The Holly chieftain., 1904-04-15

master and enemy addressing him
i have one or two very serious ques-
tions to put to you"
The young man bent his head defer
entlally, and seemed to intimate his
entire readiness to answer all inquir-
les.
1t has been brought to my notice
that is, | have reason to believe"-the
voice continued, as its owner seemed
to experience some difficulty in open
ing up the subject-"that | have been
deceived in you, and--in fact, that the
name under which you are at present
passing, is not your own. Is that so?"
Ted answered respectfully, Begging
your pardon, sir, but the name l am
going under is my own. Might be
allowed to ask who says anything to
Tie contrary?'
You mean to maintain that your
name is Edwards. after all?" he in
quired, bending his brows upon Miss
Perkins, whose-as he now thought
fit to describe 'it-unwarrantable inter
ference in the matter had subjected
him to this annoyance.
My name is Edward sir An s. at
the end makes it sound better, and I
thought there was no objection to my
adding the letter"
Then your name, according to your
own statement, is Edward, and you
have merely added the final letter. II
so, | am sorry"
This was more than the woman
could stand, and she broke in, uncere-
moniously upon her masters speech,
Edward! Edward what, | should like
to know? He's deceiving you. sir, in
trying to make out as that's his sur
name Ask him what the other is and
| why he's had to drop it?"
Mr.. Ferrers turned toward him,
| wearily. rs the woman right in as
serting that the name you have given
is only your Christian name? In
which case it would seem that you
have added the other letter for the
purpose of making it do duty as a sur
name?"
There was a seconds hesitation,
during which the housemad pit her
mp with impatience, before the answer
SdHle, SLOWLY.
MY Christian name is Edward; il
did not seem to me to be of any i'm.
| portance which gave"
Perkins shifted triumphantly so
| you're going to try and get out of i.
| that way she thought, but it won't
do"
Something in this last answer had
70, -; l..
| suspicious.
Il must insist upon your giving me
| your right name he said, author
| lively.
Shall | answer him with a lie:"
was the thought which passed through
the others mind. Surely, one more
need not weigh very heavily upon my
| conscience? And in such cause!"
But, in the same instant, The face OF
this mans daughter rose up before
him. How she would despise him,
if she knew he thought, with a sud-
den reaction and sense of self-con-
tempt, as he answered, still respect
fully enough
Il should prefer not to mention it,"
|
tion it, would you? And what have
you done to make you ashamed to
| own it?" exclaimed Perkins, the house
| maid, who was carried away by her
| feelings at this point, in a tone of
| triumph.
She had better have remained silent
Hold your tongue, woman" was the
angry reprimand she brought upon
| herself. This is no business OF
| yours
Woman, indeed! A crowning insult!
And to be told to hold her tongue!
Her master, turning again to the
young man, repeated his question,
with the addition of the inquiry sug-
gested by the last remark of the
woman Perkins.
What have you done that you are
ashamed of your name?"
Nothing" was the proud reply,
given with head erect and defiant;
and there was something about the
manner and tore by which the other
was obviously impressed.
why, then, do you refuse to answer
the question l have put to you?" he
asked in milder voice.
There are family reasons" was
the answer.
Family reasons. A man servant with
family reasons, just as though he were
anyone else, instead of being a usefpl
sort of machine, hired out at so much
year, with board and lodging! No
wonder there was something incongru.
Gus in the sound!
q have nothing to do with your
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