Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1893-09-16

| was tar superior TO that vulgar MIS-
Ruggles, who was presented at thu
last drawing room; yet she, Mrs
Peter Macbrag, had never had the
opportunity Of making her curtsy to
her majesty.
Don't you think, my dear, that
you had better wait until you are
Lady Macbrag?" her husband re.
marked one evening at dinner after
one of these harangues.
Mrs Macbrag stared.
"Are you serious, Peter2" she said
solemnly; Though for that matter ]
don't see why you shouldn't get a
title Any one who doesn't mind the
expense can be a knight, or bar
onet OF course you would only &C.
cept baronetcy."
"Of course" assented Mr.. Mac
brag. well, the fact is, Maria, that
l think it highly probable that my
benevolence and er-political services
will be rewarded before the year is
out In that case we shall leave
Smokeford and take house in town. F"
AS Mr.. Macbrag finished speaking
a servant entered the room with a
note.
ga young man is waiting for an
answer, sir"
Mr. Macbrag opened the note. and
as he hurriedly ran his eye over the
contents his forid complexion grew
pale and he muttered something I'M
complimentary to the writer
'Show him into the library" he
said to the servant.
"No bad news I hope, Peter, re-
marked his wife anXiously.
'Oh, no; only matter of-busi-
ness Nothing of Importance.
But when Mr.. Macbrag entered the
library and confronted his visitor his
anxious manner belied that state
ment
$50 you've come back" he said.
abruptly, to the shabbily dressed in
dividual who rose on his entrance.
"YeS. was tired of colonial life.
The climate of New Zealand is agree
able, but it didn't quite suit me.
thought change to England would
benefit my health-and purse"
Possibly" said Macbrag drily.
"but it does not happen to suit me.
I can't and won't have you living in
England. 1t isn't safe, ana it's con-
trary to our agreement"
"That's Just what I've come home
to see about" retorted the young
man, with an unpleasant smile; 'that
agreement has expired. I mean to
make another more favor able to my
self"
Mr.. Macbrag's face was a study as
he turned it on ris unwelcome
visitor.
another agreement-more favor
able terms" he stammered. "Im-
possible"
II am sorry to hear it. because
your refusal will put me to the pain
tul necessity Of"
''Silence, sir! II won't be threat
ened in my own house." interrupted |
Mr.. Macbrag, with dignity. Take
! chair and let us talk over the mat
ter dispassionately and in a friendly
spirit"
The visitor took chair, but
no disposition to be friendly.
'tlf l had known how we'll the
world has gone with you of late years
should have made shorter stay in
New Zealand" he began detiantly.
But a month or two ago I saw in
IN English newspaper that you had
given 81, 900 to something or other
forgot what-so I thought might
Is well look you up again"
"How much do you want? If
e10-note would be of any service to
'Ou-"
"a 910 note! Rubbish! Five years
Lgo, when 1 accepted $500 and my
are to New Zealand from you, l was
'oung and easily gulled. Now know
ny power. These are my terms; you
an accept or refuse them as you
please, but if you refuse them you
will take the consequences. * I want
Il, 600 down and share in your busi-
leSs"
Macbrag's self-posession again gave
way at this appalling proposition. He
formed and clustered and swore, but
III in vain. The visitor was firm,
nd in the end he left with Macbrag's
promise to think the matter over and
i've him an answer the next day.
X
Before the end of the year Peter
dacbrag was gazetted as baronet;
he town house his wife coveted was
AIKEN, and the worthy pair began
heir life in London under the hap
'iest auspices I
The shipbuilding business, the
ource of the wealth which had done
o much for the Macbrags, was now
uperintended by Mr.. Eustace Fitz-
harp the energetic manager and
unior partner, who within the last
ew months had gained the confidence {
I the head Of the firm. Lady Mac
rag seemed to resent the ascendency {
which this clever gentleman had over
Ter husband, and when Mr.. Fitzsharp {
ined at their house she could with !
iffculty hide her dislike. !
'He is ugly and ill-bred, and he {
ever looks you in the face when he s
peaks to you," she said "What in