Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-10-16
MASTER TOMS ENGAG AGEMENT.

AH ~ kAh YIN - AkAN NV l.
Old Mr.. Molyneux was immensely proud
Of his position as the county magnate. He
lived in fsudal castle which he had bought
cheaply, having taken over ct the same time
the good will, 80 to speak, of It's former own
er's social influence and dignity. In consid-
Grafton OF his great wealth, his neighbors
charitably ignored the fact that his father
had been small tradesman, and that he him
self had carried on a lucrative business In
the hardware line for many years. He was
not bad old fellow, his vulgarity being OF
subdued and inoffensive kind, and conse-
quently he was received In the best county
society. But he aspiyed TO even greater dis
dnction, for his pet project was 10 marry his
only son, Tom, to one Of the Earl Of Laburn-
um's daughters There seemed no reason
why this auspicious event should not come
about, for the Lady Florence looked kindly
upon Master Tom, and his lordship had more
than once limited that he would raise no OBJ
lection. Lord LabuTnum was the lord lieu
tenant Of the county, and an alliance with
his family meant admission into the most ar
istocratic circles.
Unfortunately Master Tom was rather
scapegrace, and his father preferred to let
him see little Of the world before revealing
the high honors that were in store for him.
Ah0 suNh was LOu buONGQ no DEeQlleC-
tion whatever for the Lady Florence, and he
was just at that democratic age when a youth
Is apt to underrate social advantages. The
old man hoped that when Tom had bad his
fling he would begin to awake TO the regpon-
abilities Of his position, and be amenable TO
reason. He knew that Tom was raising O
very respectable crop Of debts, and that be-
fore long his paternAl assistance would be
sought. When the crisis arrived, he intend.
ed TO make known his wishes, and to take
advantage Of the lads endorsements to i'm
pose conditions. Meanwhile, as Tom seemed
to have given his heart rowing commission,
there was no apparent danger Of his serious
ly compromising his affections.
One day, however, the young man came
down from town, where be was ostensibly
studying for the bar, and with o very grave
and determined air announced that he was
engaged to be married. Old Mr.. Molyneux
had fit Of apoplexy on the spot, and when
Tom proceeded TO state that the young lady
earned her own living by carrying on the
business of Q dressmaker at the West End
his horror and indignation knew no bounds
In vain Tom pleaded that Miss Fabian was q
lady by birth and education, and that the
poverty of her family was her only crime
His father became more and more furious
until Tom showed symptoms Of fat rebel
lion.
Think Of your position In the county |"
cried old Mr. Molyneux, perceiving this, and
wisely making an effort TO control himself
II will take it for granted, II you like, that
the girl Is an exemplary character. She may
be ladylike, and we'll educated and all the
rest of 1t. But her station is altogether infe-
rior 10 yours."
II don't see that, said Tom, stubbornly.
why, of course. 1t Is ridiculous," said
the old gentleman, swelling with self-impor-
tance. "Her father, you say, Is q poor out
at-elbows devil of q clerk in the city"
i've never noticed his coat has holes In
It" retorted Tom. "As for his being clerk
in the city, so were you-onoe. The only
difference is that you have been more fortu-
nate than he, and have made money enough
70 retire upon"
None Of your internal radical nonsense
here, sir !" cried old Mr.. Molyneux, infuri-
ated at this reference to his own origin. "It
would be just as sensible TO say that you and
are the equals Of Lord Laburnum because
Adam was our common ancestor. What
does 1t matter II was once q clerk in the
oity2 have since attained a superior grade
in the social scale, and that is the fact that
must be faced. By marrying the daughter
of a city clerk, who earns her living by dress
making, you would be making mis- alliance"
Just as Lady Florence would by marry
ing me" said Tom, looking wonderfully in
nocent.
"Who is talking about Lady Florence ?"
said old Mr.. Molyneux, taken Rback by this
unexpected thrust.
''Nobody-only have an idea you wish
me to marry out Of my station" retorted
Tom.
81 don't wish you to marry at all, sir, not
for many long year ?" cried the old man,
fairly non-plussed.
"What I mean is, father" said Tom, dog
gedly, THAT see no more harm in marrying
below ones station-to use your own term
than in marrying above 1t. II one Is wrong
the other must be-"
stuff and nonsense, sirl You don't know
what you're talking about" exclaimed Mr.
Molyneux. II don't want 10 have an argu-
ment 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 1t, OF 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 attitude. Hitherto Tom
had never ventured to argue with him, part
ly from fliAl duty and partly from inherent
weakness of character. He began 10 fear
that the lad possessed unexpected hrmness,
until he soothed his mind by the reflection
that he had probably been carefully coached
for the interview. This suspicion explained
Master Toms unaecustomed readiness Of re-
partee, which had made him appear dan
Rerous adversary. Relieved In his mind by
the discovery, old Mr.. Molyneux gradually
cooled down, and completely recovered his
self-conhdenoe. He easily convinced him
self that Tom would never dare TO disobey
him, and. instead Of feeling the least appre-
- AZ -
only uneasy lest rumors of the engagement
should reach the Laburnums
He prudently resolved to treat the matter
as definitely disposed of, and to make no fur
ther allusion TO it-at all events until Tom
had had time for reflection. Judging from
Appearances the lad seemed completely sub
dued. He spent the next few days slaugh-
tering pheasants in q detected and sulky
frame Of mind. His father smiled within
himself and held his tongue, though he
showed by his manner that he did not intend
to be trified with. When he considered that
he might safely speak, he said one morning
with assumed oarelessness -
"well, my boy, what are you going to do 2"
'Pm going to shoot over Bailey's farm"
replied Tom.
''Nonsense. You know what am refer
ring 10, said the old man turning red. II
am speaking of the idiotio love affair"
"ohl Well, of course, must keep my
word" said Tom with flushed cheek.
"What you haven't written to break II
of 2" said Mr.. Molyneux, feigning surprise.
mo, guVnor, l haven't said Tom. II
hoped you would have softened by this time. "
"And / believed you would have remsm-
bersd that your first duty was 70 obey your
father" cried the old man, beginning TO boil.
'Do you mean 10 tell me that you still oon-
template marrying IA dressmaker 2"
''she has sold her business, father" said