Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-02-29

myself to the lawyer and we have arranged
TO drive over together, tomorrow. He is
most pleasant gentleman. never met him
before"
Th5 last observation, uttered in q careless
tone, made q distinct impression on the audi
ence, for it seemed TO imply mild astonish-
ment that n person 30 intimately associated
with his lordship as the family lawyer, should
up TO that time have been unknown to him.
lie did not apparently sock to convey any
impression whatever, for he at once changed
the subject by volunteering a song, and new
er referred to Lord Montarlingtou again
throughout the evening. He appeared sud-
denly to have recovered his spirits, and he
abandoned himself to social enjoyment.
Whether he really surpassed himself, or
whether his mysterious acquaintance with
Lord Montarlington made every one moro in
clined to appreciate him, it is certain that the
company laughed at his jokes, and applaud
ed his songs with more vigor than usual, and
when the meeting broke up his health was
proposed, and all drank with great enthusi-
asm.
Early the next morning. the neighbors,
with mingled admiration and envy, Witness
cd the departure Of Tom and the lawyer from
the door OF the inn. Tom handled tho rib.
bons, having borrowed MIR. Beams little mare
and trap the preceding evening in order as
he said, ITO do the thing in style" The
grocer was proud Of his turn out, and was
only too glad TO obligo Tom, now that his
prospects had materially improved. Tom
Blinker looked very spruce indeed when he
drove to tho inn to pick up the lawyer. He
was a very good looking man with white
teeth, horid complexion, and q genial ex-
preston. Dressed in his best, with a flower
in his button hole ho presented quite an i'm
posing appearance, and it was observed that
Mr.. Pennington the lawyer, treated him with
marked courtesy
"Ths is really n very civil attention, SIR"
remarked Mr.. Pennington, who was an old
fashioned elderly gentleman Of a nervous dis
position, as they bowled along the hard ooun-
try road toward their destination.
Don't mention it, sir you're welcome,
I'm sure, said Tom, aTably.
Il wouldn't abuse your good nature for all
the world. You are sure l am not taking
you out Of your wsy?' persisted the lawyer
glancing at his companion with mild curiosi-
ty.
Certainly not sir. As told you yoster-
day, | had arranged 10 drive over" replied
Tom.
"They told me at the hotel, when hap
pened to mention your name, that you we're
well acquainted with his lordship," said Mr..
Pennington, who evidently did not quite
know what to make Of his obliging compan-
ion.
As the lawyer spoke, Tom gave the mare
rather an 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 driving was
hardly equal to his politeness; indeed, it
soon became evident that the marc had the
trap and IFS occupants pretty well at her mer-
cy. Tom appeared cheerfully Indifferent to
the circumstance, and took bitches, sign posts
cnd milestones, 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, regardless of Toms conversation, which
continued in a lively vein, in spite OF the
most startling episodes. Great and unspeak-
able, indeed, was the old geptlemau's relief
when at length they came in sight Of the
castle, the little mare having done the dis
tance probably in the shortest time on rec
ord.
Here we are" said Tom, pointing with
his whip. THE entrance lodge is down the
road TO the right
Pray don't let me take you q yard out Of
your way, sir" said the lawyer, preparing to
alight. II can easily walk the rest of the
distance
4
rs well look in and pay my respects to his
lordship," said Tom, in an of. hand manner.
The mare will be glad of a rest she has
brought us along in grand style"
A remark of mildly sarcastic nature came
to the lawyers lips, but lie did not utter it,
| for fear of giving offence to a friend OF so
good client as his lordship. A few min
utes later and Tom drove up to the grand en-
trance of tho castle with an imposing catter
The lawyer was evidently expected, for
they were Immediately ushered along the
corridor to his lordship's study. On the
threshold Toms modesty 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 out-stretched hand. He was
| handsome, gray haired elderly man, with
frank, genial manners. In appearance he
| looked like a sailor, and, in fact, yachting
was his favorite occupation. He was q wild
over, and childless, and since the death of
his wife he had resided very little on his es-
tates. He greeted the lawyer with q friend
| ly grasp, and also shook hands with Tom.
'Now I'm safe on terra frma, my lord,
do not mind oonfessing that Mr.. Blinker has
made me pass mdu1dis quart dhe'tr6," said
Mr. Pennington, with humorous smile.
pooh There was no danger, my lord.
The little mare is as safe as ninepence, only,
like the rest of her sex, she likes TO take the
BIT in her teeth" interposed Tom, with his
| jovial laugh.
"Ha .ha! Pray be seated, gentlemen, y
laughed his lordship, glancing with good
| humored surprise at Tom. 80 long as nc
bones are broken, there's no harm done. Mr..
Pennington it was very good Of you to come
down from town. l ought to have called or
you, but tomorrow I'm going north and
90 .l,o-, La.f1 1ort -,
terposed Mr.. Pennington, producing a bun
die of papers from his side pocket, like con
jurer. 81 have something important to say
so thought would take this opportunity
my lord"
discreetly.
my dear sir, pray don't move" replied
his lordship. "Mr. Pennington aud are no
going to talk secrets. Besides, 1 hope yoy
will both stay to lunch"
Delighted, I'm sure, said Tom, readily
That is, il your lordship will allow me t
send a messenger with note or two to Bill
chester. had some appointments which
can easily put of"
''By all means. There are writing materi
ais by your side, said his lordship.
Lord Montarlington and his lawyer sooI
became immersed in business, while Ton
wrote half n dozen short notes on paper bear
ing the earl's coronet and crest with the ad
dress OF the castle. The tenor Of each o
these epstes was the same, so that singh
specimen will suffice to satisfy the reader
curiosity;
Dear MoV,ttie-I quite intended to ca
and see you about those two ponies ow,
you, hut his lordship won't hear of my leav
ing. Please let the matter stand over Bit
and spare yourself the trouble of issuing
writ. Yours ever,
Il. BLNKER.
While engaged on these important compo
sitions, Tom could not resist giving an ear t
the conversation that was going on on tn
other side of the fireplace He gathered this
the principal object of the lawyers visit wa
to consult his lordship about appointing
new steward. The post was at present vf
cant, the late occupant having resigned in
huff, and Mr.. Pennington was in favor c
giving it to a practical, busness-like maj
, who would not be above his work. His lore
ship cordially acquiesced in this view, an
left the matter in the lawyers hands, and
having affixed his signature to few docI
ments, the conference ended.
r "Now, gentlemen, let US come and have
I look round, said his lordship, with an air o
D relief. "Mr. Blinker, the butler will han
your letters TO q groom, who is now going II
to Chichester, and who will deliver them in
Q mediately."