Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1885-05-22

chambers together; we had our law
books in common; and we were on sueh
terms Of friendship that we we're known
on our staircase as the Brothers. For
some years I lived a very happy life. l
made enough to enable myself to live in
tolerable comfort; and in time indeed l
felt myself to be justified in looking out
for a wife.
zone evening Raven and went to a
ball at Lady D--'s. We there met a
Miss Mary Bagster, a young girl of sur
passing beauty; and before the night
was spent we had both--as / learned
Observation-Disclosures in love with her.
Her father, like mine, was a poor
clergyman. I had but little difficulty in
establishing myself upon footing of in
timacy with her family; and often when
l visited them, Raven accompanied me.
Mary, though she was, as have said,
inexpressibly lovely, was of q somewhat
cold disposition. She was unenthusias-
tic aud self-contained to an unusual de-
gree; and yet, in her way, she was am
bilious. She desired to marry man
who would make his way in the world;
and it was only after some hattering
hints about me and my ability had been
let drop in her presence by her father,
who evidently favored me, that she con-
scented to become my wife. Raven was
not at Mr.. Bagster's house on that event
full evening. Next morning, when l met
him at our chambers, 1 told him OF what
had occurred. He changed color
which, at the time, attributed to the
strength of his friendship for me-and
then congratulated me in q somewhat
extravagant manner.
"'W6eu are you going to be mar
ried p he asked.
Soon, replied. There is no rea-
son why we should delay. / could wish
that 1 were. a little better off; but oul
misfortune in that respect will, trust
disappear in course of time. As it is
we shall, I think, be able to do pretty
well.
"'I wish you joy = said Raven, as h,
rose to go into the Ohancellor's Court
where he had a brief that morning.
81 had then no idea that he also LOVED
Mary Bagster, and that he had deter
mined. even at that late hour, if not t.
wrench her from me for himself, at leas
10 prevent my marrying her. His con
duct toward me remained, so far as
could see, exactly what it had been pre-
vious to my engagement. He was genla
and friendly, appeared to take an absorb
ing interest in all my plans for tn
future, and actually accompanied me t
Brunswick Square to look oVer a nous
which was to be let, aud which | though
Of taking and furnishing. found tina
the place would be rather beyond m
/ means, and respectfully told him so.
"'N ever mind, Jack, he said; 'yo
will find something better perhaps. Blu
l certainly should like you to have tn
| house go.
"phat evening we were sitting L
pether over the fire. Jack / he sal
, Suddenly. we are old friends, and
+ want TO give you a handsome present
3 "He had, 1 should explain, recent
: succeeded to the barOnetcy and the e;
s tates. and was now a rich man.
5 "tYou are very good, answered
/ ANYTHING that you may give us Will !
valued, not merely for itself, but ior u
a sake OF the giver.
: "'We have been in chambers t
gether, he resumed, FOR more than seVe
g Years. 1 shan't like losing your con
4 panv: for of course I shall be robbed
8 a GOOD deal of it now. Be plain vii
me. Jack, Would not money be mo
It useful to you than a more present?
r usually is acceptable, 1 believe, IN theI
5 II thanked him feelingly for his for
Q thought 1T would be particularly We
y come, said.
> HWithout another word, he drew b
10 chair to the table, took his cheek-bo'
3 from a drawer, and filled in p drai
II which. after he had carefully examine
If lie handed to me.
d 81 tcok it, and gazed at it with asto
10 ishment it was for thousand pound
to INV dear Raven, gasped, for l W
4 overcome by this act of apparent al
ID totally unexpected generosity, 1T is t.
S. much; it is too good Of you. cam
Q, think of accepting it..
st "'You know that can well afford !
lie he said CURLY. / insist upon your ia
le ing it. If you refuse, we can no long
L remain on terms of friendship
th "'Nay, Raven" I cried, while
st heart seemed to rise to my throat. !
1 not misunderstood me. This is mol
n of YOU. I thank you with all my hea
lis Int I cannot accept such a large sum.
b che would not listen, however, to
n, refusal; and finally l pocketed both
nd pride and the draft.
at ''Mary Bagster was at the time p'
he ing short visit to her friends in
lat country: and thus it happened thai
pc did not mention the fact of my havl
il received Ravens handsome pres'
he either to her or to any one else. l looH
Tor forward to surprising her with the ne
ar, upon her return to town; and IN
N, meantime sent the draft to my bal
"a er's. a vell-known private firm, W
N which l had but recently opened an
OK count.
re- ting at breakfast in my bachelor 10
at ings in Chapel Street, Bedford Rl
ior when. without warming, police Off
entered my room, and showing m
re- warrant which authorized him to arr
Sc, me on a charge Of forgery, took me
his custody.
vas GAS You may expect, was thunt
led struck. Forgery? Forgery OF whi
I exclaimed, half-maddened by the %
he strous charge.
Ian "But l soon learned a little,
guessed the rest. Raven, in order
are dispose Of me, and to elfectually pu
stop to my marriage, had written out
NOT draft in an unusual manner, and
appended his name in way which
,tIv caused his banker to decline to cash
IN check, and to endorse with the wo
MA signature differs.
IN, 1.-THE draft had been returned IN
M condition to Raven, who without hei
sad ton had pronounced it to be forg
O. According to his story, which was
ria too plausible, / alone could be the or
! i nal. The check was payable to M
ide had access to the drawer in which
kent the book from which the form
, in been torn: and the clumsy signature
- 49, -;tto,, ,,,41ah az uiohE