Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-12-10
CHAPTER vIII.-(continued.)

Surely" said Mrs. Burton, inpatient
Is. you must see that it will be more sat
isfactory to all paiues that everything
is done regularly My brother Ralp is
TO be our agent, and he must see how
your accounts stand"
My father has no accounts" said
Tom. ito render to any one. He was
not here Az agent, or anything of the
Kind. My uncle was generous enough
to let us have the place, and lay out his
rents to the best advantage on it.
'Oh, of course" she said with frown'
1--WE understand all that The books
must be shown; there is a way of doing
all this. and Ralph must go into il regu-
larly."
Il have fortunately kept the letters
from uncle" said Tom. coOlly. which
will show that what | say is correct
well, we shall so into all that said
Ralph, smiling; "the court will receive
such documentary evidence"
Il don't understand you, sir, said
Ned, excitedly. land | do not intend go-
ing before you as court, or in any way
of the kind
And further" added Tom, $50 far
from being accountable, my father has
lived in the style in which you. sir
forgive me saying so-encouraged him to
do. taking your place here, and has in
curred serious debts, both for ME and
Others. This is only natural, in the sit
uation. We are all rejoiced, of course,
that you have been made so happy; but it
seriously alters our situation, and we
shall suffer greatly by this change. That
- tn1i ~ h4.tr no
us to account. We have no money, and
owe good deal. fairly spent in keeping
up the position of the family"
This is quite a new tone" said Mrs.
John Burton. Perhaps you viii be
bringing us TO account, and making out
that we owe you money for you services.
We can't admit your views at all. Ev-
erything must be explained, and account
ed for"
Footed up. as the Americans say"
added Ralph, smiling,
'WelI. do think" said Mr.. Burton,
'whtat Ned says as to the debts
''Ned-oh, your brother"
''You should remember my name. mad
am" said Ned, bitterly.
II have not forgotten it, assure you,
only we hear so many Toms and Neds
and other names, that it is confusing.
You had better adjourn to the study, as
Ralph says. and get the papers and fig
ures.'
AS soon rs she was gone. her brother
said in n serious tone Lydia is right,
we mus. go into the thing regularly. Just
give me general sketch of what has,
been laid out, and then we can see how
we stand"
lie led the way into the study. seated
himself at the table, opened a aispatch
box, from which he took small ledgrrs,
rentals, etc. and said:
Il thought it would, save time if we
went over all the gmatters first, so |
have a pretty senssdl idea of how things
stand
Net. .s.,,.ta.st hwestricken by the cool
ness of this young man of business. Ned's
candid and honest nature came to his aid.
and he said, MY dear brother, | speak
to you, and | presume that you would
not wish any one to come between----'
mo, no. God forbid"
We'll, the truth, and the whole truth,
is this counted on all this continuing.
as you babe me. and have got largely
into debt | feel no shyness or shame in
telling you, for it is no fault of mine if
they have not been paid. But think we
have sort of claim on you, brother, and
you said you would take care of us, and
-"
"Of course. of course, my dear Ned.
Don't say word l would do anything
for you that could do; and don't let the
debts disturb you"
He's always generous saia Mr.,
Ralph: too much so sometimes. | think
all this is very proper between two broth
ers but frankly remind you. John. that
there's a dificulty-Mrs. john"
Il thought So" said Ned, bitterly. 81
said so. To think, after so many years
-"
You see. at this time she has 4 notion
that every shilling unaccounted for is TAX
e. away from the child. 1t has "eally
become morbid feeling. Then again.
YOU know, | tell you frankly, her feel
lngs are not of the warmest towards
you"
"Oh. that's all past and gone" said Mr..
Burton. mo. don't distress yourself.
Ned, wen settle it all straight off. Come
cut now, and let us have walk toscth-
e., ana t0ik over oiu Tunes
But when they came in from stroll
that was delightful for both, where Ned
had opened his heart, they found Mrs.
Burton in the drawing room.
II have heard" She said in her coolest
way. "of what passed this morning Not
much business, it seems, was got through
Tomorrow it must be different. Loot,
here, Major Burton; | have always been
candid, whatever my enemies may choose
To say of nc. | tell yo" plainly, you
shall have no compliment from us, and !
am surprised that you should expect it
Ned looked at this deadly woman with
anger in his eye. You are unchanged
l see; well, can tell you this. that
am not one bit sorry, aud your dislike
which you have kept mp for so man,
years. only proves that l was right il
my judgment Of YOU
She turned to her husband.
DO you allow your brother to addrcs,
me in this strainf'
'Isn't be afraid; l shall not forge
myself; only take care, l warn you. !
downfall often comes as great as IN
rise. and where there is pride it come
very soon"
Now. Ned. stop this, l must beg
SAID his brother; really. it is not--be
coming"
TO hear your wife threatened. certain
" Rot becoming. Major Burton has fol
gotten himself, in speaking 10 me in thi
style; you should not stand 10y and n
low IT,"
Ned meant nothing, i know. But
had better stop there Ii is SO worryin:
all this family discussion. You know