The Sunday herald., 1886-11-07
TOMS ENGAGEMENT.

Bring back our golden dreams again.
u. j. ROBERTSON.
-Chambers'sJomnoL
TOMS ENGAGEMENT.
Old Mr.. Molyneux was immensely proud
OF his position as the county magnate. He
lived In feudal CASTLE which he had bought
oheaply, having taken over at the same time
the good will, 30 to speak, Of Its former
owners social Influence and dignity. In
consideration Of his great wealth, his neigh
bors charitably ignored the fact that his
father had been q small tradesman, and that
he himself had carried on lucrative bust
ness In the hardware line for many years.
| He was not bad old fellow, his vulgarity
being Of subdued and inofrsnsive kind, and
consequently he was received in the best
county society. But he aspired to even
greater distinction, for his pet project was to
marry his only son, Tom, TO one Of the Earl
of Laburnum's daughters. There seemed
no reason why this auspicious event should
not come about, for the Lady Florence looked
kindly upon Master Tom, and his Lordship
had more than once limited that he would
raise no objection. Lord Laburnum was the
lord lieutenant Of the county, and an alli-
ance with his family meant admission into
thp most atlStocrattC circles.
Unfortunately Master Tom was rather a
scapegrace, and his father preferred to let
him see little Of the world before revealing
the high honors that were In store tor him.
The fact was that Tom showed no predilsc-
tion whatever for the Lady Florence, and he
was Just atthatdemocratic at age when a youth
is apt TO undsrrate social advantages.
The old man hoped that when Tom had
had his fling he would begin to awake to the
responsibilities of his position, and be anne
nable to reason. He knew that Tom was rails
ing respectable crop of debts, and that before
long his paternal assistance would esought
When the crisis arrived he intended to
make known his wishes, and to take advan-
tage of the lads embarrassments to impose
conditions. Meanwhile, as Tom seemed to
have given his heart rowing commission
there was no apparent danger of his seri
ously compromising his affections.
One day, however. the yonng man came
down from town, where ba was ostsnsibly
study ying for the bar, and with n very grave
and determined air announced that he was
engaged to be married. Old Mr.. MOlynenx
nearly had it of apoplexy on the spot, and
when Tom proceeded to state that the young
lady earned her own living by carrying on
the business of dressmaker at the Yves
End his horror aud indignation knew nc
bOunds.
In vain Tom pleaded that Miss Fabian was
a lady by birth and education, and that the
poverty of her family was her only crime
His father became more and more furious
until Tom showed symptoms OF fat rebellion
"Think Of your position in the county p
cried old Mr.. Molynsux, perceiving this, anf
wisely making an effort TO control himself
9" will take it for granted, If you like, tina
the eirl is an exemplary character. Sh
may be ladylika and we'll educated, and al
the rest of it. But her station ia altogethe
inferior to yours"
81 don't zee that" said Tom, stubbornly Y
"Why, of course. 1t is Ridiculous" sait
the old gentleman, swelling with selfim
portancs. father, you say. is poor
ont. at elbows devil of clerk in the city"
. "I've never noticed his coat has holes Il
it." retortel Tom. GAS for his beinga clerl
In the city, SO we're you-once. The onl
difference is that you have been more fortu
nate than he, and have made enough none
. to retire upon.'
, "Nona Of your internal radical nonseps
U here, air r' cried old Mr.. Molyneux, infuri
ated at this reference to his own origin. 81
would bs Just as sensible to say that 20,
;, and / are the equals of Lord Laburnum bs
n cause Adam was our common ancestor
What does It matter II was once clerk I
grade in the social scale, and that is the fa'
that must be faced. BY marrying I'll
daughter of a otv clerk, who earns her liz
ing by drsssmaking, you would be making
, missllianoe.
= "Just as Lady Florence would bs marry
ing me-" said Tom, looking wonderfully II
nocent.
"Who is talking about Lady Florence
:, said old Mr.. Molyneux, taken aback by tn
, unexpected thrust.
"Nobody-only have an idea you wis
ma to marry ont Of nv station" rstort'
Tom.
az don't wish you to marry at all, sir, n
2. for many long year' cried the old ma
fairly nonplussed.
"What I mean Ia, father" said Tor
doggedly, "that ses no more harm In ma
rying below ones station-tO uss yonr ov
3. term-than In marrying above 1t. II one
wrong the other must be-"
m "Stuff and nonsense, sirl You don
know what you talking about, }" exclaim
Mr.. Molyneny. 81 don't want to have
|P, argument with yon. The long and short
the matter Is that won't hear Of this fot
ish engagement. Thsrel II is no uss tai
ing. Let there be an end Of II, or shi
)R have something very unpleasant TO say"
The old man bounced ont Of the room
an, l6 SpOkb, nOt u uttit stdTtitu
aS' his sons tone and attitude. Hitherto II
partly from Alial duty and partly from
hsrsnt weakness OF character. He began
% fear that the lad possessed unexpected lr
ness, until hs s0Othed his mind by the
Election that hs had probably hasn careful
-. coached for the interview. This suspici
his explained Master Toms unaooustomed rea
es; ness of rspartee, which had made him I
'on ~, pear a dangerous adversary.
be Relieved In his mind by the discover
/. old Mr.. Molyneux gradually cooled dow
80 aud completely rsoovs cred his sslf-confdsn
He easily convinced himself that Tom ns'
. would dare disObey him, and, instead Of fe
ing the least apprehensive of the marrii
taking place, he was only uneasy lest
mors Of the engagement should reach
Laburnums.
lis lie prudsntly resolved TO treat the mat
as definitely disposed of. and To make
further allusion to it-at all events III
Tom had had time for reflection. Judg
rd. from appear ances, the lad seemed oomplet
subdued. He spent the next few d
slaughtering pheasants In detected |
SIS sulky frame OF mind. His father smi
within himself and held his tongue, thor
he showed by his manner that he did
inten1 to bs trihed with. When he eonl
oTou I'M hiBhs ootoiy oPo"nt ao o"N
ots morning, with assumed oarelessness:
0s "Wsll, my hoy, what are you going
dor"
sing "pm going 10 shoot over Bailey's farI
8 OF replied Tom.
"Nonsense. You know what am re-
ring tor said the old man, turning red.
vara am speaking Of this idiotic love affair.""
sob Well, OF course l must keep
ryd: word" said Tom, with flushed cheeks.
So'a "Whati you haven't written to bres
of 2" said Mr.. Molyneux, feigning surpi
"No. guy nor, haven't" said Tom.
hoped you would have softened by
n tune"
"And believed YOU would have rem
u bered that your first duty was to obey }
father" cried the old man, beginning to
"Do you mean to tell me that you still
,o.n. template marrying IA dressinakerf' ~
sNis, "She has sold her business, father"
,nsa' f,ss' Tom, eagerly. "She might have done
!. ... ter had she waited bit, but out OF d.
4 ence to your wishes--"
l0r "My wishesi" interrupted Mr.. Molyn,
angEily. ~ don't care II she carriei
New twenty businesses. What | say Is that
hor shall never marry her with my coni