Daily Kennebec journal., 1889-03-29

But, sir" said jim. aghast. what
reason have you for this? My family is
irreproachable-I am the eldest son. or
rather the head Of my house My income
is between three and four thousand
year, and | don't owe farthing in the
world. not even "a tailors bill
Mr. Earle waved his hand impatiently
and yet with lofty air
"a 1t is not question Of family, or yet
of income he scl!---
Then sir. what is it," Jim cried, in
infinite distress Not my character,
hope, for as to tLat my commanding off
Ger will speak for me- and have been
eight years in lis regiment, he ought
to know "
Mr. Bercsford, said the old man,
gravely, lit is very painful for mo to
have to speak with greater plainness; will
it not be best for us to consider the con
versation at an end and your proposal do
cllned1'
81 would rather hear your reasons for
declining it plainly sir, said Jim, with
admirable coolness
Is that so?" asked Mr. Earle
Yes sir. returned jim. that is so
Then must speak out. said the old
man, with sort of groan He hated
everything unpleasant. and made a rule
of shirking all disagreeables whenever
possible We'll, MIR Beressord must
tell you frankly that if you had come to
me last autumn and asked for my daugh-
ter. should if my daughter had been
willing, have considered yourself. your
family and your income perfectly desir
able and suitable match for her but since
that time a great deal has happened
You, for instance. have been arrested
-, Z. ,f,
Jim fairly staggered back as the words
passed the old mans lips
Mr. Earle" he said, hoarsely. You
don't-you surely can't believe that
committed that foul crimef'
''lf believed it." Mr. Earle answered,
II should have asked you to go out of my
house some minutes ago. Yet there Is the
faot-you were arrested on suspicion. and
Averdct of willful murder against some
person or persons unknown is returned
Do you not see that until the case is set
at rest one way or the other. you are not,
and never can be free from suspicions At
any time it is liable to rise up against you,
not mere suspicion, but q hideons dan
ger which may overwhelm youl Do you
think. Mr. Beresford that ] could Or
would let my young daughter 90 head.
long into such danger as that7 No, sir,
thousand times no. and let me tell YOU
that although may have antiquated
Ideas Of love and honor, think you show
your wish to love and honor her very
poorly indeed by even dreaming-dream-
ing Of subjecting her to even a remote
chance OF such & misfortune.
Beautiful Jim looked as he felt, more
staggered than ever. and worst OF all, he
felt tina, from his point Of view the old
man was right
You are right. sir" he said 4
knowing my own i:iuocence-forgot that
all the world did not know it also. Do
you mind telling me one thing-suppose
that this mystery IS ever cleared up, and
Miss Earle is still willing to be my wife
will You give your consent them
Certainly will. the old man replied
And you will not forbid me to see
herr Jim pleaded
Il will not forbid you, Mr. Beresford
No, on the contrary. will show you
willingly that trust you as an honorable
gentleman. By simply asking you not to
attempt to marry her without my permis-
sion. and not to compromise her by being
seen about with her If she likes to cor
respond with you. well and good. II you
care to come hsxe now and again, when