Bridgeton pioneer., 1884-12-18

Hope told her she was little angel,
and everybody was right to love her;
indeed, they deserved to be hanged if
they did not,
Mary fixed on the word angel. eff 1
was an angel" she said, Il shouldn't be
hungry, and 1 am, awfully. Oh please
come home; papa is so punctual. Mr..
Hope, are you going to tell papa? Be
cause if you are, just you take me and
throw me in again. I'd rather be drown
ed than scolded." This with a defiant
attitude and flashing eyes.)
NO, no." said Hope; 81 will not tell
him, to vex him, and get you scolded."
"Then let us run home"
She took his hand, and he ran with
her like playmate, and oh! the fathers
heart leaped and glowed at this sweet
companionship after danger and terror.
When they got near the house Mary
! BARLEY began to walk and think. She
! had a very thinking countenance at
times, and Hope watched her, and Won
dered what were her thoughts. She was
very grave, so probably she was think
ing how very near she had been to the
other world.
Standing ON the doorstep, whilst he
! stood on the gravel, she let him know
her thoughts. All her life, and even at
this tender age, she had very searching
eyes; they were gray now, though they
her waist, and she bent those searching
eyes on William Hope.
"Mr. Hope" said she, in a resolute
sort of way.
"My dear" said he, eagerly.
You lore me better than papa does
that's aU."
And having administered this infor-
nation as adry fact that might be worth
looking into at leisure, she passed
thoughtfully into the house.
CHAPTER vi.
SHARP PRACTICE.
Hope paid visit to his native place
in Derbyshire, and his poor relations
shared his prosperity, and blessed him,
and Mr.. BARLEY upon his report; for
Hope was one of those choice spirits
who praise the bridge that carries them
safe over the stream of adversely.
He returned to Sussex with all the
news. and amongst the rest. that Colo
mel Clifford had farm coming vacant.
Ell rent at the conclusion of the term.
but the tenant had demurred.
BARLEY paid little attention at the
time; but by-and-by he said. Did you
not see signs of coal on Colonel Cliff
ford,s property?"
That did and ON this very farm, and
told him so. But he is behind the age.
| have no patience with him. Take one
of those old iron ramrods that used to
load the old musket, and cover that
ramrod with prejudices a foot and a
half deep, and there you have Colonel
Clifford"
"Well, but a tenant would not be
bound by his prejudices."
"a tenant! a tenant takes no right
to mine, under farm lease; he would
have to propose a special contract or
to ask leave, and Colonel Clifford would
never grant it,"
There the conversation dropped. But
Without saying any more to Hope. he
consulted sharp attorney.
The result was that he took Mary
BARLEY with him into Derbyshire.
He put up at a little inn, and called
at Clifford Hall
He found Colonel Clifford at home,
and was received stiff1y. but graciously.
He gave Colonel Clifford to understand
that he had left business.
All the better" said Colonel Clifford,
sharply.
And taken to farming"
"Ugh!" said the other, with his IA
vOrite snort.
AT this moment who should walk in
to the room but Walter Clifford.
BARLEY started and stared.
Mr. Bolton" said BARLEY, scarcely
above a whisper
But Colonel Clifford heard it. and
said, brusquely: Bolton! No. Why.
this is Walter Clifford. my son. and nv
man of business.-Walter, this is MI.
Barley"
Proud to make your acquaintance,
sir" said the astute BARLEY, ignoring
the past.
Walter was glad he took this line be-
fore Colonel Clifford; not that he for.
gave Mr. BARLEY that old atfront the
reader knows of.
The judicious BARLEY read his face,
and, as first step toward Precipitation,
introduced him to his daughter. Wal
ter was amazed at her beauty and grace,
coming from such stock. He welcom-
ed her courteously, but shyly. She re-
Piled with rare affability, and that en-
tire absence of mock-modesty which
was already feature in her character.
10 be sure, she was little more than
fifteen, though she was full grown, and
looked nearer twenty.
BARLEY began to feel his way with
Colonel Clifford about the farm. He
told him he was pretty successful in
agriculture, thanks to the assistance of
an experienced friend. and then he said,
half carelessly, "By-the-bye. they tell
me you have one to let. Is that so?"
Walter" said Colonel Clifford, "have
you a farm to let?"
Not at present, sir; but one will be
vacant i'll a month, unless the present
tenant consents to pay thirty per cent.
more than he has done"
might | see that farm, Mr.. Walter?"
asked BARLEY.
Certainly" said Walter; 81 shall be
happy to show you over it." Then he
turned to Mary. Il am afraid it would
be no compliment to you. Ladies are
not interested in farms"
oh, but l am, since papa is, and Mr..
Hope; and then on o,r farm there are so
many dear little young things; little
calves, little lambs, and little pigs. Lit
tie pigs are ducks -rery little ones,
mean; and there is nearly always a
young colt about, that eats out of my
hand. Not like farm? The ideal"
Then | will show you all over ours,
you and your papa" said Walter, warm
iy. He then asked Mr. BARLEY where