Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-09-12
A CLEVER YOUNG MAN.

MI. thompson, Jne mllnOnalre CON
tractor, wanted resident tutor for his In
valid son, and he said to the young mar
he had engaged:
There is one other matter, Mr.. Blythe
that must not omit to mention. 1t Is &
somewhat delicate subject.
''What is it, sir?' inquired the tutor
elect, a good-lOokng 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
fdgeting nervously with his eyeglasses.
Yes, have heard so.
"Well, | think it is desirable to mention
that | have views-very decided views-ir
reference to my daughter S future. She is
my only daughter, -and-is naturally
a source of the most extreme solicitude, >
said Mr.. Thompson, looking much en-
barrassed.
Naturally" said Mr. Blythe, quietly
and exuectantly.
''Ano the long and the short of the mat.
ter is-for | am plain man, Mr.. Blythe
and | can't beat about the bush-that
must ask your word of honor that you viii
refrain from paying attentions to my
laughter while you are residing here, or,
indeed-ahem- 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 gravely.
II don't know that! don t know that
said Mr. Thompson, raising his voice, and
avoiding his companions glance. You
are a young man and my daughter is
young and inexperienced. You will reside
under the same roof-an inconvenient ar
rangement, but unavoidable, as my son S
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"
Every well, Mr.. Blythe. Then | feel
sure that | can re y 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 precaution 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 a watchful eye upon the young man
when he entered upon his duties, for the
truth was, that since the health of his only
son had been broken down, Mr.. Thompson
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 prob
ability the whole of his vast wealth would
one day devolve upon his daughter, he
developed perfect mania regarding her
Whether he cherished an ambitious design
that she should marry into the aristocracy
or whether he was simply apprehensive
that she might fall a prey to a fortune
hunter on account on her brilliant expecta-
tions he, at all events, began to keep the
girl in almost as strict seclusion as a nun
III a convent. Young men-sons of the
gentry of the neighborhood of his country
housewife had once on a time been well
come guests, found that they were no long
er invited to Starleigh Towers, and even
Jack Travers, the heir of the old squire of
the next parish, who was supposed to be
almost as much a favorite of old Mr.
Thompson as he apparently was of the
young lady herself, no longer ventured to
obtrude himself 1t was whispered that
grief and disappointment at the hopeless
condition of his boy had unhinged the
contractor mind, though, except as re-
garded his daughter, he seemed as acute
and energetic as ever. Poor Rose Thomp-
son-who was pretty and amiable girl
submitted to her fate with tolerable equa-
nimity, which probably gave rise to the
suspicion that there was a secret under
standing between her and Mr.. Jack Tray
ers.
Old Mr.. Thompson, not unnaturally, felt
misgivings about the prudence of Mr.
Blythe. and it was not until the young man
had been the house for a month or two
that the anxious father began to breathe
freely. But the tutor conduct was so I'M
.exceptionable, 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
zealously and ingratiated himself with his
pupil, and old Mr.. Thompson considered
that he had every reason to feel satisfied
with the selection he had made and the
confidence he had reposed.
One afternoon. however when he had
occupied mis- post for about two months
Mr. Blythe sought an interview with his
upIONGl ttilNt. III 81 SOiCAAii SsilNl
Mr., Thompson, | feel it my duty to re-
sign at once.
7'Why?" inquired the old gentleman,
open-mouthed.
Il would rather not say, if you will ex-
cuse me- said Mr.. Blythe, who looked
pale and depressed
Nonsense! think | am entitled to
know the reason, said Mr.. Thompson, not
unkindly. L thought you and my son
were getting on so well together?"
80 we are. like your son and l like
any work. ~
Every 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..
Thompson. but | must go, added Mr..
Blythe with sigh.
Surely there must be a cause" said
Mr.. Thompson, almost angrily. Have
you any complaint to make of anything OF
anybody"
mo, no, Mr. Thompson. I will speak
the truth if you will treat what have to
say as spoken in the strictest confidence. '
replied Mr.. Blythe, looking straight at his
employer, as though he had suddenly
taken desperate determination.
Certainly" said old Mr.. Thompson
fairly overwhelmed with curiosity.