The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-08-18
lr,UD from me much Of NV pasthistory

drawn from me much OF my pasthlstory
Long before the expiration of the two
years alluded to had, however, hidden
farewell to my occupation as bailiff, for
one morning my chief called me aside.
Meredith, - said he, "here is note from
Mr.. Wrightly, requesting me to send you
to him Immediately
"Good-morning, Mr.. Meredith, said the
latter, as [ entered the little private room
at his chambers in which he usually sat to
receive clients ''Take chair. | want a
word or two with you. [ have been given
to understand that you were formerly en-
ployed in the law. Is it so?
| began to blush and stammer, for /
could not for the life of me guess what was
coming.
"Ah, well!.I see; committed yourself.
Never mind Do you like your present
vocation, Ell? Not particularly enthusi-
astic in it," he continued, in sharp shrewd
way of speaking, Very good Glad of
it,
| bowed, for | had literally nothing to
reply.
"Now, young man. and he fixed his
keen grey eyes searchingly upon me, Il
can perfectly comprehend hot-brained
inexperienced youth sowing his wildcats,
and afterwards reaping the bitter crop, too
often throughout his after-life. But your
conduct in Warley's affair has given me a
favorable impression of your character and
disposition and | am induced to hope that
with the energy you evidently possess, you
may yet accomplish better things. STAY"
he said, raising his hand, seeing that I was
about to answer "Hear me out. [ con-
clude, from the few scraps of your history
which [ have heard, that you have re-
ceived a genteel education. Indeed, your
manners indicate that you have not always
occupied your present position in society.
Had you the opportunity of regaining your
former status among your fellow-men-on
your word as a man, would you do your
best to retain it ?"
His words fell upon my ears clear, cold,
and calm, yet melodious as the ring of a
silver bell | sprang to my feet. The
gorgeous sunshine was cleaning with
golden rays through the narrow window of
that little room, tinting with hues Of glad
ness even the piles of musty deeds that lay
ranged upon its shelves | felt its loving
warmth strike to my Utmost heart, as [
stood erect before him with quivering lip,
vainly struggling to force out the glad
words of thanks that would not come, for
my emotion was too deep for utterance.
Could it really be that there was yet one
more chance for me of hope in life? for
my present existence, passed in low and
degrading occupation, that | thoroughly
hated, could not be termed living.
Mr.. Wrightly perceived my agitation.
Enough p said he with a SMILE and way
ing his hand ''Sit down again, and COM
pose yourself Actions shall speak for you
in the future | like them better than
words. There is just at this time va
caney in my office; the pest is open to
your acceptance Fill it worthy; it is the
first step on the ladder. In due time you
may rise to competence at least, if not to
eminence. Uprightness, energy, persever-
ance-you know the rest. There; no
thanks. | owe you some recompense for
bringing me good client.
How my heart bounded within me as [
left Mr.. Wrightly's presence | could not
resist the conclusion that Miss Wintock's
representations had influenced him. Doubt
less, she wished to repay me in some way
for my services. What more noble offering
could she present me than the opportunity
of redeeming myself, and regaining my
former social status.
"And John Meredith will prove him
self not unworthy of her Kindness |
exclaimed, as | threw myself upon my
couch for the night, to dream of the past,
present and improbable future, mingled in
inextricabe confusion; for amid the tempest
of conflicting emotions a second hope had
flashed momentarily, like a brilliant meteor,
upon my unhinged mind. | dared not
breathe it even to myself, far less encourage
it. Vainly | tried to Danish the remem-
brance of Miss Wintock from my senses.
Mr.. Wrightly's residence was some distance
from his chambers. Sometimes had to
wait upon him there, and occasionally saw
her for an instant. Her kindly grasp of
the hand with occasionally a few words
of friendly interest, had served to feed and
fan the flame that was smouldering in my
breast; and yet | felt my case was utterly
hopeless, because of the gap between our
relative social positions.
During Miss Wintock's stay at Mr.
Wrightly's, Major Courtly became con-
slant visitor 1t began to be whispered
that as soon as her affairs were settled he
would be openly acknowledged as her ac-
copied sutton. When first | heard the
news, every faculty seemed for the moment
paraly zed, Then | awoke to the depth
and intensity of the feeling | entertained
for her. That night, in my chamber, [
cast myself on the floor in wild tempest
of passion, grief and despair.
A few weeks after the trial-which re-
suited in her favor-was over it was cur
rently reported among our clerks that Miss
Wintock would shortly leave Mr. Wright
ly's family for an establishment of her own
in the country. I felt that it was good for
me that it should be So My idol removed
from immediate proximity, [ hoped to re-
gain by degrees equanimity and composure
of mind. Happiness was not to be ex
pected, for the handspring of a joyful life
was broken.
One morning | was in my accustomed
place at the chambers, gloomily porting over
a deed intrusted to me by Mr. Wrightlv,
when perfumed billet was laid on my desk
by one Of the juniors. 1t ran thus
Miss Wintock presents her kindest COM
pliments to Mr.. Meredith. Probably he is
aware that she is about to leave town for
Briteleigh Hall the day after tomorrow. She
would therefore be pleased to see him any
time this evening. She cannot help feeling
rather serprised that he is the very last of her
friends to congratulate her upon her good
fortune
"Well, I'll go and have it over" | solil-
oquized. Little does she guess the agony
of mind to which it will subject me-
l went. Punctually as the clock struck
seven l was ushered into the library. Miss
Wintock and Miss Wrightly were sitting