The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-06-19

ject so often that in the case of any
one else l should have felt that I
must be growing tedious; but after
five years l lind myself loving Alma
more than ever. During that space
of time she has declined many much
better offers for my sake, and doubt
less many better men; but none who
loved her as I do, for that (as it
seems to mel is impossible. My po-
sition as regards finances is much i'm
proved by my having obtained the
adjutancy, but not sufficiently so to
obtain the generals consent to our
marriage. Neither Of us blames him;
life in India is different from life at
home. The notion of living comfort
ably upon a moderate income is en-
tertained by very few people, and by
no one in the brigadier's position.
He asks me bluntly enough, though
not with personal disfavor, what are
my expectations, and especially what
sort of allowance my father can make
me. To this, Of course, I can give
no answer, and must await your
reply. l cannot say how it distresses
me to make such an application to
you. I am aware that you have many
expenses, and little to spare, but a
little, with what I have of my own,
will now suffice. If I thought I
should be in any way Gripping you or
depriving you of a single comfort, or
even the means of gratifying your
own generous and benevolent dispo-
sition, I should feel I was procuring
my own happiness at too great a
price. 1t will be only waiting a little
longer till my prospects have i'm
proved, as they must needs do; for /
am sure of Alma, and Alma is sure
of me. You will not, I Inn sure, i'm
agine, when I say that my return to
England will depend on your reply,
that I am suggesting that as a rea-
son for your acceding to my request.
I know how much you wish to see me,
by my. own vehement desire to see
you, but I am not base enough, I
hope, to make use Of your affection
for me as a lever to gain my own
ends. I am quite certain you will
help me if you can, but If you cannot
(Which is quite possible), I shall be
content to shake the pagoda tree till
I have got rupees enough to satisfy
the general, when 1 shall bring Alma
home, to find another father in your
dear SELF"
There was much more to the same
effect; the whole letter was full Of
love and confidence and flial con-
sideration. 1t would have gladdened
any fathers heart, but that of the
canon fairly leapt for JOY, not only
from the consciousness of his Rob-
ert's worth, but of his own ability to
insure the young fellows happiness.
Without going into details with re-
spect to his own finances, he was
quite confident that he should be
able to allow his son an annual in
come which would considerably eX-
coed the young mans modest expec-
tations, and also to satisfy the gen.
eral as regarded his future son-in-
laws prospects.
Presently the evening post came in
with a circular about somebody's
goods which had to be disposed Of
SO it was stated, and IN print, too
at an alarming sacrifice. He pc
rused it with a pretense Of attention,
and then, thrusting it into his pocket
besides Roberts precious missive, ex-
claimed, well, that is a nuisance.
I am afraid 1 shall have to run up to
town tomorrow to see Adair."
Dear me! and such very bad
weather for travelling, my dear broth
er. Why shouldn't Mr.. Adair come
here; I suppose it's his business"
"Oh, yes, it's his business" re-
turned the canon, nursing this spark
of truth; "it isn't my business; but
still I am comparatively an idle man"
Che always used that word COMPARE
lively" in connection with his free
dom from toll. He had a notion that
he worked rather hard), land Adair
is a very busy one. I am afraid I
must go. If I 60 by the express I
can get back by dinner time"
Upon my word, William, I hope
Mr.. Adair is conscious of the trouble
he gives you with his affairs, and is
grateful for all your kind assistance
to him"
well l suppose he knows it's for
Sophy's sake, my DEAR" returned the
canon, grimly.
Then I hope he pays his debt of
gratitude to Sophy. I am sometimes
rather inclined to doubt it,"
Adair was not a favorite with Aunt
Maria, as her brother knew; never
theless, her tone, when taken in con-
nection with that private matter he
had ir his mind, made the canon I'M
| easy.
Il hope, my dear, that you do not
mean TO suggest" he said, that
Adair and his wife do not get on hap
PLY together?"
Il don't so so far as to say that;
she has ne,ar uttered a word of COM
plant to me, but 1 don't think he
treats her with confidence. His mind
seems to be always occupied, so that
there is no room in it for his wife and
child"
Il suppose he has a great deal to
think about"
Very likely; but he should think
about his affairs at his Office, not
bring them home with him. 1t would
be excusable, perhaps, in the case Of
q person immersed in speculation,
but with a steady business, such as