The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-02-17

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Beside, you are up to your cars in debt. "
81 don't owe much, said Tom, quickly,
with tell-tale blush.
"You will find out that you owe a
good dell when your creditors learn that
I have made your cousin Ted my heir, "
said the oil man. enigmatically.
Tom was evidently seriously discon-
ccrted bv this remark. He turned on his
heel muttcring something about catch
ing the next train to town, leaving his
father master of the situation.
The old man considered he had gained
signal victory. and was, therefore, not
the least perturbed when his son started
off to the station with his luggage, in
literal accordance with his injunction.
He did not doubt that Master Tom would
see the folly of his ways; and, sure
enough, two days afterwards the young
man reappcared, looking decidedly sheep
ish. and rendered his submission.
"Tm going away for bit, guv'nor.
Webster and some other fellows have
hired a yacht, and sail for Madeira to-
morrow"
"By all means, my boy" cried Mr..
Molyneux, secretly delighted that his son
should leave England for awhile at this
juncture, "and I hope on your return
that YOU will settle down and reside per-
mancntly in the country"
He had it on the tip of his tongue to
hint that he must be prepared to marry
Lady Florence, but he wisely refrained.
Nevertheless, he was as full of the project
as ever, and after Toms departure ne
spoke to Lord Laburnum more plainly
than he had hitherto done.
He was very much startled and dis
gusted on learning that his solicitor had
been asked to accept service of a writ on
Toms behalf in an action for damages
for breach of promise of marriage brought
bv Miss Fabian. The news upset him,
for such a scandal would set all the
papers gossiping about his anteccacnts.
Mr.. Molyneux soon arrived at the con-
clusion that the action must be COM
promised at any cost. He rushed up to
town in quite frantic state, and disre-
garding the advice and protestations of
his solicitor insisted that Miss Fabian's
claim should be settled forthwith at any
sacrifice.
lie was successful in his main object,
but rich man as he was, he almost groan-
ed when he sat down to write the check
that Miss Fabian's advisers demanded.
The amount was represented by no less
than five figures.
Tom returned after an absence of three
or four months, and was evidently not a
little apprehcnsive of the reception he
would meet with. But the old man, de-
lighted at seeing him again, sought to
put him at his ease by saying:
II am not going to alludc to what has
happened, my boy" ,., ,4
"You are very good, father, but
but"
"What is the matter 2"
Il still cling to the hope that YOU
will consent to my marriage with Miss
Fabian" said Tom, desperately.
"What." roared his father.
"You see, guv'nor," proceeded Tom,
I'm in much better position than Twas
before I went away. My debts are now
paid, and as for my capital"
:'Wcll, sir. what about capital:' inter-
ruptcd the old man, too much amazed to
be angry.
"There is the money you paid to Miss
Fabian" said Tom. with feeting smile.
''The interest on it would keep us from
'But-but I paid the money because
you broke your promise to marry her."
argued his father, incredulously. "Shc
would never marry you now"
II think she would replied Tom, in
a confident tone.
s'The fact is, sir, I have been victim
izcd," suddenly: as the truth flashed
lr"oes his mind
Not exactly, fathcr--at least, not
yct." returned Tom. II hope you will
not withhold your consent to our mar
riare. If YOU will consent, the money
shall be paid back to you-every far
thing"
old Mr.. Molyneux had turned purple
IN the face, and Tom was justly alarmed
1t his aspect. But before he could utter
/ word in reply, a man-sclvant brought
IN note, remarking that messenger
vas waiting to know if there was any re-
,lv. Mr.. Molyneux opened the envelope
lalf-abscntly, glanced hurriedly at the
contents, and then gave vent to NUT
cred execration which apparently re-
ieved his ovcr-wrought feelings.
"You-vou impcrtinent. disrespectful,
:. ,,,,o.1, What did Vol, COW
lbout the money"
II said every farthing would be re-
urned to you," replied Tom, staring at
MS father
every WE'LL" said the old man,
abruptly, and he Immediately sat down
1t the writing-tablc and wrote note
with trcmulous hand. ''Read that"
Dear Lord Laburnum: 1t is very kind Of
YOU to hasten to inform NE, on hearing otmy
sons return. that you have other views with
regard to Your daughter Florence. l ought,
DeTbaps, to have mentioned that my son has
been engaged to Miss Fabian for some
months, and that his marriage will take place
JNo. MoLYSEUx.
"Oh. father. It is awful good of
vou," cried Tom, with tears in his eyes.
II expect Lord Laburnum will be hor-
rified," said Mr.. Molyncux, sulkily, as nc
folded up the note. II doubt it should
have made $4,000 by allowing you to
marry his daughter"
Painting Portrait by Description.
Gloomy Siberia has furnished Il joke Of
her own that has made all the Russias
laugh. Ivan Pctrotf, q merchant and
mayor of the city of Gorki, of the Tomsk
Province died q while aUO. The citizens