The National tribune., 1892-01-07
] n

Through the streets rushed and rolled Mr..
Aubblus, heed less Of tho Whirling snow the
biting gale the joyous waylarcrs, the happy
sounds that issued from many house Speech
less with wrath, cbOi1rd with resentment. burn
ing with anger, be was intent on reaching the
room which he had left so complaceutly, but
now sought as refuge where he might be alone
with his shame
His love was dead, killed by the tauHt Of the
girl DE grioyed not over his disappointment;
he was absorbed by the insult 10 his personality,
as high priest might be by a sacrlcge 10 his
shrine. But beyond this bis heart was rigidly
set against his son. Whenever he could catch
his breath sufficiently be muttcrod, "pn Gx
him! III show him man like mel" And
then onward the faster he plunged.
As he entered his house hc summoned John.
the butler, an old family retainer. who had
served ham since the long forgotten day Of his
wedding.
john" he sternly commanded, wait here
until Mr, Thomas Nubbus returns and then
tell him for me that ] shall have need Of his
room before tomorrow morning Before TO-
morrow morning mind!"
" But, sir,' Eitcrcd the man, =" don't under
stand, Ny young master your son PD
" Not one words DO what ] say. lie is your
young master and my sOn no longer" Aud,
waving has hand with the air Of a Roman Mr.
Nubblns tottered up the broad stairway 10 his
room aud bolted himself within its comfort
able portals.
How weary he felt! il seemed a. though
thousand years bad elapsed since he had strut
tod away so arroRantly on his mission. lie
realized with amazcmcHt how vigorously he
had breasted Tire storm as he had sought her
homo rejoicing IN bis strength, like the strong
man that he WAS; aud now, why his knees
shook beneath him as he rouod TO the chair
before the hearth; aud he noticed, when he
had with difficulty Outstfetehed himself that
his hand trembled where il rested
lie appreciated that bis pride had been griev-
ously wounded. Had this been stmulant
that bad unnsiurally sustained him2 Had
this, rather, been cloak that had concealed
a naSeducss that was hdouus9
From nciRAbOriug stecple a chime OF silver
toned bells rung out the eXultaut strain Of
Adcste Fidees." For a moment Mr. Aubbins
was bowildorcd Why were the bells changing
Sc dsaFreeaby, SO discOrdanilyY An, he re-
membered. lt was the eve Of a New Year A
pest on tie fool who rang and the fools who
listened What could the New Year mean for
him save age aud dccay2 And yet but a few
hours ago DE had planned a future as hopeful,
as glorious, as ever scduccd young Benedict.
But a few hours ago be had stood before the
mirror in this very room, and had admired his
own reflection. Could il have been his own 2
he had seen, or at least 30 he had believed, the
| trim, straight figure, the clear complexion the
flashing blue eye, which had always apper-
4 tanned TO his conception Of himself since he
4 had had conception. Had be indeed changed
aud not perceived itf Had his selfish pride
/ prevented him from realizing what had she
said that be was old aud fat2
Through whimsical freak Of memory, IN.
accountable, inconsequent, there thrummcd
/ through his mind q verse Of a round that al
! years beiore-could IL possibly be forty 2-he
! had been won't 10 sing al college!
4 "Thcre's old Sam Simons
And young Sam Simons
4 Old Sam Slmgns'H son;
Aud young Sam Sulous
/ Shall be Sam smoHs
When old Sam Simons IL gone"
Yes this must be IL; he was old Sam Simons
a Benie dot; and Tom, whom he had deemed
20 be mere STRIPPING, was in reality the splen,
! did specimen Of vigorous manhood that he had
thought himself TO be. Ii must be so, but ali