Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1884-02-28

short absence he was regarded by
every one with increased respect.
Its all right he remarked conf
dentially. as he resumed his place.
II introduced myself TO lawyer and
we arranged to drive over tomorrow
together He is most pleasant gen
tleman. I never met him before.
The last observation, uttered in a
careless tone, made distinct impress
sion upon the audience, for it seemed
to imply mild astonishrAent that a
person so intimately associated with
his Lordship as the family lawyer
should up to that time have been un-
known to him. He did not apparent
ly seek to convey any impression
whatever, for he at once changed the
subject by volunteering a song, and
never referred to Lord MontarlIngton
again throughout the evening He
appeared suddenly to have recovered
| his spirits and abandoned himself TO
social enjoyment Whether he really
surpassed himself, or whether has
mysterious acquaintance with Lord
Montarlington made everyone more
. lItilHtd
the company laughed at his jokes and
applauded his songs with more vigor
than usual, and when the meeting
broke up his health was proposed and
drank with great enthusiasm.
Early next morning the neighbors
with mingled admiration and envy,
witnessed the departure of Tom and
the lawyer from the door of the inn.
Tom handled the ribbons, having Dor
rowed Mr. Beams little mare and trap
the preceding evening, in order, as he
said, to do the thing in style. The
grocer was proud of his turnout, and
was only too glad to oblige Tom, now
that his prospects had materially inn
proved. Tom Blinker looked very
spruce indeed, when he drove to the
inn to pick up the lawyer. He was a
good-looking man, with white teeth,
tlorid complexion, and genial eX-
preston. Dressed in MS best, with
flower in his buttonhole, he presented
quite an imposing appearance, and it
was observed that Mr.. Pennington,
the lawyer treated him with marked
courtesy
This is really very civil atten-
ton, sir, remarked Mr.. Pennington,
who was an old-fashioned elderly
gentleman of a nervous disposition,
and they bowled along the hard coun-
try road toward their destination.
Don't mention it, sir; you're well
come, I'm sure, y said Tommy Blinker,
affably.
81 wouldn't abuse your good ma
ture for the world YoN are sure [
am not talking you out of your way?'
persisted the lawyer, glancing at his
companion with mild curiosity.
Certainly not, sir. AS | told you
yesterday, / had arranged to drive
over, - replied Tom.
"They told me at the hotel when |
happened to mention your name that
you were well acquainted with his
Lordship," said Mr.. Pennington, who
evidently did not quite know what to
make of his obliging companion.
As the lawyer spoke Tom gave the
mare rather am awkward flick with
the whip, which caused her to bound
forward with unpleasant velocity.
Mr., Pennington then awoke to the
fact that Tom Blinker's skill at driv-
ing was hardly equal to his politeness;
indeed, it soon became evident that
the mare had the trap and its occu-
pants pretty well at her mercy. Tom
appeared cheerfully Indifferent to the
circumstances, and took bitches, sign
posts, and mllestones flying The
lawyer, however, was far from com
Portable, and soon forgot his curiosity
in his personal fears. He ceased to
ask questions, and devoted himself to
holding on to the hand-rail, regard
less of Toms conversation, which con
tinued in a lively vein, in spite of the
most startling episodes. Great and
unspeakable, indeed, was the old
relief when the Castle at
length came in sight, the little mare
having done the distance pre- baby in
the shortest time on record.
Here we are, said rom, pointing
with his whip. The entrance lodge
is down the road to the right.
Pray don't let me take you a yard
out of the way, sir, said the lawyer,
preparing 10 dllghb eau easily
walk the rest of the distance
Don't mention it. am so near
/ may as well look in and pay nay
respects to his Lordship, said Tom,
IN an off hand manner. "The mare
will be glad of rest she has brought
us along in grand style"
A remark of a mildly sarcastic ma
ture came to the lawyers lips, but he
did not utter it, for fear Of giving of
Tense to- friend Of SO good a client, as
his Lordship 4 few minutes later
Tom drove up to the entrance OF the
Castle, with an imposing elatter.
The lawyer was evidently expected,
for they were Immediately ushered
along corridor to his Lordships
study. On the threshold Toms mod
esty seemed suddenly to assert itself.
for he hung back little. so that his
companion led the way into the room.
Lord Montarlington advanced to
receive his visitors with outstretched
hand He was a handsome, gray
haired, elderly man, with frank gen
ial manners. In appearance he look
al lt1.. 4, .a tl,. ,,,l f,af ,-,,bft,,,r