The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1885-03-11

too easily frightened. This uncomfort-
able reflection worried him good deal
particularly when he learned that Lord
Laburnum had made arrangements to
take his family to the south of France
for the winter. This did not look as If
his lordship was very anxious about
bis daughters marriage with Tom,
and old Mr.. Molyneux was seized with
an ominous foreDoding when he heard
the news.
Tom returned after an absence of
three or four months, and was evident
ly not little apprehensive of the re-
ception he would meet with. He had
received some angry letters from his
father, referring to the damages he had
had to pay, and he, therefore. appear
ed nervous and embarrassed at their
first meeting. But the old man, de-
lighted at seeing him again, sought to
put him at his ease by saying:
'.pm not going to Allude to what has
happened, my boy. I'm willing to let
bygones be bygones. I"
"You are very good, father, but-but
-"
''What is the matter?" inquired old
MIR. Molyneux, as Tom paused in con-
fusion.
II still cling to the hope. that you will
consent to my marriage with Miss Fa-
bian," said Tom desperately.
"Whatp' roared his father, with q
great start.
"You see, guv'nor, proceeded Tom,
'T'm in much better position than /
was before went away. Then, asyou
Just pointed out, | was in debt, had
no capital, and was altogether depen-
dent upon you. But my debts are now
paid, and as for capital"
''Well, sir, what about capital9" in
terrupted the old man, too much amaz-
ed to be angry.
'There is the money you paid to
Miss Fabian" said Tom, with a fieeting
smile. ''The interest on It would keep
us from starving, and at least it is
enough to buy and stock farm with. "
''But-but paid the money because
you broke your promise TO marry her. "
urged his father incredulously. ''She
would never marry you now."
81 think she would, !" replied Tom.
III u CODUu6HL COu0.
''The fact is, sir. that have been
victimized," exclaimed old Mr.. Molly
neux suddenly, as the truth flashed
across his mind.
'.Not exactly, father-at least, not
yet" returned Tom with great earnest
ness. Il hope you will not withhold
your consent to our marriage. If you
will consent the money shall be paid
you, as it were; and both of us are
willing to rely entirely, with regard to
the future, upon your generosity"
Old Mr.. Molyneux had turned purple
in the face, and Tom was justly alarm
ed at his aspect. But before he could
utter a word in reply a man servant
brought in a note remarking that a
messenger was waiting to know if
there was any reply. Mr.. Molyneux
opened the envelope half absently,
glanced hurriedly at the contents, and
then gave vent to a muttered execra-
ton, which apparently relieved his ov-
er-wrought feelings. After striding
about the room for a few moments in
great agitation he suddenly halted in
front of Tom, and cried in voice of
suppressed passion:
''You-you impertinent, disrespect-
full, disobedient rascal! What did you
say about the money?'
81 said every farthing would be re.
turned to you, " replied Tom, staring at
his father.
''Very well, 'said the old man abrupt
ly, and he Immediately sat down at the
writing table and wrote note with a
tremulous hand. Read that" he said
TO his son when he had finished.
Tom, In his turn amazed and bewil-
dered, read as follows:
DEAR LORD LABURNUM:-It was very
kind of you to hasten to inform me, on hear
ing of my sons return, that you have
other views with regard to your daughter
Florence. fought, perhaps, to have mention
ed that my son has been engaged to a Miss
Fabian for some months, ami that his mar
riage will take place immediately. Yours
faithfully, JOHN MOLYNEUX.
'Oh! father. 1t is awfully good of
you," cried Iom, with tears in his
eyes.
II expect Lord Laburnum will be
riled," said old Mr.. Molyneux, sulkily,
as he folded up the note 81 doubt if
] should have made 100000 by allow
ing yo. . marry his daughter.
A