Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-27
A CLEVER YOUNG MAN.

| Mr.. Thompson. the millionaire contractor.
| wanted a resident tutor for his invalid son. and
he said to the young man he had engaged:
There is one other matter, Mr.. Blythe, that
must not omit to mention. 1t is a somewhat
delicate subject"
'what is it, sir?" inquired the tutor-elect, a
good-looking young Oxford graduate, with an
assured manner
1T refers to my daughter. You are proba-
bly, aware that have a daughter who resides
with mey said Mr.. Thompson fdgeting nerv-
ously with his eyeglasses.
"fes. have heard so.'
well. think it is desirable to mention that
have views-very decided views-in reference
to my daughters future. She is my only
daughter, and-and-ls naturally a source of
the most extreme solicitude," said Mr.. Thomp-
son. looking very much embarrassed.
Naturally" said Mr.. Blythe, quietly and
expectantly.
And the long and short Of the matter is
for am plain man, Mr.. Blythe. and | can't
beat about the bush-that / must ask YOUR
word OF honor that you will refrain from pay
ing S!Ieh.lons 10 my daughter while You are
| residing here or, indeed-ahem-at any time"
sand MIR. thompson. turning very red, but look
ing as If he thoroughly meant what he said
II THINK your warning is unnecessary, sir"
said Mr.. Blythe gravely.
Il don't know that, 1 don't know tbatr' said
Mr.. Thompson, raising his voice, and avoiding
his companions glance. You are a Young
man. and my daughter is Young and inexperi-
enced. You will reside under the same roof
an lnconvenient arrangement, but unayoida BILE
as my sons health is precarious. You will be
| thrown together and-and-well. l think it best
to put you on your. guard Have your word
| of honOr?'
Certainly
Every well, Mr.. Blythe Then 1 feel sure
that l can rely upen your discretion. We shall
have the pleasure of receiving you on Tuesday
in next week? Good morning.
The old gentleman felt relieved at having
taken this precaution, and he was favorablv
| impressed with the air of sincerity with which
Mr.. Blythe gave the required pledge. But he
nevertheless resolved to keep a watchful eve
upon the young man when he entered upon his
duties, for the truth was that, since the health
OF his only son had broken down Mr.. Thomp-
son had shown tendency to be crochety
about his daughter. Previous to that time he
had not troubled himself much about the girl
his hopes and his pride having been apparently
conferred in his son. but as soon as he realized
that in all human probability the whole of his
vast wealth would one day devolve upon his
daughter, he developed perfect mania re-
garding her. Whether he cherished an ambi-
tious design that she should marry into the
aristocracy. or whether he was simply appre-
hensive that she might fall prey to a fortune
hunter on account of her brilliant
expectations, he. at all events. commenced to
keep the girl IN almost as strict seclusion as a
nun III convent Young men-sons of the
gentry of the neighborhood of his country
housewife had once on time been welcome
guests, found that they were no longer invited
to Starlight Towers, and even Jack Travers
the heir of the old squire of the next parish
who was supposed to be almost as much a ia
vorite of old Mr.. Thompson as he apparently
was of the young lady herself, no longer ven
tured to obtrude himself 1t was whispered
that grief and disappointment at the hopeless
condition of his boy had unhinged the con-
tractors mind, though, except regarded his
| daughter, he seemed as acute and energetic as
! ever. Poor Rose Thompson-who was a pretty
and amiable girl-submitted to her fate with
| tolerable equanimity, which probably gave rise
| to the suspicion that there was a secret under
| standing between her and Mr.. Jack Travers
Old Mr.. Thompson, not unnaturally felt mis-
glylnSs about the prudence of Mr. Blythe and
| 1t was not until the young man had been in the
house for month or two that the anxious
father began to breathe freely But the tutors
conduct was unexceptionable and Mr.
| Thompson received such satisfactory reports
from his daughters chaperon and companion,
that he concluded by believing the evidence of
his own eyes and ears, that Mr.. Blythe was
faithfully keeping his promise. For the rest
| Mr.. Blythe discharged his duties Zealouslv
and ingratiated himself with his pupil and old
Mr.. Thompson considered that he had every
reason to feel satisfied with the selection he
uau lnaue ana tlle commence he had repOSeu.
One afternoon, however when he had occu-
| pied his post for about two months. Mr. Blythe
sought an interview with his employer, and, in
| solemn manner, said
Mr.. Thompson, feel it my duty to resign
| at once"
Why" inquired the old-gentleman, OPEN
mouthed.
Il would rather not say, if you will excuse
me" said Mr. Blythe, who looked pale and de-
pressed.
Nonsense! think am entitled to know
the reason, said Mr. Thompson not unkindly.
Il thought you and my son were getting on SO
well together?'
so we are. 1 like your son and like my
work"
Very well, then. Why do You wish to
leave?" continued Mr.. Thompson eagerly.
You have won golden opinions here from
every one."
You are very kind to say SO Mr.. Thomp-
son; but must go" added Mr.. Blythe, with a
sigh.
Surely there must be a cause" said Mr..
Thompson, almost angrily. Have you any
complaint to make of anything or anybody"
NO. no, Mr.. Thompson. l will speak the
| truth if yOu will treat what l have to say as
spoken i'll the strictest confidence" replied Mr.
| Blythe looking straight at his employer as
though he had suddenly taken desperate de-
termination.
Certainly" said old Mr. Thompson, fairly
overwhelmed with curiosity.
Mr.. Thompson" returned Mr. Blythe. low
ering his voice, Il love your daughter"
| "Eh, The devil you do.' cried Mr.. Thomp-
son, falling back in his chair as though he had
been shot.
Yes, Mr.. Thompson, I love her. have
loved her almost ever since first came here.'
said Mr.. Blythe, i'll tone which was half
pleading, half despairing.
You ought to have remembered your prom
Use. sir. You gave me your word of honor"
exclaimed Mr.. Thompson, starting up in sud-
den fury and beginning to pace about the
| room.
Il know did, but-but could not help low
ing her. However, L have kept my promise,
and 1t is now that feel l can keep it no longer
| that say | must leave"
| "Oh! You've-you've said nothing to nv
daughter" asked the old gentleman, pausing
abruptly from his agitated walk.
| No, have said nothing to forfeit your good
opinion, l remembered the relative positions
of your daughter and myself, she a great
heiress. l "a beggar," said Mr. Blythe with
matter-of-fact humility.
| Very proper-very proper" added Mr.
Thompson, approvingly, and gradually settling
down TO his favorite resting place in the center
of the hearthrug. Your conduct is exemplary"
| 1T was the remembrance of the difference
in our worldly circumstances which reconciled
me to my promise and enabled me to keep nv
secret. 1 schooled my feelings, learnt to con-
troll my Affections and so l stayed on. l
stayed on, confess, to be near her." said Mr..
Blythe.
That was foolish, very unwise," exclaimed
MIR. Thompson, fidgeting again.