The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-04-10
PHILIPTWYFORD's EXCHANGE.

s.It's a bad Job altogether. Philip"
somewhat unfortunate, / admit"
you've been taken in. y
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
a foot-stooI, and managed in the pro-
cess to considerably deepen the hue of
his ordinarily rubicund countenance.
Philip Twvford took matters more
uuietIv. 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 well. 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 'fEach time
you had only yourself to thank for re-
guiring it. / don't know that I shall
do so again"
81 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?"
''Itisn't an enticing prospect, I know.
Nobody, perhaps, knows better than
myself. Iwho have watched those poor
fellows, with wife and children, ,scraping
and screwing in order to make a decent
appearance. But there-it was Just the
sight of that that 1 couldn't stand, and
it has been my ruin.
"Serve you right" roared the Squire;
-s'trusting everything to a penniless sub
lieutenant because he imagines that he
has talent for speculation. And
away it goes like puff of smoke into
Egyptians or Russians, or some such
rubbish"
"a railway corrected Philip.
s'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 -eold-everything sold, to
meet the liabilities of his friend.
Il won't stay in England, sir, to an
noy you with the sight of my impecuni-
ositv," he said. IL shall try for an eX-
change to India; perhaps get an ad-
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. "
Il think shall go now. sill" 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.
.'f70,000 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 possessed"
The Young man bowed assent.
'.Then follow my instructions. Be
Mt the ball tomorrow night, and devote
yourselves. devote yourself, l say.
TO the young lady whom L shall tell you
of. Not a word, now. not word. "
''But really. sir. The idea is ex.
tremely distssteful. don't feel
sBah!" thundered the Squire, ''beg
gars can't be choosers. Now go, Il
You like"
About week before the preceding
conversation. two girls, attended by s
middle-aged lady, ofthe sharp-featured
somberly y-dressed type. indicative o.
LADY Companion" entered the cos
tune room of Messrs. Harley d Vests
In Regent Street.
There were lovely dresses on th'
stands. Fairy-like arrangements o
billowy tulle or Indian gauze; rich silk
and satins. falling in massive folds; ant
charming constructions in shots or SAITH
marvellous. to suit the more slende
pockets.
'.It really is too good of you, Lettie,
almost whispered the younger of th'
two girls. ''I never saw anything 81
sweet before"
She was a neat little woman. with
round; chiid-like face and soft gra..
eyes.
''Wen, look about and choose,
laughed her companion. '.YOu seen
dazzied by all the magnifcence, bu
that will soon pass of.
The speaker was a strikingly hand
some girl, evidently older by two O
three years than her friend. and gres
contrast. A blonde of exceptional per
fection. with masses of soft silken hai
crowning a face that was noticea Die 70
Its pure eoloring egen among beautie