New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-17
BUT AN ENVELOPE.


Thers was present the Squire. John Chiffon,
owner Of the Hall. the wde-spreading deer-park
In which IL stood and numerous farms stretch
Ing away on either side for some miles. Ihere
was his only son and heir. also named John'
and the third person was a pale, trembling girl
with soft brown curls and pretty blue eyes
III stand no nonsense" Moderated the
Squire, striking the table with his clenched nst
so loudly that the girl. Margaret. or Maggie as
she was more often called. started and shivered'
The Squire was in his riding-coat top-boots
and breeches Through the window a groom
could be seen leading his masters horse on the
gravelled drive that surrounded square OF
closely mown grass with a sundial in the centre.
The house in its main portion and two outlying
wings inclosed this square on three sides. the
fourth being formed of high ratings and a pair
OF great gates necessarily shut to keep out the
deer who browsed fearlessly up to the walls Of
the house.
The Squire struck the table with one hand;
in the other he still held the sample bag Of corn
that the bailif of the home farm had just be-
fore brought him.
Lying open the table an account book
bound in parchment; some OF the neatly made
entries indicated the Squire's exactness in
money matters:
Elizabeth Saunders. for days work Is.
The cause OF dissenson between father and
was. is not uncommon in the world 5
history, woman, rather girl for Maggie
was barely eighteen.
She was the orphan daughter Of a gamekeeper
whom the Squire had shot by accident There
had indeed beer rumors that the accident was
really in a At Of passion on the Squres, part
Whether that were SO not, the Squire had
promised Joe Chalmers. when he lay dying some
while later, 10 care for mis- little girl, and have
her brought VI al the Hall.
For some years all went smoothly; Maggie
osciilated neely between the housekeeper's
room, where she helped to label jampots. and
Mrs. Chiitons morning ROOM where she learned
;he potter arts that formed a gentewomsn's
education at that date Mrs. Chiffon. the
Sduire's second Wife had no children of her own
and at first Maggie had afforded her agree
able distraction in the uneventful monotony of
country life. But time went on the girl de-
veoped into pleasant companion 10 her bene-
factress, whose health was failing. and from the
constant association with Of culture
she grew up, as the villagers said, quite the
lady"
No incongruity was discovered till the young
squire fresh from oxford. and in disgrace with
his father on account Of debts he had incurred,
sought sympathy from Maggie. and in doing
fell in love with her. The fraterna affection the
young people had for each other might have re-
manned such had not the Squire been injudicous
His attention having been drawn by an amiable
busybody TO the danger Of his sons intercourse
with 1.-The gamekeepers daughter" MIR. Chiffon
behaved in a characteristic manner.
lie soundly rated his son and Maggie forbade
them to speak to each other yet would not hear
Of Maggie leaving the Hall, and would not make
his son an allowance that he might go away
from home.
John Chiffon the younger had inherited his
fathers temper and obstinacy, and when the
latter stormed at him. and Maggie in all dutiful-
ness to her benefactors, kept out OF his way and
would not listen TO him, he became the more
frmed in his opposition 10 his fathers will.
This same morning the Squire coming down.
stairs mad caught sight OF his and Maggie
standing hand in hand at the farther end of a
long corridor.
He too far off that the girl was
trying to release her hand. to hear that the
young was reproachfuy saving. 1T is
weeks since you even looked mel"
The Squire always acted on what he saw, and
hastily getting rid Of his bailif he sent for the
cuprits
The chief brunt Of his anger fell on the girl
and he called her many hard names that his
sons Indignation was reused at the injustice
done to her. and he in turn burst forth in bitter
recrimination against mis- father
Maggie, terrified at the clamor and fearing
the consequences to her lover, tried to stop him.
"Oh. don't Jack. do stop-dear jack" and to aid
her feeble words she tmdly touched his
The Squire the act and heard the last word
Jack"
DO you dare-to my face" he shouted with a
rush Of oaths.
Il would have YOU remember sir. that you are
speaking to my future wife" and Jack promptly
took the trembling fingers in his grasp.
Your wife" sneered mis- father land pray
what you going to live on? II you marry
that girl you shall not have a penny of my
money. III cut you off with a shilling. I'll make
Bob Thornton my heir"
The estates not entaiied. and the Squire
had repeated this threat a good many times
lately. and at this moment the iteration famed
the young mans passion SIN higher. The old
rurnor about Joe Chalmers had somehow reached
his ears. and now flashed across his brain.
You will add robbery to MURDER" he STAN
mered wrathfuy, pointing TO Maggie with
shaking finger. thus giving significance TO his
words.
That the Squire understood the allusion was
plain. For second or two there was a sudden
silence, and the Squire's face turned livid: then
as the blood rushed back and the veins on his
forehead were raised. his rage found vent
You scoundrel"' he yelled, and flung the bag
Of corn ne held in his hand at his sons head. The
bag swerved for the Squire had thrown It out Of
his left hand and instead OF Jack IL hit Maggie
4. IN The facd with audible thud The blow
made red mark on her fair skin and the mouth
OF the bag loosenng. the grain fell down in
shower an oser her dress.
I'm never speak 10 you again" cried Jack as
he dragged Maggie quickly away.
You never snall. echoed his father. still
louder as they passed out Of the room.
Nor did they ever meet again