Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-06-07
CHAPTER II.

The Vanleys had held Hardwood
Grange for centuries and there was
no name better known In Devonshire
than that which the squire bore.
Twice baronetage and once peer.
age had been offered to the Vanleys;
but to a Vanley the old English and
old Devonshire title OF Squire" was
too dear to be exchanged for any
other, though 1t might be higher
rank: and so Squire Vanley, the mas
ter OF the Grange, refused, and GER
tainly was not the less respected for
his refulal Of a peerage,
While rs to Mr. BARLEY Bradstone,
as the French wit remarked, He may
have had grandfather but no one
has yet been found credulous enough
to believe It."
Five years before this notable af-
ternoon, Mr.. Bradstone had purchased
an estate within three miles Of the
Grange. Perhaps It would be as we'll
to be exact, and explain that he had
lent money on the place, and, fore
closing, got possession OF 1t.
An old but rather rashackle house
stood uron ia house quite large
enough for bachelor, by the way
but MI Bradstone pulled 1t down, and
In its place built huge mansion,
which, by its highly ford architect
ure, was far more suitable to South
Kenslngton than North Devon.
1t was tremendous place, all
gables and turrets, and being built Of
red brick with white stone facings,
was terribly conspicuous. Olivia had
remarked, the first time she saw II,
which happened to be on blazing
hot day, that mo one ought to look
upon IL except through green spec
tacles" And she added that It would
be useful in winter--to warm ones
hands at!
The interior was decorated and fur
nished In strict accordance with the
very latest art-craze; and, as If to
atone for the red glare Of the ex-
terror, the inside was cold and repel.
Ing.
Mr. BARLEY Bradstono however,
considered 1t perfection; and here he
settled down The country people
were shy Of him at first. Devonshire
is celebrated for apples cider and
eXclusiyeness Nothing was known
OF the newcomer, excepting that he
was rich there was no doubt about
that-immonsely rich; and those who
had been thrown into his company
were not preposaessed by him. There
was that look In his eyes, for one
thing; and, for another, with all his
careful dressing and studously cor
rect maners, Mr. BARLEY Bradstone
did not seem, to the very particular
country people, TO be--well. exactly n
gentleman,
But after Il time the squire, who
had met him once or twice In the
market town, seen him at church,
touched his nat to him at the meet
of course the square was the master
OF the hounds--at last the squire
made a formal call upon Mr., BARLEY
Bradstone at The Naples, as he called
the red monstroslty
That which was good enough for
Square Nanley was, OF course, good
enough for the rest of the country
people, and Mr., BARLEY Bradstore
was not only asked out to dinner, but
greater honor still, had the gratidca.
ton of seeing the best people of the
neighborhood round his own--new-
mahogany.
He gave good dinners-too good. 1t
was whispered; too many covers, too
many wines, with too much plate, and
too many servants,
IT'S a pity" remarked Lord Car.
field to the squire, as they walked
home after one of Mr., Bartley's din.
ners, that there is no one to caution
these parvenus against OVERRIDING It.
Give you my word, Vanley, felt all
the evening as IL were dining ut one
of those new hotels in London where
they give you twelve courses served
In gaudy room all gilt and white
paint, and play music at you all the
time, suppose you have twice as
much plate? have some"-the
Garfield plate was the boast of that
part of Devonshire--"bu we never
think of making silversmith's
counter of our dinner.table every time
We ask neighbor to dinner"
He means We'll" said the squire.
Just SO" said the old lord. THAT
ma'ies 1t all the worse. It's hope
less case"
They were near neIghbors, and an
intimacy sprang up between Mr.. Bart.
ley Bradstone, the millionaire. and
the Squire Of Hardwood The young
man would ride oyer--on long Parl,
horse which he rode abomlnably!-to
the Grange in the morning and was
easily persuaded to stop to lunch.
Sometimes he would remain to din.
ner' a servant being sent to The
Naples for Mr., Bradstone's evening
clothec. Miss Amelia quite liked him,