Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-06-17
CHAPTER III.
NRs rEMP1r rcoNolnzEs

During the weeks that Immediately fol-
lowed Sophia observed that her mother was
very often thoughtful, and would talk to her
self, nod her head, shake 1t, frown and make
number of those signs which denote thatwe
are thinking hard and reasoning with our
selves. She never dropped the smallest al
lusion to Prendergast, and Sophia, glad of
the opportunity, seized the favorable mo-
ments and showered caresses and attentions
upon her mother, which the mother for her
part received with every mark of satisfac-
ton. Thus the time, which, had it fulfilled
Sophiais expectations, would have been one
long scene of reproaches and regrets, did as
a matter Of fact glide easily and pleasantly
by, giving another illustration of that great
common truth, that IL we only wait until our
troubles actually come they will often turn
out no troubles at all Sophia, however,
wondered what the moot case could be that
her mother so pondered and argued with her.
self
"Sophy," the little woman said one morning
at breakfast, this house is too large for US.
shall give it up, and rent a small one rather
nearer the town. Our lease expires in Sep
tember, and I don't fancy another winter in
this lonely place"
So this had been the matter of internal
debate. Sophia was not at all surprised to
find that her mother was giving up the
Beeches for the burglary was sufficient
reason: but when the old woman began to
talk of reasons Of economy, she concluded
that, ashamed to confess to fear, she was ex-
cusing her fight by alleging pecuniary mo-
tives Sophia, however, soon found that
there was more in the matter than she had
imagined.
II shall keep one carriage in the future, no
more" Mrs. Temple said few days after.
zone carriage, one horse, and one man ser
want Quite enough for us two"
Mamma" Sophia cried, "the idea of you
trotting about in little brougham with one
horse! How funny you will feel"
"Not at all, dear, so long as the carriage Is
neat and the horse what horse should be.
Quite enough for us, Sophy. More seems af-
fectation; just like those Dones. Horrid
people, with fresh carriage for every day in
the week-and such horsesl It strikes me that
whenever a vulgarian makes money and re-
| tires, being of no family himself, he resolves
to have horses with pedigree. No, no,
Sophy, we shall not lose anything by living
quietly. Leave that to me, dear; you may
safely leave that to me-"
Great was the astonishment of Kettlewen.
Not that we wondered at Mrs. Temple giving
up the Beeches; with u.s. as with Sophia, the
burglary was sufficient reason for that But
when she chose small boz Of villa near
the entrance of the town, and put down two
of her carriages, dismissed five Of her SER
wants, and in general way reduced her ex-
penditures by more than one-haf, we were
surprised indeed. Had Sophia been married
the affair would have been ineligible, but
who, for any motive except neces-
sity, ever heard of a matchmaking mother
lowering her mode of living until all her
daughters were settled2 There was great
deal of talk in Kettlewell and great deal Of
whispering. Had Mrs. Temple been living
beyond her means! Had she made some bad
speculation? Was this only the prelude to a
final crash9 Ali these questions were asked
freely, and most of lis had some surmise to
make; but nobody quite agreed with any
body else except in one point-Mrs. Temple
was not the woman to retrench without ur-
gent reason; and after all, the most likely
reason was that she had not the money to
maintain her original grandeur. One spite
full lady friend congratulated her ironically
behind her back on having married two
daughters well, at all events, and said that
even if the mother died bankrupt, dear
Sophia would always have a comfortable
home with her sisters
Car and Sibyl were as much amazed as the
rest, and, not daring to inquire of their
mother, they beset Sophia with questions
which she was unable to answer. Sibyl was
especially searching for reasons why, her
husband having directed her mind to the
subject in his elephantine way.
ut is not for us, he said, pausing as be
stirred his coffee-for they were at break
fast-"it is not for us to ask questions, but
still your mothers conduct is unaccountabIe
If you could find out whether she has heen
speculating, or if her affairs are involved, I
might interfere with advantage-to your
| mo, her."
Goldmore. as he said this, cleared his throat
and shifted his chin between his shirt collar
in an imposing way. The chin was very
well shaved, and the shirt collar very white
and stiff, as is invariably the cafc with
rlillienaires in the morning.
~ might advise with your mother" the
great man added. seeing that his wife did
not speak. "and tender her my aid"
Sibyl was really alarmed at this suggestion
from her husband, who, as she we'll knew,
was neither a nleddler nor one who formed
his opinions hastily. She hurried off to
Sophia and declared her Inisgivings; and all
Sophia could say was that there seemed good
reason for fearing that something was wrong.
But, Sophia added, she had already tried
every possible means to find out her mothers
actual position and motives, and had entirely
failed
"In that case" Archibald Goldmore said
when his wife reported this result to him, ~
shall call upon your mother myself and in
troduce the subject. 1t is my duty to offer
her my counsel What can she know about
businessr
And he called upon little Mrs. Barbara,
who received him with her usual cheerful
ness Goldmore was a favorite with her In
his way.
"You know me well enough to be quits
sure that ana no Paul Pry,' " the millionaire
said. He seemed to think that there was
magnanimity In his very mention Of that
character in connection with himself az
hope don't intrude' Is not cften on my lips,
for this simple reason-I ksosO don't In
trude.n
Little Mrs. Temple gave him q brisk nod
and smile, and he proceeded, approaching
his subject with slow dieNity, as If he were
driving the lord mayors coach round
ticklish corner.
"We have been . little surprised-Siby
and myself-at the great change you have
made in your household; and knowing, as we
do, your sound common sense, we are sure
there is good reason for 1t. It is greet
change, he added, looking round the small
drawing room, although you have displayed
your usual good taste'here from-from-hoo
10 ceiling"
EYES," Mrs. Temple replied unconcernedly,
ut is nice little house.