The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-11-27
JOHN THOMAS
NIX
By NARY GKASE HALFINE.

then to her companion, whose lovely
countenance looked still lovelier from
the brighter bushes that mantled it as
he fixed upon it his admiring gaze.
Il am sorry to undeceiye YOU" he
said smiling, but, unfortunately,
have no such claim upon your favor rs
that name should give. Unfortunately,
in more senses than one" he added,
CALAMITY, with another bow TO Kate.
MY name is John Thomas" he con-
tinued, handing her a letter. II am
but an humble clerk i'm the establish
ment of which Mr.. Armstrong is the
I head. He gave me this letter of intro
duction to you, and also commissioned
me to express his regrets that the i'm
perative claims Of business should OBJ
lige him to postpone a few weeks the
pleasure he has so long anticipated"
Miss Vernon seemed to take this an
nouncement very coolly; but not so
with her companion. whose eyes looked
still brighter from the scorn that she
made no effort to conceal.
Mr.. Armstrong seems to be entirely
devoted to the art of money getting"
she said, with curling lip.
Mr.. Armstrong is as devoted to his
/ business as his father was before him."
was the rather grave response.
Let us hope he added, with an
other bow and smile that he will ere
long find a more worthy object for his
devotion"
The terms in which the letter of in
PRODUCTION spoke Of its bearer insured
him very cordial reception, while his
pleasing and gentlemanly manner soon
| placed him on a friendly footing with
both ladies' But. though polite and at
tentive to his fair hostess, he seemed
from the first to be instinctively drawn
toward her cousin, Jane VINO on her
part, received his advances coyly in
deed, but with evident pleasure.
Some pleasant weeks passed-veeks
which flew all too swiftly to at least
two Of the trio, and with whom admir-
alton ripened into friendship, and
/ friendship into love.
! One day, as the happy pair were
seated quietly by themselyes-NIiss
Vernon having considerably with
drawn into the back parlor-they
caughr a glimpse Of Mr. Bagstocl de-
scending from a carriage at the door,
whose return had not been expected
until the week following; upon which
Jane manifested considerably more
agitation than her lover anticipated.
Don't be alarmed dearest" he whis-
pered, pressing fondly the little trem-
bling hand in his; Il will make it all
right with your uncle"
Eyes, but, dear John" she said, hur-
riedly, "do please step into the back
parlor, and let me explain matters to
him a little before he sees you"
Somewhat reluctantly John Obeyed
disappearing through the folding doors
into the adjoining room just as Mr.
Bagstock entered.
The customary greetings over, Mr..
Bagstock regarded his niece with both
a vexed and amused expression.
$50 it seems it is you that has got
the mitten," he said Il had a letter
from Mr.. John Armstrong, declining
the honor of your hand"
IF he had waited Il few days he
would have been spared the trouble"
said the young lady. with a look Of Of
Tended pride, as I happen to have
chosen for myself. as every one ought
to have the privilege Of doing
$50 has he it seems, And of all
women that it should be your Cousin
Jane?
Cousin Jane! Why, where could he
have seen ber?'
"Why, here, to be sure. Hasn't he
been visiting here the last three OF
four weeks?" returned Mr.. Bagstock
staring.
mo, indeed, uncle His high might
ness didn't consider me of sufficient
importance to warrant his taking 81
{ much trouble! He sent one of his
clerks, Mr. John Thomas, who, I dC
J assure you, uncle, is q most agreeable
and excellent young man"
'Who can speak for himself" sale
, the individual alluded to, walking on
, from the back parlor
: ''Why, John, my dear boy how d
| you do?" exclaimed Mr. Bagstock
/ shaking him cordially by the hand. "
/ didn't get your letter until yesterday.
/ Are you acquainted with Mr.. Johl
Thomas?" said his niece, looking iron
one to the other with bewlldered air
Mr.. Bagstock now began to have a
iGkling Of the truth.
= ~ am o. ought 70 be, well acquaint