The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1885-08-14

happy ignorance OF the lmportank
position he occupied in the world I'll
breathless delight they informed hinh
they had "runned away"
Then tall and beautiful lady ap4
peared, shaking her head with mock
severity at the culprits. You rascals y
she said, coming out and disturbing
your father like this. Shall Issnd them
in, Cuthbert?" Il
"Let them stay" he answered pleas
antly. 1--WE don't see too much OF each
other in the course of the year. Public
life and, domestic duties don't walk hand
in hand.
His wife leaned over and kissed
him.
How delightful" he continued,
+" this perfect rest and quiet No
dismal speeches to listen to no ques-
man; no bores airing grievances. The
very birds following our laudable
August custom, and lapsing into silence.
Here I am safe even from constituents.
populations, and petitions ! could
almost wish it might last forever"
"Yet how you will be longing for
work again before the recess is oyer!'
said Mrs Wrey, almost sadly.
"Thu my dear, is mans perverse
nature. Any way, enjoy myself now
if only in the perfect immunity from
interruption and bother. I wish you
would burn all my lstters-unopened-
for the next week."
How strangely chance word brings
up old memories! The remark he made
about burning unopened letters sent his
thoughts back dozen years. Even
now his face grew grave rs he remem-
bered how nearly he had yielded to the
temptations OF q certain night.
just then servant appeared and
informed him that person wished
to see him.
"a person What sort of person?
Man or woman ?" ..a
g. man, sir.
"You told him I was not to be seen
by any one on business?"
Eyes, sir. But he said he had travelled
from Bristol express to see you on
private matter, and hoped you would
spare him minute"
Cuthbert's first impulse was to send
that person about his business but the
old priestly habit Of being at every ones
disposal still fingered about him so,
disengaging himself from the children.
he tossed the end Of his cigar away, and
The servant had used the term "per-
son with propriety. The visitor
seemed to merit rather more than the
definition "man;" but no servant
knowing his duties would have an
rouaced him ss gentleman. A thick
set, strong, weather..beaten fellow, with
the look of sailor about lima sailor
dressed in unconventional shore-clothes.
No
same as Cuthbert's although exposure
to wind and weathermade him look some
Years his senior. He WIZ waiting in the
library, and, as the master Of the house
entered, he rose, making an uneasy
sort of salutation. Cuthbert babe him
reseat himself.
"Now what can I do for you?" he
said.
The man looked uncomfortable, and
waited few moments before he spoke.
81 am speaking to @. Wrey, Esq, NJ.
P. ?' he asked, evidently thinking the
magic letters should be attached in
conversation.
wants omething, of course, thought
Cuthbert, as he owned to his name and
honors.
&C. Wrey, ESQ.," NJ. p" continued
the person. "That's the name, sure
enough. 1 wrote it down at once.
"Well so ON my man. Let me hear
what you have to say"
''It's like this, sir, you see. | came
down from London to Bristol by ex-
press. They don't put third-class on
express, SO l had to get in with my
betters. T" Railway grievance" thought
Cuthbert.l "Well sir, there were two
or three gentlemen there talking poll
tics they talked deal about you, sir. "
Cuthbert was not overwhelmed at
hearing OF this tribute to his fame. His
visitor went on. Extraordinary clever
fellow, says one-'A conceited chap
says Notwithstanding your pardon,
sir. I didn't pay much heed, as don't
know much about politics. Never
had vote to SELL But, by-and-by, one
of EN- says: Used to be parson,
starving on hundred YEAR. Very
rich now says another. How did he
get his money odd woman named
Blatchford left him ten thousand year,
lucky fellow = says another. Then
got interested, Mr.. Wrey."
Cuthbert also as growing interested
An absurd thought crossed his mind,
to be dispelled as he looked more atten-
lively at the speaker.
"Well, go on, he said.
"Would you mind telling me, SIR"
asked the man respectfully, "if that
Mrs. Blatchford ever had son named
Ralph? Blatchford isn't a common
name, you see."
1t was some years since Cuthbert had
been troubled by claimant to the
name of Blatchford, but he had not for
gotten how to deal with them.