The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-02-14
CHAPTER III.

The evening before his departure Mr..
Adrian invited the Rev. Thomas Charlton
to dine with him. He made Mr.. Charl-
toms acquaintance at Christ Church, and
when the living of Fairmile fell vacant he
presented it to his old college friend.
Though no estrangement had arisen be-
tween squire and parson, during the last
few years there had been much less social
intercourse than at one time. When call
ing at the vicarage a few weeks before this
diffidence to Mr. Charlton and his wife the
tidings that he was contemplating marriage,
and they were both overjoyed to learn the
fact
There was, of course, no ceremony be-
tween the old college friends, and when
Mr. Charlton received a request in the
morning to dine at the manor house that
evening he at once accepted the invitation,
and sent a message to his curate to inform
the members of an industrial society in the
course of formation that the meeting in
connection with it, which was to have been
held that night, would be postponed till the
next.
1t was easy for Mr.. Charlton to perceive
during dinner change for the better lin
his hosts manner, which reminded him
m5re than once of the early days of their
friendship. Mr.. Adrian was also rejuve-
mated by the wig, so that the clergyman
was, on the whole, slightly bewildered by
the new character in which his patron ap-
peared to him. It was only natural that
Mr.. Adrian should be elated, because now,
on the eve of his departure, he did not
doubt that fortune, which had excited his
hopes in manner so singular, would also
guide him to their realization, bringing him
happiness far beyond the highest expec-
tations of his past life,
After dinner Mr.. Adrian informed his
CUES: that he was going away next morn
ing with the object of bringing about if
possible the important matter of which he
had recently spoken to him. II hope"
added Mr.. Adrian, "that when next see
you there win be reason for you to con-
gratulate me.
$50 you are off to-morrow-Celebs in
search of wife r laughed the Vicar Il
envy you. You must feel, and indeed you
look, young again. trust, continued the
Vicar in more earnest tone, Hthat you will
make choice which will greatly contribute
to your happiness and comfort. There are
many ladies now -
81 have already chosen interrupted
Mr.. Adrian, 'there is only one lady in the
world whom | can desire to be my wife.
The Vicar looked at his host in surprise.
1t was only about two weeks before that
he had heard Mr. Adrian express with
much diffidence the difficulties he expected
to encounter in finding suitable partner,
and he had not been from home since then.
1t was scarcely possible, the Vicar thought,
that Mr. Adrian could meanwhile have
fallen in love with any of the young ladies
in the parish, not certainly because they
were destitute of attractions, but because
he had seen them all grow up from their
infancy. Besides, Mr.. Adrian had just
told him that he was about to leave home
in connection with his marriage
'Let us have cigar, Charlton said
Mr.. Adrian, noticing his guests perplexed
look. They then went to the library to-
gether, and, standing by the fire, Mr.
Adrian told the astonished Vicar all about
the dreams and visions that had recently
been haunting him. Mr.. Charlton was .
thoroughly practical man, with no super
siition about him and very little imagina
tion. His surprise kept him silent fol
several minutes after Mr. Adrian finished
speaking The Wears eyes were ben
upon the floor and he seemed to avoid look
ing at his host.
At last he said @The only tangibl,
matter you have related--I mean the onl.
! thing which may not be accounted for na