Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-09-05

there was some purpose in them. Amy
had greater reason TO suspect the same
thing.
AT length it was declared. Mr.. Thomas
announced his name and asked private
interview with the aunt.
Il have daughter, ma'am." he began,
about the age of Miss Amy. She is not
very bright, but very gentle and loving
and she is heiress to a great fortune. Var
ious circumstances make il awkward for
me to provide her with the amusements
and cOmpanionship which are still more
necessary because. as l have said, my
Louise has not the resources in herself
which other children enjoy. Now it has
occurred TO me that If you would permit
your little niece to bear my child company
1t might be advantageous to everybody
concerned. Let us try it for a month, she
spending the day at my house and return
ing here to sleep | should add that the
girls viii be treated quite alike, share the
same lessons and wear the same dress, il
you do not object"
\ pang of ma ernal envy shot through
Mrs. Dermot's bosom. Why was not this
chance offered TO one of her own many
daughters? But the unworthy feeling did
not last The same afternoon she paid
visit to Mr., Thomas, saw his pretty child,
formed a high opinion of the housekeeper,
and came to terms. At the end Of the
months trial definite engagement was
concluded, and Amy went to live, for
time mfiXed, in the big beautiful house ON
Chaplain Common.
Her young mistress-though there was
no hint Of such relationship between them
proved TO be emphatically a "sweet
girl, " lovely of face, pure and atfectionate,
but weak Of brain. The mischief did not
90 beyond weakness.
With friends Louisa showed a spirit,
simple always and easily dashed, but al
most merry; toward strangers in all like
ihood she would never be otherwise than
submissive and distrustful of herself to
degree which might well cause a parent
anxiety.
MIR Thomas had married the sister of
Sir Philip Staymer, and with certain
branches Of that family he kept up a close
acquaintance Amy did not learn this fact,
as it CHANGED, until the arrangement was
completed. She resolutely proposed to
break it Off, giving her reasons.
BLESS metz said Mr.. Thomas; ARE you
the daughter Of that poor fellow ! re
member him. Well, well. it's a hard case
that Fred Staymer should have h.. a
million ana you-but we can get over
the difficulty, my dear, by calling you
Miss Dermot henceforward. I'll manage
it,"
So Amy changed her name before anyof
the hostile family had seen her,
In process Of time she met several, but
Sir Philip did not call, and his son only
once. He observed the companion with
interest; but if any vague recollections
rose in his mind he could not trace them.
A fine young soldier he was, as Amy could
not but admit His efforts to divert Louisa
failed disastrously good-natured and
amusing as they were, for such quick life
and high spirit simply abashed the shy
and timid girl Seeing this, Fred gave
her up carelessly, and turned to Miss Der
mot, who was not more cordial. Dismiss
ing both the little fools from his mind, lie
called no more.
So years passed until either girl reached
her eighteenth birthday, with no rccolec-
tion Of bitter word or thought bctwiXt
them. Then Mr. Thomas died suddenly
Saving few legacies he bequeathed all
his fortune TO Louisa, who was placed UNI
der the guardianship of Mr., Anthony
Stlymer one of his brothers-in law Upon
Amy Mr. Thomas settled an annuity Of
e100 a year and made bequest OF e5,OO0
but these legacies were conditional on her
remaining with Louisa until the marriage
of the latter In due time the girls with
drew to Mr.. Anthony Staymers fine
dwelling
1t was thought by persons interested
that Fred could not ruin himself, though
he tried his best, since gambling was no
passion with him; and they backed their
opinion by lending him money at an eXor-
bitant rate But circumstances unforeseen
upset the calculation.
Both Sir Philips brothers had with
drawn from the firm, but he still remained
at its head in association with three
nephews Creeping age however, warned
him to retire The partners objected and
prayed in vain; Sir Philip went TO shut |
Teton ard commenced a thorough over
hauling of affairs. Three days afterward
his nepheNs fed.
Things did not prove quite so bad as
they would have been, doubtless had the
inquiry been delayed The great firm was
not insOlvent, but u very large sacrifice
would be neccssary-how much was not
ascertaned when Sir Philip died Of shame
and self-reproach Fred left the service
and bent his unframed intelligence TO his
affairs. In process Of time it was discover
ed that the whole sum left by Sir Philipin
personal property would not suffice to meet
the liabilities of the firm and his sons
private debts.
Anthony otaymer advanced what was
needful on mortgage Of the estate, but il
was clear that Fred could not keep up the
house on what remained He wished to
sell, to rejojn the army, and make a posi-
ton for himself
But his uncle had other views; what
they were needs no telling. Fred came TO
Thetford House for visit presently.
Louisa was now a beautiful girl, but a
look of trouble and anxiety in presence Of
strangers marred the expression OF her
perfect face Though contact with Amy's
high spirit had done much to give her an
appearance Of ease ia society, the instinct
of self-distrust and obedience remained at
least as strong as ever.
Upon these characteristics Anthony re-
lied, If. as was very improbable, she