St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-03-22

/ llul
"Why, what's up?" he naturally de-
manded
whats up! Haven't you heard
Lord Montarlington has come back?"
said Mr.. Beans, the grocer.
"You don't say so!'' calculated Tom,
with start.
..Yes, sure enough. He passed
through the town this afternoon. Won
der he didn't give you a call, Mr.. Blink
er, as you're such particular friend OF
his added Mr.. Beans, who was one OF
the unbelievers.
"Tom seems quite taken aback. One
wouldn't think he had heard good
news" remarked Mr.. Pestle. the chem
ist, rather slyly.
:. His Lordship is agoin' to set you to
rights, amt he, Tom? Make your
fortune, I've heard chimed in an
other.
1t must be owned that Tom did not
appear elated at the news. He seemed
Disconnected, and for moment looked
decidedly embarrassed. His confusion
did not escape the notice Of the assem-
bled conviyes, who exchanged signif-
cant glances. 1t was quite evident,
from their mods and winks, Tom had
been voted humbug on the spot, and
that his story of his influence with Lord
Montarlington was believed to be all
CANNON.
!" His Lordship's solicitor has Just ar
rived here from London, remarked
one of the company. Il heard him or
der dinner and a bedroom, and say he
would drive over to the castle in the
morning
There 5 companion for yon, Tom, !"
said Mr.. Beans, loosely. you'll go
over to the castle first thing tomorrow,
of course? His Lordship must be dy-
ing to see you"
"A very good suggestion, returned
Tom, rising from his seat with rather q
desperate air. "It's a plaguey long
drive alone. Did you hear the name of
the lawyer, Jakes?'
bennington, / believe" was the an
swer, land he is in the blue parlo1."
"I'll go and introduce myself. pals,
if you'll excuse me q minute, said
Tom, who had completely recovered his
equanimity and easy atfability of man
ners; meanwhile, Mr.. Chairman, if
you will order glasses round at my ex-
pense you will do me proud.
After this, Tom Blinker made very
effective exit, having succeeded in turn
ing the tide of public sympathy in his
favor. Mr. Beans, and others, who
had somewhat openly minated their
disbelief in his bona fdeS moment be-
fore, now looked foolish in their turn,
while those who had remained neutral
began to sing his praises. When Tom
returned after short absence he was
regarded by every one with increased
respect.
lit is all right" he remarked con
fdentially, as he resumed his place.
II introduced myself to the lawyer,
and we arranged to drive over to-mor-
row together He is q most pleasant
gentleman. | never met him before. =
The last observation, uttered in a
careless tone, made distinct impress
ion upon the audience, for it seemed to
imply mild astonishment that person
so intimately associated with his Lord
ship as the family lawyer should up to
that time have been unknown to him.
He did not apparently seek to convey
any impression whatever, for he at once
changed the subject by volunteering
song, and never referred to Lord Mont
arlington again throughout the even
ing. He appeared suddenly to have
his spirits and abandoned
himself to social enjoyment. Whether
he really surpassed himself, or whether
his mysterious acquaintance with Lord
Montarlington made every one more in
elined to appreciate him, it is certain
The company laughed at his jokes and
applauded his songs with more yigor
than usual, and when the meeting broke
Up his health was proposed and drank
with great enthusiasm.
Early next morning the neighbors,
With mingled admiration and envy, wit
lessed the departure of Tom and the
awyer from the door of the inn. Tom
handled the ribbons, having borrowed |
Mr.. Beans little mare and trap the pre-
,eding evening, in order, as he said, to
10 the thing in style. Tue grocer was
proud of his turnout, and was only too
slad to obIige Tom, now that his pros
,ects had materially improved. Tom
3linker looked very spruce indeed,
when he drove to the inn to pick up the
awyer. He was a good-looking man,
With white teeth, % 1iorid compl9xion
nd a genial expression. Dressd in
lis best, with q flower in.his buttonhole.
e presented quite an imposing appear
nee, and it was observed that Mr.. Pen
lington, the lawyer, treated him with
MARKED courtesy.
This is really very civil attention,
ir,' remarked Mr. Pennington, who
7as an old-fashioned elderly gentleman
f a nervous disposition, and they
owled along the hard country road
oWard their destination.
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