The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1884-05-28
Master Toms Engagement.

nate. He lived III feudal castle which
he had bought cheaply, having taken
over at the Same time the good will, so
TO speak, OF its former owners social in
fluence 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 lucrative business in
the hardware line Tor many years. He
was not q bad old fellow, his vulgarity
being OF q subdued and inoffensive kind,
and consequently he WAS received in the
best county society. But he aspired TO
even greater distinction, for his pet pro-
ject was 10 marry his only son, Tom, to
ono OF the Earl OF Laburnums daugh.
ten.
Unfortunately Master Tom was rather
scapegraco, and his father preferred
10 let him see little OF the world before
revealing the bonon that were in store
for him. The fact was that Tom showed
no prediction whatever for the Lady
Florence, and he was Just Of that demo-
cratic age when youth is apt TO under
rate social advantages. The old man
hoped that when Tom had had his fling
he would begin 10 awake 10 the respon.
sibilities OF his position, and be amen
able TO reason. He knew that Tom was
raising very respectable crop OF debts,
and that before long his paternal assist
ance would be sought When the crisis
arrived he intended to make known his
wishes, and TO take advantage OF the
lads embarrassments to impose con-
ditions.
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 an-
nounced that he was engaged to be mar
ried. Old MIR. Molyneux nearly had a
1T OF apoplexy on the spot, and when
Tom proceeded to state that tho young
lady earned her own living by carrying
on the business OF dressmaker 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 family was hor only crime. His
father became more and more furious,
until Tom showed symptoms OF flat re.
bellion.
"Think of your position In tho
county r. cried old Mr.. Molyneux. per.
ceiving this and wisely making AN effort
TO control himself. III will take 1t for
granted, II you like, that the girl is an
exemplary character. She may be lady
like and well educated and all tho rest Of
1t. But her station is altogether inferior
70 yours.
- doht see that' SAID Tom, stub
Dornly.
why, OF course. 1t is ridiculous"
sa,d inc old gentleman. swelling with
sell Importance. Her fnther, you say,
" a poor out-at-elbows devil of Il clerk
LII inc CITY.
by marrying the daughter OF city
CLERK, who earns her living by dressmak-
ing, you wonid make a mis"lllance."
marvin, mo " as;, Ton' Io., WOMB ny
dOs,r,,n mo, pau Aoni' ioohihg won
"Wbo ia tolI;no o,or, r.,u M,
epco ?" sa;a oIS n, MnI, nnuy , rior,
aboct nv b;s nnorno.,ad ,Ir"a,' '"hoi
"Nobodv omIu ' b"na 'n "r ~. AL
Won w;ab mo 90 marrn o On, i"ea 'i"'
ton" retorted Tom.
IL don't wish YOU TO marry NJ all air
not for many long wear - cried tbo ol3
man. fairly nonnlussed 0 o'
"whn, 7 u,oa. = s..,y
ao..aa,'' ,,., eah 70, '"'ner, sa,u Ioni,
Ssuy .has l see no more harm IN
n"n. Jms oe.o~ ones station-to use
y'ui o"h 'efn-thaii III marrying above
" ,u ~ one Is wrong the other must be-"
o'uh ana nonsense, sir You don't
INV INV whns you are talking about ex-
claimed si mr.. Molynenx. ~ don't want
10 nnve "n argument with You. The
.onS ana SNORT OF the matter is that l
wv won near OF TINS foolish engagement.
ihere IL IS no use talking. Lot there
De m end OF 10, or l shall have some
'nmB very unpleasant to say"
tno OH man bounced out OF the room
as he spoke, not little amazed at his
sons tone and attitude. Hitherto Tom
nad never ventured to argue with him,
partly from filial duty and partly from
inherent weakness Of character. He be-
pected firmness, until he soothed his
mind by the reflection TINT be had nron.
ably been carefully coached for the in. |
terview. He easily convinced himself
that Tom would never dare to disobey
prehensive Of the marriage taking place
he was only uneasy lest rumors Of the
ums.
He prudently resolved TO treat the
matter as definitely dispored off md 10
make no further allusion to it-at all
events until Tom had had time for re-
Election. Judging from appearances.
ne I'D seemed completely subdued. He |
!Pent inc next few days slanghtering
,heasants in detected and sulky frame
! mind. His father smiled within
imself and held his tongue, though he
bowed by his manner that he did no. &
l.end 70 be trified with. When he con-
';s tnaI ne might safely speak, he
va one morning with assumed careless q