The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-04-19
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MASTER TOMS ENGAGEMENT.

MASTER TOMS ENGAGEMENT.
London Society
Old Mr.. Molyneux was immensely proud
OF his position as a county magnate. He
lived in a feudal castle which he had bought
eheaply, having taken over at the same
time the good will, so to speak, of its for
mer owners social influence and dignity.
In consideration of his great wealth his
neighbors charitably ignored the fact that
his father had been small tradesman and
that he himself had carried on a lucrative
business in the hardware line for many
years. He was not bad old fellow, his
vulgarity being of subdued and inoffen-
sive kind, and consequently he was received
in the best country society. But he as
pired to even greater distinction, for his
pet project was to marry his only son, Tom,
to one of the Earl of Laburnum's daugh-
tiers. There seemed no reason why this
auspicious event should not come about,
for the Lady Florence looked kindly upon
Master Tom, and his lordship had more
than once limited that he would raise no OBJ
lection. Lord Laburnum was the lord
lieutenant of the county, and an alliance
with his family meant admission into the
most aristocratic circles.
Unfortunately Master Tom was rather a
scapegrace, and his father preferred to let
him see little of the world before reveal
ing the high honors that were in store for
him, The fact was Tom showed no PEE
dilection whatever for the Lady Florence,
and he was Just of that democratic age
when youth is apt to underrate social ad-
vantages. The old man hoped that when
Tom had had his fling he would begin to
awake to the responsibilities of his position
and be amenable to reason. He knew that
Tom was raising a very respectable crop Of
debts, aud that before long his parental as
sistance would be sought, When the crisis
arrived he intended to make known his
wishes, and to take advantage Of the lads
embarrassmentst to impose conditions. Mean
while, as Tom seemed to have given his
heart a rowing commission, there was no
apparent danger Of his seriously eampFo
missing his affections.
One day, however, the young man came
down from town, where he was ostensibly
studying for the bar, and with very grave
and determined air announced that he was
engaged to be married. Old Mr.. Molly
neux nearly had Ht Of apopleHy On the
spot, and when Tom proceeded to state that
the young lady earned her own living by
carrying on the business off dressmakeF at
the West End, his horror and indignation
knew no bounds In vain Tom pleaded
that Miss Fabian was lady by birth and
education, and that the poverty of her fami-
ly was her only crime. His father became
more and more furious, and Tom showed
symptoms Of fiat rebellion,
''Think of your position In the county +
cried old Mr.. Molyneux, perceiving this and
wisely making an effort to control himself.
Il will take it for granted, if you like, that
the girl is an exemplary character, She
may be lady-like and well educated and all
the rest of it. But her station is altogether
inferior to yours"
Il don't see that" said Tom stubbornly.
."Why, of course 1t is ridiculous, " said
the old gentleman, swelling with self-im-
portance. "Her father, you say, is poor
out=at-elbows devil of clerk in the city"
sI'ye never noticed his coat had holes in
it, retorted Tom, Gas for his being a
clerk In the city, SO were you-opce. The
only difference is that you have been more
fortunate than he and have made enough
money to retire upon"
''None of your internal radical nonsense
here, sir r' cried old Mr.. Molyneux, infu-
rated at this reference to his own origin.
at would be just as sensible to say that
you and | are the equals Of Lord hl4abur-
mum because Adam was our common an
cestor. What does it matter if was once
a clerk in the city? l have since attained
superior grade in the social scale, and that
is the fact that must be farced, BY marry.
ing the daughter of a city clerk, who earns
her living by dressmaking, you would make
misalliance.
"Just as Lady Florence would by mar
rying me- said Tom, looking wonderfully
innocent.
"Who is talking about Lady Florence?"
said old Mr.. Molyneux, taken ahack by
this unexpected thrust.
!Nobody-only | have an idea that YOU
wish me to marry out Of my station" re-
torted Tom.
'EI don't wish you to marry at all, sir, not
for many long year" cried the old man
fairly nonplussed
"What l mean is, father, said Ton, dog
gedly, "that l see no more harm in marry
ing below ones station-to use your own
term-than in marrying above it. If one
is wrong the other must be. !"
HStutf and nonsense, sis You don't
know what you are talking about ex-
claimed Mr.. Molyneux. II don't want to
have an argument with you. The long
and short of the matter is that l won't hear
of this foolish engagement. There! It's
no use talking. Let there be an end of it,
or I shall have something very unpleasant
to say"
The old man bounced out of the room
as he spoke, not little startled and amazed
at his sons tone and attitude. Hitherto
Tom had never ventured to argue with him.
partly from flial duty and partly from
inherent weakness of character He began
to fear that the lad possessed unexpected
frmness until he soothed his mind by the
reflection that he had probably been coached
for the interview. This suspicion ex-
planned Master Toms unaccustomed readi-
ness at repartee, which had made him
appear a dangerous adversary. Relieved
in his mind by the discovery old Mr.. Molly
neux gradually cooled down and completely
recovered his self-confdence. He easily
convinced himself that Tom would never
dare to disobey him, and, instead of feel
ing the least apprehensive of the marriage
taking place, he was only uneasy lest
rumors of the engagement should reach
the Laburnums.
He prudently resolved to treat the mat
ter as definitely disposed of, and to make no
further allusion to it-at all events until
Tom had had time for reflection. Judg-
ing from appearances the lad seemed COM