National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-09-27

IN ms lhNor. MAI Brown ana myself
had been 'Ompanions both at : Harrow
and Oxford, but our tastes and habits
wero as dissimlar as night from day. He
was wont 10 effect frank bonhomie,
alike to intimates and strangers, which,
however it might attract them, never sue
ceeded in deceiving me as to his real
nature. He was quick, too, in acquiring
q superficial acquaintance with any sub
iect he might select, q knack which on
abled him to take high honors, while /,
with far soundor knowledge, barely
managed to scrapo through my eNamina-
tions. In short, no was pedant and q
prig, whom fortune delighted to honor.
and who latterly had attained position
which his intrinsic merits would cor
tainly never have secured for him. 1t is
not my habit TO traduce my fellow
creatures, but there are occasions when
the truth is desirable, and on which even
l do not shrink from uttering it,
Accordingly, when Clare returned homo
and informed mo that she had listened to
tho proposals of this young man, Mt
once declared she should never have my
consent to spch match. The father had
been q mean-spirited fellow, and his son.
/ was satisfied, could be no better. 1
declined even to discuss the subject in
any shape. To some my action may
appear too peremptory, but had taken
to heart tho old scriptural truth that
grapes do not grow on thorns, nor, to
apply the smile high-minded sons spring
from sordid parents.
After the first outbreak tho subject was
allowed to drop, and l was in hopes that
Glare had forgotten her girlish fancy for
this Objectionable person. 1t was, there.
fore, with no little indignation found
that a correspondence had been estab-
lished between tho two.
like to keep up old traditions-call
them prejudices if you willard one Of
my dearest is that tho head of u house,
hold should BIO as a father to those who
live beneath his roof-one to whom all
may come for advice in trouble or COM
fort in sorrow. regret that in my own
case the theory has so far boon restricted
to its primitive limits, and has not yet
attained the fnHef proportions Of prac-
tice. Butte encourage the idea, | mako
it rule to retain in my possession the
key of the post bag, so that all letters
shall pass through my hands. l need
hardly say that my object in so doing is
solely to create that spirit of confidence
which is the first necessity of q united
family.
Thus it happened that on the previous
Sunday morning l found myself called
upon to deliver to Clare letter which
oven the cursory examination l was able
to give tit satisfied me came from young
Brown.
Whatever my annoyance might be,
showed no trace of it at the time. My
principle ia to lay aside on the day in
question all mundane matters which
might distract tho mind from its higher
duties. But l made a little mental
note that would take an early oppor-
tunity Of having an explanation with
Clare.
The chance came at lunch time next
day. AS l have said, the conversation
took a somewhat dissgreeable tnrn, and
resulted in my deciding to face the bitter
east wind rather than continue con-
troversy in which all the talking was on
one side and the reason on the other.
The advent of Mr.. Panton was, there
fore, most providential. Here was young
fellow, good looking, well-to-do, and with
proper confidence In himself. The
scheme which flashed into my mind was,
indeed, happy one. He was, according
to his own declaration, an acknowledged
lady killer. What better opportunity
than this could he have for showing his
skill? True, Clare's disposition was an
obstinate one, but at least his attentions
might divert her mind from that other
absorbing subject Still must act with
caution. 1t would not do to let Panton
suspect was throwing my daughter at
his head, else he might seek safety in
fight. 1t would rather be necessary del
icately to excite his amour propre aud
leave the rest to chance.
At dinner he and 1 did most of tho
talking. Clare was unusually silent, but
showed greater interest, although not
always an approving one, in the strangers
conversation. 1t was not until the repast
was nearly ended that he addressed her
directly.
your father and I were discussing tho
subject of woman this afternoon, Miss
DENLY; but fear we did not come to
satisfactory conclusion"
"That was pity" she answered, coldly.
"Under the circumstances, any conclusion
would havo been better than continu-
ance of the debate"
He laughed cheerily. "You provoke
its resumption, Miss Denby."
"Then, to avoid such calamity, pro-
pose to withdraw the subject altogether"
she answered, making show of rising.
Heaven Forbid" he cried, with O
pretended air of despair. ''It is far too
attractive to permit of our losing sight of
it yet awhile"
~ accuse Mr.. Panton of being poet,
my dear" / interrupted. 'He has all the
paraphernalis of one-tropes. SMILES,
sentiment passion"
II stand convicted" he replied, "but
only as voicoless singer. possess the
necessary baggage, it is true; but, alas l
havo locked IL away, and lost the key
irrevocably."
1--WE must try to find 1t for him, eh,
Clare" / suggested.
mr.. Panton seems in no pressing need
of it at present." she replied.
"Ah" he cried, you arc unfair. Miss
DENLY. You forget that, although OPP
portunity be the slave of him who Is pre-
pared, it is the tyrant of the unready."
An almost imperceptible smile played
useful servant, then, Mr.. Panton," she
said.
Now you are sarcastic" he rejoined,
but l am helpless in your hands"
Indeed, ] wash them of you alto
gether," she answered, rising. "The re-
sponsibility is too great"
THAT is my loss," he said, smiling, as
he opened the door for her.
of yourself" she replied, with an implied
meaning in her tone which l failed to
understand as she swept out of the room.
/ was delighted with the badinage,
trivial though it had been. 1t at least
proved that Clare was not wholly insen-
sible to the attentions Of other men, and
the circumstances gave me hope for the
success of my little scheme.
| had not visited Wiltshire for many
years, but | still retained vivid recol.
lection of its beauties, the quaint old city
Of Salisbury, the breezy downs, and that
wonderful collection known as Stone
henge. 1t was natural, therefore, that as
Panton and j sat over our wine the con-
versation should revert to the principal
features of that county and the producing
powers Of its soil, the latter being SUBJ
joct in which take considerable inter
est. | was pleased TO find in my COM
panion kindred spirit, while, recognizing
4 npfN e. ssa,, al