The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1901-09-27
CHAPrRR <.

CHAPTER x.
My father stood motionless for mo-
ment. Then slowly he sank into chair.
Il am a ruined and disgraced man." he
said, without looking up; ''if you have
broken off your marriage with Julia,
shall never raise nay head again"
"But whyP'' asked uneasiIy.
Come down into my consulting room" !"
he said. went on before him, carrying
the lamp, and turning round once or
twice saw his face look grey. and the
expression OF 1t vacant and troubled. His
consulting room was a luxurious room,
elegantly frrpished He sank down into
an easy chair, shlyering as ii we were in
the depth OF winter.
Martin, ! am a ruined man~ he said,
for the second time.
But how?' asked again, lmpatientIy.
II dare not tell you" he cried, leaning
his head upon his desk and sobbing. How
white his hair was! and how aged he
lookedl My heart softened and warmed to
him as 1t had not done for years.
Father / said, If you can trust
any one, you can trust me. II you are
ruined and disgraced shall be the same,
as your SON."
That's true" he answered, that's
truel 1t will bring disgrace on you and
your mother. We shall he forced to leave
Guernsey. where she has lived all her
life; and 1t VIII be the death OF her.
Martin, you must save US all by making
1t up with Julia
"But why?" | demanded, once more.
II must know what you mean"
"Mean7" he said, turning upon me an
grily, you blockheadl mean that un-
less you marry Julia shall have to give
an account Of her property; and could
not make all square, not IL sold every
stick and stone l possess"
sat silent for a time, trying to take
in this piece Of information. He had
been Julia's guardian ever since she was
left an orphan, ten years old; but had
never known that there had not been q
formal and legal settlement of her affairs
when she was OF age. Our family name
had no blot upon 1t; 1t was one Of the
most honored names In the island. But
IL this came to light, then the disgrace
would be dark indeed.
Can you tell me all about tt 2" asked
ut would take O long time" he said,
"and It would be deuce of nuisance.
You make 1t up with Julia, and marry
her, as you're bound to do. OF course
you will manage all her money when you
are her husband. as you viii be. Now
you know ALL"
But don't know ALL" replied; "and
| insist upon doing so before ] make up
my mind what to do"
For two hours was busy with his ac-
counts. Once. or twice he tried to sink
out of the room; but that | would not
suffer. At length the ornamental clock
on his chimney piece struck eleven, and
he made another effort to beat retreat.
do not 60 away till everything is
clear | said; "is this all2"
"All?" he repeated; isn't it enoughT
Between three and four Thousand
pounds Deficient" answered; sit is quite
enough"
Enough to make me felon," he said,
IF Julia chooses to prosecute me"
II think 1t Is highly probable" | re-
piled; though know nothing Of the
law
Then you see clearly, Martin, there Is
no alternative hut for you to marry her,
and keep our secret, / have reckoned
upon this for years, and your mother and
have been Of one mind in bringing 1t
about. II you marry Julia, her affairs 60
direct from my hands to yours, and we
are all safe. II you break with her she
will leave us, and demand an account of
my guardianship; and your name and
mine will be branded In our own island"
THAT is very clear" lid sullenly.
"Your mother would not survive 1t"
he continued, with a solemn accent.
"Ohi | have been threatened with that
already" | exclaimed, very bitterly.
Pray does my mother know of tis dis
graceful businessT
Heaven forbidP' he cried. "Your
mother Is good woman, Martin; as SIM
pie as q dove You ought to think Of her
before you consign us all to shame. Poor
Maryl My poor, poor love! believe
she cares enough for me still to break
her heart over it."
Then am to be your scapegoat," |
said.
You are my son" he answered. "and
religion itself teaches us that the sins Of
the fathers are visited on the children.
| leave the matter in your hands. But
only answer one question: Could you
show your face amongst your own friends
II this were knownY'
knew very well could not. My faith
er fraudulent steward Of Julia's prop
erty! Then farewell for ever to all that
had made my life happy. | saw there
was no escape from it'll must marry
Julia.
We'll" | said at last 'as you say, the
matter Is in my hands now; and | must
make the best of 1t. Goof night, SIR"
Ito be contihu >