New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-09-27


tho project az ever, and after Toms departure, ne
spoke to Lord Laburnum more plainly than he had
hitherto done; His lordshIp. without pieugihhs s
himself gave him an encouraging reply; ana no
resolved 10 bring matters TO crisis immediately
upon his sons return. The consequence was tha5
the task of setting with Toms creditors proved
quite an agreeable relaxation, ana ala not cause
him moments ill-humor. ,,
But he was very much startled and disguised on
hearing that his SOLICITOR had been asked TO accept
service of q writ on Toms behalf in an action for
damages for breach of promise of MARRIAGE brought
by Miss Fabian against her falthess lover me
news upset him considerably. for such seaman
would set all the papers gossping about ms ante
cedeDts, while Tom could hardly fall 70 cur
ridiculous figure IN the witness-box. ga Mr..
Molyneux soon arrived at tho conclusion that the
action must be compromised at any cost, for tine
sake OF his own dignity. not to mention the pro,
iected alliance with the Laburnums. lie rushed
up to town In quite frantic state ana dlsIGgiG'
ing the advice and protostations of his solicitor;
insisted that Miss Fabau's G. aim should be settea
forthwith at any sacrifice, In order TO avert tne
danger of the affair finding its way into the papers.
He was successful III his main object, but rlcn
man as he was. he almost groaned when ne s9 SAL
down to write the check that MISS faolan
advisers demanded. The amount was represented
by no less than five figures, and the worst or ~ was
that he got no sympathy whatever from his solcit3r,
who declared that by goiug to trlal, OF even 10y
holding out he might have saved the greater paft
In spite Of his great relief that the threatened
SCANDAL had been avericd. Old MI MolyneuN soVn
began 10 regret the sacrifice he had made ana 10
fret about his enormous loss lie was not Dy any
means penurous man, but Ike all parYenus ne
keenly appreciated the value OF money. lie qua l
not mind what be spent so long as he had something
to show for his outlay; bat IN TINS instance inc
result attained was entirely negative Every one
is inclined to underrate danger when IL mas
passed and Mr.. Moyneux could NOT help suspect
ing that he had been too easily 1rlghtehcd rms
uncomfortable reflection worried him go3d deaI.
particularly when he learnt that Lord LaOuinum
had made arrangements 20 take his family 10 inc
south OF France for the winter. This did not look
as if his lOrdship was very anxious aDon, ms
daughters marriage with Tom, and old Mr.. Molly
neux was seized with an ominCus loreDod'hg when
he hear the news -,
Tom returned after an. absence OF three or four
months and was evidently not little appTehen,
sive OF inc reception he woIld meet with tic had
received angry letters from his father refer
ring to the damages he had had TO pay; anu ne
therefore appeared nervous aud embarrassed at
their first meeting. But the old man. Delighted az
seeing him again. sought TO put him at his ease by
"l'm not going to allude to what has happened,
my boy. I'm willing to let bygones be bygoneS.'
"Yon are very good father. 6utI0ptI VII.
"What Is the matterW inqNlrcd Ola ME- Moiy-
Dcux. as Tom paused III confusion -.
81 still cling to the hone that You will consent
TO my marriage with Miss Faoian' said lon'
"Whatib roarel his father with Q great start
You See gnyn2T proceeded EDS ip hG fore IN W Va
away Then, as YOU justly pointed ont, was IN
debt he'd 10 capital and | was altogether de-
pendent upon YOU. But my debts are now PAID
We'll SIR what about capital ?" interrupted the
old man. too much amazed to be angry. r...,
"Thero is the money you paid 10 MISS fablan,
said Tom with necting smile. IT he interest on
il would keep from starving, and at least IL is
enough tn buy and stock farm with.
"Bnt--but paid the money becauS You bToNe
vour promise To marry her." urged his father, IN
creduiously. "She would never marry you now"
Z" think she would replied Tom, in a confident
1.-THE fact is. sir, that l have been victlmised,"
exclaimed old Mr.. Molyneux. suddenly ~ Inc
truth flashed across his mind.
Not exactly. tather-at least. not yet" re-
turned Tom, with great earrestness. Il nope You
will not withhold your consent 10 our marriage
II you will consent the money shall he paid back
to you-cvery farthing don't wish to defy you
as it were and both of MS are wiling to. rely en-
trcy. with regard TO tho future. upon your gem
crGsIty'
Old Mr. Molyneux had turned purple in the face
and Tom jIstiy alarmed at his aspect. But
before he could u!cra word In reply. man-servant
brought In a note. rcmarkIng that messenger was
waiting 10 know II there was any rcVlY. MI
Molyncux opened tho envelope half,absently,
glanced hurricdlv ut the contents. and then gave
vent To . muttercd cXccratIOn which apparently
relieved his oyer-wIought feelings. After strtlng
about the room for y few moments IN great agita-
ton n suddenly halted in front OF Tom. and cried
"YonCyon impcrtinent. disrcspectful, dis
obediont rascal! What did you say abont the
II said every farthing would be rcturncd to you,"
replied Iom. staring at his father.
VERY we'll" said the old man. abruptly; and
he immediatelt sat down at the writng,tabe, and
wrote a note with n trcmu!OuS hand. " Read that
he sand t. his s0a when he had finished.
Tom. in his turn amazed and bcwildeIcd. read as
fOllOwS:-
DEAR LORD LAHrRNCN.-Tt Is very kind OF you to
hasten inform bearing OF my sons return that
you have other views with regard To your daughter
Florence ought. perhaps To have mentioned That my
been engaged TO Miss Fabian for some months,
and that bis marriage viii take place immediately.
Yours faithfully. JNo hoLfNEtN'
"Oh! father II is awfully good Of you," cried
Tom, with tears in his eyes
81 expect Lord Labumum will De ri'ed." said
old Mr. Molyncux, sulkily. as he folded mp the
note. 81 doubt 1t should have made 10000 by
allowing you TO marry his daughter London