The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-11-19

his trimming cup with legacy of
jewels, estimated at?'- Charles opened
his light, sleepy eyes wide and looked
inquiringly at me. ''What are they esti-
mated at?" he asked, as I did not an
sWer.
really had no idea, but I shrugged
my shoulders and looked wise.
ESTIMATED at fabulous sum, The said,
closing his eyes again. "Ah! had they
been mine with what joyful alacrity
should l have ascertained their exact
money value. And mine they ought to
have been if the sacred law of primo
geniture Chat special providence which
watches over the terests of eldest sons
had been duly Observed Sir John had
not the pleasure of my acquaintance,
but fear he must have heard some re-
ports-no doubt entirely without fOunda-
tion-respecting my career, which in
duced him to pass me over in this man
ner. What amoral! My father and my
Aunt Mary are always delicately point
ing out the difference between Ralph
and myself. Iwish were a good young
man, like Ralph. 1t seems to pay best
in the long run; but [ may as well in
form you, COL Middleton, of the painful
fact that I am the black sheep Of the
family"
ooh, come, GOMEZ! 1 remarked I'M
easily.
II should not have alluded to the sub
ject if you were not likely to become
fully aware of it on your arrival, so I
L 1>o' LOTT 7
was brought up in the way should CO."
he continued with the utmost uncon-
Germ, as if commenting on something
that did not affect him in the least, ''but
I did not walk in it, partly owing to the
uncongenial companionship that it in
volved, especially that Of my aunt Mary,
who took up so much room herself in
the narrow path that she effectually
kept me out of it. From my earliest
youth, also, l took extreme interest
in the parable of the prodigal, and
as soon as it became possible I
exempli6ed it myself. l may even
say that acted the part in a manner
that did credit to a beginner; but the
wind up was ruined by the lamentable
inability of others, who shall be name
less, to throw themselves into the spirit
of the piece. At various intervals" he
continued, always as if speaking Of some
one else, Il have returned home, but I
regret to say that on each occasion my
reception was not in any way what l
could have wished. The flavor Of a fatted
calf is absolutely unknown to me; and
so far from meeting me half way, l
have, in extreme cases, when impelled
homeward by urgent pecuniary consid-
erations, found myself obliged to walk
up from the station"
"Dear me! hope it is not far?'' 1 said.
ga mere matter Of three miles or so
up hill" he resumed; nothing to a
healthy Christian, though trying to the
trembling legs of the ungodly after
long course of huslzs. There now think
you are quite au fait as to our family
history. l always pity a stranger who
comes to house ignorant Of little do
nestle details of this kind; he is apt to
make mistakes. Oh, pray don't mention
it"-as | murmured some words of
thanks - mo trouble, 1 assure you;
trouble is thing don't take. By the
way, are you aware we are going
straight into nest of private theatricals
at Stock Moreton? Tonight is the last
rehearsal: perhaps had better look
over my part. took it once years ago,
but don't remember word Of it.
And after much rummaging in mag