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

Hdo iHauc nliH appear d udu uSoiouo ao
versary. Relieved in his mind by the
discovery, old Mr.. Molyneux gradual
ly cooled down and completely recover
ed his self.conlidence. He easily con
yinced himself that Tom would never
dare to disobey him, and, instead o
feeling the least apprehensive of the
marriage taking place, he was only un
easy lest rumors of the engagement
should reach the Laburnums. III
prudently resolved to treat the matter
as definitely disposed of, and to make
no further allusion to it, at all events
until Tom had had time for reflection
Judging from appearances the lad seem
ed completely subdued. Hespent the
next few days slaughtering pheasants
in a detected and sulky frame of mind
His father smiled within himself and
held his tongue, though he showed by
his manner that he did not intend tc
be triflcd with. When he considered
that he might safely speak he said one
morning with assumed carelessness:
We'll. my, boy, what are You going
todo?
I'm going to shoot over Mr.. Bailey's
farm replied Tom.
Nonsense. You know what | am
referring to- said the old man, turning
red. 4 am speaking of this idiotic
love affair
'Oh, Well, Of course, must keep
my word said Tom, with flushed
cheek.
What you have not written to break
it off, said Mr.. Molyn, TX. feignlng sur
prise.
No, Gur'nor, haven't, said Tom.
Il hoped you would have softened by
this time.
And | believed you would have re
membered that your first duty was to
obey your father criel the old man,
to boil. DO you mean to
tell me that you still contemplate mar
rying "a drrssmaker:
She has sold her business, father,
said Tom. eagerly. She might have
done better had she waited a bit. but
out of Difference to your wishes
NV wishes" " interrupted Mr.. Molly
neux, angrily Il don't care if she
carries on twenty businesses. What
| say is that you shall never marry her
with nv consent That's all
Il should be very sorry to disobey
YOU, father. began Tom, 'but-
Look here, my boy interrupted the
old gem leman, quickly, speaking with
calmness. let Us understand
each other. forbid this foolish en-.
aud order you TO break it
antlF, fhet ,-.--i'@-s. :. Now
within..n hour. and unless yoR house
me in the course Of week that the af
fair is at an end stop supplies. If
YOU persist in marrying the girl, then.
bv heaven, will alter my will and
leave evory frrthing possess TO your
cousin Ted in fact will make him
heir and discard YOU altogether.
1t is doubtful whether the old man
sould have really carried ont this SER
ious threat, for he was fond OF his
son. and proud of him in way. but
he looked very determined when he
uttered it, and Tom was evidently i'm,
pressed. The lad dropped his eyes be
fore his fnthers lrate glance, aud the
ruddy color left his cheeks for an In
slant.
Tom was evidently seriously discon
certed bv this remark. He turned or
his heel, muttering something abou
catching the next train to leave town
leaving his father master of the situa
ton. The old man considered that he
had gained a signal victory. and was
therefore, not the least perturbed when
his son started off to the station with
his luggage, in literal accordance witt
his injunction. lie did not doubt tha
Master Tom would see the folly of hi
ways; and, sure enough, two days al
terward the young mau reappeared
looking decidedly sheepish, and ten
dered his submission. He even brough
copy of the letter he had written t.
the Young lady, which Mr.. Molyneu,
thought Il little too curt and matter o
fact, if any fault WAS to be found will
it. However, he was not inclined t
be hypercritical in this respect ana h.
heartily appIauled Toms action.
You know, Tom he added, motto
ing the wholesome effect of his words
you are entirely dependent upon me
and unless YOU took to poacnlng
don't see how you could possibly earl
"a crust. Besides, you are up to you
ears in debt
L don't owe mnch, said Tom, quick
ly with tell-tale blush.
You will find out that you owe
good deal when your creditors lear
that | have made your cousin Ted m
heir said the old man enigmatically
I'm going away for a bit. Guv'no
said the lad, who WINGED IL little at hi
fathers boisterous good humor, an
seemed half ashamed of his conduc
Webster and some other fellows hay
hired yacht and sail for Madeira tt
morrow
'Bv all means, my boy,' cried Nj
Molyneux, secretly delighted that hi
son should leave England for awhil
at this iuncture; 'and look here. Ton
while You are away | will settle ma
ters with those friends of yours.
He produced rather "a formidab
list Of names and figures as he spok
and Tom started with surprise, an
well he might, at perceiving how fu
and accurate was his fathers know
edge of his pecuniary embarrassment
The old man cut short his sons COZ
fused protestations of gratitude an
apology by saying good -humoredly:
well, we'll, you must turn over
new leaf, my boy. Reasonable econ
my must be the order of the day, an
| hope on your return that you wi
settle down and reside permanently
tho pouptry'