The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-04-15

As they entered the passage, they
saw Laura pass swiftly from the house,
with tears in her eyes, and William
Fairfield looking after her with an ex-
preston of annoyance. Stephen was
about 10 address him, but checking
himself for a moment, allowed Alice TO
enter the room where the company
was assembled. Then he said:
You don't seem over-wen pleased,
William Fairchild."
what business may that be Of
yoGrs?" returned William, in an un-
gracious tone. ATTEND to your own
matters, and leave me to mine"
" Hard words these, lad, upon Christ
mas eve," said Stephen, with no show
of anger; '.but perhaps l was in the
wrong. | beg your pardon"
Humbleness did not sit well upon the
man: but It was so unusual an eXhibi-
ton in him that it stung William into
remOrse.
cit is who should beg pardon, Mr.
WinkwOrth. There is my hand. Do
not refuse it.
Not likely I should refuse your
hand, my lad, though many another
mans | might He paid no heed to
the look of surprise with which Will
iam received this expression of good
will. Can you spare me a few min
utesp ] have that to say to you it may
be well for you to hear. No, not i'll the
house, with prying eyes about. What
/ have to say to yen is private. Come
into the open air"
He led the way. and in silent wonder
William followed him. The snowfall
had ceased, and had left a thick, soft
carpet upon the earth. The moon was
shining forth, and the heavens were
bright and pure in the light of the glO-
rious prospect beneath them. AS far
as eve could reach every object was
mantled in loveliest white. The tall
trees stood like white sentinels of the
night, erect and watchful. The sloping
roofs sloped whitley down to the caves,
and the chimney-pots reared their heads
WHITLEY to the skies, the cOwlS upon
them resembling the shrouded heads of
white monks bending in prayer.
The solemn peacefulness Of the beau
tiful night impressed its loving lesson
upon both the men, and for a little
while they were silent. William Fair
field was the first to speak.
''DO YOU wish to speak to me about
my farm?"
mo, lad. OF something OF far great
er Importance toyour welfare. Though,
for the matter of that, am ready at
any moment to fulfill nv share of the
bargain. If you 90 to the lawyers to-
morrow. you will find the money ready
name.
MIR Wymcr has told me so a dozen
times; but have no intention now of
selling my land. You must be a we'll
TODD man, Mr.. Winkworth, to allow
sixteen hundred pounds TO be idle for
so long a time. l should not mind be-
ing in your shoes"
$50 far as regards money!"
Yes; not in any other way particu-
larly."
Il am better than wcll-tO-dO; am a
rich man. If you. with your youth,
and strength. and talent, had my
money. you could hold up your head
with the best III the country. My
daughter will inherit every penny |
possess Inherit! 1t is hers now, while
the man who marries here"
Il trust she viii marry one worthy
of her said William; with sharp
look at Stephen.
MY child will bring what is better
than beauty to him who wins her love.
With riches. she will bring 4 faithful
heart: with riches. she viii bring a soul
stainless rs an angels.
There was no installing the meaning
Stephen intended to convey, and Will
am Fairfield paused long before he
could command himself sufficiently to
speak with GOODNESS.
This is not the first time to-day that
YOU have uttered words to which |
should not listen. What do You mean
by them?"
Fair and softly, my lad. 1t is your
interest l have At heart.
Speak plainly. then"
81 will. Would you-would any man
with his eyes open-marry a woman
who is playing a double game-a
shameless wench-"
BY heaven"
Hold off Your hands and listen to
me. | could be your father, William
Fairfield. for the years l bear. Be still
and hear me out From the depths of
my own life | nave that to say which.
if YOU are not utterly blind. will prove
to YOU how false fair things may be.
When have done, You can judge for
yourself"
His stern impreSSiveneSS made its
mark. William Fairfield did not reply,
but stood with his back against tree.
clenching his hands and beating his
foot impatiently against its trunk.
They had wandered some little distance
from the house, and the notes OF mer-
riment from within fell but family upon
their ears. Otherwise, not 4 sound but
that of their own voices broke the still
ness of the night.
You know what / am" Stephen
said; ''yOu know the estimation in
which l am held. Il any man. woman
or child, in all DevonShire were asked
who in all DeyonShire was most dis
liked. most hated, most summed. the
reply would be-Stephen Winkworth.
If any dumb animal in DevonShire de-
sired to show its dislike to one person
more than all others, it would be to
Stephen Winkworth. Children turn
from him; beggarS avoid him; not a
human being has 4 smile of welcome
for MIN. Were he 10 be deprived of
his wealth. and were he lying parched
and starving by the roadside, no one
out of love would, for his sake, give
him a cup of milk-no one out of
compassion would offer him bed of
straw TO lie upon. Were Stephen
Winkworth to die tomorrow, no one
but the undertaken would attend his
funeral, and even he would be glad
when the lob was done. Not q tear