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

in the joys or SORROWS Of the family.
Yet George, with his perception sharp
ened by previous knowledge, discerned
restless nervousness that betokened some
deeper source Of uneasiness than the
subject now before them, and from
Roses mood he thought she herself had
detected something unnatural in his
manners.
When all were seated after supper,
Mr.. Newton entered at once upon the
subject under considerations and briefly
narrated the substance of that which has
already been told,
Sand now, my dear ones, we are in no
danger of interruption this evening, and
here no separate interests need prevent
each from expressing his or her opinion
with perfect freedom. Dunbar and Gren-
vile, you have cast in your lot with us so
far as to make it very proper and desira-
BILE for your views to be heard with the
others. But, my dear friends, remember
you are not bound to cling to fallen
fortunes"
Surely" interrupted Eustace, my
Lilly has lost no grace for which have
loved her these many years by your di-
minished wealth, has she? All, she is
only the more precious, and if I could
only make it apparent that it might be
best to hasten our marriage could re-
joice in your trials if had not learned
to love the parents almost as much as
the promised BRIDE"
although l cannot boast a love of
many years, as can Dunbar" said Gren-
vile, with unusual hesitation, 81 think it
will defy any of fortunes vicissitudes.
had heard some intimation of these trou-
bles before l came and fastened hither
to urge you to shorten these two long
years, and as Dunbar seems meditating a
similar petition am hopeful of success"
All this appeared right and natural,
but why should Jasper, usually so free
and open in conversation, manifest an
embarrassment 80 foreign to his naturep
George evidently does not trust him, and
even Rose is ill at ease.
These thoughts passed rapidly through
Mr.. Newton's mind while Jasper was
speaking, and dull pain was at his
heart, but concealing it he quietly re-
piled:
Thanks for your steadfast interest in
me and mine. But can consent to no
change to the time already fixed. Ahasty
marriage now would seem to- me very
much as if had no longer a home to
give my daughters. On the contrary,
can surely make them comfortable,
though in a style vastly inferior to their
present condition. But l prefer that
there should be no separation as yet and
hope they will agree with me. We can
not settle on any definite plan until we
are sure of how much we may claim.
But by full conversation this evening
we can judge somewhat how near our
several tastes may be brought into uni
son. Next week will decide to dollar
how much we may honorably claim from
the remnant Of our possessions.
81 am very confident that we may at
least count on $4,000 clear-that is to
say, am sure the furniture of the house
may safely be considered as our own
when everything is settled. That is
about the extent, l think, of all that can
be left US. Bat the furniture will easily
bring the sum l have named, perhaps
more, and yet reserve the common arti-
cles for the fitting up of some small cot
tage. This will seem to you children
but meager amount, but it is quite a
fortune compared with your parents be-
ginnings And now, George, my son,
with so limited a capital let us hear
what business would best suit your tastes
and abilities
"Why, father, am very humble this
evening"" said the young man, laughing.
at is very easy to give ones tastes and
judgments theoretically when there is
no idea of putting them to the test.
feel would just like to put myself in
your hands, father, like little boy once
more, and ask of you to make of me
what you please. was not 30 humble
this morning, mother, when l was talk
ing so grandly. But father can make
some use of me, know, and after creep
ing awhile I'll learn to walk like man.
I understand the rudiments of mercan-
tile business and am perfectly willing to
enter upon it, though not congenial to
my tastes, but imagine it will be just
as we'll to leave our tastes out Of the
question and think only Of usefulness
and duty.
81 have always felt that If ever set
tied in home Of my own I would leave
the city and buy some very beautiful
country place and be an amateur farmer
and horticulturist. But you see, good
friends, the country seat is not at hand
just now. and doubt if could pay my
way in any farming operations until /
have .2rved my apprenticeship"
The inimitable humor and drollery OF
his manner were highly amusing, and a
quick glance full of meaning passed be-
tween his father and mother. But sud-
denly all sportiveness vanished from
Georges face, and he continued with
much earnestness:
Seriously, father, would repeat what
said honestly few hours ago. Let
your children work while you counsel
and direct. I for onewill gladly give all
my powers to accomplish any plan you
may deem advisable, but do not feel
myself competent to make a choice for
myself"
81 confess / am not so modest as
George" said Eustace, with pleasant
smile. II have two grand and good
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