The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1890-11-29

you tell me what it is that troubles your
II came for that purpose; that might tell
you. After this evening we must not meet
mot -again?" Nellie Sharpe repeat
ed the words slowly, as IL she could not grasp
their full meaning. The color surged to her
cheeks and then receded, leaving her very
pale.
"What do you mean, Walter? What has
happened? You cannot be in earnest"
But l am in earnest l have brought my
self to this after the hardest mental struggle
man could possibly undergo. i would be dis
honorable if did otherwise. But am talking
wildly at random; hardly know what / am
saying or what to say or how to say it. This
is what he told me-" fgf
Walter rather incoherently recounted what
Judge Sharpe had told him ofthe case of Lewis
versus Lewis, and the comments he had made
ON that case. .s...
"And is that all9" asked Nellie, when he
finished. She smiled q little as she asked the
question, and close observer would have
noticed that a sigh of relief passed her lips.
"All Is it not too much? Knowing that
your father holds this view, can do other
IT thought you nad more pluck said the
young girl, with just suggestion of scorn in
her voice.
''It is not matter of courage, but of con-
science of honor. Can go to the man who
gives me such advice as / have received, who
yond my station financially, and ask him to
give to me his daughter who is dearer to him
than all else? am poor; | have none but
the most problematical prospects while you
well, need not say more; you can readily see
my position"
"But can't see it in the light in which you
place it. l thought you had sufficient faith
in me not to believe that l would do as that
deadful woman did of whom my father told
you. Your prospects are certainly better than
you represent them. Furthermore, my father
would yield to my wishes"
~ do not lack faith in you; Heaven knows
how strong that faith is it is because would
feel that had acted treacherously toward one
who has been my best friend if held you to
your-your promise that have decided to do
that which will take all happiness out of my
life."
Probably it never occurred to you that the
happiness of any one else might suffer; it seems
that am not considered at ALL"
"You will soon forget; you will be happier
than l could ever make you"
'Oh certainly, we women forget so easily;
it's only the men that remember; only the
hearts of men that are broken. However,
since you wish it SO, it is not for me to object
1T is not what l wish it is what Unjust do"
"But suppose l should refuse to accept your
decision; suppose i should insist at least on
your trying for term of years to bring your
financial condition to what you consider the
proper standing"
ut would be wrong to keep you bound by,a
promise to one who would have to struggle
perhaps for years and might fail at last"
81 see it is vain to reason with one who is
unreasonable; it shall be as you wish"
Just then Judge Sharpe entered the room,
and the painful meeting was abruptly ended.
A few moments later, Judge Sharpe's clerck
came into Walter Lossings office one day and
told him that the judge wanted to see him.
1t seemed to Walter that the Judge looked
unusually stern, when he responded to the
latter's summons few minutes later, "Come
in here, want to talk to you,' said the judge,
as he motiOned to Walter to follow him into
his private Office.
''Sit down. 1 will come to the point at once
/ am instructed by client of mine to bring
suit against you. We have the cleareSt kind
of case and should certainly win in courts;
but wee desire to give you an Opportunityto COM
promise the matter. You may wish to escape
the notOrety."
"a suit? Why, who could want to sue me
/ owe nothing; there is no cause no ground
you must be joking"
"Never was more serious. There is cause
and good one as you will learn presently.
My clients case is iawless; she"
'She! All! Isee some blackmailing scheme;
some advent
There, there, don't get excited it is moth:
eminentiy respectable, as you yourself will
admit"
who is she? What is the cause of action
why QOnL you J6l1 Il1c db OuCc lllSIcdu VI
beating about the bush? 2"
THE cause of action is breach of promise"
said the old judge, impressively.
Breach of promisel Why, never"
Perhaps Walter suddenly remembered some
thing perhaps he detected a peculiar express
sion about the old gentle mans eyes; perhaps
sort of revelation came to him; at any rate
he checked himself very suddenly, and looked
remarkably sheepish.
Perhaps you can guess the plaintiffs name
now" suggested the judge.
''You see," continued he. as Walter sat like
one stricken dumb "the young lady thinks
that you have been influenced by something
that was said to you in a general way by one
who intended to make no specific application
of his remarks; and she believes that If the
matter Is presented to you in the proper light,
no extreme measures will be necessary to
make you see that you were altogether wrong
in arriving at a certain decision based on the
case of Lewis versus Lewis"
Walter grasped the judges hand; he said
nothing; he couldn't have said any thing just
then, for there was great, big lump In his
throat.
II need partner" resumed the judge; II
have more work than can manage alone; L
think you are just the kind of man l want;
and then, you know, being partners we could
easily compromise this matter which have
mentioned. You would have no objection to
such an arrangement, suppose ?"-EpOeh.