The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-02-16

i y lCuI Vi lhlS lOOllSu CuSdSCIllcuC
There! 1t is no use talking. Let there
thing very unpleasant to say"
The old man bounced out of the room
as he spoke, not Il little startled md
amazed by his sons tone and attitude.
Hitherto Tom had never vcnturcd to
argue with him, partly from tilial duty
and partly from inherent weakness Of
character. He began to fear that the
lad possessed unexpected tirmness, until
he soothed his mind by the reflection
that he had probably been carefully
coached for the interview. This sus-
picion explained Master Toms unaccus-
toned readiness of rcpartee, which had
made him approach u dangerous adver-
sary. Relieved in his mind by the dis
covery, cid Mr.. Molyneux gradually
cooled down, and completely recovered
his sclf~-contidcnce. He easily convinced
himself that Tom would never dare to
disobcy him, and, instead of feeling
the least appreheusive of the marriage
taking place, he was only uneasy lest
rumors of the engagement should reach
the Lcburnums.
He prudently resolved to treat the
matter as definitely disposed of, and to
make no further allusion to tat all
events until Tom had had time for re-
Election. Judging from appearances, the
lad seemed completely subducd. He
spent his next few days slaughtering
phcasants III a detected frame of mind.
His father smiled within himself and
held his tongue, though he showed by
his manner that he did not intend to be
trified with. When he considered that
he might safely speak, he said n
morning, WITH assumed carclcssness:
"Well my boy, what are you going
to do 2"
t'I'm going to shoot over Bailey's
farm," replied Tom.
"Nonscnsc. You know what I am
referring to-" said the old man, turning
red. 81 am speaking of this idiotic
love affair"
ooh! Well, of course, I must keep
my word," said Tom, with flushed
check.
what! you haven't written to break
it off" said Mr.. Molyneux, feigning
surprise.
mo, guv'nor, l haven't" said Tom.
81 hoped you would have softened by
this time"
"And 1 believed you would have re-
membered that your first duty was to
obey your father" cried the old man,
beginning to boil. "Do you mean to
tell Inc that you still contemplate marry
ing IA dressmaker"
"She has sold her business. father"
said Tom, eagerly. "She might have
done better had she waited a bit, but
out of Difference to your wishes"
tN,, ,,;.ho, -, ;,tor,,~tnl NJ Nfo1,,
neuX, angrily. 81 don't care if she car
ries on twenty businesses. What I say
is that you shall never marry her with
my consent. That's ALL"
II should be very sorry to disobey
you, father" began Tom, gravely, 'sbut
"Look here, my boy" interrupted the
old gentleman, quickly, speaking with
unnatural calmncss, ''let us understand
each other. 1 forbid this foolish en-
gagemcnt, and 1 order you to break it
off instantly. That is my bark. Now
for my bite. You leave my house within
an hour, and unless you inform me in the
course of a week that the affair is ut an
end, l stop supplies. If you persist in
marrying the girl. then, by heaven! 1
will alter my will and leave every farth-
ing l possess to your Cousin Ted-in
fact, l will make him my heir, and dis
card you altogether"
It is doubtful whether the old man
would have really carried out this serl-
Gus threat. for he was fond of his son,
and proud of him in a way, but he
looked very determined when he uttered
it, and Tom was evidently impressed.
The lad dropped his eyes before his
fathers irate glance, and the rudy color
left his checks for an instant.
"You know, Tom," he added, MOTTO
ing the wholesome effect of his words,
''you are entirely dependent upon me,
and unless you took to poaching I don't
see how you could possibly earn a crust.
Besides you are up to your ears in debt"
81 don't much, said Tom, quick
ly, with a tcll-tale blush.
"You will find out that you owe a
good deal when your creditors learn that
l have made your Cousin Ted my heir"
SAID the old man, systematically.
Tom was evidently seriously discon-
certed by this remark. He turned on
his heel, muttering something about
catching the next train to town, leav-
ing his father master of the situation.
The old man considered he had gained
a signal victory, and was, therefore, not
the least pcrturbed 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 sec the folly of his ways; and,
sure enough, two days afterward the
young mar rcappeared looking decided
ly shccpish, and rendered his submits
sion. He ever brought a copy of the
letter he had written to the young lady,
which Mr.. Molyncux thought q little too
cute and matter of fact, if any fault was
to be found with it. However, he was
not inclined to be hypcrcritical in this
respect, and he heartily applaudcd
Toms action.