Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1903-04-03

faced aspect. got upon his feet again
and stood in silence
| Then q light seemed to break upo1
Mr.. Vandeleur and he laughed aloud.
| II see," cried he. 1T is the Scrym
occur. Very we'll. Mr.. Scrymgeour
Let me tell you in few words how
| you stand. You have entered my pri
vate residence by force, or perhaps by
fraud. but certainly with no encour
| agement from me, and you come at 8
moment Of some annoyance, a guest
having tainted at my table. to besiege
me with your protestations. You are
no son Of mine. You are my brothers
bastard by a fishwife, if you want tt
know. I regard you with an indiffer
ence closely bordering on aversion, and
from what now see Of your conduct
l judge your mind to be exactly suit
able to your exterior. l recommend
you these notifying reflections for
your leisure, and, in the meantime, let
me beseech you to rid us Of your pres
ence. If l were not occupied" added
the dictator, with terrifying oath, II
should give you the unholiest drub-
bling ere you VENT
Francis listened in profound humilia-
ton. He would have fed had it been
nossihle: hut rs he had no means of
leaving the residence into which ne naa
SO unfortunately penetrated he could
do no more than stand foolishly where
he was.
1t was Miss Vandeleur who broke
the silence. Father" she said, you
speak in anger. Mr.. Scrymgeour may
have been mistaken, but he meant well
and kindly
'Thank you for speaking," returned
the dictator. "You remind me of some
other observations which I hold it 4
point of honor to make to Mr.. Scrym-
geour. My BROTHER" he continued, adj
dressing the young man, has been
foolish enough to give you an allow
ance. He was foolish enough and pre-
sumptuous enough to propose match
between you and this young lady. You
were exhibited to her two nights ago,
and l rejoice to tell you that she reject
ed the idea with disgust. Let me add
that have considerable influence with
your father, and it shall not be my
fault If you are not beggared Of your
allowance and sent back to your scriv-
ening ere the week be OUT
The tones Of the old mans voice were,
if possible, more wounding than his
language. Francis felt himself ex-
posed to: the most cruel, blighting and
unbearable contempt His head turn
ed, and he covered his face with his
hands, uttering at the same time tear
less sob of agony. But Miss Vande'eur
once again il,telfered in his behalf.
"Mr. Scrymgeour," she said, speaking
in clear and even tones, you must not
be concerned at my fathers harsh ex-
pressions. | felt no disgust for you.
On the contrary, I asked an opportuni-
ty to make your better acquaintance.
AS for what has passed tonight, believe
me it has filled my mind with both
pity and esteem"
Just then Mr.. ROLES made eonvul-
sive movement of his arm, which con-
vinced Francis that he was only drug
ged and was beginning to throw off the
influence Of the opiate. Mr.. Vandeleur
stopped over him and examined his face
for an instant.
"COme, comet" cried he, raising his
head. Let there be an end of this
And, since you are so pleased with his
conduct, Miss Vandeleur, take candle
and show the cur Quit"
The young lady fastened to obey.
'Thank you," said Francis as soon as
he was alone with her in the garden.
II thank you from my soul. This has
been the bitterest evening Of my life,
but it will have always one pleasant
recollection
Il spoke as felt" she replied, land in
Justice to you. 1t made my heart sorry
that you should be SO unkindly used"
By this time they had reached the
garden gate, and Miss Vandeleur, hav.
ing set the candle on the ground. was
already unfastening the bolts.
Zone word more" said Francis
'"This is not for the last time. l shall
see you again, shall not?''
"Alas," she answered, you have
heard my father. What can do ~
-: ls at ,east tnat 1t Is not witt
your consent" returned Francis. "Tel
me that you have no wish to see tn
last Of me-"
Indeed" replied she. II have none
You seem to me both brave and hon
; est"
'Then," said Francis, give me ,
keepsake
She paused for a moment, with he
hand upon the key, for the variou
bars and bolts were all undone, an,
there was nothing left but to open tn
lock.
IF agree" she said, Twill 20,
promise to do as tell you from poin
to point?"
"Can you askT" replied Francis. Is
would do so willingly on your bar
word"
She turned the key and threw ope
the door.
BE it So" said she. "You do nc
| know what vo11 ask hrt ho II a.