Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1895-05-04

2~Y W us, Iexpected that
S--.a--| ~ of course.
Edith Cooking down, and playin
with her engagement ring Its rattle
hard, after not seeing you for tw
years, Arthur.
Arthur Its rather hard on me, be
ing away for two years and lookin
forward to coming home and every
thing, and then to come home to this
Edith understand that your faith
er did forge the check, and laid tn
blame on old Esmond, and now hi
son has got the letter your fathe
wrote him on his deathbed and pro
poses to clear his fathers memory
You would do as much, | suppose?
Arthur-Yes of course. But We RI
in such different positions. You Sc
the Esmonds are quite out of society
Besidesit's all over now--so many year
ago, and it's very hard on me to hav
it all raked up now. / haven't don
anything. It's very hard on me.
Edith-And on your mother an,
sisters. I see that quite.
Arthur-Yes, of course, that wa.
my first thought. ! didn't think i
necessary to mention that they wer,
my first thought. But as ] was say
ing, Richard Esmond has no one t.
think Of but himself. lie is the only
child, and his mother is dead, and h,
has no friends. He Is only an usher
and no one would think any the better
of him if it was cleared.
Edith-He has some friends. You
know, he visits here.
Arthur-Yes, | know. That's why
Nothing would be easier thar
for You to get him to give up this
idea of clearing his fathers name
The man died twenty years ago, and
do wish, for my poor mothers sake,
and the girls, of course, that my
father had let sleeping dogs lie, and
not written that discriminating letter.
Why, should never be able to stay
in the place if it were known, and VT
could not be married for years, and
everything would go wrong. You
will, Edith, won't you?
Edith-Yes, if you wish it. Richard
has lived in the place, though.
Arthur-Yes; but don't / tell you
it's all blown over twenty years ago
What's the good Of raking it all up?
Edith-You really wish me to try
to get this paper for you, Arthur?
Arthur--Yes, dearest. Why, how
pale you arc You mustn't let it up,
set you-a little thing like this. II
will be all over directly.
There he comes down the road now,
with his COMPOUNDED swagger.
cant understand how man can have
grown up with n manner like that
when his father was convicted o
forgery.
Elith-Convicted, Arthur, moi
guilty,
Arthur-Well, ] said "convicted,
dearest, didn't? Isay, he's
coming in at the garden gate. What
shall | do? | can't meet him.
Edith Hide behind the screen then.
He hides behind screen.)
Richard Esmond enters. He is tall
and thin, and turns bored eyes on the
world through double glasses.
Richard. | an fastening to keep an
important appointment. Areyouvery
busy? May stay and chat for awhile
I have something.I should like to ask
you.
Edith-The world is full OF coinci-
dences | also have something | wish
to ask you.
Notwithstanding serious? Yes,
I see it in your eyes. Give me a
moment to prepare myself. Two
serious subjects in one morning The
prospect appalls, and in July, too
Let us talk o, something light for a
few moments. The equalization of
rates Orwell, we might have re-
freshing little talk on some set sub.
Ject, perhaps, as the suburban debat-
ing societies do.
Edith-Let me be spared the
"aneuish of fierce debate !"
Richard (deprecatingly)-No fierce
On such n morning as this who could
debate fiercely? / have been thinking
OF writing an article for the Fort
nightly on the influence of the County
Council on modern lyric poetry.
Edith (smiles in spite of herself,
but twists her hands nervously)-
Mr.. Esmond, are You ever serious?
Richard-I am serious for the nine
long months Of the scholastic year.
But now, when each lamb has gone to
its own fold, the shepherd wreaths his
Ik with garlands.
Gdith-And his conversation with
flowers of speech. Have you had a
good time with the boys this term?
Richard-The Landing season has
been excellent. Two of them, almost
mutton, as one might say, passed for
Sandhurst. The Oxford Local has
showered It's cultured bays thick upon
us. And now-for / perceive too
plainly that you are anxious to be rid
Of me what is this serious thing that
you wished to ask me?
Edith promptly)-It is this? "a
very long pause).
Richard--Well?
Edith with increasing agitation
Is it very much more difficult to say
than expected.
Richard (gravely)-Don't distress
yourself. Believe me, nothing is
worth it.
Edith desperately You know that
l am going to marry Arthur Edwards?
Richard Il have heard that you are
engaged.