Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-09-25
A Family Affair
BY HUGH CONWAY
Autsor Of SCALED Back and "Dark .Days'
d Continatetz from last aoeek.


could never have borne those months of sus-
pense. But he was hard, very bard at work
on a second book. Believe me, man does
not write his worst when his heart is sad. A
deficiency of the gastric juice or a supera-
bundance of ithic acid may ruin a mans
work. but not necessarily grief. Toothache
may prove fatal to inspiration, but heart
ache need not So pending the appearance
of his first book, which had for some reason
been DELAYED, Frank was busy with sue
cessor.
About that first book, a satirical, semi
political novel, which, by the by, made a
great hit, Mr.. Carruthers, like all new writers,
was as nervous and fdgety as young hus-
band whose beloved wife is for the first time
about to increase the population. One day
it struck him that the great work would be
more taking if adorned with illustrations.
He mentioned his idea to the publishers, VINO
quite agreed with him, only adding that six
full-page illustrations would cost so many
pounds, an expense they did not feel justified
in mourning. But if Mr. Carruthers liked
to bear the cost, well and good. Frank, who
had money to spare, said he would see for
how much he could get them done.
He called upon a friend, Mr.. Field, who
knew all about such matters, and inquired
where he could find hands competent, yet
not too costly And this friend happened to
be one of those from whom Maurice Hervey
had begged helping hand. So it will be
seen that the hefinafter-mentioned meeting
between Carruthers and Hervey was, like
all so-called chance meetings, when traced
back to its cause, quite natural sequence.
Indeed it is hard to see how things could
have happened otherwise.
ssThere, a fellow called on me day or
two ago." said Mr.. Field, "a fellow who's
down on his luck now He might suit you"
sCan YOU recommend him? What is his
name?"
81 don't know that I can recommend him,
but you may give him trial. He calls
himself Henry Morris He's down on his
luck as said"
"Write him line and ask him to call on
me.n said Carruthers, who liked to help men
down on their luck. rs he clever|
s'He's been idle so long I can't say. Look
here Carruthers, make him do the drawings
on approval; and if I were you l wouldn't
give any money on account"
..Seni him to me and I'll talk to him. u
Carruthers was just leaving the room when
his friend called him back.
81 say, Carruthers, I'd better tell you,
then YOU can't say didn't. This chap has
been in ouod five years for forgery. His
names Maurice Hervey. suppose he's out
now on ticket of leave. He tells me he
means to run straight for the future Now
YOU know all about it and can please your
self"
The consequence was that Carruthers, who
held the same belief as him with 1.-THE harp
Of divers tones" resolved to see this man,
and, moreover, to treat him as if he had nc
knowledge of his antecedents. He was glad
to help any one baek to the straight path
Carrut hers. who hated the bother of cater.
inc for himself, still lived at his hotel. He
had taken an office in a quiet street some
little way off. Here he spent the greater
part of the day. writing his new book, cor
recting those delightful objects, the proofs
of a first book, or thinking sadly of Bea-
trice's and his own lot This Office was on
the first floor and approached by steepish,
straight flight of uncarpeted stairs.
One morning he heard feet on the stairs
heard them stop On the little landing IN front
of the door which bore his name. Some one
knocked and Frank shouted "Come In" To
his s,,nreme establishment in walked the man
who had demanded Beatrice's address and SC
outraged old Whittaker's sense of dignity.
ssWhat do you want?' asked Frank
brusauely.
Hervey explained that Mr., Field had
written to him and instructed him to call,
so Carruthers knew that the man who was
so anxious to find out Beatrice was forger,
felon and ticket-of-leave man. He raised
his head and coldly scrutinized his visitor.
Hervey until that moment had not recog-
nized him. He did so then, and knew that
tbe recognition was mutual, All question
Of the original purpose which had brought
abont this meeting faded from the mind Of
each man. With each Beatrice was the ons
thoneht
''Will you give the address I wanted
wien last we meta" asked Hervey eagerly.
II will not" answered Carruthers shortly
He did not this time assert his inability to
oblige his guestioner, because he was un
willing to confess that Beatrice's present
abode was secret kept even from her OWL
friends. He had also made up his mind that
nothing should tempt him to ask this ex
convict a single question. An attempt tt
get at the truth through such a medium as
this would be degradation, an insult to the
woman he loved.
His visitor took the blunt refusal very
badly. The truth is that MI. Hervey's tenn
per was not improving, or rather his com
lnand Of it was, from a sustained course o.
cigars and whisky and water, growing fitfq
and intermittent. Besides, Carruthers had
way with him which was particularly irri
tating to those who had the misfortune te
quarrel with him. On previous occasion
Hervey had found it almost more than he
could put up with. However, with the ex
ception of slapping his hand on Franks table
he controlled himself for the present,
II must insist upon your telling me-" he
said; II have to make an important bushes:
commun cation to Miss Clauson."
Carruthers smiled contemptuously. "Hel
trustees, the Messrs. Talbert, of Oakbury
manage Miss Clauson's business, believe
Or you might go to the family solicitor
whose nameI will give you"
'My business is of private nature.
demand this address. have right to ash
itn
Carruthars shrugged his shoulders, Gle
waited his eyebrows in true Ealbert fashion
and again smiled that irritating smile.
'My good sir,' he said, 'scannot you I'M
derstand that absolutely refuse to crafty
yous That gentleman is not justified in
giving every one who asks it lady's ad
dress? Go to Sir Maingay Clauson, he is the
proper person to apply to. AS to rights,
am certainly within my own if ask you te
leave my room. No doubt you see that thu
business which gave me the pleasure Of this
visit cannot be carried through
Hervey scowled. hesitated and then walked
ont Of the room. Re was wise In so doing
as ilg ..atght have said more than he intended
and premature disclosure, indeed, 4 aiscl9
sure at ALL of the truth would entirely ruiz
his cloudsl prospects AS, from lack of Pc
siteness or furry Of discontinue, he left the