The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1898-12-09

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yes" she said, with smiling lips
and dancing eyes, 'he'll admit that
nothing has occurred to prove Colonel
Merridew's guilt if your father will adj
NIT that every sane man must have
thought that Colonel Merridew was
guilty .
"Humr' said doubtfully. "I'll tell
my father.
My father received my report in
somewhat hostile spirit. At first be was
inclined to find new insult in it, and
had great difficulty in bringing him
TO a moro reasonable view. His sugges-
ton at last was-and could obtain no
better terms from him-that Sir Mat
thew should admit that nothing had &C.
CURED to suggest Colonel Merridew's
guilt, but at the same time it was con-
ceivable that sane man might have
thought Colonel Merridew guilty.
When next met Sylvia, commune
Gated my father suggested modification
of the terms of peace. l explained that
it covered real aud most material con-
cession.
"Papa will never agree to that, said
she sorrowfully, and no more he did.
Negotiations and pourparlers contin-
ued. Sylvia grew thinner. Ibecameab-
sent and distract in manner. After a
month Sir Matthew forwarded fresh
terms. They were as follows: Although
Colonel Merridew may not have stolen
the maharajah g rubies, yet every rea-
sonable man would naturally have con-
cluded that he had stolen the rubies.
My father objected to this and proposed
to substitute, although Colonel Mer-
ridew did not steal the maharajah 8
rubies, yet reasonable man might not
impossibly think that he had stolen the
rubies."
Sylvia and built hopes on this last
formula, but Sir Matthew unhappily
objected to it. Matters came to stand.
still again, and no progress was made
until the vicar, having heard of the
matter (indeed by now it was common
property and excited great interest in
the neighborhood), offered his services
as mediator. He said that he was a
peacemaker by virtue of his Office and
that he hoped to be able to draw up a
statement Of the case which would BIZ
palatable to both parties. Sir Matthew
and my father gladly accepted his
friendly Offices, and the vicar withdrew
to elaborate his eirenicon.
The vicar was o man Of great intel
lectual subtlety, which he found very
: four o( ISL
fore he enjoyed his new function ex.
tremely and was very busy riding tc
and fro between our house and the
Marstons'. Sylvia and grew impa-
. . tient, but the vicar assured us that the
: result of hurrying matters would be ar
irremediable rupture. We were obliged
to submit and waited as resignedly al
we could until the terms of peace should
be finally settled. At last the welcom,
news came that the vicar, lying awake
on Sunday night, had suddenly strucl
on form of words to which both par
ties could subscribe with satisfaction
and without loss of self respect Gale,
on the vicar before breakfast on Monda,
morning He greeted me with eviden
pleasure.
eyes" said he, rubbing his hand
contentedly, II think l have manages
it this time" And he hummed q ligh
hearted tune.
"What is the form of statement:"
asked, for could scarcely believe in tn
!. good news OF his success.
"Why, this, - answered the vicar
\ although there was no reason what
] soever to think that Colonel Merride,
I stole the indianapolis rubies, yet an
gentleman may we'll have supposed an
had every reason for surprising tina
Colonel Merridew did steal the mahara
jah's rubies.
"That seems-er-very fair an
equal" said l. after a moments con
d sideration.
d 81 think SO. my dear young friend,
10 said the vicar complacently. 81 imagin
If that it will put an end to all troubl
y between your worthy father and 81
Matthew. -
D "I'm sure it must, - l agreed
l, II have modelled it" pursued til
y vicar. holding out the piece of pap,
r, before him and regarding it lovingly
le II have modelled the form of it on
ION the Thirty nine Articles" SCI
3 gested thoughtlessly.
"Not at all. said the vicar sharpl.
le ION parliamentary apologies.
AS may be supposed, Sylvia and
ID spent day Of feverish suspense. NIT