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

twenty businesses. What I say Is that you
shall never marry her with my consent.
That's all"
II should be very sorry TO disobey you,
father" began Tom, gravely, but"
"Look here my boy, interrupted the old
gentleman quickly, speaking with unnatural
oalmness, "let US understand each other l
forbid this ioolish engagement, and / order
you 10 break II of instantly. That is my
bark. Now for my bite. You leave my
| house within an hour, and unless you inform
me In the course Of q week that the affair is
at an end, l stop supplies. II you persist In
marrying the girl, then, by heaven will
alter my will and leave every farthing pos
sess TO your cousin Ted-in fact l will make
him my heir and discard you altogether"
II ls doubtful whether the old man would
have really carried out this serious threat, for
he was fond of his son and proud Of him In
his way, but he looked very determined when
he uttered II and Tom was evidently impress
ed. The lad dropped bis eyes before his
fathers irate glance, and the ruddy color left
his cheeks for an instant
"You know, Tom, he added, noticing the
wholesome effect Of his words, "you are en-
took to poaohing, don't see how you could
possibly earn crust. Besides,you are up TO
| your ears In debt"
II don't owe muoh," said Tom quickly,
| with q tell-tale blush.
"You will ind out that you owe good
deal when your creditors learn that l have
made your cousin Ted my heir, said the old
man enigmRtically.
Tom was evidently seriously Disconnected
by this remark. He turned on his heel, NUT
tering something about catching the next
train to town, leaving his father master of
the situation. The old man considered he
had gained signal victory, and was, there
fore, not the least perturbed when his son
started of TO the station with his luggage,
In literal accordance with his injunction. He
did not doubt that Master Tom would see
the folly Of his ways and, sure enough,
two days afterward the young man reappear-
ed, looking decidedly sheepish, and rendered
his submission. BE even brought a copy of
the letter he had written to the young lady,
which Mr.. Molyneux thought a little too curt
and matter Of fact, il any fault was to be
found with It. However, he was not inclin-
ed to be hypercritical in this respect, and he
heartily applauded Toms action.
'Tm going away for a bit, guv'nor," said
the lad, who had WINGED little at his fathers
boisterous good-humor, and seemed half
ashamed Of his conduct. "Webster and
some other fellows have hired q yacht, and
sail for Madeira to morrow"
by all means, my boy" cried Mr.. Molly
leave England for awhile at this juncture
''and look here, Tom, while you are away
will settle matters with these friends Of
yours"
he produced rather a formidable list of
names and figures as he spoke, and Tom
started with surprise, as well he might, at
perceiving how full and accurate was his
fathers knowledge Of his pecunisry embar-
rassments. The old man cut short his sons
confused proteststions of gratitude and apol-
ogy by saying good-humoredly
well, we'll, you must turn over new
leaf, my boy. Reasonable economy must
henceforth be the order Of the day, and
hope on your return that you will settle
down and reside permanently in the coun-
try"
He had II on the tip of his tongue to hint
that he must be prepared to marry Lady
Florence; but he wisely refrained. Never
theless, he was as full of the project as ever,
and after Toms departure, he spoke to Lord
Laburnum more plainly than he had hither-
to done. His lordship, without pledging him
self, gave him an encouraging reply and he
resolved to bring matters TO a crisis immedi-
ately upon his sons return. The consequence
was that the task Of settling with Toms
creditors proved quite an agreeable relaxa-
ton, and did not cause him q moments ill
humor.
But he was very much startled and dis
gusted on hearing that his solicitor had been
asked 10 accept service of writ on Toms
behalf in an action for damages for breach
of promise Of marriage brought by Miss Fa-
biAn against her faithless lover. The news
upset him considerably, for such q scandal
would set all the papers gossiping about his
anteoedents, while Tom could hardly fail to
cut Q ridiculous figure in the witness box.
Old Mr.. MolyneuX soon arrived at the con-
clusion that the action must be compromised
at any cost, for the sake of his own dignity,
not 10 mention the projected alliance with
the LAburnums. He rushed up TO town in
quite q frantic state, and disregarding the
advice and protestations of his solicitor, in
sisted that Miss Fabian's claim should be set
tied forthwith at any sacrifice, in order to
avert the danger Of the affair finding its way
into the papers.
He was successful in his main object, but,
rich man as he was, he almost groaned when
he sat down TO write the check that Miss Fa-
bian's advisers demanded. The amount was
represented by no less than Eve figures, and
the worst of it was that he got no sympathy
whatever from his solicitor, who declared
that by going 10 trial, or even by holding
out, he might have saved the greater part of
the money.
In spite Of his great relief that the threat
ened scandal had been averted, old Mr.. Molly
neux soon began to regret the sacrifice he
had made, and to fret about his enormous
loss, He was not by any means penurious
man, but, like all parvenus, he keenly appre-
ciated the value of money. He did not mind
what he spent so long as he had something to
show for his outlay but in this instance the
result attained was entirely negative. Every
one is inclined TO underrate danger when it
has passed, and Mr.. Molyneux could not
help suspecting that he had been too easily
frightened. This uncomfortable reflection
worried him good deal, particularly when
he learnt that Lord Laburnum had made ar
rangements to take his family to the south of
France for the winter. This did not look as
II his lordship was very anxious about his
daughters marriage with Tom. and old Mr..
MolyneuI was seized with an ominous fore
boding when he heard the news.
Tom returned after an absence of three or
four months, and was evidently not little
appTehensive Of the reception he would meet
with. He had received some angry letters
from his father referring to the damages he
had had to pay and he therefore appeared
nervous and embarrassed at their first meet
ing. But the old man, delighted at seeing
him again, sought to put him at his ease by
saying;-
'Pm not going TO allude TO what has hap
peneds my boy, I'm willing TO let bygones be
bygones." "
"You are very good, father, but-but-"
"WhAt Is the matter ?" inquired old Mr..
Molyneux, as Tom paused in confusion. ..
81 still cling TO the hope that you will con-
sent TO my marriage With Miss Fabian" said
Tom desperately.
"whatP roared his father with a great
start.
'You see, guvnor," proceeded Tom, I'm
in much better position than was before
went away. Then, as you justly pointed
out, was in debt, 1 had no capital, and
was altogether dependent upon you. But
my debts are now paid, and as for capital"
"Well, sir, what about capital ?" interrupt
ed the old man, too much amazed 10 be an
cry.
''Thsre is the money you paid TO Miss Fa-
bian, 4" said Tom, with heeting smile. "The
interest on II would keep us from starving,
and at least It is enough to buy and stock a
farm with"
"BGt--but paid the money because you
broke your promise to marry her, ;" urged his
father incredulously. 'She would never
marry you now"
81 think she would, replied Tom in a con-
hdent tone.
''The fact is, sir, that have been VICTIM
lied, " exclaimed old Mr.. Molyneux, sudden
Iv a. kha krukh daahad acroaa hia mind