The Elbert County tribune., 1904-04-14

thought there was no objection to my
adding the letter."
"Then your name, according to your
own statement. is Edward. and you
hav. merely added the final lstter. II
so. ! am sorry"
This was more than the woman
could stand. and she broke in, uncerc-
moniously upon her masters speech,
Edward, Edward what, should Ike
to know? He's deceiying you. sir. In
trying to make out as that's his sur
name. Ask him what the other is and
why he's lad to dror it?'
Mr.. Ferrers turned toward him.
wearily. 'Is the woman right In as
serting that the name you save given
is only your Christian name? In
which case 1t would seem that you
have added the other letter for the
purpose of making 1t do duty as sur
name?"
There was seconds hesitation.
during which the housemaid DIT her
np With impatience. before the answer
came. slowly.
my Christian name is Edward; 1t
did not seem TO me to be OF any i'm
portance which l gave"
Perkins shifted triumphantly. so
you're going to try and get out OF II
that way" she thought, "but it won't
do"
Something in this last answer had
helped to raise him in his masters
suspicious.
"I must insist upon your giving me
your right name" he said, authorita-
lively.
Shall I answer Elm with n 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,
IL she knew" he thought, with n sud-
deh reaction and a sense of self-con-
tempt. as he answered. still respect
fully enough
Il should prefer not to mention It."
"Oh, you would prefer not to men
tion 1t. 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 tone of
triumph.
Sle 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 tonguel
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,
and there was something about the
manner and tone by which the other
was obviously impressed. ~
Why, then. do you refuse to answer
the question / 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 useful
sort Of machine. hired out at so much
year, with board and lodging! No
wonder there was something incongru-
Gus in the sound!
II have nothing to do with your
reasons" was the answer. "and must
absolutely decline to retain any one
in my service under false name"
He knew now that 1t was coming
notice to leave on the spot. Or might
there not be a reprieve? He was
entitled to a months notice in the
ordinary course of things. Oh, why
had he procrastinated SO long and
wasted such goiden opportunities? A
months warning-that was all he
prayed for. A month?-another day
was all he asked.
Then you refuse to give me your
proper name? l ask for the last
time"
ITO be continued.)