The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1885-10-08

esdepts. While Ton could hardly fail 4
cut ridiculous figure In tho witness box
Old Mr.. Molyncux soon arrived II tb'
conclusiop that the action mnst be com.
promised at any cost. for The sake Of BIZ
own dignity. not 10 mention the proiectet
alIeeisnce With the Labursums. He rush
Cd up 10 tov1 10 quite frantic state, end
disrcssraine the sdvice and protestation'
OF bis solicitor. insisted that Miss Fabian
claim should BE- settled forthwith Al any
sacrifice. 10 order 10 avert the danger o
ths affair finding IL way into The papers
He VA successiul in his main object
bat rich man as be was. he almost groaned
vhen be eat down TO write the check that
Miss Fsbian's advisers demanded. The
amount Was represented by no less thar
Ave figures. and the worst Of IL was thai
hs got no sympathy whatever from his
collector. Who declared that BY going "a
trial. or svsa BY holdiag ont. be might
have ssved ~ ersaiar pAst oi bis moaey.
n spils Of ~ gspaS sslisf that ~
thrsstsaad seapda haA bssa svsrtsd. Old
Nj. Molyneux soon began 70 regret The
sacrifice he had made, and 10 fret about
his enormous loss. He was not by any
means penurious man, bnt, like oil par
venus, be keenly appreciated the value OF
money. He did not mind what he spent
30 long as he had something 10 show for
his outlay; but 10 this instance the result
attained was entirely negative. Everyone
is inclined to underste danger when it
has passed. and Mr.. Molyneux could not
help suspecting that he had been too east
ly frightened. This uncomfortable reAec.
tion worried him good deal, particularly
when he learnt that Lord Laburnum bad
made arrangements TO take bis family to
south Of France for the winter. This did
not look - il his lordship WAS very anx-
ious about his daughters marriage with
Tom. and old Mr.. Molyneux was seized
with an omiuous forboding when he heard
the news.
Tom returned alter an absence OF three
or four months, and was evidently not .
little apprehensivs Of the reception he
would meet with. He had received some
angry letters from his father, referring to
the damages he had had 10 pay: and be
therefore appeared nervous and embarrss-
sed ct their first meeting. But the old
man, delighted at seing him again, sought
to put him at ease by saying:
"I'm not going to allude to what has
happened, my boy, I'm willing to let by.
cones be bygones.
'You are very good father, but"
what is the mstter?" inquired old Mr..
Mclyneux. - Tom paused in confusion.
II still cling to the hope that you will
consent to my marriage with Miss Fabian. :"
said Tom, desperately.
"What!' roared his father with great
start.
"You see, gov'nor," proceeded Tom, II
am in much better position than was
before went away. Then, as you justly
pointed out. l was 10 debt. had no capi-
tai, and ! was altogether dependent upon
you. But my debts are now paid. and as
for capital"
"Well. sir, what about capital?" inter-
rupted the old man, too much amazed to
be angry.
There is the money you paid to Miss
Fabian" said Tom with Aeeting smile.
"The interest on it would keep us from
starving, and at least II is enough to buy
and stock farm with.
"But-but paid the money because
you broke your engagement with her, ;"
urged bis father incredulously. "She
would never marry you now"
II think she would" replied Tom ia .
confident tone.
"The fact Is. sir, that have been VIC
timized." exclaimed old Mr.. Molyneux,
suddenly, as the truth flashed across his
mind.
mot exactly, sfsther-at least, not yet.
returned Ton, with great earnestness. Il
hope you will not withhold your consent
to our marriage II you will consent the
money shall be paid back TO you-eyery, |
farthing. ! don't wish to defy you, as i'll
were. and both Of US are willing to rely
entirely, with regard to the future, upon
your generosity"
Old Mr. Molyueux had turned purple
in the face, and Tom was justly alarmed
at the aspect But before he copld utter
. word in reply, man servant brought .
note. remsrking tnat . messenger was
waiting TO know II there WAS any reply.
Mr.. Molyneux opened the letter half alb.
sently, glanced hurriedly st its contents,
and then gave vent TO muttered execrs-
tion which apparently relieved his over
wrought feelings After striding about
the room for few moments In great sgi. |
tstton. be suddenly halted 10 from, Of Tom
and cried 10 : voice Of suppressed passion
''You lyon impertinent disrespectful,
rsscall What did you say
about the money!
Il said every farthing would be returned
to you
Every we'll" said the old man abruptly, |
and be Immediately sat down at the writ.
ing table. and wrote a note with tremu.
lous hand. Read that" be said to his
son when be had 6nished.
Tom. in his turn amazed and bewiidered.
read - follows:
Dear Lard Latwnnm: = II is very kind |
Of you 70 hasten TO inform me, 90 hear.
ing Of my sons return. thst you have other
views With regard 10 your daughter Flor
snce. ] ought perhaps. 10 have mention
al that nv son hes been eu0sged Ia n /