Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1896-02-13

vice. said Col. vanbrugh, with
groan. "You said to me that had bet
ter tell him. II | had waited till he
came OF age, he would have known
more OF the world; he would have
been better prepared"
HE might have taken things more
pleasantly, of course. / am afraid /
did misjudge him a little. | thought
him lad Of better disposition, OF a
more amiable temper than he is
He does not treat me with much
amiability, that Is certain" said the
colonel, with some bitterness.
Il suppose he reserves it all for Lon
DON said the count, moving away
with his cigarette. He had planted a
seed Of anger, which small as mus
tard seed in the beginning, might grow
and grow until 1t became larger than
all the trees of the field
Lancelot came back the same even
ing and mentioned at dinner that he
had lunched with a school friend at
Berkely square. He wondered why
his father looked at him so oddly when
he made the observation and why the
count adroitly changed the conversa-
ton. He had no notion that the colonel
believed him guilty of a subterfuge.
At dessert, he again alluded to his
friend, saying that he had decided the
opposition to the wishes of his rela-
tions to become doctor and was again
surprised to see the displeased express
sion cross his fathers face.
II went with Vyner to see his cou-
sins afterward," he continued, fearless
ly Il had only just time to have tea
with them and get back to dinner
suppose you knew was going,
father"
mo. | did not know
why, | sent old John back with a
message. He must have forgotten"
THE groom told me you had gone
to London" the count said, with re-
assuring smile. Il told your father
myself"
but John ought to have given the
message" said Lance, seriously.
II only got the telegram from yyner
this morning"
He was addressing himself and
Rene. when his fathers cold, severe
voice broke upon the colloquy.
II have no wish to hear excuses now.
Lancelot You seem to think you can
do as you like; but | should be glad
another time to be informed of your
expeditions beforehand"
Il beg your pardon, sir, said Lance,
rather stifFly. Il did not realize that
there was any occasion for me to ask
your permission before doing such a
simple thing as to run up to town to
see my friend.
Perhaps it was not only to see that
friend" suggested Rene, in a quiet
tone. You had. perhaps, other mo-
tives"
Lances eyes shot fire.
what do you mean?" he said, turn
ing sharply on the speaker. But Col.
Vanbrugh interposed.
There is no need for you to make
any such remark Rene. do not wish
to drive my son into concealments or
subterfuges Of any sort. prefer to
remain satisfied with the accounts he
gives me of his doings.T
I hope you are satisfied sir" said
Lancelot, who was becoming bewilder-
ed and exasperated at being driven,
quite against his will, into the attitude
of defiance
The colonel kept silence
The silence startled Lancelot. He
turned red and then white, but faced
his father courageously.
IF you have any cause Of dissatis-
faction with me, 7 should prefer to
hear it, if you please" he said.
The colonel inclined his head grave
ly. 81 know of none"
"You mean that YOU suspect me?"
with an accent of intense indignation.
MY dear boy" the count began
blandly, but Lancelot interrupted him
with hot resentment of tone.
"Will you be so good as o let me
hear what my father has tc say?" he
said The count shrugged his should
ers and lay back in his chair There
was sort of lazy enjoyment of the
scene in his long, dark eyes. And
now may | understand, said the boy,
lifting his proud head and looking his
father full in the face, "of what do
YOU suspect me?''
THE word suspect is scarcely APP
plicable," said Col yanbrugh, in meas
ured accents, 1T appeared to me-
momentarly that You were placing a
gloss upon your actions; and that you
other reasons for going to London be-
side meeting your friend"
And. II had, was there any harm
in that?'
Certainly not, If YOU had avowed
your motives. l thought you had
probably gone elsewhereif / am TO
speak plainly and did not wish to say
so.
But where should | have gomez
said Lance, in establishment And am
| always supposed TO give an account