The Penn's Grove record., 1886-01-16

iof three hundred per annum for himself
mo one need know why it has beendone,
land the family honor would at least be
saved.
SIT is hard for you my poor boy, "
said my father, laying his hand upon
The bright, young head, bowed in such
bitter grief before him.
Walter was not ashamed of the tears
that he could not restrain, nor of the
Theavy sobs that shook his frame, as he
finally decided upon parting with his
grand old home. If he could have pre-.
Served the Hall itself he would have
jcared less; but he dreaded the thought
That strangers would roam over the
Igardens In which his mother had taken
lsuch pride.
Never mind,' SAID Walter, raising
himself and drawing his slight graceful
| ligure to its full height, II will waste
| no more time in regret; | have my own
way to make in the world now. If sue
coed [ shall have myself to thank; if l
falI there will be none to blame me-"
''Do not forget, Walter" said my
father shat while | live you have a
true and warm friend. My house is
YOURS when you choose to use it; my
wife shares my affection for you, and
Belle has always been your little sister. "
you are indeed kind, Sir" said the
poor youth, grasping the hand held out
TO him. Il Will never say l am home
less and friendless while you live"
Walter stayed with us until all his
affairs were arranged. The Odkdale
estate was advertised for sale; the mort
gage money was promised within the
| year; the creditors were all assured of
the speedy payment of their accounts.
Nothing remained to be done save to
choose from many bidders the most
eligible one. This was left in my faith
erjs hands. Walter wished him to I'M
dertake it, and he did SO, arranging
with him that as soon as the purchase
money was paid he would at once dis
charge every debt, and invest the sur
Plus to the best advantage.
One painful thing poor Walter was
obliged to do himself, and that was to
discharge the numerous servants, some
tf whom had been in the family for
Ilany years.
Mrs. Vance, the stately old house.
keeper, stoutly refused to move. 1t
vas in vain Walter assured her the hall
vas to be sold.
as it already disposed of, Sir Wal
ta2' she asked.
"Why no, not yet" he replied; 'but
i will be, soon. There are several pur-
{ lasers already in the field
Then, with your permission, sir, l
viii remain here until the new family
cJues,' y said Mrs. Vance. 81 was here
as plaid to Lady Bohun, your mother,
! Sr Walter, and | helped to nurse you.
/ have had no other home, and I will
not leave this until | am obliged to do
SO"
"But, my good Mrs. Vance"
said Sir Walter.
Excuse me, sir" interrupted the
G 4 lady, with a stately courtesy. 81
beg you will say no more. My late
IGNORED master was a most liberal one
! ave saved money, and shall not re-
qulre to earn more. That l may be
permitted to retain possession of my
o yn room is all l ask.
AS all arguments was found to be
useless, Walter allowed the Old lady to
h we her way, and she remained the
sple occupant OF the stately old a
s on, It was perhaps well that she did
SO, for her care of it knew no bounds.
Inc room was kept clean, and free from
d isl nothing was changed or altered.
Better news came for Walter; he was
CHOSEN from a. 4ongst his young COM
peers to accompany the commanding
officer Of he regiment abroad, where
he was going on a matter of great trust
pld Importance.
81 am sincerely glad" said my father
t HIM, "the total change of scene will
d vert your mind from your recent
troubles; besides, it will be less trying
for you tan If you had to return and
e counte1 the remarks and gossip of a
! ~ess-rOoll."
So cur Young hero babe us farewell,
+ omisine to visit us as soon as he re-
turned to England.
Ny father had been for many years
Sc Stephen Bohun's nearest nelghbor
aid most intimate friend. True, he
knew nothing of the state of his pecu-
May affairs, nor had his circumstances
proved OF any avail, when he tried, for
Walters sake. to make his father more
careful. Sir Stephen had chosen him
for his sons guardian, because he knew
The great love my father had for the
boy.
TO choose an eligible purchaser for
Utkdale lad been a great trouble and
care to ny father. In Mr.. Eyrle he
found all he required; and the day on
which be received the handsome sum
paid for he estate, and discharged all
Il e NUMEROUS and heavy liabilities of
hi late + lend, was one of the happiest
oi his lift.
Our drive to Oakdale was delightful;
rs. Va ice was charmed beyond all
measure to hear of the newcomers. All
business arrangements we're soon made,
ard three or four servants from the
nighboring town were engaged; fires
we're lighted in the large chilly rooms.
81 think" SAID my father, "that af.
tr all the letters l have had from these
lslies | am bound to be at the hall to
met them; not to stay, but just to bid
nem welcome home"
My father rode away and was absent
some hours. My anxiety for his return
WIS very great, for l longed exceeding
lyto know something of the young
htiress.
What is she like. papa?" l cried as
SON as he entered the door.
~ am not a good hand at descriptions
Bile" said he, a quiet smile playing
roInd'his lips; 'but you will see her to-
morrow. After a most pressing invita-
tlon l have promised to take yourmam-
ma and you over"
80 they seem to like the placePn
asked my mother,
The youny lady. Miss Eyrle. is In
rapture with It," he replied. 81 am
thankful to say that she will not even
permit a chair to be removed from its
place, still less will she allow any ma
terial alterations"
81 am so glad L cried; ''poor Wal
Ter will feel it so much less than If his
old home were changed"
She shows very correct taste and
much good feeling" said my father,
You must look to your toilette, Belle,
for our heiress understands dress, or 1
am mistaken"
VI y - " N-rA 49,