The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-01-27


The consequence was that it came to his
knowledge that young Mr.. Ponder was not
only without fortune, and deeply in debt,
but that he was the devoted slave OF
certain Miss Dot Bingham, most fascina-
ting young burlesque actress of the Mon
archy Theatre.
Mr.. Deeds was naturally very much
startled and Mortified at this information.
The young man pecuniary embarrassments
were fatal objection to his suit, while his
barefaced Irritation with an actress was an
insult to Miss Falcon, which rendered it
imperatively necessary to break off the en-
gagement Immediately. Itseemed that his
admiration for Miss Dot Bingham was
neither secret nor platonic. He was in
fatuated with her, passed all his leisure at
the theatre, and his friends were unani-
mously of the opinion that he would end
by marrying her. Nobody appeared to
have the least suspicion that he was en-
gagged to be married to another young lady,
and this deceit made his conduct the more
reprehensible. Mr.. Deeds, of course, con-
sidered he was in duty bound to open Lady
Falcons eyes to this disgraceful state of
things, of which she must of necessity be
ignorant. Probably she had consented to
the engagement because the young man
was handsome and agreeable, without max
ing any inquiries about his character and
antecedents.
Mr.. Deeds impulse was to call upon
Lady Falcon directly he made this startling
discovery On second thought, however,
he resolved to act more cautiously. 1t
would never do to 60 to Lady Falcon with
news of this kind heard at second hand.
1t might be false or exaggerated, or possibly
the whole affair might turn out to be case
of mistaken identity. After mature con-
sideration he determined to pay visit to
young Mr.. Ponder, and verify the infor-
y
nation that had come to his knowledge
before taking any steps upon it. He there
fore obtained the young mans address, and
presented himself at his chambers one
morning about midday, when, judging
from what he had heard of his mode of
life, he was pretty sure to find him at
home
Young Ponder received him civilly
enough, though he looked rather askance
at him. The young man was making a
light breakfast of soda and brandy and dry
toast, from which circumstance, and from
the fact of his still being arrayed in dress
ing gown and slippers, the lawyer con-
cluded that he had been up very late the
night before. In fact, Mr.. Ponder admit
ted the impeachment while apologizing for
his state of deshaJiUe, adding with charm
ing candor that he had been 'deucedly
sprung" last night, and was consequently
rather "chippy."
"Im devilish glad to see you, sir, all the
same Have glass of sherry?" said Mr..
Ponder, Hospitality.
''No, thank you, young man, returned
Mr. Deeds, gravely. ''You evidently don't
know who [ am"
Cant say l do, returned Mr.. Ponder,
carelessly.
II am Lady Falcons solicitor" " said Mr..
Deeds, with meaning; "a trustee under her
husbands will, and, in sense, the guardian
of her children"
Mr.. Ponder seemed rather taken aback
at this announcement, and looked discon-
certed. He took deep draught of brandy
and soda, apparently to hide his confusion
and to fortify himself for the ordeal which
he probably apprehended.
'sIthink that fact is sufficient justification
for my calling upon you, Mr.. Ponder, con-
tinued Mr.. Deeds, with great severity. Il
have heard certain rumors about you which
require contradiction, or shall feel it my
duty to reveal my information to Lady Fal-
con and her daughter
"What have you heard, sir?" said Mr..
Ponder, defantly.
"Several things that are hardly to your
credit. For instance, [ am told that you
are-ahem carrying on disgraceful
Irritation with an actress, said Mr.. Deeds,
looking at the young man over his spec
tacles
"What the deuce has that to do with you,
SIR" cried young Ponder, with fash Of
temper.
''Well, Mr. Ponder, considering the re-
lation in which [ stand to Lady Falcon and
her daughter, think your question is
rather superhuous, said Mr.. Deeds, POM
pously.
s'Lady Falcon and her daughter may go
to the-I mean" said the young man,
checking himself, 'that it's great piece of
impertinence, your coming here and lectur-
ing me about my private affairs. You may
tell Lady Falcon-and her daughter, too
that I'm not fit person to be received in
decent society, if you like. And you may
add that 1 would marry Dot Bingham to-
morrow if she would have me- And now,
Mr.. Deeds, or whatever your name is, you
may go to the devil, and I'll trouble you
to clear out of this" added Mr.. Ponder,
with unpleasant emphasis, and very angry
look in his eyes.
"'Pon my word, Mr.. Ponder" gasped
Mr.. Deeds, perfectly aghast; ''your behavior
is positively scandalous. /"
care you going to clear out of this, sir, /"
II IL L