Mexico weekly ledger., 1885-10-15

ence to his own origin. SIT would be
just as sensible to say that you and
1 are the equals of Lord Laburnum
because Adam was our common an
cestor. What does it matter if I
was once a clerk in the city? I have
since attained superior grade in the
social scale, and that is the fact that
must be faced. By marrying the
daughter Of city clerk, who earns
her living by dressmaking, you would
be making mis-alliance."
"Just as Lady Florence would be
marrying me-" said Tom, looking
wonderfully innocent.
"Who is talking about Lady Flor
snce?" said old Mr.. Aolyneux, taken
aback by this unexpected thrust.
"Nobody-only I have an idea you
wish me to marry out of my station" "
retorted Tom.
81 dent wish you to marry at all,
sir, not for many long year!" cried
the old man, fairly non plused.
"What I mean is, father" said
Tom, doggedly, "that 1 see no more
harm in marrying below ones station,
to use your own term, than in mar
rying above it. If one is wrong the
other must be-" "Stuff and non-
sense, sir! You don't know what
you're talking about" exclaimed Mr..
Molyneux. II don't want to have
an argument with you. The long
and short of the matter is, that 1
won't hear of this foolish engagement.
There! 1t is no use talking. Let
there be an end of it, or l shall have
something very unpleasant to say
The old man bounced out of the
room as he spoke, not little startled
and amazed by his sons tone and at
titude. Hitherto Tom bad never
ventured to argue with him, partly
from filial duty and partly from in
herent weakness of character. He
began to fear that the lad possessed
unexpected firmness, until he soothed
his mind by the reflection that he
had probably been carefully coached
for the interview. This suspicion ex-
planned Master Toms unaccustomed
readiness ofrepartee, which had made
him appear a dangerous adversary
Relieved in his mind by the discov'
cry, old Mr.. Molyneux gradually
cooled down, and completely recov
cred his self-confdence. He easily
convinced himsef that Tom would
never dare disobey him, and, instea6
of feeling the least apprehensive Of
the marriage taking place, he was on
ly uneasy lest rumors of the engage
ment should reach the Laburnums.
He prudently resolved TO treat the
matter as definitely disposed of, and
to make no further allusion to it-a
all events until Tom had had time
for reflection. Judging from appear
ances, the lad seemed completely
subdued. He spent the next few
days slaughtering pheasants in
detected and sulky frame of mind
His father smiled within himself ant
held his tongue, though he showed
by his manner that he did not intent
to be trifed with. When he consid
cred that he might safely speak, h
said one morning, with assumed care
lesshess:
"Weli, my boy, what are you go
ing to do?"
I'm going to shoot over Bailey
farm, replied lom.
. Nonsense. You know what an
referring to-" said the old man, turn
ing red. II am speaking of this iii
otic love affair."
'sOh! Well, of course, l must kee
: my word," said Tom, with fushe
cheek.
: "What! you haven't written
5 break it off, said Mr.. Molyneu.
feigning surprise.
l mo, guv'nor, 1 haven" said Ton
r II hoped you would have softene
e by this time"
s "And believed you would hay
e remembered that your first duty vi
b to obey your father" cried the o
man, beginning to boil. "Do "
i mean to tell me that you still CO.
r. template marrying IA dressmaker