The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-08-25

& essssss--rs.=..-.r,s
"Oh Ltlly aotu be obliged to think 1,tst as
| do. gOat knoto."
plan the First-In accordance with
suggestion you made some time since,
have been bringing all my foreign bust
ness to close, at least so far as to OBJ
viate the necessity of my spending any
time abroad when l am so fortunate as
to have this lady under my especial
guardianship. Last evening our ship
brought the papers from India that con-
summated the desired arrangements on
the most favorable terms, far better than
| anticipated. To your early care, Mr..
| Newton, l owe the first steps to prosper
ity, and to your judicious counsels the
continued increase of an income small
indeed when first placed in your hands,
put now amply sufficient to warrant the
proposition l am about to make.
GAS soon as your affairs are adjustedI
would like to purchase your present store,
retaining the present sign of Newton g.
Co., and continue the same business,
asking you to retain your original posi-
ton and take George as partner with
us. Then, on the old spot, we will, God
willing, with you for the head, build up
business that shall equal the former. l
wish l could keep my Lillian in this
grand old home until her father could
once more claim it honestly, but that
can wait in the future. How does this
proposition strike your"
The idea was so entirely unexpected
that each face exhibited varying shades
of intense excitement, and all eyes were
turned toward Mr.. Newton. 1t was
some time before he could command his
voice and answer.
"My dear Eustace, you have been as a
son to us from the hour you were first
committed to our care, and this unex-
pected and generous proposition is but
another evidence of how well you de-
serve our love-"
"Oh, do not set this down as an act Of
generosity, l entreat. You know that
merely in selfish point of view it would
be one of the most promising arrange
ments could make. Your name at the
head would be worth thousands to start
with. but put in the money-which l
should never have had but for you-you
the influence, which every business man
knows in your case would be worth
double my money. So please do not put
me to the blush by crediting me with
any higher motive than my own interest
and pleasure"
"Well, my son, no doubt it is your
pleasure, and we will let it pass under
that name Of many meanings. In most
respects youridea is very excellent one,
but you will bear with me when say I
would not wish to have it perfected.
First, it would be very trying to my
pride to assume my place without
penny to invest in the concern. But, If
it were best for all, could easily con-
quer pride. Secondly, as now leaveit,
/ am free from all reproach. No one
can justly accuse me of wrong. retire
from the business poor man. But if I
in few weeks begin again in the same
place and business with one who is to be
Q son for one partner and son for
third and the concern goes on as If moth
ing had changed, what can prevent the
most honest hearted person from fearing
and the SANDER loving from believing
that my failure was simply an assign
ment Of property into the hands Of rel
alive, leaving me as rich, perhaps richer,
than before, while LIE Barron is utterly
destroyed? All, Eustace, even now in
anticipation you feel that this would not
be wise course. Then, thirdly, I am 80
years old. The anxieties of the last
three months have not made me younger,
and I own / greatly desire to relinquish
mercantile life and make the second be-
ginning on another field II we can light
on plan that Is desirable to all. How
do these objections appear to you, Lucy%
Tsympathize with you fully, Edward.
I have no doubt that Eustace's plan could
be most successfully carried out, but the
turmoil and distress you have passed
through Of late are too fresh in my mind
for me to feel anything but repugnance
at the thought of seeing you again enter
upon the same business, even under such
pleasant auspices"
$50 that plan is laid on the table, Eus-
tace, and though it was grand one !
am glad that it did not meet with favor"
said George. "Now, father, please call
for plan the second"
Yes, Eustace, we would gladly have
| it. You must not think me obstinate or
inappreciative Of the really sound, good
Judgment your first suggestion evinced.
Only circumstances make it undesirable
with the present state of feeling"
"You will all recollect," resumed Eus-
tace, that fine country residence about
20 miles from the city that old Squire
Montgomery used to own, full of shrub
berry, fruits and vineyards. have bought
it as an anticipated wedding gift for Lii
liam. Georges remarks about his tastes
for amateur farming brought my pur-
chase at once to mind, and the idea that
in your hands it might be made most
delightful and lucrative arrangement
flashed upon me like inspiration"
"Hurrahl Here's chance for our
amateur farmer and horticulturist,"
cried Ralph, "a second Daniell Oh, wise
young man, how l do thank youl Amy
chance for me, eh?"
eyes, mocker," said Eustace, laugh
ing heartily. II was going to offer you
place as plowboy. You could manage
to ride sober farm horse, couldn't you?