Frederick citizen., 1895-02-22

uu.i, and his selection Of Hallam and
me as his most intimate companions
was not thought to be altogether to his
credit, only for the reason that ne
kept US up at nights. liked game OF
nap or pokar, rarely missed popular
race meeting, on which occasions ne
would drive US to the course. or we
would go there in Hallam's drag.
Furthermore, he liked the play, and
was Invariably seen at first nights
with his daughter Terese. whose beauty
attrasted attention. and in attendance
upon whom, besides her father, would
be either myself or Hallam.
And yet there was no better managed
house in London than the cottage at
Hampstead If 1t kept rather late
hours they were neither Of boisterous
nor questionable character; 1t went
regularly to church on Sundays, and
took its share in all the charities and
benevolent responsibilities Of the local.
ity
As Bret Harte loves certain Of his
real flesh and blood characters; and
similarly as Trollope carried several of
his best creations through many Of his
novels, find myself turning again to
Colonel Tom Ernstone, who. however,
Is only known to a very limited number
of my readers, having made his ~p-
pearance in a low and somewhat COM
plicated novel, the thinly associated
sections Of which I have long ago de-
tached into their original short studies;
and from which now take up the last
remaining episode for reconstruction
n nd arla tfC lot oil nd FRI
basis; and this Is the romantic story
Of my dear friend. Col. Tom Ernstone.
II any Of my present readers should in
times past have come upon (Which
doubD a stray suggestion of my dear
friends so-called eccentric marriage
and its consequences, they will thank
me. 1 feel sure for this present ex
PLANTATION of the reason for the mourn
full shadow which sometimes clouded
his handsome face, and also perhaps
for the pathos that no one could fail
to detect in the blue depths of the ex-
pressive eyeaar2 his daughter Terese.
Whether they have or not, they may
now read for the first time q complete
defense Of Tom Ernstone's character,
the true story Of his passion and PEN
ance, and the moral thereof, which
shows that while man suffers in this
world for the wrong he does, true peni-
tence can make reparation IL not to
the dead at least to the living.
Toms confession to me came about
in this way.
A member of the Parthenon Club.
who had heard some malicious, If fool
ish whisper against the social position
of Tom Ernstone, invited him and his
daughter to his house, to meet a very
select and distinguished company. and
had made 1t point of friendship and
club camaraderie that he should accept
IL.
/ and Hallam were among the guests.
I only knew the next day that twenty
four hours previously, Hallam had pro-
posed for Terese. He had told me In
confidence that he had intended to do
80.
1t was very delicate and considerate
to hint that he hoped in regard to this
determination, ne was not coming be-
tween me and any ambition had In
that direction.
my dear fellow" said, "Terese is
ten years younger than I: she Is
twenty; I am over thirty; furthermore,
to use a commonplace phrase, my
heart Is otherwise engaged; go in and
win."
He did so. was not aware, however.
when we all met at the reception ir
question, that Hallam had obtained
Toms consent to offer himself to
Terese.
Hallam was. however. unusually at
tentive to Terese. and this was noticed
by more than one Of the guests. Her
fathers eyet, too. seemed to follow her
about with a special solicitude Tor
knew that Hallam had proposed T..
Terese. and with his consent Teres.
had accepted him. subject to her fath.
er's approval
I only knew afterwards how joy and
sorrow battled In my old friends min
on that night There was a mystery
touching the birth OF Terese which h..
had made up his mind not to revea
The thought of II had exercised him
severely, and he had resisted doing
what. before we left the reception, he
had resolved to carry out on the NOR.
row. even at the risk Of breaking off
the engagement between his daughter
and Hallam.
Terese was a delightful vocalist-not
In the KTdnu bcTSc vi VI COii-
cert singing. She had singularly
sweet and sympathetic voice, and In
drawing room was, think. the most
delightful and finished ballad singer
ever heard.
On this night. Of all others. she had
a surprise for her father. In a new song,
only Just published. Malloy's "Clang
of the. Wooden Shoon." which. as far
as remember. tells the story Of
forlorn Normandy maiden whose lost
love is the pathetic background of the
merry song and dance. Hallam had
given Terese this pathetic ballad, ana
she had tried 1t privately. Knowing
somethsag of her fathers love OF Nor
mandy, she thought It would be
sweet surprise for him.
1t was indeed a surprise for him'
II ha]f-broke his heart afresh.
The story of the Normandy maiden.
sitting all forlorn. waiting for her lover
that never returned from sea, rose up
against him in the brilliant throns' IKE