The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-04-12
PHILIP TWYFORD'S EXCHANGE.

ITS a bad job altogether, Philip"
Somewhat unfortunate, | admit"
you've been taken in.
Il was perhaps somewhat too credu-
lous."
The old Squire fused about between
his leather easy chair and the fireplace.
clattered the fire-irons, stumbled over
foot-stool, and managed in the pro-
cess to considerably deepen the hue of
his ordinarily rubicund countenance.
Philip Iwyford 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 fairly good-looking young
man; such one 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 we'll This last was only what
was to be expected; it would have been
disgrace to his drill had it been other
wise.
well, I've helped you twice al
ready" said the Squire. Each time
you had only yourself to thank for re-
quiring it. don't know that l shall
do so again"
Il never expected it, sir. You can
bear witness that l have not asked for
help"
Then what do you intend to do?"
81 have my pay" quietly retorted
Philip, with an almost imperceptible
drawing up of his figure
''Your pay! A paltry six-and-six-
pence day! Do you imagine that you
can live in conformity with your po-
sition as my nephew on your pay?
POUNDS! Boy! are YOU mad?"
sit isn't an enticing prospect, l know.
Nobody, perhaps, knows better than
myself. | who have watched those poor
fellows, with wife and children scraping
and screwing in order to make decent
appearance. But there-it was Just the
sight of that that l couldn't stand, and
it has been my ruin.
"Serve you right, roared the Squire;
trusting everything to penniless sub
lieutenant because he imagines that he
has talent for speculation. And
away it goes like 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 to
refuse a jump or miss being in at
the death. His Major would ride it
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 adj
jutancy; and at any rate draw double
pay"
"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 soci-
ETY. man. You must marry an heiress."
81 think | shall go now, sir, irrele-
vanity remarked Philip. 1--WE made
a clean breast of it all, and I'm
sorry to have disappointed you" The
Squire appeared not to have heard.
100000 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 me
for all you possess, or rather might
have possessedP'
The young man bowed assent.
Then follow my Instructions. Be
at the ball tomorrow night, and devote
yourselves, devote yourself, / say,
to the young lady whom shall tell you
of. Not a word, now, not words
But really, sir. The idea is ex-
temely distasteful. l don't feel"
''Bahn' Numbered the Squire, ''beg-
gars cant be choosers. Now go, if
you like" ....
About week before the preceding
conversation, two girls, attended by a
middle-aged lady, ofthe sharp-featured,
somb3erly-dressed type, indicative of
Lady Companion entered the cos
tune room of Messrss Harley q Vests,
in Regent Street.
There were lovely dresses on the
stands. Fairy-like arrangements of
biIlowy tulle or Indian gauze; rich silks
and satins, falling in massive folds; and
charming constructions in shots or satin
marveilleuX, to suit the more slender
pockets.
1t really is too good Of you, Lettie,
almost whispered the younger of the