The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-02-16
settle down and reside permanently in

Lazy FlOfCnCe, DuL ne wisely rclralncU.
Nevertheless, he was as full of the pro-
ject as ever, and after Toms departure,
he spoke to Lord Laburnum more plainly
han he had hitherto done. His lord
ship, without plcdging himself, gave
him an encouraging reply; and he re-
solved to bring matters to n crisis i'm
mediatcly upon his sons return. The
consequence was that the task of settling
with TOMS creditors proved quite an
agreeable relaxation, and did not cause
him a moments ill-humor.
But he was very much startled and
disguised ~ hearing that his solicitor
had been asked to accept service of Il
writ ON Toms behalf in an action for
damages for breach of promise of mar
riage brought by Miss Fabian. against
her faithless lover. The news upset hin.
considerably for such u scandal would
set all the papers gossiping about his
antecedents, while Tom could hardly fail
to cut a ridiculous figure in the Witness
box. Old Mr.. Molyneux soon arrived
at the conclusion that the action must
be compromised at any cost, for the sake
of his W dignity, not to mention the
projected alliance with the Laburnums.
He rushed up to town. in quite n frantic
state, and disregarding the advice and
protestations of his solicitor, insisted
that Miss Fabian's claim should be
settled forthwith at any sacrifice, in
order to avert the danger of the affair
finding its way into the papers.
He was successful in his main object;
but rich man as he was, he almost
groancd when he sat down to write the
check that Miss Fabian's advisers de-
handed. The amount wa represented
by no less than five figures, and the
worst of it was that he got no sympathy
whatever from his solicitor, who de-
clared that by going to trial, or even
by holding out, he might lave saved the
greater part of the money.
In-spitc of his great relief that the
threatened scandal had been averted,
old MIR. Molyneux sOon began to regret
the sacrifice he had made, and to fret
about his normous loss. He was not
by any means a penurious man, but, like
like all parvenus, he keenly appreciated
the value of money. He did not mind
what he spent so long as he had some
thing to show for his outlay; but in this
instance the result attained was entirely
negative. Every one is inclined to UNI
dcrrate II danger when it has passed,
and Mr.. MolyncuX could not help sus-
pccting that he had been too easily
frightened. This uncomfortable reflec-
ton worried him a good deal, particu-
larly when he learned that Lord Labur-
mum had made arrangements to take his
family to the south of France for the
winter. This did not look as if his
lordskip was very anxious about his
daughters marriage with Tom, and old
Mr. Molyncux was seized with an ON
NOUS f~oreboding when he heard the
news.
Tom returned after an absence OF
three or four months, and was evidently
not a little apprehcnsive of the reception
he would meet with. He had received
some angry letters from his father, re-
ferring to the damages he had had to
pay; and he therefore appeared nervous
and embarrassed at their first meeting.
But the old man, delighted at seeing
him again, sought to put him at his case
by SAYING
"I'm not going to allude to what has
happened, my boy, I'm willing to let
bygaac be bygones."
You are very good father; but
but"
"What IS the matter?" inquired old
Mr.. Molyneux, as Tom paused, in con-
fusion.
81 still cling TO the hope that you will
consent to my marriage with Miss Fab
ian," said Tom. desperately.
"What!' roared his father with a
great start.
"You see, Suv'nor," proceeded Tom,
I'm in a much better position thar l
was before l went away. Then, as You
justly pointed out, I was in debt. had
no capital, and I was altogether de-
pendent upon you. But my debts are
now paid, and as for capital"
"Well, sir, what about capital2" in
tcrrupted the old man, too much amazed
to be angry.
There is the money you paid Miss
Fabian" said Tom, with u fleeing
smile. ''Thc interest on it would keep
us from starving. and, at least, it is
enough to buy and stock a farm with"
"But-but ] paid the money because
you broke your promise to marry her."
urged the father, incrcdulously. :'Shc
would never marry you now"
81 think she would" replied Tom, in
a CONFIDENT tone.
"The fact is, sir. that I have been vic
ti,nizcd," exclaimed old MIR. Molyncux.
suddenly, as tho truth flashed across his
mind.
"Not exactly, fathcr-at least, not
yet" returned Tom, with great earnest
ness. 81 hope you will not withhold
your consent to our marriage. If yo,:
will consent, the money shall be paid
back to you.-evcry farthing. 1 don't
wish to defy You, as it We're; and both
of us arc willing to rely entirely, with
regard to the future, upon Your gencr-
osity."
Old AIR. Molyneux had turned purple
in the face, and Tom was justly alarmed
at his aspect. But before he could utter
a word in reply q man-scrvant brourht