Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1907-03-22
CHAPTER XXI.

~ but lie had always been found
standing on the hearth rug by the
butler, and, hard old aristocrat that he
was, he would not yield to the some
what angular Establishments OF the
stiff backed chair.
He stood for a few moments with
his back to the smoldering fire, and,
being quite alone, he perhaps forgot
TO stiffen his neck. for his head
dropped, his lips were unsteady: he
was very old man.
A few minutes later, when he strobe
into the dining room. where butler and
footman awaited him. he was erect.
imperturbable, impenetrable.
At dinner it was evident that his
keen brain was hard ct work. He for
got one or two of the formalities which
were religiously observed at that soil
tary table. He FASTENED over his wine,
and then he went to the library. There
he wrote telegram, slowly. In his
firm, ornamental handwriting.
1t was addressed to Gordon, Loango,
and the gist Of 1t was-"Wire where
abouts of Oscard-when he may be ex-
pected home"
At half past Jack arrived. Sir John
was awaiting him in the library, grimly
sitting In his high backed chair, as
carefully dressed as for great recep-
ton.
He rose when his son entered the
room and they shook hands. There
was certain air of concentration
about both, as IL they each intended to
say more than they had ever said be-
fore. The coffee was duly brought.
This was q revival of an old custom.
In bygone days Jack had frequently
come in thus and they had taken coffee
before going together In Sir Johns
carriage to one of the great social func-
tons at which their presence was al
most q necessity. Jack had always
poured out the coffee-tonight he did
not offer to do so.
81 came" he said suddenly, ITO give
you piece of news which I am afraid
will not be very welcome. Millicent
and I have decided to make our en-
gagement known"
"You know" said Sir John gravely,
that am not much given to altering
my opinions. I do not say that they
are of any value; but. such as they are,
I usually hold to them. When you did
me the honor of mentioning this mat
ter to me last year. gave you my
opinion"
"And it has In no way altered?"
"In no way. l have found no reason
to alter It,"
"Will you, at all events, give me
your reasonsT he asked. II am not
a child"
II think" he said, that 1t would be
advisable not to ask Them"
IT should like to know why you OBJ
ject to my marrying Millicent." persist
ed Jack.
"Simply because know bad wom-
an when see her." retorted Sir John
deliberately.
II am sorry you have said that" said
the son.
Gust" continued the father, "as ]
know q good one"
He paused, and they were both think
ing of the same woman. JOcelyn Cor
don.
Sir John had his say about Millicent
Chyne, and his son knew that that was
the last word. She was a bad woman.
From that point he would never move.
There was long silence, while the
two men sat side by side gazing into
the fire.
II am getting too old to indulge in
the luxury Of PRIDE" said the father at
length. II will attend your marriage.
l will smile and say pretty things to
the bridesmaids. Before the world I
will consent under the condition that
the ceremony does not take place be-
fore two months from this date"
II agree to that" put In Jack.
Sir John rose and stood on the hearth
rug looking down from his great height
upon his son.
But" he continued, between us
let 1t be understood that / move In no
degree from my original position. /
object to Millicent Chyne as your wife.
But I bow to the force of circum-
atancas 7 admit that vou have n nor