Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-23

case IL was TO the last degree unlikely that she
would have married Mr.. Jones; but much
more painful suspicion had taken bold of me-
l could not forget the CONSERVATION he had ex-
hlblted upon seeing me. his feverish anxiety TO
know the errand On which l had come and his
evident relief when the contents of Mr. Aps-
ley's letter had informed him of it. That he
expected something of far graver nature l
was convinced. As sat in the railway car
rage alone-in a first-class compartment of
course, as was only right when travelling on
the business Of the firm. which. of course. paid
the 'exes"-and reflected upon the whole situ-
alton felt that it was in truth o serious one.
There was no question as to what 1t was my in
terest to do when presently saw Mr.. Apsley-
he had told me TO call, no matter how late the
hour, in order to assure him that his directions
had been attended to- might make a clean
breast to him, not only of my late experiences.
but OF nv suspicious. What tell you. sir,
might say. Il tell you in confidence. but it is
my conviction that there is something wrong
with Mr.. Jones'
Even if / had misjudged the manager, this
would do me no harm, and if l was right 1
should have claim upon the firm which they
could hardly ignore. IL was clear to me that
was the most profitable course to take; but
IN what direction lay my duty? had no re-
gard for Mr.. Jones whatever; indeed, Irather
disliked him; he was less like a man in the
Office than a machine (though out of it il
seemed he was human" enough. and showed
no sympathy for anv OF us. But was il my
business to ruin him? The notion of telling
tales 'out of school, was hateful to me. as to
all young fellows of decent feeling: and be-
sides Though that was not SO commendable)
| had notion that firm which makes tens
OF thousands o year is in a position to take
care of itself. | had not at that time that
sympathy with well-to-do persons which, L
am thankful to say, circumstances have since
developed in me.
On the other hand Mr.. Apsley was not only
my fathers friend. but to a certain extent and
according to his lights (though they were
rather dim ones) had been his friend. Was it
right. entertaining such suspicious as did. and
which SO nearly affected the well being of the
firm served that should keep silence about
them?
Some philosophers hold that conscience.
properly consulted, is unerring guide for
conduct; but perhaps. from want of practice,
did not consult her properly; at all events
was puzzled how to act. | think if it had not
been for that house keeper l should not have
said word about the matter. II there had
been Miss Jones at Horton Hall. of nice man
ners and appearance. l feel sure | shOuld have
been silent. Think of bringing misfortune and.
perhaps. disgrace upon an innocent girl!
Upon the whole l resolved to adopt middle
course | would simply tell my story-more or
less Of 1t as circumstances should demand
without any comment OF my own and leave my
employer to draw his own conclusions 1t was
not Il very hlgh-prInCipled plan. perhaps; II was
certainly a compromise but | am writing of Il
thing that actually occurred. and have set down
the conclusion | arrived at to its real motives.
They might have been more high principled,
but still think they were not base.
1t was IL o'clock when reached Mr.. Apslev's
door. | was shown in. as before, to his study.
and found him there. smoking a cigar; though
evidently pleased to see me, he did not ask me
to have one If he had done so. matters might
have turned out differently, perhaps: geniality
| in employer go Il great way, like smile
from royaIIty; but it was not in him.
"Well, Won gave the manager nv letterI' he
inquired. sharply.
YES, sir. he said the matter should be at
tended to tonight"
That's we'll; you have been very expeditions,
Mr.. Ackers | suppose YOU had no difficulty in
finding out Mr.. Jones?'
It was evident he had no interest in the sub
ject and only mentioned it TO avoid the dis
courtesy of dismlssing me at once.
NO. sir. none at all; he was living, indeed
in the best house in the place"
Aye. aye. He has good house. has he?
Any grounds about IT, Here ne yawned.
YES. sir; indeed, the house stands almost in
| park
Really: all these suburban places boast of
something of the kind. Holland Park began
it,"
saw that he was getting very wide of the
mark; but This made it all the harder for me to
| tell my story with any significance at all.
Il should think IL stood in not less than five
| acres OF ground. 1t was called Horton Hall"
4
| Apsey seemed really amused "Ill ask him
| tomorrow how they all are at the Hall?'
Il beg your pardon, Sir, L said, but l do
| hope you will not do that. 1t will make him
| think i'll of me-"
ITO be sure. he may compare you to the spy
| that discovered the land flowing with milk and
honey. And yet why should ii not flow? Jones
has been thirty years with US anu l dare say
has had many good things put in his way
Why shouldn't he call his house Hail if he
| likes?"
Why, indeed, sir, so far as 1 am concerned"
l replied. dryly. for was very much chagrined
| at being thus treated like child. 1t was now
| quite clear to me that no hint-short of a
| direct statement OF my picions-would have
any effect upon Mr.. Apsey's mind and | was
| sincerely glad of it. The pendulum of my
| svmpathies had swung round to Jones side
My employers manner had certainly not been
| encouraging; it was less SO than ever after my
| last reply.
1T is growing late. and you must be tired,
| Mr.. Ackers; will yon have glass of wine?"
declined his offer as / had declined Mr.
Jones for the hospitality of neither gentleman
had beenvery pressing. and about to 60
back out OF the room, when Annie Apsley en-
tered
II have been eavesdropping, papa" she said
| quietly enough, and yet | thought that the pink
| III her cheeks was brighter than usual, and
that her voice was under restraint.
| The father silenced her by an almost imper-
cepubie gesture, and then. while he still sat in
| his easy chair. introduced me to Miss Aspley
| IN an off-hand, informal manner. The young
/ lady bowed in way which might mean, as l
! construed 1t, that she recognized under pro-
| test fellow who had INDUCED himself-al-
/ ~