Thomas County cat., 1886-08-26

commonplace to need describing. Suf-
tice it to say that Augustus fascinating
manners, his fashionable attire and
his performances upon'Sthe German
flute combined to render him irrssisti-
bic.
, The Smiths turned out to be = re-
Spectacle family, without the least pre-
tentions to genti6ty. 1t was evident
that Augustus was the nearest approach
to gentleman they had ever been ac-
quaintsd 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 4 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. Bat she seemed good, honest
sort of girl-not beautiful, certainly.
yet fairly presentable. Compared
with the solid fact that she was an
heiress. her trifiing defects weighed
very lightly with Augustus. The
crumpled rOse-leaf which disturbed
his happiness was due to the ominous
behaviour of rival, Mr.. Theodore
Brittlebone, whose attentions, until
Augustus had appeared upon the
scene, seemed to have been favOrably
received by Miss Arabella.
MIR. Theodore Brittlebono was a
gaunt and gloomy 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 a shadow. He waylaid Augustus
in the streets, accosting him with mock
politeness. and accusing him of tritling
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 a lamp-post. This unruly be-
havior and persistent persecution be-
gan TO prey upon the nerves of Angus
tus, who. in addition to being a 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 APP
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 rcputed
wealth. Apparently Mr.. Brittlebone,
rendered kcen-eyed by jealousy, di-
vined the real cause of Augustus de-
votion At all events, he never
wearicd of insinuating that he was ac-
quainted with Mr. John Smith S
manner which were painfully sug-
gestlve. 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-law, who declined
to be inveigled into conversation about
his affairs. But it was evident that
this reticence was constitutional, and
was not assumed for the occasion. Old
Mr. Smith was habitually taciturn and
secretive, and in this respect his con-
duct was quite in keeping with miserly
propensities. Augustus cOnsoled HIM
self with the reflection that none could
know better than himself the true state
of the case, and endeavored to :title
his misgivings by attributing Mr.. Brit
tlebones inuendoeS to envy and ig-
norance mingled with jealousy.
Although Augustus duly announced
his engagement to his friends. he did
not for some time mention it to his
at Mr.. Retainer's
chambers. He instinctively guessed
that Mr. Retainer would suspect how
the event had come about, and, there
fore, to avoid unpleasantness, he
deemed it prudent to hold his tongue.
But after awhile the news leaked out,
as all news will; and when Augustus
was one morning requested to go into
Mr.. Retainer's room. he had present
iment of what was in store.
"Good morning. Mr.. Maw," said
Mr. Retainer, very stiffiy. Il have
sent for you to ask if it be true, as
hear, that you are engaged to be mar
ried.'
Yes. sir; it's true" said Augustus,
definitely.
"Of course l have nothingwhatevcr,
to do with your private affairs" re-
sumed Mr.. Retainer; ''but it has Oc-
Cured to me that l may be, in a
measure, innocently responsible for
what has taken place
Il don't understand" said Angus
tus, reddening.
'The young lady is a Miss Smith. 1
am toid-the daughter of Mr.. John
Smith. of Hilldrop crescent. Camden
town." said Mr.. Retainer, meaningly.
That is correct" admitted, Angus
tuS.
"Whose will was prepared in my
chambers few months back, said
Mr.. Retainer, with unpleasant en-
phasis.
.'It was an accidental circumstance.
murmured Augustus, avoiding Mr.. Re-
tainers gaze.
''Of course. If l thought for one
moment that any one in my chambers
could be capable of such a gross breach
of faith, as well as of professional eti-