Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-10-29

must be-"
''Stuff and nonsense, sirl You
don't know what you're talking
about" exclaimed Mr.. Molyneux. Il
don't want TO have an argument with
you. The long and short of the matt
ter is, that I won't hear of this foolish
engagement. Therel 1t is no use
talking. Let there be an end of it, or
I shall have something very unpleas-
ant 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 had never ven-
tured to argue with HIM, partly from
flinal duty and partly from inherent
weakness of character. He begun to
fear tina. the lad possessed unexpected
firmness, until he soothed his mind by
the reflection that he had probably
been carefully coaxed for the inter-
view. This suspicion explained Mas
ter Toms unaccustomed readiness of
repartee, which had made him appear
a dangerous adversary. Relieved IN
mind by the discovery, old Mr.. Molly
peuxo gradually cooled down, and
| TCCONCICO LIS oCll~COuA-
dence. He easily convinced himself
that Tom would never dare to disobey
him, and, instead of feeling the least
apprehensive of the marriage taking
place, he was 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 further allusion to tat all
events until Tom had time for refec-
ton. Judging from appearances, the
lad seemed completely subdued. He
spent the next few days slaughtering
pheasants in a 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 trif1ed with.
When ne considered that he might
safely speak, he said one morning,
with assumed carelessness:
well, my boy, what are you going
to do!"
''I'm going to shoot over Bailey's
farm" replied Tom,
Nonsense. You know what am
referring to-" said the old man II
am speaking of this idiotic love af-
fair"
sob! Well, of course, I must keep
my word" said Tom, with flushed
cheek.
what, you haven't written to break
it OFF," said Mr.. Molyneux, feigning
surprise.
"No, gunner, haven't" said Tom.
81 hoped YOU would have softened by
this time"
And I believed you would have
remembered that your first duty was
to obey your father" cried the old
man, beginning to boil. ''Do you
mean to tell me that you still con,
template marrying "a dress max
eri"
''She has sold her business, father"
said Tom, eagerly. She might have
, done better had she waited bit, but
out Of Difference to your wishes, she
"My wishes p interrupted Mr.. Molly
; neux, angrily. 81 don't care if she
carries on twenty businesses. What
say is that you shall never marry
her with my consent"
J II should be very sorry to aisobey
) you, father" began Ton gravely,
''but-"
'Look here, my boy" interrupted
the gentlemen quickly, speaking with
unnatural calmness, ''letus understand
each other. I forbid this foolish en-
gagement, and I order you to break it
off instantly. That is nay bark. Now
, for my bite. You leave my house
within an hour, and, unless you in>
form nae in the course of q week that
the affair is at an end, stop supplies.
Il you persist in marrying the girl,
then, by heaven! [ will alter my Will
and leave every farthing I possess to
your cousin Ted-in fact [ will make
him my heir and discard you alto
gether"
It is 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 a way, but
he looked very determined When he
uttered it and Tom was evidently i'm
pressed. The lad dropped his eyes
before his fathers irate glance, and
the ruddy color left his cheeks for an
instant.
''You know, Tom," he added, no.
ticing the wholesome effect of his
words, "you are entirely dependent
r upon me, and unless you took to
, poaching, I don't see how you could
: possiblya earn a crust. Besides, you
are up to your ears in debt"
. IT don't owe much" said Tom
! quickly, with tell-taIe blush.
you will find out that you owe a
( good deal when your creditors learn
that have made your cousin Ted my
| heir" said the old man enigmatical-
r ".
Tom was evidently seriously dis,
$ concerted by this remark. He turned
on his heel. muttering something
about catching the next train to town,
leaving his father master Of the situa-
l ton. The cid man considered he had
. gained a signal victory, and was,
: therefore, not the least pertur bed
g when his son started off to the station
] L Ia