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

he produced rather formidable
list Of names as he spoke, and Tom
started with surprise, as well he might
at perceiving low full and accurate
was his fathers knowledge of his pc
cuniary embarrassments The old
man cut short his sons protesta-
tons of gratitude and apology by
saying, good humoredly:
''Well, well, you must turn over
new leaf. my boy. Reasonable ecsn~
omy must henceforth be the order Of
the day; and | hope On your return
that you will settle down and reside
permanently in the country.
He had 1T on the top of his tongue to
hint that he must be prepared to marry
Lady Florence; but he wisely re>
framed. Nevertheless, he was as full
of the project as ever, and after Toms
departure he spoke to Lord Laburpum
more plainly than he had hitherto
done. His Lordship, without pledg-
ing himself, gave him an encourag-
ing reply; and he resolved to bring
matters to crisis Immediately upon
his sons return. The consequence
was that the task of settling with
Toms creditors proved quite an agree
able relaxation. and did not cause him
a moments ill~humor.
But he was very much startled and
disguised on hearing that his solicitor
had been asked to accept service of s.
writ on Toms behalf in an action for
damages for breach of promise of
marriage brought by Miss Fabian
against her faithless lover. The news
upset him considerably, for such
scandal would set all the papers gos-
siping about his antecedents, while
Tom could hardly fail to cut ridicu~
lous figure ia the witness box. Old
Mr.. Molyneux soon arrived at the
conclusion that the action must be
compromised at any cost. for the sake
Of his own dignity, not 10 mention the
projected alliance with the Laburn-
ums. He rushed up to town in quite
a frantic state, and disregarding the
advice and protestations Of his so
licitor, insisted that Miss Fabian's
claim should be settled forthwith at
any sacrifice, in or!er to avert the
danger of the affair finding It's way
into the papers.
He was successful in his main object,
but rich man as he wss, he almost
groaned when he sat- down to write
the check that MISS Fabiaa's advisers
demanded. The amount was repre-
scented by no less than five figures,
and the worst of it was that he got no
sympathy whatever from his solicitor,
who declared that by going to trial,
or by even holding out, he might
have saved the greater part of his
money.
In spite of his great relief that the
threatened scandal had been averted,
old Molyneux soon began to regret
the sacrifice he had made, and to fret
about his enormous loss. He was not
by any means a penurious man, but
like all parvenus, he keenly appreciat
ed the value Of money. He did not
mind what he spent SO long as he mad
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.. Mclyneux could
rot help suspecting that he had been
too easily frightened.
This uncomfortable reflection wor-
ried him a good deal, particularly
when he learned that Lord Laburnum
had made arrangements to take his
family to the south Of France for the
winter. This did not look as if his
Lordship was very anxious about his
daughters marriage with Tom, and
Mr.. Molyneux was seized with an one
nous fore boding when ne heard the
news.
Tom returned after an absence of
three or four months, and was evil
IDENTIFY not little apprehensive Of the
reception he would meet with, He
had received some angry letters from
his father, referring to the damages
he had to pay, and he therefore, APP
peared nervous and embarrassed at
their first meeting. But the old man,
delighted at seeing him, sought to
put him at his ease by pleasantly say
ing:
'I'm not going to allude to what
has happened, my boy; I'm willing to
let bygones be bygoaes,"
"You are very good, father, but
but"
'What is the matter!" inquired old
Mr.. Molyneux, as Tom paused IN con-
fusion.
Il still cling to the hope that you
will consent to my marriage with
Miss Fabian said Tom desperately.
"What!" roared his father, with a
great start.
"You see, guv'nor," proceed Tom.
I'm in a much better position than [
was before I went away. Then, as
you Justly pointed out, was ia debt,
I had 40 capital, and was altogether
dependent upon you. But my debts
are now paid, and as for capital"
"Well, sir, what about capitsla" ins
terrupted the old man, too much
amazed to be angry.
"There is the money you paid to
Miss Fabian" said Tom, with feet
ing smile. 1.-THE interest on It would
keep us from starving, and at least it
is enough to buy and stocka farm
with"
"But-bus I paid the money be-
ca11se vow broke voI1r DrOmiso to marry