Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1886-11-18

nearly dropping the post -prandial pipe
which he was smoking.
Yes, sir, said the lawyer severely,
and as soon as the door was closed he
confronted his companion and said !:
'Ciplain Rosseter, have come dcwn
here. as solicitor to the Tremayne fam
lily for many years, and as solicitor to
the late Colonel Tremayne, TO de-
mand of you information concerning
Colonel Tremayne's daughter
sit down. said the captain, not
very politely, perhaps, but with tolera-
BILE calmness.
No, thank you, Captain Rosseter,' ;
returned the lawyer, in tone which
showed that he did not intend to be
trned with. Il give you fair warning
that if you don't answer my question |
shall INVOKE the aid of the law to find
out what have not been able to dis
cover myself
Before the captain could reply the
door opened, and young lady entered
the room. The lawyer turning round,
only caught glimpse of her as she en-
deavored to retire, but he perceived
that she was young and pretty. The
captain, however, called after her.
Annie, my dear, come in. Let me
Introduce you, Mr.. Bold. to my wife. ,
Mr.. Bold bowed stifily. and the
young lady,a though instinctiyely sus-
pecting the lawyers hostile intentions,
crossed oyer to her husbands side aud
laid her hand lovingly on his shoulder.
Annie, my darling said the cap
tain, with singular gentleness, you
must let me tell Mr.. Bold your little
history. How your father, my good
friend, on leaving England, laughingly
confined his little daughter to my care.
How | used to call and see you at
school, with my pockets full Of sweet =
meats. How your bright face and IN
nocence brought sunshine into my
heart when it was full of darkness.
How you grew up and reased me and
made me realize the unworthiness Of
my life. How | strove to be better, on
ly to learn my weakness. How at
length, upon your old school-mistress,
with whom you lived, dying, two years
back, you voluntarily consented to de-
vote yourself to reforming-'
Nonsense, James, interposed the
girl, putting he little hand over his
mouth and kissed him impulsively.
The captain borehis infliction cheer
fully enough, though his eyes were
moist as he turned again to the lawyer
and said The long and short of the
matter is, Mr.. Bold, that married this
young lady two years ago, with the full
consent of her father, Colonel Tre-
mayne.'
You might have said so when you
called upon me that day. retorted the
lawyer, feeling smaller than he had
ever done in his life.
At sign from her husband Mrs.
Rosseter glided out Of the room, and
when the door had closed the captain
retorted so | might, ie you had
been civil. But your manner was so
suspicious, aud,I may add, Insulting
Pm very sorry,' intersposed the law
yer. looking shamefaced.
'Pshaw Never mind my dear sir,
cried the captain, heartily. 1T was my
own fault-an unpleasant reminder OF
my past life. Thanks To my wife,
have mended my ways, turned farmer
grown respectable least | could dt
in return for the sacrifice she made in
throwing herself away upon me. There
was no concealment she married me
with her eyes open, and her father also
gave his consent after l had made full
confession of my career. He knew
poor fellow, what it is to fall. God
bless ErHest Tremayne He trusted
me with his child and his child's for
tune. In all your experience, Mr.. Bold
you will never find more faithful guar
dian and trustee than shall be, in spite
of my antecedents.'
Il belieye it, Captain Rosseter-1 hon
estiy and sincerely believe it, exclaim
ed the lawyer, genuinely moved 'ano
if you will permit me to apologize tc
you, and to shake you by the hand,
shall feel more comfortable-I shall in
deed