The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1885-03-11
MASTER TOMS ENGAGE
N[ENT.

nate. dc lived ln fendal castle which
he had bought cheaply, having taken
over st the same time the goodwill, so
to speak, OF It's former owners social
influence and dignity. In considera-
ton Of bis great wealth his neighbcr>
charitably ignored the fact that is
father had been q small tradesman a>ld
that he himself had carried on a lucra-
tive business in the hardware line for
many years. He was not bad old
fellow, his vulgaTity being of a sub
dued and inofengiVe kind, and conse-
/ quently he was received in the best
county society. But he aspired to
even greater distinction, for his pet
project was to marry his own son,
Tom, to one of the Earl of Laburnum's S
daughters. There seemed no reason
why this auspicious event should not
come about, for the Lady Florence
looked kindly upon Master Pom, and
bis Lordship had more than once
hinted thst he would raise no objection.
] Lord Laburnnm was The Lord Lfeuten-
ant of the COUNT, and an alliance with
bis family meant admission into the
most aristocratic circles.
Unfortunately Master Tom was
! rather a scapegrace, and his father pre-
ferred to let him see a little of the
world before revealing the high hon
ors that were in store for him. The
fact was Tom showed no prediction
whatever for the Lady Florence, and
he was Just OF that democratic age
when youth is apt to underrate social
advantage The old man hoped that
when Tom had had his fling he would
begin to awake to the responsibilities
of his position, and be amenabfe to
reason. He knew that Tom was rais-
ing very respectable crop of debts,
and that before long his parental as
sistance would be sought. When the
crisis arrived he intended to make
known his wishes, and to take advan-
| tage of the lads embarrassments to
impose conditions. Meanwhile, as
Tom seemed to have given his heart
rowing commission, there was nc ap-
parent danger of his seriously COM
promising bis affections.
One day, however, the young man
came down from town, where he was
ostensibly studying for the bar, and,
with very grave and determined air,
announced that he was engaged to be
married. Old Mr.. Molyneux nearly
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 a dress
maker at the West End his horror and
indignation knew no bounds In vain
Tom pleaded that Miss Fabian was a
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 symp-
toms OF fiat rebellion.
Think of your position in the coun-
typ cried old Mr. Molyneux, perceiy-
ing this and wisely making an effort to
control himself. 81 will take it for
granted that she is an exemplary char
acter. She may be lady-like and well
educated and all the rest of it. But
her station is altogether inferior to
yours"
bornly.
"Why, Of course. 1t is ridiculous"
said the old gentleman, swelling with
self-importance. Her father, you say,
Is poor out at elbows devil OF clerk
in the city. =
eve never noticed his coat had
holes in ii, retorted Tom. Gas for
his being clerk in the city, so you
were-once. The only difference is
that you have been more fortunate than
he and have made enough money tore
tire upon"
'.None Of your Internal radical nom
sense here, sir!' cried old Mr.. Molly 4
neux, infuriated at this reference to his
own origin. ''It would be just as SEN
sibls to say that you and | are the
equals of Lord Larburnum because
Adam was our common ancestor.
What does it matter if / was once
clerk in the cityP have since attained
Q superior grade in the social scale,
and this is the fact that must be faced.
BY marrying the daughter of a city
clerk, who earns her living by dress
making, you would make misalli-
ance.
''Just as Lady. Florence would by
marrying me-" said Tom, looking won
derfuily innocent.
who is talking about Lady Flor
enceP" said old Mr.. Molyneux, taken
aback by this unexpected thrust.
':Nobody-only I have an idea that
you wish me to marry out of my sta
tion." retorted Tom.
81 don't wish you to marry at all, sir,
not for many long year, )" cried the
old man, fairly nonplussed.
''What mean is, father, said Tom,
doggedly, tthat see no more harm in
marrying below ones station-to use
your own terms-than in marrying
above it If one is wrong the other
must be.
.'Stuf and nonsense, sir. You don't
know what you are talking about, ex-
claimed Mr.. Molyneux. Il don't want
to have an argument with you. The
long and short of the matter is that l
won't hear of this foolish engagement
Therei It is no use talking. Let there
be an end to it, or shall have some
thing very unpleasant to say
The old man bounced out OF the
room as he spoke, not little startled
and amazed at his sons tone and atti-
tude. Hitherto Tom had never ven-
tured to argue with him, partly from
fliaI duty and partly from inherent
weakness OF character. He began to
fear that the lad possessed unexpected
frmness, until he soothed his mind by
the reflection that he had probably
been coached for the interview. This
suspicion explained Master Toms un-
accustomed readiness of repartee,
which had made him appear a danger
GUS adversary. Relieved in his mind
BY the discovery, old Mr.. MolyneuK
gradually cooled down and completely
recovered his self-confdence. He cas-
ily convinced himself that Tom would
never dare to disobey' him, and, in
stead Of feeling the least apprehensiVe
of the marriage taking place, he was
only uneasy lest Tumors OF the engage
ment should reach the Laburnums.
He prudently resolved to treat the
matter as definitely disposed OF, anu
TO make no further allusion to it-at
all events until Tom had had time for
reflection. Judging from appearance.
the lad seemed completely subdued.
Ha snant the NEXT few tIays slau0hter-