The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-07-26

D Shues ohstiA W SAthu
to get it off my mind, and you will too. First
let me express my approval of my new
scoundrel Fleetwood. When leave you
shall be almost inclined 70 tempt him to
accompany me-"
"He has heart disease" said. "nnd, am
afraid. has not long TO llve."
"1t is pity. for ho seems to be all you
represented him. He has boon assisting me
ia my money matters this morning. I have
also had visit fxom Mdlle. Rosalie. A
charming person. very charming person.
Most persons arc who Take the trouble to
make themselves agreeable, and who do not
cross you." He held up his hand, and looked
ut the diamond ring on his fnger which he
had placed there the previous night. He had
remarkably white and shapely hand, Of
which ho was evidently proud and. indeed,
wizened and pinched up as he was, he must
In his younger years have been handsome,
bright-eyed man. "By the way, Nephew
Richard, tho young man who was here last
night and revoked at whist-have you known
him long?"
"For somewhat over two years." replied.
"But my letter has explained"
"What letter do you refer to2" asked Mr..
Wilmot.
'The letter sent you little while since.
to the care of your lawyers in London"
"Ah, those letters !" said Mr.. Wilmot, inter-
rupting ME again with o smile. would you
believe, Nephew Richard. that there are two
boxes full Of them-actually two boxes fullP l
burst out laughing when I saw them, and
quickly locked the boxes again. Life is too
short for correspondencc-and such CORES
pondencel Circulars, begging letters. re-
quests for loans-no, mol decline to wade
through them. When return to London
shall instruct some one to separate the wheat
from the chaff, aud then probably burn the
lot-positively burn the lot without looking
ut them"
Twas seized with CONSERVATION. My uncle
had not read my letter announcing Eunice's
engagement with Harry Cianronald; he was
in ignorance that Eunice's heart was pledged
to the young fellow; and he was now in nv
house with the intention OF promoting Mr..
Mortlock's suit. was convinced OF 1t, and
presently the proof came. and left no shadow
Of doubt behind.
"a great many years ago." said my uncle,
81 was acquainted with u Mr.. Clanronald,
whom l have no reason to think well of. II
is the same, he is this young mnn's fnther.
Perhaps you have photograph Of him?"
81 have. Would you like to see it?"
"Yes."
went to the drawing room, and, selecting
the album In which Mr.. Clanronald's portrait
was placed, | took it up to Mr.. Wilmot. NY
mind was filled with mtsgivings, for my
uncle's voice, whom he spoke of Mr.. Clan
ronald, bodied Ill.
LET me find the portrait for myself" he
said and handed him the album. AS he
turned over the pages felt that consequences
almost vital were trembling In the balance.
"Yes. said Mr.. Wilmot. pausing at q page
"this is the man-it is he." He nodded and
snarled at the bit of pasteboard. "Let us be
sure. This is the father Of the young man
who played what he called chess with me last
night?"
"Yes."
He closed the book. Nephew Richard. you
and do not know much OF each other"
mot rs much as I should have desired.
SIR"
was not to be desired. Perhaps we have been
better friends apart. 1t is often the case
often tho case. like youi like your wife 1;
like your daughter. There are one or two
others like-only ono or two. / like Mort
lock; you like him too; you said he was
charming gentleman. So he is-charming.
There are men l dislike-some moro, some
less. They do not trouble me, because do not
allow them to trouble me. I Iwipe them out.
do not express my dislike; 1 do not as much
as think of them, unless they happen to bo
forced upon me. As in this case. / dislike
your Mr.. Clanronald, much more than less.
will not enter into the reasons for my dis
like; they are private and delicate, and are.
to me-, sufficient. That much being said. we
dismiss the Clanronalds. Let me never hear
their name again.
"But, sir" said, In a helpless tone OF
remonstrance, for hope seemed surely Slip
ping from me, "it is Of this very Harry Clan-
ronald 1 must speak"
Pardon me" he said. in tone of extreme
politeness, and had I been better acquainted
With his character ! should have known that