The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1889-05-10
ACLEVER YOUNG MAN.

Mr.. Thompson, the millionailec con-
tractor, wanted n resident tutor for
his invalid son, and he said to the
young man he had engaged:
"There is one other matter, Mr..
Blythe, that l must not omit to nen-
tion. 1t is n somewhat delicate sub
jcct."
"What is it sir, J" inquired the tutor
elect, u good-looking young Oxford
graduate, with an assured manner.
"It refers to my daughter. You
arc propably aware that ! have IL
daughter who resides with mc?" said
Mr.. Thompson, fighting nervously
with hiseyc-glosscs.
eyes, have heard So"
"Well, l think it is desirable to
mention that have views-very de-
cidetl views-in reference to my
daughters future. She is my only
daughter, and-and-is naturally IL
source of the most extreme solici-
:tude," said Mr., Thompson, looking
very much embarrassed.
Naturally" said Mr.. Blythe,
quietly and expsctuntly.
"And the long and the short of the
matter is-tor l am II plain man, Mr..
Blythe, and ] can't beat about the
busl-that must ask your word of
honor that you will refrain from pay
ing attentions to my daughter while
you are residing here, or, indeed
allcm-atany timc," said MIR. Thomp-
son, turning very red, butlooking as
if he thoroughly mcantwllat he said.
81 think your warning is unncccs-
sary, sir" said Mr.. Blythe gr;,vcly.
II don't know that! don't know
that!' said Mr.. Thompson, raising
his voice, and avoiding his compan-
ions glance. "You nrc a young man,
and my daughter is young and mex
pcricncc1. You will reside under the
same roof-an inconvcnicnt arrange
mcnt. but unavoidable, us my son IS
health is prccarious. You will bc
thrown together nnd-aml-wcll. |
think it best toput you on yourguard.
Have your word of llonor?!"
"Ccrtainly."
Every we'll, Mr.. Blythe. Then
feel sure that can rely upon your
discretion. We shall have the pleas
'lrc of receiving you on Tuesday in
next week? Good morning"
The old gentleman tclt relieved at
having taken this prrG,ution. and he
was favorably impressed with the air
of sincerity with which Mr.. Blythe
gave the required pledge. But he
nevertheless resolved to kccpa watch
ful eye upon the young man when he
entered upon his duties, Tor the truth
was that, since the health of his only
son lnld broken down MIR. Thompson
had shown Il tendency To l,ccrocllctty
about his daughter. Previous tn
that time he had not troubled linn
self much about thu girl, his hopes
and his pride having l"cllappa,pntIy
centred in his sou; but as soon aus llr
realized that innlll.umnnproIability ty
the whole of his vast wealth would
one day 'ievolvc upon his daughter,
he developed a perfect mania regard
ing her. Whether he cherished am
ambitious design that she should
marry into t!lcaristorr;lcy. wllctll-
he was simply apprrhcnsivr that she
might fall IL prey to II fortune hunter
on account of her brilliant cxprcta-
tiolls, he, at all events, commenced
to keep the girl in almost as stric, Sc
clusion as n nun in IL convent
Young mcn-sons of the gentry OF
the neighborhood of his country
housewife had once on Il time been
welcome guests, found that they were
no longer invited To Starlcigh Tow
ers; and even jack Travcrs. the heir
OF the old Squire OF the next parish,
who was supposed to he almost as
much IL filvorite OF old Mr.. Thomp-
son as he apparently was of the
young lady herself, no longer ven
tured obtrude himself. 1t was
whispered that grief and ,lisappoint-
mcntat the hopeless condition of his
boy had unhingcd the contractors
mind, though, except as regarded
his daughter, he seemed as acutcand
energetic as ever. Poor Rose Thomp-
son-whO was Il pretty and ;lmiablc
girl-submittc,l to her fate with toll
cradle eq,nnimity, which probably
gave rise to the suspicion that there
was n secret understanding between
her and Mr.. Jack l'ravcrs.
Old Mr.. Thompson. not unnatural
ly, felt misgivings about thcprudcncc
OF MIR. Blythe, and it was not until
the young man had been in the mouse
tor II month or two that the anxious
father began to breathe freely. But
the tutors conduct WAS so unexcep-
tionable, and Mr.. Thompson received
such satisfactory reports from his
daughters chaIeron and companion,
that he concluded by believing the
evidence OF his own eyes and ears,
that Mr.. Blythe was faithfully keep
ing his promise. For the rest. Mr..
Blythe discharged his duties Jealous
ly, and ingratiatcd himself with his
pupil; and old Mr.. Thompson con-
siderctl that he had every reason to
feel satisfaction with the selection he
had made, and the confidence he had
rcposed.
One afternoon, however, when he
had occupiedllis post for about two
months, Mr.. Blythe sought an inter
view with his employer, and, in IL
solemn manner, said:
"Mr. Thompson, feel it my duty
to resign at once"
''Why?" inquired the old gentle
man, n,opcn-montlcd.
~ would rather not say. il YOU will
excuse me- said Mr.. Blythe, who
looked pale and depressed.
''Nonscns"! think am entitled
To know the rrason.' said Mr..
Thompson, nntunkin'lly. ''l,llomght
you and my son were getting on so
well to"rthcr?'
$50 we are. ! lik" your son. and !
lik" my work"
Very we'll. then. Why do you
wisl, to lravr'!' continued Mr..
Thompson: but | must go" added