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

Old Mr. Molyneux was immensely
proud of his position as the county
nagnate. He lived in feudal castle
which he had bought cheaply enough,
having taken over at the same time
the good will, so to speak, of It's form
err owners social inhuen ce and Dig
nity. In consideration of his great
wealth his neighbors charitably ig~
nored the fact that his father had
been a small tradesman, and that he
himself had carried on a lucrative
business in the hardware line for
manv years. He WAS not bad old
fellow. his vulgarity being Of sub
dued and inoffenslve, KIND, consequent
~ he was received in the best county
society. But he aspired to even great,
er distinction, for his pet project was
TO marry his ouly son, Tom, to one OF
the Earl of Laburnum's daughters
There s seemed no reason why this SD
unicious event should not come about.
for the Lady Florence looked kindly
upon Master ToEa, and hls Lordshlp
had more than once hlnteQ that ne
would raise no Objection. Lord La
burnum was the Lord Lieutenant OF
the county, and an alliance with MS
family meant admission INTO the most
aristocratic circles.
Unfortunately, Master Tom was
rather 9 scape grace, and his father
preferred TO let him see little OF the
world before revealing the high hon
Ors that were in store for him. The
fact was that Tom showed no pred
Election whatever for the Lady Flor
ence. and ne was just at that demo
cratic age when youth Is apt TO un,
derrate social advantages. The old
man hoped that when Tom had had
his fling he would begin to ava ke to
the RESPONSIBILITIES Of his position,
and be amenabie to reason. lie knew
that Tom was raising a very respect
able crop of debts, and before long ms
paternai assistance would be sought;
When the crisis arrived he INTENDED
TO make his wishes, and to take ad-
vantage of the lads emoaTraSsnaenJS
to imp0Se conditions. Meanwhile, as
Tom seemed TO have given MS hearV
to q rowing commission, there was no
apparent danger OF his seriously coiii-
promising his affections
One dav. however, the young man
came down from town, where ne was
ostensibly studying for the oar, and
with a very grave and determined ar
announced that he was engaged 10 p@
married, Old Mr.. Moiyneux nearly
had q fit of apoplexy on the spot, ana
when Tom proceeded To state tAat the
Young lady earned her own living oy
carving On the business OF dress
rraltinr ~ the West End, his horror
and Indignation knew no bounds. In
vain Tom pleaded that Miss Fabsan
was a lady by birth an6 educatlo?1n,
and that the poverty OF der 1anauy
was her only crime. His father De,
carae mote and more furious, untll
Tom showed symptoms OF Hat reoels
Lion.
'Think OF your position 10 the
county y cried old Mr.. Molyneux,
perceiving this, and wisely making
take it for granted, if you like, that
the girl is an exemplary character.
She may be ladylika and we'll educaC-
ed, and all the rest Of 1t. But her
station is altogether inferior to yours.
''L don't see that, said Tom, STUB
bornly.
why, of course. It is ridiculous,
said the old gentleman, swelling with
self-importa1ce.ss Her father, you say,
is poor out at-elbows devil OF CLERK
ia the city"
1--WE never noticed his coat had
holes in it." Yetorted Tom. ''As foi
his being q 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
BoHsense here, sir" cried old Mr.
Molyneux, infuriated at this refer
ence to his own origin. st would bt
Just as sensible TO say that you and
are the equals of Lord Laburnum be
cause Adam was our common ances
tor. What does it matter If I wa'
once clerk In the city? have since
attained a SUPERIOR grade in the socia
scale, and that is the fact that must b.
faced. By marrying the daughter o
city clerk, who earns her living BY
dressmaking, you would be making
misalliance."
"Just as Lady Florence would be b!
marrying me-" said Tom, Looking
wonderfully innocent.
"Who is talking about Lady Flor
ence2" said old AIR. Molyneux, take1
aback by this unexpected thrust.
.'Nobody-only I have an idea yol
wish me to marry out Of my station,
retorted Tom.
81 don't wish you to marry at all
sir, not for many long year!" criec
the old man, fairly nonplussed.
''What mean is, father" said Tom
doggedly. that I see no mere harm
IN marrying below ones station
use your own term-thsn in margin!