Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1884-08-29


when he uttered it, and Tom was evidently
impressed. The lai dropped his eyes before
his fathers irate glance, an the rudy color
left his cheeks for an instant.
Tom was evidently seriously diSconc Arte,l
by this remark. He turned on his heel. nut
tering something about catching the next
tram to leave tpwn, leaving his father mas
ter of the situation. The old man considered
that he had gained signal victory, and was,
Therefore, not the least perturbel when his
son started off to the station with his bag
gage, i'll literal accordance with his iniunc-
ton. lie did not doubt that Master Tom
would see the folly of his ways; AMI, sure
enough, two days afterwarl Il q young man
reaplearei looking decidedly sheepish and
rendered his submi, sion. lie even brouc ht
a copy of the letter he had written to the
young lady, which Mr.. Molyneux thought a
little too curt and mattcr-of-fact, if any
fault was to be found with it, However, he
was not inclined to be hypercritical in this
respect, and he heartily applauded Toms
action.
"You know, Tom,' he added, noticing the
wholesome effect of his words, "you are en-.
tirely dependent upon me, and unless you
took to poaching don't See how you could
possibly earn a crust. Besides, you are up
to your ears in debt"
Il don't owe much," said Tom, quickly,
with "A tell-tale blush.
You will fiaj ont that You owe good
deal when your creditors learn that have
made Your cousin Tel my heir, sail the oil |
man, eniSmaticaiy.
Il III gong away for a bit, guv nor" said
the lad, who WINGED n little at his fathers
boisterous good bumor. and seemed half
ashamed of his conduct webster and some
other fellows have hired yacht anu sail for
Madeira tomorrow.
by all means. my boy" cried Mr. Molly
neux, secretly delighted that his son should
leave England for awhile at this juncture
"and look here. Tom, while you are away
will settle matters with these friends of
yours"
He produced rather formidable list of
names and figures as he spoke, and Tom
started with surprise, and well he might, at
pe,criving how full and accurate was his
fathers knowledge of his pecuniary embar-
ra>snents The old man cut short his sons
confused protestations Of gratitude and
apology by saying good-humoredly:
well, well, you must turn over a new
leaf. my boy Reasonable economy must he
the order of the day, and hope on your re-
turn that you will settle down and reside
permanently in the country"
He had it on the tip of his tongue to hint
that he must be prepared to marry Lady
Florence, but he wisely refraned Never
theless, he was as full of the project as ever,
and after TOMS departure he spoke to Lord
Iaburnum more plainly than ne had hitherto
so done. His lordship, without pedging
himself. gave an encouraging reply, and he
resolved to bring matters to crisis imme-
diately upon his sons return. The conse-
quence was that the task of settling with
Toms creditors proved quite an agreeable
relaxation and did not cause him moment 5
ill-humor
But he was very much startled and dis.
gusted on hearing that his solicitor had been
asked to accept service Of a writ OH Toms
behalf i'll an action for damages for
breach of promise of marriage brought
by Miss Fabian against her faith.
less lover. The news upset him consid.
erably, for such a scandal would set all the
papers gOssiping about his antecedents, while
Tom could hardly fail to cut a ridiculous
figure in the witness box. Old Molyneux
soon arrived at the conclusion that the action
must be compromised at any cost, for the
sake of his own dignity, not to mention the
projected alliance with the Laburnums. He
rushed up to town in quite frantic state,
and disregarding the advice and protestations
of his solicitor, insisted that Miss Fabian's
claim should be settled forthwith at any sac
rifice, in order to avert the danger of the
affair finding its way into the papers.
He was successful in his main object, but,
rich man as he was, he almost groaned when
he sat down to write the check that Miss
Fabian's advisers demanded. The amount
was represented by no less than five figures
and the worst Of it was that he got no sym.
pathy whatever from his solicitor, who de.
clared that by going to trial, or even by
holding out, lie might have saved the greater
part of the money.
In spite Of his great relief that the threat.
ened scandal had been averted, old Mr.
Molyneux soon began to regret the sacrifice
he had made, AMI to fret about his enormous
loss. He was not by any means a penurious
man, but, like all parvenus, he keenly appre
ciated the value of money. He did not mind
what he spent, SD long as he had something
to show for his outlay; but in this instance
the result attained was entirely negative
Every one is inclined to underrate danger
when it has passed, and Mr.. Molyneux could
rot help suspecting that he had been too easily
frightened. This uncomfortable reflection
worried him good deal, particularly when
he learned that Lord Laburnun had made
arrangements to take his family to the south
of France for the winter. This did not look a
il his lordship was very anxious about his
daughters marriage with Tom, and old Mr.
Moiyneux was seized with an ominous fore
boding when he heard the news.
Tom returned after an absence Of three OF
four months, and was evidently not a little
apprehensive Of the reception he would NEE,
with. He had received some angry letters
from his father, referring to the damages be
had had to pay, and he. therefore, appeared
nervous and embarrassed at their first meet
ing. But the old man, delighted at seeing
him again, sought to put him at his ease by
saying:
I'm not going to allude to what has hap
pened, my boy. Pm willing to let bygone.
be bygones."
"You are very good, father, but-but-"
"What is the mattert" inquired old Mr.
Molyneux, as Tom paused in confusion.
II still cling to the hope that you will con
SeiI W my iiihiiioSo WIN 0uioo ooioh1 ooie
Tom desperately.
"What!" roared his father, with great
start.
"You see, guv'nor," proceeded Tom, "Pn
in a much better position than was before
went away. Then. as you justly pointed out
was altogether dependent upon you. But
iny debts are now paid, and as for capital
well, sir, what about capital." interrupted
the old II an, too much amazed to be angry.
There is the money you paid to Miss Fa
bian," said Tom, with IA feeting smile "Tht
interest on it woul keep us from starving,
and at least it is enough to buy AMI stock q
farm with"
"But-but paid the money because yor
broke your promise to marry her" urged hi:
father, incredulously. "She would nevel
marry you now"
81 think she would" replied Tom, in a con
fident tone.
"The fact is, sir that have been victim
ized." exclaimed OLD Mr.. Molyneux suddenly
as the truth flashed across his mind.
Not exactly, father-at least not yet, re
turned Tom, with great earnestness. 81 hope
you will not withhold your consent to onl
marriage If You will consent the money
shall be paid you, as it We're; and both of u
are willing to rely entirely with regard t.
the future upon your generosity"