The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1883-01-27
toned to. you that we had disagree

toned to. you that We had disagree
ment."
Perfectly said the doctor. wondering
what was coming.
Tt was about q foreign scamp of
singing master, whom she fancied her.
self in love with, and who has since
turned out to be married man with a
family" said Mr.. Overton, who was
evidently laboring under strong excite
ment. He accepted bribe 80 leave the
country and go to America. I brought
my daughter to town this season to get
her out of the way till he had started,
and the poor girl is now accused of
having gone to Liverpool to see the ras-
cal off.
''The question under discussion is,p
interposed the lawyer. whose cool mat
ter.of-fact tone contrasted strangely with
his clients excitement, whether it
would be expedient to prosecute man
named Downs for attempting to extort
money from Miss Overton by threaten
ing to disclose to her father the alleged
fact that the young lady was at Liver
pool on the day the singing-master
sailed for America
Certainly he shall be prosecuted and
punished with the utmost rigor of the
lawp' cried Mr.. Overton, starting from
his seat and striding about the room.
s'As I said before, my dear sir" said
Mr.. Brooks testify, '.we must first con-
slider what evidence we have to disprove
| the mans story. It would be most IN
wise to prosecute him and create a scan
| DIAL unless we can show conclusively that
there is no foundation for his allegations.
! Il 1Nk
but that is very small matter, compared
with your daughters reputation. The
maid servants evidence would be worse
| than useless"
"Well, DR.. Lane. you can settle that
point, at all events" said Mrs. Overton,
anxiously. sYou can swear to having
seen my daughter in her own room up
stairs, on the morning of the 10th of
April u
DIR. Lane did not answer Immediately,
for it suddenly occurred to him that he
was placed in most awkward dilemma
A few moments ago he could have given
an affirmative reply in perfect good faith,
the servant-maid whom he had met out
side the door had SO vividly recalled to
his mind his first impression of Miss
Overton that his suspicious were aroused.
In fact, during the foregoing converse.
tion, the conviction had gradually grown
upon him that the ladys maid had per.
soqated her young mistress when he was
called in, and when he recollected Miss
Overton's embarrassment upon his ad
dressing her at Lady Swansdowne's. and
her conduct at their subsequent inter
view, it was impossible for him to doub
that she was not guilty of the escapade
of which she was accused.
The good doctor was very truthful
conscientious man, and his natural i'm
pulse was to give expression to his rea
convictions. But he was generous anc
kind hearted almost to the point of weak
ness, and shrank from causing pain to
devoted father and from exposing
young and impetuouss girl to the grave
; consequences of a thoughtless indiscre
tion.
81 certainly saw Miss Overton in hel
room that day." he replied with hesita
tion.
care you certain of her identity?'
, suggested the lawyer suspiciously.
, IT renewed my acquaintance with th,
young lady o few nights ago at Lad,
Swansdowne's," he replied evasiyely
turning to Miss Overton.
10 be sure. She told me she me
you," exclaimed her father, looking tri
uphantly at the lawyer. @What do yol
say now, Mr.. Brooks?"
''DF. Lanes evidence would be mos
valuable-conclusive, in fact" said th,
lawyer, dryly. .'At the same time.
would not advise prosecution. I'v
seen the man and he is thorough,
frightened He will consent to signing
written statement that he was mistaken
, and OF ologizing for what he has done
To avoid publicity and annoyance t.
, your daughter, I think you had bette
leave me to settle the matter on that basis
! 81 think Mr.. Brooks is right, if he viii
, excuse my saying SO" interposed tn
doctor eagerly. "a public trial woul
be most painful ordeal for the younl
| lady, notwithstanding her innocence"
DR.. Lane glanced defantly at the law
yer as he uttered the last words, thougl
, he was conscious of tell-tale flush upol
his cheeks. Mr.. Brooks gave him
j: quick look of intelligence and approba
ton, while Mr.. Overton, whose wrat
!; was evidently Modified by the. doctor
convincing testimony, said innocently:
!, Very we'll. Perhaps you are bot
, right. don't want to be hard on til
. man, and therefore, Mr. Brooks, author
ize you to settle the matter as you sug
gest."