The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1884-04-10
PHILIP TwYFoRD's EXCHANGE.

PHILIP TwYFORD'S EXCHANGE.
..It's a bad job altogether, Philip"
Somewhat unfortunate, I admit"
you've been taken in"
81 was perhaps somewhat too credu-
lous."
The old Squire fused about between
his leather easy chair and the fireplace,
elattered the fire-irons, stumbled over
a foot-stool, and managed in the pro-
cess to considerably deepen tho hue of
his ordinarily rubicund ~countenance.
Philip Twyford took matters more
quietly. He twirled the ends of his
mustache with his right hand. while the
left reposed comfortably in his pocket.
He was a fairly good-looking young
man; such q n as you might meet
any day in Bond Street, and. perhaps
look at twice. But that would depend
upon the interest of your thoughts or
conversation. He stood five feet ten
high, had a good figure, and carried
himself well. This last was only what
was to be expected; it would have been
a disgrace to his drill had it been other
wise.
.tWell, I've helped you twice al
ready" said the Squire. Each time
you had only yourself to thank for re-
quiring it. I don't know that I shall
do so again"
81 never expected it, sir. You can
bear witness that l have moi asked for
help"
''Then what do you intend to doP"
81 have my pay" quietly retorted
Philip, with an almost imperceptible
drawing up of his figure.
"Your pay! A paltry six-and-six-
pence a day. Do you imagine that you
a live in conformity with your po-
sition as my nephew on your payP
POUNDS! Boy! are you mad?"
Itisn't ar enticing prospect, I know.
Nobody, perhaps, knows better than
myself. 1 who have watched those poor
fellows, with wife and children, scraping
and screwing in order to make a decent
appearance. But there-it was just the
sight of that that / couldn't stand, and
it has been my ruin
.sServe you right" roared the Squire;
sstrusting everything to a p~enniless SUBJ
lieutenant because he imagines that he
has a talent for speculation. And
away it goes like a puff of smoke into
Egyptians or Russians, OF some such
rubbish"
"a railway" corrected Philip.
"Worse and worse" growled the old
man, .'infernal inventions of the age;
cutting up the good hunting counties"
Philip sighed. He thought of his
beautiful chestnut, the pride of the
hunt, who was never known tc
refuse a jump or miss being in at
the death. His Major would ride il
now. Sold-sold-everything sold, to
meet the liabilities of his friend.
81 won't stay in England, sir, to an.
noy you with the sight of my impecuni.
osity," he said. 81 shall try for an ex
change to India; perhaps get an ad.
jutancy; and at any rate draw double
pay"
s.Mean-spirited lad. The Pytchley
will miss you sadly. Philip" he con:
tinued, ''listen to me. You're good
looking, you're popular, you're a soci
ETY. man. You must marry an heiress.'
81 think 1 shall go now, SIR" irrele
vanity remarked Philip. 'Tve madt
a clean breast of it all, and I'm
sorry to have disappointed you" Tit
Squire appeared not to have heard.
"f7O, 900 pounds if apenny. Young
pretty and coming to the hunt ball
Just the thing. Attend to me, sir
You admit that you are indebted to m,
for all you possess, or rather Nigh
have possessed"
The young man bowed assent.
''Then follow my instructions. b
at the ball tomorrow night, and devot'
yourselves, devote yourself, l say
to the young lady whom l shall tell you
of. Not a word, now, not a word"
"But really, sir. The idea is ex
tremely distasteful. don't feel
.'BahI' Numbered the Squire, '.beg
gars can't be choosers. Now 60, i
you like"
About a week before the precedin,
conversation, two girls, attended by
middle-aged lady, ofthe sharp-featured
somberly-dressed type, indicative O
Lady Companion" entered the COS
tune room of Messrs. Harley & Vests
in Regent Street.
There were lovely dresses on tn
stands. Fairy-like arrangements G
billowv tulle or Indian gauze; rich silk
and satins, falling in massive folds; an
charming constructions in shots or sati
marveilleux, to suit the more slende
pockets.
ut really is too good of you, Lettie,
almost whispered the younger of tn
two girls. II never saw anything s
sweet before"
She was a neat little woman, with
round, child-like face and soft gra
eyes.
..Well, look about and choose,
laughed her companion. "You seer
dazzled by all the m~agnificence, br
that will soon pass off"
The speaker was a strikingly hanc
some girl, evidently older by two {
three years than her friend, and a gres
contrast. A blonde of exceptional pei
lection, with masses of soft silken hai
browning a face that was noticeable fo
its pure coloring even among beautie
of her complexion. Stately and gil
riously fair, she appeared taller tina
she really was
An attendant approached her an
bowed deferentially.
81 want something very pretty
ball dresses" she said. carelessl,
:'Not too handsome; it is for a fir
ball; for my friend here. Jeanni
come and consult"
1t was decided at the outset that
must be white. Something shin
merry" JEANNE had suggested.
Lettie waved aside ali 1imsy mat
rails d~isdainfully. pretty" she al
mitted, ''but l mean to give you som,
thing substantially useful, JEANNE"
Satin, the designer decided, was t.