The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-07-22
CHAPTER /.

MdHCSS duu SuCu y place was MI.
Wardlaw's dining room In Russell
square. 1t was very large, had
sickly green walls, hesvy maroon
curtains, mahogany chairs, a Tur-
key carpet an inch thick and was
lighted with wax candles only.
In the center. bristling and
cleaning with silver and glass,
was round table, at which IA
could have dined comfortably; and
at opposite sides of this table sat
two gentlemen, who look as neat,
grave, precise and and unromantic
as the place; Merchant .Nardlaw
and his son.
Both the Wardlaws were in full
dress, and sat in a deal silence,
that seemed natural to the great,
sober room.
This, however, was not for want
of topic; on the contrary, they
had a matter of great Importance
to discuss, and in fact this was
why they dined tete-a-tete.
While the young man fills his
glass, hurl we in his antecedents.
At school till Is, and then clerk
in his fathers office till %, he
showed an aptitude so remarkable
that John Wardlaw, who was get
ting tired, determined, sooner or
later, to put the reins or govern
ment into his hands. But he con-
ceived a desire that the future
head of his office should be uni
versity man. So he announced his
resolution, and to Oxford went
young Wardlaw, though he had not
looked at Greek or Latin for seven
years. He was, however, furnished
with a private tutor, under whom
he recovered lost ground rapidly.
The Rev. Robert Penfold was a
first class man, and had the gift
OF teaching. The house Of Ward
law had peculiar claims on him, for
he was the son Of old Michael Pen
fold, Wardlaw's cashier; he
learned from young Wardlaw the
stake he was playing for, and, in
stead of merely giving him one
hours lecture per day, as he did to
his other pupils, he used to come
to his rooms at all hours, and force
him to read, by reading with him.
A fortnight before the actual
commencement of our tale, Arthur
Wardlaw, well crammed by Pen
fold, went up for his final examina-
ton, throbbing with anxiety. He
passed; and was SO grateful to his
tutor that, when the advowson of q
small living near Oxford came into
tie market, he asked Wardlaw
senior to lend Robert Penfold a
sum Of money, much more than
was needed; and Wardlaw senior
declined without a moments hest
tation.
This slight sketch will serve as a
key to the dialog 1t has postponed,
and to subsequent incidents.
We'll, Arthur, and so you have
really taken your degree?"
mo, sir; but l have passed my
examination; the degree follows as
a matter Of course-that is a mere
question of fees"
"Oh! Then now ]. have some
thing to say to you. Try one more
glass of the AZ port. stop; you'll
excuse me: am, man of bust
ness; l don't doubt your. word;
heaven forbid! but, do you happen
to have any document you can pro-
duce in further confirmation of
what you state; namely, that you
have passed your final examina.
ton at the university"
Certainly, sir" replied young
Wardlaw. my testamur."
What is that?"
The young gentleman put his
hand in his pocket and produced
his testamur, or I'VE bear wit
ness" short printed document in
Latin, which may be thus trans.
lated:
I'VE bear witness that Arthur
Wardlaw Of st. Luke's college has
answered our questions In humane
letters.
GEORGE RICHARDSON,
ARTHUR SMYTHE,
EDWARD MERIVALE,
Examiners"
Wardlaw senior took 1t, laid II
beside him on the table, inspected
1t with his double eyeglass, and,
not knowing word Of Latin, was
nightly impressed, and his re-
spect for his son rose 40 or As per
cent.
very well, sir" said he. Nov
listen to me. Perhaps 1t was an
old mans fancy; but l have often
seen In the world what a stamp
these universities put upon a man
To send you back from commerce
to Latin and Greek, at two and
twenty, was trying you rather
hard: II was trying you doubly;
your obedience and your ability
into the bargain. Well, sir, you
have stood the trial, and am
proud Of you. And SO now 1t Is my
turn; look on yourself as my part.
ner In the old established house oil
Wardlaw. My balance sheet shall
be prepared Immediately and the
partnership deed drawn. You will
enter on flourishing concern, sir;
and you will virtually conduct 1t
In written communication with
me: for l have had five and forty
years of It; and then my liver, you
know! Watson advises me
strongly to leave my desk, and try
country air, and rest from business
and its cares"
He paused moment; and the
young man drew a long breath
like one who was in the act of be
Ing relieved of some terrible