Weekly commercial herald., 1885-07-10

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Herrey enters into conversation ,cith the Red
Lion
Loness, who were pursuing their calling in
what, after the fashion Of country inns, was
combination of bar and parlor. The Red
Lion, an affable, condescending animal, and,
like all noble animals, willing to relinquish
toll for more congenial pursuits, seeing that
his visitor was ready to talk, sat down in
round d-backed chair near the fire and left the
Lioness to attend to the bottle and jug de
partment, which, as the hour was just past
uoon, was in full swing Of activity.
Hervey asked variety Of questions about
the laighborhood. He might really have
teen gentleman of fortune anxious to buy
a place and so properly particular as to
what society might be round about He OBJ
tanned much valuable and interesting infor-
nation about the families Of position" as
they appeared to the eyes Of the Red Lion.
He learned who lived in the big white house
at the edge Of the common, who in the house
at the top Of the hill, who in the house at the
bottom. He was gradually leading up to
the questions be wanted to ask, when the
sound Of carriage wheels was heard, and the
Lion after glancing over the wire window
blind laid down his pipe and went to the
door. Hervey also glanced out of window
and saw two tall gentlemen, who occupied
the box-seats Of a large wagonette They
were talking gravely and sadly to the Lion,
who whilst he listened with due respect,
looked somewhat crestfallen and ill at ease
whats the matter now, Jcel" asked the
Lioness, rather anxiously, as her spouse re-
turned.
"Say the last cask o beer ran out two
days before its time, so couldn't nave been
full. They look after trihes, they do"
''Oh, nonsensep said the Lioness, tossing
her head "Some one must have got at it.
Their servants are no better than others"
'eWho are they" asked Hervey
1.-THE Mr.. Talberts of Hazlewood House. y
replied the landlady, with that smile on her
face which seemed to come involuntarily on
the faces of many people when they men
toned or heard the name of our gentle Hor-
ace and Herbert.
Hervey went hastily to the window and
looked after the wagonette, which, however,
was by now out OF sight
erich men, suppossT he said, reseatir &
himself
They're rich enough; but oh, that partic-
nlarr' said the Lioness with another toss of
her head. The accusation of short measure
ranlded in her breast
"Close-fstedgn asked Hervey.
'Well, yes, they're close" said the Lion.
"That is, they like to get shilling's worth
for O shilling.n
ave all like chat. Let me have it now.
Two brandies-one for you ard one for me- u
The Lion laughed and filed the glasses.
Hervey adroitly piled him with questions
about the Talberts, and soon learnt almost
as much as. we know. he laughed with the
landlord at their aniable peculiarities Il
was well our friends did not hear the Red
Lion, or Hazelwood House might have gone
elsewhere for its beer.
"They are funny gents" said the Lion
"You'd never believe; but day or two
ago was walking along the road. It was
diizzling with rain. The Mr.. Talberts they
passed me, driving. All Of a sudden they
pull UP at the hedge round their paddock
Mr.. Herbert he jumps down; he takes tht
whip and with the handle begins polins
Euriously in the hedge l ran up thinking
something was the matter. Law mol not it
He was pol1ing at a bit Of white papel
which had blown in there Poks-and pok,
be did till' be got it out-and Mr.. Horact
the while holding the horses and sitting anC
looking on as il it meant life or death gettins
out that paper. Rum thing to be SO particu
lar, amt itF',
Hervey professed himself much amused
and continued his questions. He heard al
about Miss Clauson, the niece who had beer
staying at 0akbury for SO long. He ever
learned the name Of every member Of til,
Hazlewood House establishment, from tina
Of the Oldest retainer, Whitaker, to that d
the latest arrival, Mrs. Miller the nurse. H
heard, Of course, the whole history, with ad
!. ditions, Of the mysteriously sent boy. AM
! when he was told this, in spite of his self
! control, look Of utter amazement spreai
Jver his face. He rose, and bade the Re-
Lion good day. The story be had hear
must have engrossed his mind to an unpre
cedented extent for be actually forgot t
finish bis brandy and water, a aatterinI
tribute to the landlords power Of interesting
, listener.
After leaving the inn Hervey took the frs
turning out Of the main road It was
|, little Dy-way leading to nowhere in particu
. liar. Here, as no onlookers were about, b
!, gave vent to delight by sundry actions CON
, mon to most men as soon as they hrd then
selves alone after having received the bes
!, possible news He smacked his thigh; b
rubbed his hands together; he seemed to hp
! himself in his joy. He laughed aloud, bu
there was cruel ring In bis laugh, and ther
! ! was a cruel look on his laughing mouth. q
Eyes frightened with the blended lights Q