Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-11-21
MASTER TOMS ENGAGEMENT

lived in a feudal castle which he had bought
cheaply, having taken over at the same time
the good will, so to speak, of its former
owners social influence and dignity. In
consideration of his great wealth, his neigh
bors charitably ignored the fact that his
father had been a small tradesman, and
that he himself had carried on lucra-
tive business in the hardware line for
many years. He was not bad old fell
low, his vulgarity being of Subdued and
inoffensive kind, and consequently he was
received in the best county society. But he
aspired to even greater distinction, for his
pet project was to marry his only son, Tom,
TO one of the Earl of Laburnum's daugh-
tiers. There seemed no reason why this
suspicious event should not come about, for
the Lady Florence looked kindly upon
Master Tom, and his Lordship had more
than once limited that he would raise no
objection. Lord Laburnum was the Lord
Lieutenant of the county, and an alliance
with his family meant admission into the
most aristocratic circles.
Unfortunately Master Tom was rather a
scapegrace, and his father preferred to let
him see little of the world before reveal
ing the high honors that were in store for
MN. llG ldCl was tlidL lOln bllOHCu
prediction whatever for the Lady Flor
ence, and he was Just ct that democratic
age when youth is apt to underrate social
advantages. The old man hoped that when
Tom had had his fling he would begin to
awake to the responsibilities of disposition,
and be amenable to reason. He knew that
Tom was raising very respectable crop of
debts, and that before long his paternal as
sistance would be sought When the crisis
ii l. l.
wishes, and TO take advantage of the lads
embarrassments to impose conditions
Meanwhile, as Tom seemed TO have given
his heart rowing commission, there was
no apparent danger of his seriously COM
promising his affections.
One day, however, the young man came
down from town, where he was ostensibly
studying for the bar, and with very grave
and determined air announced that he was
engaged to be married. Old Mr.. molyneux
nearly had fit of apoplexy on the spot
and when Tom proceeded to state that the
young lady earned her own living by car
rying on the business of dressmaker at
the West End, his horror and Indignation
knew no bounds. In vain Tom pleaded
that Miss Fabian was lady by birth and
education, and that the poverty of her fam
lily was her only crime. His father became
more and more furious, until Tom finally
showed symptoms of fiat rebellion.
Think of your position in the county p
cried old Mr.. Molyneux, perceiving this,
and wisely making an effort to control him
self. will take it for granted if you
like, that the girl is an exemplary charac-
ter. She may be ladylike, and well edu-
Gated, and all the rest of it. But her station
is altogether inferior to yours"
" | don't see that, said Tom. stubbornly.
"Why, of course. 1t is ridiculous" said
the old gentleman, swelling with self-im-
portance. Her father, you say, is a poor
,out-at-elbows devil of a clerk in the city
I've never noticed his coat has holes in
it." retorted Tom AS for his being a
clerk in the city so were you-once. The
only difference is that you have been more
fortunate than he, and have made enough
money to retire upon"
None of your Internal radical nonsense
here, srl !" cried old Mr.. Molyneux, infuri-
ated at this reference to his own origin.
q 1t would be just as sensible to say that
you and | are the equals of Lord LabUr
mum, because Adam was our common an
cestor. What does it matter if | was once
a clerk in the city? / have since attained
q superior grade in the social scale, and
that is the fact that must be faced. BY
marrying the daughter of a city clerk, who
earns her living by dressmaking, you would
be making a misalliance."
Just as Lady Florence would be marry
ing me- said Tom, looking wonderfully
innocent.
"Who is talking about Lady florence
said old Mr.. Molyneux, taken aback by
this unexpected thrust.
Nobody-only have an idea you wish
me to marry out of my station, retorted
Tom
a don't wish you to marry at all, sir, moi
or many a long year, cried the old man
fairly nonplussed.
What | mean is, father" said Tom dog
gedly," that | see no more harm in marry
ing below ones station-to use your owl
term-than in marrying above it. If one
is wrong the other must be-
Stuff and nonsense, sir You dom
know what you're talking about" ex
claimed Mr.. Molyneux. Il don't want t.
have an argument with you. The long anC
short of the matter it, that | won't hear O
this foolish engagement. There 1t is nc
use talking. Let there be an end of it, or
shall have something very unpleasant tC
say
The old man bounced out of the room a:
he spoke, but a little startled and amazed
by his sons tone and attitude. Hitherto
Tom had never ventured to argue with
him, partly from filial duty and partly from
inherent weakness of character. He began
TO fear that he had possessed unexpected
firmness. until he soothed his mind by the
reflection that he had probabl: been care
fully coached for the interview. This sus
picion explained Master Toms unaccus
toned readiness of repartee, which had
made him appear a dangerous adversary
Relieved in his mind by the discovery, Ole
Mr.. Molyneux gradually cooled down anC
completely recovered his sef-confdence
He easily convinced himself that Ton
would never dare TO disobey him, and in
stead of feeling the least apprehension o.
the marriage taking place, he was only I'M
easy lest rumors of the engagement should
reach the Laburnums.
He prudently resolved to treat the matter
as definitely disposed of, and to make nc
further allusion to it-ut all events until
Tom had had time for reflection. Judging
from appearance he had seemed completely
subdued. He spent the next few days
Strengthening 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 trified with. When he con.
sidered that he might safely speak, he
said one morning, with assumed careless
ness.
We'll, my boy, what are you going tc
I'm going to shoot over Bailby's farm,
replied Tom
Nonsense. You know what / am re-
ferring to-, said the old man, turning red
| am speaking of this idiotic love affair"
"0h Well, of course, must keep nv
word. said Tom, with flushed cheek.
What you haven't written to break il
OFF, said Mr.. Molyneux, feigning surprise
No, Guv'nor, l haven't" said Tom
81 hoped you would have softened by this
time"
And believed you would have remem
bered that your first duty was 10 obey youl
father, cried the old man, beginning tC
boil. do you mean to tell me that yor
still contemplate marrying "a dressma
kerr"
she has sold her business, father said
Tom, eagerly. She might have done bet
ter had she waited bit, but out of defer
ence IN Vour wishes