Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-09-06
A CLEVER YOUNG MAN.

tractor, wanted q resident tutor Tor MS III
valid 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, good-looking young Oxford gradu-
ate, with an assured manner.
1t refers to my daughter. You are
probably aware that have daughter who
resides with me?" said Mr. Thompson,
fidgetine nervously with his Eyeglasses.
Eyes, ! have heard so.
well. think it is desirable to mention
that have yiews-yery decided views-ln
reference to my daughter future. She is
my only daughter, and and-is naturally
Il source of the most extreme soliCitude,
said MIR. Thompson, looking much en-
barrassed.
Naturally" said Mr.. Blythe, quietly
and cxpectanty.
And the long and the short of the mat
ter is for ! am Il plain man, Mr.. Blythe,
and / can't beat about the bush-that
must ask your word Of honor that you will
refrain from paying attentions to my
daughter while you are residing here, or,
indeed ahcm at any time, said Mr..
Thompson turning very red, but looking
as if he thoroughly meant what he said.
Il think your warning is unnecessary,
sir, said Mr.. Blythe grayely.
Il don't know that! | don't know that, y
said Mr.. Thompson, raising his voice, and
avoiding his companion glance. '1ou
are young man and my daughter is
young and inexperienced. You will reside
under the same roof AN inconyenient ar
r;mgcmcut but unavoidable, as my son $
health is precarious. You will be thrown
together and and well ! think it best to
put you on your guard. Have your word
Of honor?'
Certainly"
Very well, Mr.. Blythe Then feel
sure that ! can rely upon your discretion.
We shall have the pleasure of receiving
you on Tuesday of next week? Good
morning"
The old gentleman felt relieved at hay
ing taken this prccaution and he was fav-
orably impressed with the air of sincerity
with which Mr.. Blythe gave the required
pledge. But he nevertheless resolved to
keep II watchiul eye upon the young man
when he entered upon his duties for the
truth was, that since the health Of his only
son In been broken down, Mr.. Thompson
had shown tendency to toe 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 rs lac realized that in all human prob
ability the whole Of his vast wealth would
one day dcvOyc upon his daughter, he
developed Il perfect mania regarding her.
Whether hc cherished an ambitious design
that she should marry into the arlstocracy,
or whether he was simply apprehensIve
that she might fall prey To II fortune
hunter on account ON her brilliant cXpecta-
tions, he, at all events. began to keep the
girl in almost us strict seclusIon as Il nun
III II convent Young men-sons of the
gentry of the ncighhorhood of his country
house who had once ON a time been wei
come guests. found that they were no long
er invited to Starlcigh Towers, and even
Jack Travers the heir of the old squire of
the next parish who was supposed to he
almost as much favorite of old Mr..
Thompson as he apparently was of the
young lady herself, no longer veutured to
obtrude himself 1t WIS whispered that
grief and disappointment at the hopeless
condition of his boy had uuhinged the
contractor mind. though, except rs re-
garded his daughter, he seemed rs acute
and energetic as ever Poor Rose ThOmp-
son who was pretty and amiable girl
submitted to her fate with tolerahle equa-
nimity. which probably gave rise to the
suspicion that there was Il secret under
standing between her and Mr. Jack Tray
crs
Old Mr.. Thompson not unnaturally, felt
misgivings about the prudence of Mr..
Blythe, and ii was not until the young man
had been the house for Il month or two
that the anxious father began To breathe
freely. But the tutor conduct was SO UNI
cXteptionahle. and Mr.. Thompson received
such satisfactory reports from his daugh-
ter,s 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
zcalously and ingratiated himself with his
pupil, and old MIR. Thompson considered
that he had every reason to feel satisfied
with the selection he had made and the
confidence he had rcposed.
One afternoon however. when he had
occupied his post for about two months,
Mr., Blythe sought an interview with his
employer, and in a solemn manner said:
MIR. Thompson. feel il my duty to re-
sign at once.
why" inquired the old gentleman,
opcn-mouthed
Il would rather not say. if You will cx-
CtlSe me. said MIR Blythe. who looked
pale and depressed.
Nonsense. think am entitled to
know the reason. said Mr., Thompson. not
uukmdly. IL thought you and my son
were getting ON 81 we'll together2'
SO we are. ! like Your son and like
my work
very we'll. then. Why do you wish to
leaye?" continued Mr. Thompson. eagerly
You have won golden opinions here from
every one,
You are very kind to say so, Mr.
Thompson, hut | must go, added Mr.
Blythe with sigh.
Surely there must he a cause" said
Mr.. Thompson, almost angrily. Have
yen any complaint to make of anything or
nybody?'
mo. no. MIR. Thompson. will speak
the truth if YOU will treat what | have TO
say as spoken in the stricteSt confidence, y"
replied MIR Blythe. looking straight at his
employer as though he had suddenly
taken desperate determination.
Certainly" said old Mr.. Thompson.
fuirly overwhelmed with curiosity.
Mr.. Thompson, returned Mr.. Blythe
lowering his voice, Il love your daughter. ="
Eth! The devil YOU do?" cried Mr.
Thompson, falling back in his chair as
though he had been shot
Yes. Mr. Thompson, love her. have
loved her almost ever since first came
herer' said Mr.. Blythe, in tone which
was half pleading half deSpairing
You ought to have remembered your
promise. sir. You gave me your word of
honor. exclaimed Mr.. Thompson, starting
up in a sudden fury and beginning to pace
about the room.
Il know did but-but | could not ,
loving her. However. / have kept my
promise. and it is now that | feel l can
keep it no longer that say l must leave. :"
'0hl You 've-you We said nothing to
my daughter?" asked the old gentleman,
pausing abruptly from his agitated walk.
No. have said nothing to forfeit your
good opinion. remembered the relative
positions of your daughter and myself, she
a great heiresS, | IA 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 re-
conciled me to my promise and enabled
me to keep my secret. schooled my feel