The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-12-12

terested in their general conduct, they
are sure to be little mercenary for
their children. Now. you know, Miss
Clifford is beauty who would adOrn
Clifford Hall, and an heiress whose
money would purchase certain proper
ties that join ours. You understands"
"Yes,' said the little man, starting up
i'm great wrath. IL understand, and it's
a-bOm-inable. l th-thought you
were my friend, and m-man of h
honor"
$50 am. and that is why warn You
in time. If you quarrel with Miss Cliff
ford, and leave this place i'll pet, just
see what risks we both run, you and /.
NV father will be always at me, and /
shall not be able to insist on your prior
claim; he will say you have abandoned
it. Julia will take the huff, and you
know beautiful women will do strange
things-mad things-when once pique
enters their hearts. She might turn
round and marry me-"
you forget, sir, you are man OF
honor"
but not man of stone. Now, my
dear FitZrOy, be reasonable. Suppose
that peerless creature went in for fe-
male revenge; why, the first thing she
would do would be to make me love her,
whether l chose or no. She wouldn't
give me n voice in the matter. She
would flatter me; she would cajOle me;
she would transfiX my too susceptible
hearts with chances Of fire and bewitch-
ing languor from those glorious eyes,"
Odd! Ahemw cried Percy, turn
ing green.
Walter had no mercy. IL heard her
say once she could make any man love
her if she chose"
$50 she Could" said Percy, ruefully.
"She made me. | had an awful PIP
prejudice against her, but there was no
resisting"
"Then don't subject me to such trial.
Stick to her like a man."
$50 / will; b-but it isam-m-mOrti-
flying position. I'm a man of family.
We came in with the C-Conquest, and
are respected in ourc-cOunty; and here
l have to meet her on the sly, and live
at the D-Dun Cow"
"Where the cuisine is wretched."
"A-b-b-bominable"
Having thus impregnated his mind
with that soothing sentiment, jealousy,
Walter told him he had house to let
on the estate-quite a gentleman's
house, only little dilapidated, with
fine lawn and garden, only neglected in
to a wilderness. But all the better for
YOU" said he. You have plenty Of
money, and no occupation. Perhaps
that is what leads to these little quar-
rels. 1t will amuSe you to repair the
crib and restore the lawn. Why, there
is a brook runs through it-itisn't every
lawn has that-and there used to be
water-lilies floating, and peonies nod
ding down at them from the bank; a
paradise. She adOres flowers, you know.
Why notrent that house from me? You
will have constant occupation and
amusement. You will become rival
potentate to my governor. You will
take the shine out of him directly; you
have only to give a ball, and then all
the girls will worship you, Julia Cliff
ford especially, for she could dance the
devil to stand-still."
Percy's eyes flashed. "When can 1
have the placer said he. eagerly.
"In half an hour. I'll draw you a
three months agreement. Got any pa
per? OF course not. Julia is SO near.
do you play? Patience, all by yourself.
No wonder YOU are auarrelsOme! Moth
ing else to bestOw your energy on"
Percy denied this imputatiOn. The
cards were for pistol practice. lie shot
daily at the pips in the yard.
ut is the fend Ernm that loads your
pistols, and your temper too. Didn't
tell you sO?"
Walter then demanded the ace of dia-
mOnds, and on its face let him the house
and premises on a repairing lease for
three years. rent G5 year; which was
a good bargain for both parties, since
Percy was sure to lay out thousand
pounds or two on the property, and to
bind Julia more closely to him, who was
worth her weight in gold ten times
over.
Walter had brought the keys with
him, so he drove Percy over at once and
gave him possession, and, to do the lit
tie fellow Justice. the moisture of graft
tude stood i'm his eyes when they part
ed.
Walter told Julia all about it that
same night, and her eyes were eloquent
too.
The next day he had a walk with
Mary BARLEY, and told her all about it.
She hung upon him, and gaZed admir-
ingly into his eyes all the time, and they
parted happy lovers.
Mr.. BARLEY met her at the gate.
"Mary," said he, gravely, "whO was that
saw you with just now?"
Cousin Walter"
II reared so. You are TOO much WITH
him."
Mary turned red and white by turns,
but said nothing.
BARLEY went on: "You are good
child, and l have always trusted you. L
am sure you mean no harm, But you
must be more discreet. / have just
heard that you and that young man are
looked upon as engaged lovers. They
say it is all over the village. OF course
father is the last to hear these things.
Does Mrs. Easton know of this?"
ooh yes, papa, and approves it,"
Stupid old woman! She ought to be
ashamed of herself"
"Oh, papa!" said Mary, in deep dis
tress; "why, what objection can there
be to Cousin Walter?"
"NOne whatever as a cousin, but every
objection to intimacy. Does he court
yOu"
81 don't know, papa. suppose he
does"
"DOes he seek your lover"
'He does not say SO exactly"
"COme, Mary, you have never deceiv-
cd me. Does he love your"
81 am afraid he does: and if you reject
him he will be very unhappy. And so