The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-08-14

nected with the other questionable feat
ures 1t stood by itself"
1.-THE widow is still living?"
"Oh, yes; and if Tn not mistaken she
means to play big part in society this
winter. She has money enough, and a
good position. wish the Ravens, poor
things, had had the half of her luck"
"Ah! and have they met with misfort-
unes, them"
.>Well, it's hard enough for man to
make his way, let alone couple of
women. The old lady could do moth
ing, except eat and wear clothes; but
the young one had pluck land she knew
how to draw and how to play the piano.
| advised her taking pupils, and she
jumped at the idea. | got few for her,
and she succeeded so well with them
that others came along. But pupils are
not to be had in summer, and she would
be fortunate to make eight hundred a
year. Luckily, had more room than l
needed in my house, so there was no
rent for them to pay, and they are COM
pany for my wife when I'm away"
"rhey are living with you, them"
cat my invitation-yes. Miss Raven
insists on paying board; but"-here Tom
chuckled-''I use it to buy the pictures
she puts on sale in the shops when no
one else buys them. I've got quite
collection Of 'em; but, bless her heart
she doesn't know it,"
You have told Inc an interesting
story" remarked the count, "and be-
cause l appreciate it l will buy some Of
the young lady's pictures myself. You
shall give me the name of the shop
where they are to be sold. She shall
also paint u picture to order for my
house."
CHATS right good of you," said Tom
heartily. ''She's Il nice girl, but de-
serves Il bit turn of the wheel. But beg
your pardon for getting off the track Of
the house; you happened to touch me on
a spot right over my heart. What rent
would you like to pay?'
II want to buy the house."
"To buy it, That'n cost you some
thing. Youmight get it at reasonable
rent, as the house is under cloud just
now, as l was telling you; but when it
comes to buying, it's another thing.
Property up there is rising, and doubt
you would buy the house for less than it
cost to build it-and that's not far off
half million
"Who owns the house," asked the
count.
It'll be his widow, l think-Sally
Matchin that was"
81 wish to say no more than is neces-
sary; but l must have the house for my
own in any case. 1t is probable ! may
desire to make alterations in it. And il
property becomes more valuable then l
could sell it afterward perhaps"
eyes; that's true. You'll pay half a
million, then, if it's not going for less!"
"You will have the power of attorney;
you can draw for whatever is needed"
said the count, buttoning up his coat.
eff you please, let it be done by tomor-
row. The season is now near, and I
wish to be at home this winter"
every well. Here is the receipt for
the ten thousand dollars. I'll say moth
ing about thanks, but I'll do my best to
keep my end up. The power of attorney
will be at your hotel for your signature
this afternoon. I'll step over to Carriage
Brownies Office and see about the house
before lunch, and here's the address of
the dealer where the pictures are for
sale. It's not far from your hotel"
"What is your own private address,
Mr.. Bannick?" inquired the count.
''It won't be long in the place where it
is now," returned the Irishman, his eyes
twinkiing, and indicating by nod of
the head the little pile of banknotes that
lay ON the desk. 81 shall move this
week, and give my wife and our friends
the Ravens some elbow room of their
own. But we shall be happy to see you,
sir, wherever we are, and whenever it
suits you. I'm in East Thirteenth street
just at present"
The count rose slowly. ~ thank you;
will not incommode you until you are
settled" said he. sit came to me-" he
added, with some hesitation, s'that if l
find the pictures of this young lady to
have merit, and I therefore decide to
give her an order for one, it would be
necessary for me to have personal in
terview with her. Would that be con-
venient to her?'
"Indeed, then, think it would!' ex-
claimed Tom with chuckle. "And
you'll find her acquaintance as well
worth making as any girls in New
York"
The count bowed. "And it," he add
ed, 'you should find any obstacles in
the way of obtaining possession of the
house-any, mean not with reference
to the price-it would give me pleasure
to wait upon Madame Trent. She and I
could, perhaps, come more quickly to an
understanding than through the medium
of an agent"
cts quite on the cards she may find a
reason for seeing you," Tom returned,
rubbing his chin; "but as for the money,
fancy she'll take it, so there's enough
of it. However, you'll get full report
this evening""
"Then l will detain you no longer"
remarked the count, stepping toward the
door.
Before you put on your gloves I'd
wish to shake hands with you, Count de
Lisle," said Tom, advancing with his
hand outstretched. "There's four of us
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