The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1883-09-29

as to the changes consequent thereon
were rife also. As these speculations in
cluded the promotion of Mr. Philip
Hartleby, and, as larger salary would
justify his immediate marriage, it will
at once be seen that the fresh line of
conversation suggested was sufficiently
engrossing in its interest to Danish all
recollection of minor subjects, and to
supply an ample stock of materials for
castle-building, with visions of fairy-land
in general, for the remainder of the
walk, on which, according to custom,
they now started.
CHAPTER III.
The weeks rolled by, the year waned to
its close, and in the interval the new man.
aging partner in the firm of Messrs. More,
Keelby & Co. had quite justified the
rumors which had preceded him re-
speeding his energy and dash, as well as
his severity i'll the matter of discipline.
Two or three of the oldest servants in
the firm had been dismissed for what,
in their comrades eyes at all events,
were but minor faults; their places were
supplied by strangers, all evidently de-
voted TO Mr.. Pike, and, as natural
consequence, the whole of the staff felt
nervous and insecure.
Among others, Philip Hartleby felt
that he was by no means making way
very little. So rarely did he come into
contact with him tkst he began to think
this was the effect of some deliberate
arrangement, an idea by no means
pleasant. And he was reminded by
occasional meetings that the circus had
not left the town, and that his friend
the tramp was still engaged thereat.
Many things of interest to our char
acters had happened since the close of
our last chapter; but upon these we can
not now dwell.
The wind was bowling loudly over
the Downs, as it blew in from the sea,
and intermittent showers of cold rain
were driven before it, rendering the
short dark afternoon towards the end of
| November shorter and darker still. The
heavy clouds which drove from time to
time before the gale darkened the land
scape as though the coming twilight
were already there; while the rain was
heard beating fiercely against the win.
dows of .Fernlow Cottage, in the front
parlor of which sat Mrs. Vallens and
Miss barnett. The latter had evidently
| just arrived, for the hostess was sayingl
~ began to think l should never see
my young friend again. it is so long
since you were here; but / certainly did
not expect to see you on such a day.
You were brave, indeed, my dear, to
venture out"
cit did not rain when started" re-
piled the girl; land felt that l must
come and see you, and So"
the cause, am very glad you had the
courage to come" said Mrs. Vallens,
as her visitor faltered and paused in her
speech; land now you have to tell me
all the news. Is MIR. Philip made chief
clerk yetP"
"N-no," returned the girl.
"Well, then, has your new manager
displayed any fresh eXcellences?" re-
sumed Mrs. Vallens, after glance ex-
pressive of some surprise at the I'M
wonted brevity of her visitors speech;
cor has he But, my dear child!
you are ill!---or there is something
disturbing you. Has any trouble
brought you out to me on such day?"
1t might have been momentary bright
eDing of the gloomy sky which enabled
her 10 see her visitors face more clear
ly, or there might have been change
in the face; but Mrs. Vallens rose as
she spoke and went close to the girl,
touching her brow with a tender and
sympathetic hand as she did so,
This touch was ali that was needed to
make the waters burst forth, for Marian
leaned her head against her friends
breast and broke into fit of hysterical
sobbing.
"Oh, l am so unhappy exclaimed
the girl at last. - am so wTetched
and miserable that came over this aft
ernoon on purpose to tell you all, and to
ask your advice. / did not mean to be-
have so foolishly," she continued, with
another effort to smile; land l am SO
sorry went on So"
"Surely You have not quarreled with
Philip" began Mrs. Vallens.
But the girl interrupted her passion
ately. "Oh, no, no! My dear Philip
is as despairing as myself" she ex-
claimed ut is all through that wick
ed, cruel man whom we thought so good
that Mr.. Pike
TO BE CONTINUED.