Evening star., 1902-02-01
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Loss of a Reputation.


Oliver next turned his attention to the
bankrupt then under the hospitable roof of
the Grapes, where his bill was mounting
at an incredible speed, assisted by the land
lord, who pressed upon his guest the finest
contents of his cellar. Perhaps the lawyer
had private reasons of his own for de-
feating the purposes of the noble lord.
Isabels brother-in-law, from whom he had
endured many founts and insolences such
as a man of rank may infiict upon one be-
low him in station without risk of retalia-
tion or retort. Perhaps, as general rule.
1t might be alleged that the more worthless
a man of quality is, either morally or men
tally, the more intolerable in his arrogance,
so that a nobleman who has nothing but
his rank-neither craftsmanship, nor elo-
quence nor service in the army, nor leader
ship nor wealth, nor morals, nor princi-
pies. nor the record of an honorable life
carries off his true obscurity by pride and
insolence. In his treatment of Oliver, Lord
Stratherrick had been especially arrogant,
because he foresaw the possibility, which
Should be prevented if possible, of closer
tie than that of friendship between him
and ISabel-Oliyer endured this insolence
because he was unwilling to quarrel with
one so closely allied with the lady. But,
when the occasion arrived, it was but hui
man and it was natural that he should
sieze upon the opportunity in order to de-
feat the schemes of this penniless peer.
1t was now certain that Lord Strather-
rick out of gratitude to the lady who main
tained him. was keeping this bankrupt at
his former Wallets tavern, in order to make
money for himself by protesting to buy his
slence-a scheme truly worthy OF his race
and his ancestry. Now, therefore, Oliver
considered the situation with some care. 1t
was as follows:
There was revengeful, drunken creature
L.,I 0fr dnn1n
T. be the cause of his misfortune that ne
had ended by believing it. This man knew
of the Newgate marriage.
He might talk; If he talked anywhere In
the town except at the Grapes 1t would not
matter; but this tavern was used by the
servants and any scandal related to them
would quickly be spread abroad over the
whole of the world of fashion.
That he had not so far spoken was GER
tain because there was no sign Of such
scandal anywhere.
That he was for the most part and al
ways in the latter part of the day speecn-
less with drink-sometimes half speechless
and sometimes wholly speechless-seemed a
certain safeguard.
That in the morning when his nina, mud
died at best, was at its cleareSt, no one
was in the tavern at all. This was anoth-
er safeguard.
That he understood, If he could under
stand anything, that his delightful access
to all kinds of drink was the price OF
silence.
That If he spoke at all the value of his
silence was DESTROYED.
Further, the man was taken in at the
tavern by order of his lordship.
But his lordship had no money to pay the
bill for the mans maintenance.
Therefore if Isabel refused to pay any
thing the man must be turned into the
streets.
If Lord Stratherrick himself, in revenge,
started the scandal he would be sent back
to his deserted country house by the with
drawal of the allowance.
If Isabel refused, further, to pay the land
lord of the tavern he might start the scan
daI on his own account The man had al
ready called upon Isabel and demanded
payment.
On the whole. the only person to be feared
in the business was this landlord, and he,
chiefly. to the extent of his own bill.
Considering, therefore, the whole case
thus presented, Oliver resolved on going
behind his lordship's back and on discuss
Ing the case with Mr.. Pinder direct. He
therefore called at the tavern in the after
noon. Mr.. Pinder was in the parlor, the
room behind the bar where the company
met every evening. He was seated at the
table. his account books before him. In an
elbow chair beside the fireplace WAS man
asleep. BY his purple cheek, his nose swell
len and painted, his protruding lips. his
hands which trembled in his sleep, Oliver
recognized the bankrupt, object of so much
solicitude. Your friend" he observed to
Mr.. Pinder, opening the conversation, "ap-
pears to be very near apoplectic fit. \
swollen neck, short and thick, a bloated
face, shaking hands-what do these mean,
sir? He should take care. He is ripe for
the scythe unless 1 am very much mis-
taken"
This was obviously true Yet men in this
condition do sometimes so continue for
many years. 1t is IL the fatal shears
were always open for them, and always
kept from closing in order that they might
repent and reform. Yet this man never
thought of repentance or of reformation
10 had M faty inq of III
science was dead-for the neglect of wife
and children. or for the ruin he had brought
upon himself Hundreds, thousands
there are in this town of creatures thus be-
think understand act, and are mere
breathing casks of drink, to whom small
ale Is cool and raw punch is hot, and there
Is no other delight or longing or desire lett
In life but the coolness of the one and the
sweet heat and strength of the other.
He will do Let him be- said Mr. Pin
der. You wish to speak to me. sir? You
can do so without fear of waking him.
IF / mistake not" said Oliver. "thls is
the man concerning whom have come to
see you. Mr. Pinder. This is, believe. Mr.
Fulton, formerly of Ludgate HILL
1t is Mr.. Fulton, sir. A most unfor-
tunate and worthy gentleman"
"Of his misfortunes / have no doubt
Concerning his worth those who know him,
I believe, differ in opinion.
That's as may be, sir. You come, how
ever. to see me about him.
Oliver gazed upon the sleeping man,
whose appearance was certainly against
him. HE looks like a gentleman of ster-
ling worth does he not?"
We'll, sir. before we discourse about him
at all. perhaps you will kindly give me
your name and your reasons for calling
u1on me-"
As for my name. it is Mcnamara. I am
q iawyer-of the upper bar as yet-a mem
Der of the inner temple
What has lawyer to do with Mr. Full
ton or with NE? ] want no lawyer med
ding In my affairs"
II come from the honorable Mrs Wey-
land, lady whose name you have heard