The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-11-15
81 suppose the Earl would forbid the

II suppose the Earl would forbid the
marriage" said Sam. eagerly.
"Most certainly; and don't think
Reavely would come up to the scratch,
either" said his Lordship, stroking his
dyed mustache tboughtfully.
Il felt it my duty to tell your Lord
ship" remarked Sam, rather crestfallen
at Lord Algernon's demeanor, "before
it was too late
"Too late! Oh! you think 1 ought
to interfere, eh?" said Lord Algernon,
with a curious smile.
''Of course DON presume to advise
or suggest; but imagined you might
consider it advisable to do so, my
Lord" said Sam, endeavOring in vain
to hide his eagerness. ''After all, the
Annerlys are marrying into your fam
lily under false pretenseS. As it were"
Perhaps you are right. In fact,
upon reflection, think ought to open
my brothers eyes. One owes some
thing to ones family. after ALL re-
marked Lord Algernon, sententiously.
''Quite so, my Lord. Besides, it
would serve the Annerlys right to be
reminded of their proper position, -"
said Sam.
Eyes. 1t would be impossible to
conceal the reason for breaking off the
MATCH" said Lord Algernon, with q
meaning glance. 81 suppose l may
take it that should be rendering you q
service, also, Mr.. Markby," he added,
pleasantly.
well, my Lord, don't mind own
ing, between you and me, that 1 owe
the Annerlys a grudge," acquiesced
Sam, rather unwillingly. "But the in
formation [ have given your Lordship
is true, nevertheless, and | thought you
might be glad to know it"
Il am, Mr.. Markby. The more reflect
the more obvious my duty appears tc
be. AS for the Annerlys. it is like their
Internal impudence," said Lord Alger-
non, gravely, though Sam fancied he
detected grin about the corners of his
mouth. However, you may safely
leave the matter in my hands. BY the
by, Markby," added his Lordship, in al
off-hand tone, oddly enough 1 was
coming to see you. Just look at that
picture on the sofa there. Pm told it's
worth $500"
Your Lordship mustn't believe al
you are to!d,' said Sam, recognizing
the work of art referred to as an old
acquaintance. Il suppose you took
it instead of cash?"
Il had to. That little thief Isaacs
insisted. Of course, it isn't worth half
what he says" laughed Lord Algernon,
good-humoredly. "I'll tell you what
though, Markby, you shall have it fo1
f2OO.
Sam was not unprepared for some
thing of this kind. He had brought his
check-book with him, knowing that
Lord Algernon never rendered service
without some equivalent. He raised
faint protest, but ultimately yielded
with good grace. The picture was in
triDsically almost valueless; but he did
not Object to pay for the luxury of re-
venge, and he perceived that Lord Al
gernon needed some incentive. He
therefore wrote check, and arranged
to send for the picture-Lord Algernon
volunteering to look in in the course oil
a day or two, and let him know the re.
suit of his mission.
His Lordship was better than his
word, for the very next afternoon he
strolled into Sans shop and accosted
him in his sanctum.
81 lost no time, you see. It was an
exceedingly unpleasant business" he
said, mysteriously. my brother was
a good deal cut up for the youngster':
sake; but the marriage is Off Reavely,
l hear, is awfully indignant with old
Annerly. The fact is, l think Annerly
behaved mighty deceitfully, and so dc
other people, as he will find out
shouldn't wonder if the Annerfys were
cold-shouldered next season."
"Oh! 1t is known already" said
Sam, highly delighted
"Well, it is known in quiet way.
I've mentioned it to several mutual
friends, with my brothers consent. In
fact, in self-defense, we are bound to
to publish the reason for Reavely back
ing out"
longer a secret" said Sam, exultantly.
''About the engagement being broken
off? Not the least. As regards the
other thing, we don't want it to get into
the papers for our own sakes. But the
Annerlys will soon find people know
about it.
Sam felt strongly tempted when Lord
Algernon had departed to write letter
of mock coincidence to Miss Annerlv,
but he had sufficient sense of decency to
refrain. His satisfaction was complete
when he heard the Annerlys had sud-
denly left town, and he considered he
had effectually revenged himself. tt
never crossed his mind that Lord Alger-
non had played him false, and conse-
quently the announcement which ap-
peared in the papers shortly afterward
of the marriage of Lord Reavely and
Miss Amy Annerly came upon him like
a thunder-clap. The ceremony had
taken place down in the country, and
among the guests present at the we'd
ding Lord Algernon Todd's name was
Before he could realize !
the meaning of his lordship's conduct,
he received the following note from Mr..
Montagu, which clearly explained the !
situation:
DE AR SAM: If you know where to lay your
hand on any of Lord Algy Todd's paper buy it |
either on your own account OF |
on mine. L hear on the best authority that /
Mr.. Annerly, whose daughter was married the /
other day. is going to pay his debts. Between |
you and me- fancy Lord Algy must have got |