Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-03-20
THE TEN FOOT DRIVE.
By CHARLES LOTIE HILDRETH.
fCopyright, 1894, by American Press Associa-
CHAPTER XVIII. ..uE Is MY SON v

The same afternoon, despite the hor- rified protests of Mir. Joyce, Monckton rode out alone, for the first time since his recovery from the injuries received at the mines On his return, when not far from home, a pathetic figure attract ed his attention. It was that of q small, elderly woman. clad in poor, old fash toned. but exquisitely neat attire, la boring slowly along with the aid of stick. As Monckton approached she raised her faded eyes, and perceiving a horseman within few paces of her tot tered back and seemed about to fall. The young man sprang from his saddle and hurried to her assistance.
 You are ill.' he said solicitously, "'tOo i'll to be out alone" Observing a flat stone at the roadside. he supported her to it. ''So, rest your head against the tree. Now you feel better, don t you:'
 Thank you kindly, young gentle man, ' sighed the woman. I'm a poor afflicted body, sir. and the walk from the village has been too much for me. It is weary half mile vet to the mas ter's house.
 "You are going to visit some one at MT. MonCktOn's S? 1 am riding that way myself, and if you will rest here mean while will send the person to you.
 Thank you truly, sir, but my er- rand is with the young master himself if he will receive me-"
 You wished to see me?' said the mine owner in surprise. II am MT. Monckton.
 The woman started violently and fee bly, drew away from him. The young master!" she ejaculated in a faint, excuse me, sir, but my nerves are that bad. My son. Matthew, sir''--
 You are Mrs. North:" he said. with disagreeable impression. Did your son send you 10 Ine, madam"
 Bless you. no, " replied the woman, with startled air. If Matthew knew of my coming to you, he would be angry with me for the first time in his life, for. though Matthew is masterful and has will of his own. he is the best of sons.
 No doubt" said Monckton curtly But you had something to say to me, madam. Speak freely''
 II beg you to excuse me, sir, she faltcred. clasping and unclasping her ficshless fingers in d miserably agitated fashion. Il had it all in my lsind, clear and plain, but now, some way she paused. rocking her body to and fro, murmuring inarticulately. He used to be such a fine, bold. fresh colored lad. full of laugh and talk and projects. That was before you came. sir. Then. all on a sudden. he changed. He wouldn't eat, and he couldn't sleep. He's that wore away it would break your heart to see. And, oh.''-she burst into a sudden fit of weeping-"I want him back, my big, strong, merry Eoy!"
 And you think the change in your son Is in some way due to my presence here:" asked the proprietor mildly.
 1t is just that, she repl1ed, with a sort of meek effrontery. "Oh, my good young gentleman, you a1e rich and handsome and Consort with princes and the powers of carth-you have so much and he has nothing! Pray, pray be gen erous and go away"
 ''Is that all:' said Monckton in amazement. "Is there any other trifie you would care to askr"
 The woman hung her head, and faint color, like the hue of wintry sunset on cloudy day, tinged her ash en cheek. You are pleased to joke, sir" she quavered. but it is life or death with us.
 But, my dear lady," expostulated Monckton, what you ask is unreason- able. Can't you see that it is? Do you really expect me to give up the control of my property and abandon my home simply because your son has taken it