The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-08-18

manners, his fashionable attire and
his performances upon the German
flute combined to render him irresisti-
bic.
The Smiths turned out to be re-
spectablc family, without the least pre-
tontions to gcntility. 1t was evident
that Augustus was the nearest approach
to gentleman they had ever been ac-
quainted with. and their qualification
at his polite attentions was undis-
guised. No doubt the fact that he
very much exaggerated the amount of
his small fortune assisted to facilitate
his courtship. Old Mr.. Smith. from
the outset. seemed content with the
prospect Of securing him for u son-in-
law; and when Augustus. after COM
paratively short acquaintance, avowed
his passion for Miss Arabella
Smith, her father gave his consent
to the engagement without hesitation.
Augustus was naturally elated by his
success, though the naive vulgarity
of Miss Arabella rather distressed
him. But she seemed a good, honest
sort of girl-not beautiful, certainly,
vet fairly presentablc. Compared
with the solid fact that she was an
heiress, her trifing defects weighed
very lightly with Augustus. The
crumplcd rOse-lcaf which disturbed
his happiness was due TO the omnous
behaviour of q rival, Mr.. Theodore
Brittlebone, whose attentions, until
Augustus had appeared upon the
scene, seemed to have been favorably
received by Miss Arabella.
Mr.. Theodore Britleboue was a
gaunt and gloom; youth. whose avoca-
ton was something in the hardware
line. Bitter enmity, not unnaturally,
arose between him and Augustus,
which resulted in Mr.. Brittlebone be-
ing requested by old Mr.. Smith to dis
continue his visits when Miss Ara
bella's engagement was announced.
Mr.. Brittlebone accordingly withdrew
his society, but he haunted the house
like shadow. He waylaid Augustus
in the streets, accosting him with mock
politeness. and accusing him of trifiing
with Miss Arabella's affections. Oc'
casionally his conduct became violent.
and he once actually challenged
Augustus to fight it out like man be.
meath lamp-post. This unruly be.
havior and persistent persecution be-
gan TO prey upon the nerves of Angus
tus, who. in addition to being little
man, was not addicted to pugilism.
He was painfully conscious that he
was no match for the bellicose Mr.,
Brittlcbone, and he was seriously ap'
prehensive for his personal safety
But what worried him even more was
that his rival cast doubts upon the eX
istence of old Mr.. Smiths reputed
wealth. Apparently Mr.. Brittlebone
rendered keen-eyed by jealousy, di
vined the real cause Of Augustus de
votion. At all events, he never
wcaried of insulating that he was nc
quainted with Mr.. John Smith
real circumstances in tone ana
manner which were painfully sug
gestive. Augustus forebore to dis
cuss the subject with him. although
these dark hints made him very un
easy. He was quite unable to fathom
his future father-in-l who declined
to be inveigled into conversation abou
his affairs. But it was evident tha
this reticence was CONSTITUTIONAL nnS
was not assumed for the occasion. Ole
Mr.. Smith was habitually taciturn anC
sscretive, and in this respect his con
duct was quite in keeping with misery
propcnsities. Augustus consoled him
self with the reflection that none coulC
know better than himself the true stat
of the case, and endeavOred to ctifl'
his misgivings by attributing Mr.. Brit
tlebone's inuendocs to envy and ig
norance mingled with Jealousy.
Although Augustus duly announced
his engagement to his friends, he die
not for some time mention it to hi
fellow-students at Mr.. Retainer
chambers. He instinctively guessed
that Mr.. Retainer would suspect how
the event had come about, and, there
fore, to avoid unpleasantness, h
deemed it prudent to hold his tongue
But after awhile the news leaked out
as all news will; and when Augusta
was one morning requested TO 60 int
Mr.. Rctainer's room. he had q present
iment of what was in store.
GOOD morning, Mr.. Maw," sail
Mr.. Retainer, very stiifly. ~ hav
sent for you to ask if it be true, as
hear. that you are engaged to be mar
ried."
Eyes. sir; it's true" said Augustus
definitely.
"Of course l have nothingwhatever
to do with your private AFFAIRS re
sumed Mr.. Retainer; ''but it has OC
Cured to me that l may be, in
measure. innocently responsible fc
what has taken place
II don't understand" said Angus
tus, reddening.
1.-The young lady is a Miss Smith.
; am toid--the daughter of MIR. job
Smith. of Hilldrop-crescent, Candle
town. said Mr.. Retainer, meaningly
THAT is correct" admitted, Angus
tus.
"Whose will was prepared in m
chambers a few months back" sal
, Mr.. Retainer, with unpleasant en-
phasis.
at was an accidental circumstance,
murmured Augustus, avoiding MIR. RI
tainer's gaze.
'Of course. II l thought for on
5 moment that any one in my chamber
r could be capable of such a gross brcac
{ of faith, as well as of professional ct
quette, as to take advantage of prt
, fessional secrets, / would request hin
, TO put on his hat and leave this mo
A ment." a..
The effect of this speech upon Az
gustus was that he felt inclined 10 snea
. out of the room then and there.
, was evident that Mr.. Retainer's word