Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-02-27

Ted. You know, Tom," he added, no.
ticing the wholesome effect of his words,
''you are entirely dependent upon me,
and unless you took to poaching, don't
see how you could possibly earn a crust.
Beside, you are up to your ears in debt. !"
II don'towe much, said Tom, quickly,
with tell-tale blush.
"You will find out that you owe a
good de- il when your creditors learn that
l have made your cousin Ted my heir"
said the old man, enigmatically.
Tom was evidently seriously discon-
certed by 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 nal considered he had gained
a signal victory. and was, therefore, not
the least pcrturbe1 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 rcappcarcd, looking decidedly sheep
ish, and rendered his submission.
. I'm going away for a bit, guv'nor.
Webster and some other. fellows have
hired a yacht, an 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 | hope on your return
that YOU will settle down and reside per
manently in the country"
lie had it on the tip of his tongue to
hint that he must be prepared to marry
Lady Florence, but he wisely rcfrained.
Nevertheless. he was as full of the pro ect
as ever, and after Toms departure he
spoke to Lord Laburnum more plainly
than he had hitherto done.
He was very much startled and dis
g,lsted on learning that his solicitor had
been asked to accept service of u writ on
Toms behalf in an action for damages
for breach of promise of marriage brought
by Miss Fabian. The news upset him,
for such a scandal would set all the
papers gossiping about his antecelents
Mr.. Moiyneux soon arrived at the con-
clusion that the action must be COM
promised at any cost. He rushed up to
town in quite a frantic state, and disre-
garding TIE advice and protestations of
his solicitor insisted that Miss Fab;an
claim should be settled forthwith at any
sacrifice.
He was successful in his man object,
but rich man as he was, he almost eroan-
ell 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 apprchensivc 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 allude to what has
happened, my boy"
You are very good, father, but
but"
What is the matter q
II still cling to the hope that you
will consent to my marriage with Miss
Fabian" said Tom, desperately.
''Whatr' roared his father
"You sec, guv'nor," proceeded Tom,
Tin in much better position than was
before went away. My debts are now
paid, and as for my cap:tal-'
''Wcll, sir. what about capital!' inter
rrlptcd the old man, too much amazed to
be angry.
"Thcrc is the money you paid to Miss
Fabian" said Tom, with a fleetng smile
THE interest on it would keep us from
starving"
''But-but I paid the money because
you broke your promise to mary her"
argued his father, incrcdulously. ''She
yn,,ll rnynr N, arr,- vo,, pou-
IL think she would, replied Tom in
confident tone
"The fact is, sir, I have been victim
led" suddenly, as the truth flashed
across his mind.
"'Not exactly, father-at least, not
yet" returned Tom. 81 hope you will
not withhold your consent to our mar
Rage If You will conscl 1t, the money
shall be paid back to yo"-evcry far
thing"
Old Mr. Molyneux had turned purple
in the face, and Tom was Justly alarmed
at his aspect. But lefore he could utter
word in reply, manservmt brought
in a note, rcmarking that Il messenger
was waiting to know if there was any re-
ply. Mr. Molyncux opened the envelope
half-abscntly, glanced hurricdly at the
contents, AMI then gave vent to a NUT
tered eXccration which apparently re-
lieved his o7er-wrought feelings.
"Yon-you impertin" mt, disrcspectful,
disobedient rascal What did you say
atout the moaey?'
II said every fartling would be re-
turned to you, )" replied Tom, staring at
his father.
Every WELL" said the old man,
abruptly, and he Immediately sat down
at the wr,ting-table and wrot, note
with a trcnulous hand. ''ilead that"
Dear Lord Laburnum: 1t is very kind of
you to hast n 10 inform M, on hearing of my
sons return, that you have other views with
regard to your daughter Floren e. / ought
erhapS, to have mentioned that my son has
been engaged to n Miss Fabian for some
months, and that his marriage will take place
Immediately Yours faithfully.
JNo. Mo1yxEvx.
sob! father 1t is awful good of
you," cried Tom, with tears in his eyes
II expect Lord Laburnun will be hor-
rificd," said Mr.. Molyncux, sulkily, as he
folded up the note. II doubt if should
have made $4,000 by allowing you to
marry his daughter"
Painting Portrait by Description.
Gloomy Siberia has furnished a joke of
her own that has made all the Russias