Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1884-08-01

uCpdi tule Ilc . pune W ILUIO lLdUuf u
um more plainly than he had hitherto
done. His lordship, without pied ging
himself, gave an encouraging reply,
and he resolved to bring matters to a
crisis Immediately upon his sons re.
turn. The consequence was that the
task Of settling with Toms creditors
proved quite an agreeable relaxation,
and did not cause him a moments ILL
} humor. But he was very much start
: led and disgusted on hearing tnat his
solicitor had been asked to accept SER
vice of a writ on Toms behalf in an
action for damages for breach of pro-
mise of marriage brought by Miss Fa-
bian against her faithIess lover. The
news upset him considerably, for such
a scandal would SCI all the newspapers
gossiping about his antecedents, while
Tom could hardly fail to cut a ridicu-
lous figure in the witness box. Old
Mr.. Molyneux soon arrived at the con
clusion that the action must be CON-
promised at any cost, for the sake of
his own dignity. not to mention the
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 set
tied forthwith at any sacrifice. in or
der to avert the danger of the affair
finding its way into the papers. He
was successful in his main project, but
rich man as he was, he almost groan-
ed 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 sympathy what
ever from his solicitor, who declared
that by going to trial, or even by hold
ing out; he might have saved the
greater part of the money.
| In spite of his great relief that the
threatened scandal had been averted,
! old Mr.. MolyneuX soon began to re-
great the sacrifice he had made, and
to fret about his enormous loss. He
was not by any means penurious
man, but, like all parvenus, he keenly
appreciated the value of money. He
did not mind what he spent 81 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 not help suspecting that he had
been too easily frightened. This un-
comfortable reflection worried him a
>gool deal, particularly when he learn
Nthat Lord L.burnun iad maae ar
grmsnt TO take his famii(..o the
! sos b of France for the ewintelE,is
vera,ing le npiaasSSu aSuaI astIl Rsssssaaa OF s
marriage with Tom, and old Mr.. Molly
neux was seized with an omlnous fore
boding when he heard the news.
Tom returned after an absence Of
three or four months, and was evident
| ly not little apprehensive OF the re-
ception he would meet with. He had
received some angry letters from his
father, referring to the damages he
hal had to pay, and he therefore ap,
peared nervous and embarrassed at
their first meeting. But the cid man,
delig GIFTED at seeing him again, sought
to put him at his ease by saying:
I'm not going to allnde to what has
happened, my boy. I'm willing to
let bygones be bygones.'
You are very good, father, but
bus
What is the matter?' inquired old
Mr.. Molyneux as Tom paused in con-
fusion.
i still cling to the hope that you
will consent to my marriage with
Miss Fabian said Tom, desperately.
What roared his father with a
great start.
You See, Guv'nor,' proceeded Tom,
I'm in much batter position than |
was before | went away. Then, as
you Justly pointed out, | was in debt,
!. | had no capital, and | was altogether
, dependent upon you. But my debts
are now paid, and as for capital
+ We'll, Sir, what about capital p in-
terrupted the old man, too much
, amazed to be angry.
; There is the money you paid to
Miss Fablan,' said Tom, with fleet.
ing smile. The interest on it would
keep us from starving, and at least il
is enough to buy and stock farm
with
'But-but paid the money because
r you broke your promise to marry her,
urged his father, incredulously. She
would never marry you now
4 think she would replied Tom, III
a confident tone.
! .The fact is, Sir, that l have been
' victimized,' exclaimed old Mr.. Molly
neux suddenly, as the truth flashed
r across his mind.
5 Not exactly, father-at least, no
4 vet returned Tom, with great earnest
!. ness. L hope you will not withhold
e voar consent to our marriage. If yol
}, will consent the money shall be palt
you, as it were; and both of US ar
:. willing to rely entirely, with regart
5 to the future, upon your generosity.
e Old Mr.. MoIyneux had turned pur
!, pie in the face, and Tom was Justl..
;, alarmed at his aspect. But before h
could utter word in reply man ser
e want brought in a note, remarklnI
;, that messenger was waiting to know
d if there was any reply. Mr.. Molyneu!
Il opened the envelope half absently
|. glanced hurriedly at its contents, AM
J. then gave vent to muttered execra
!. tion. which apparently relieved hi
d over wrought feeling. After strldlni
about the room for u few moments II
a great agitation he suddenly haulte
J. in front of Tom and cried in volc
d of suppressed passion;
II 'You-you impertinent, disrespec'
n full, disobedient rascal! What did 20
saw about the money!