorious birds in
the wood he believed in her devotion
and took it all for pure unsophisticated
passion, born Of his charms and due to
his merits. With such nature as his,
then, it may we'll be supposed that his
amourettes were legion; but among
and this was Miss May Budd, the duugEi-
ter of the market gardner of his fathers
parish. But he had just common sense
enough to know that he could never go
beyond loving; that the eldest of a large
family, and with face and figure that
should make his fortune, it was folly,
and would be suicide, to marry May
Budd, with nothing but her pretty eyes
and the percentage to be got out of her
fathers cabbages. Still, he had not suf-
ticient resolution to cut the matter short;
and whenever he came down on leave
to the old place he hung about May
in him to do or prudent in her to al
low.
The grande dame of the parish was,
Now, my Lady Julia had seen her best
days aAu bad passed her grand ciimac-
teric. She was sixty-six, ii day, with
a past that Wo1ld scarcely bear mi
croscope, the remains of beauty deftly
patched and repaired by Fay and her
own maid, a title, great connections and
ajointure which was an Ell Dorado to a
man like Antinous Greene, with moth
ing but his pay as lieutenant in the
Heavies, and more debts in pounds than
he had pence wherewith to liqui,late.
Lady Julia Lambkin was by no means
one of those who think, with Solomon,
that there is time for everything
love among the rest-or if she did, then
did she not believe that her time for or
love had passed, and that she ought to
be contented with memories. of which
she had a goodly store. She had been
too much accustomed to admiration in
the years gone by to be able to put up
with the chimney corner and regrets;
and Antinous Greene was ready made to
her hand. Weak, he was to be aattered;
impecunious, he was to be bought
handsome and young, he was desirable
a bachelor, he was possible. On all ;,c-
counts then he was Lady Julia Lalnbkin's
affair, aud she set herself to spread her
artstor this magnificent human peacock,
who would, she thought, make such a
delightful addition to her household.
Il should like to make your fortune"
she said to Antinous, with fond look
in her bleared old eyes which the an
timony round the lids made fearful to
behold "With your talents, my dear
Mr.. Greene, you ought to be genera!
before you are thirty"
1t was in the days of purchase and
promotion by private interest.
Antinous wagged his small head, while
fatuous smile stole over his handsome
face.
"Worse men have been promoted"
he said, with artful modesty "But mer-
it goes for very little at the Horse
Guards, and unfortunately I am not
rich: My fathers large family keeps us
eyes, I know" said my Lady Julia;
S,'but / am not poor and l have no chill
She hung her head as she said this.
and looked down on the ground With
touching sweetness.
"By George, I wish she would make
ink her hand.
"And I should like to be of use to
you," continued Lady Julia.
"You are an angel of goodness" an
swered Antinous.
81 should like to see you general"
she said warmly.
*.I should like to be one" he answered
naively.
"Would your" she returned languish-
ingly; but something that was not Ian
gushing came into her eyes, and for the
moment overpowered the ghast.y effects
of the antimony.
WOulu uOC uleBidCc luy uullOIul,
eaid Antinous.
"You would honor it, my DEAR" said
the lady, as she laid her white and
ehriveled hand carelcsslv into his.
= "You are too good," he answered,
kissing her we'll preserved finger
tips.
'"Shall work for you now? Shall I
make your fortune and insure your
advancement" she then asked, leaning
little heavily against his shoulder.
"No one could do it so we'll, and to no
one should I be more grateful" was his
reply.
''Then is that understood? am to
use my influence to gain you promotion?
And you-what will you do for me in re-
turn, Antinous.'
Her voice fell as it fingered on his
name. She had never called him by it
before. ,-
"What shall I do" saidthe young man,
11o p+1x,. h,,t lic uOira WAC not I1lrnt