Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 23, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 4 December 1875 — Page 6

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.THE MAIL

PArBR for

Tins

People.

KISA GOT AM I.

~iC*awtanil,cJaapln*io her breast jpyMf jut tkWI. and *#l strange fear

W Jdt

& S __,

*$agfhn through the l&rtM*, Bwpjpnl ir*ry %,|fofMHH«ru«lwlm hlilortllfttoiwtore jjntii her neighbors, at I hi* frantic arU-f, jfor which the workl itself has no relief, gecan to nay: "The (rirl ha»lort her head

What medicine 1» that which com the dead B'H or© more wise, and taking pity's part, Offered iht* solace to her aching heart: •Drargtrl, I can not profTer yon much Joy flu hetv'M a doctor who will help your boy. AnkliiK bl* name, the girl was straight way «eiu, rto good UOUUUA, and to htm she went. •M.ood mvU-r, aid in*-, for I hear It wdd 'Tou have the power lo raise my child that dead." YheBmldha an*wer**T: "If do this deed. fin needful you procure some muslaru sectl «KonnH In a house where neither groom nor bride, ,, rar. nor yfclM, nor roan nor maid, ha* died." The" with her child mill clasped"bout her fn**W"o«e to bouse, a*weary round she paced O.. Ii»-r «ad errand—but cotild ercaa no door

Path's dark shadow had not passed before. tl/ie voice forever on her pathway flew: riie dead are many, but thts living few.

Stowhen

Ootania asked If *he had brought mustard-seed, so long and vainly sought nnld: "I have it not—eaeb way 1 *ped ft found hut few were living, many death A»'l Buddha answered. "Trueenough, most true, Death cornea to all, as It hus come to you. A fled her grief, and seeing In tlienlght, Ai very house, a bright or fading light, fcfl),' Knttl: "Our human lives are Just th« •tunc, flr-u an uprising, then a dying flame

Never on earth, will such mutations cease But after death come rest utyl endless P®*®* —(ftuddhaghoshaV "Parable*.''

JUSTIN HARLEY.

A ROMANCE OF OLD VIllQINIA.

BT JOHN K8TKN COOKE, 6&:

Author of "l»r. Vandyke," "Hurry of Eagle's Neat," "The Virginia Comedians," Ac.

CHAPTER XIJI. TUB THUNPKRHOI..T.

Evelyn bad risen early, and walked out in tho dewy grounds, inhaling with delight the fresh odorsof the dawn. All •attire seemed to smilo upon her. The sun hail just appeared, and touched with his mild splendor tho great tree which still lingered tho last leave autuui—golden and orange fading ihto russet brown. The grass sparkled

autuui—golden and orange fadinj .u russet brown. The grass spark lei with myriads of diamond-drops the bird* hang, almost ready to believo that aprlng was coming tho cattle lowed, and over tho far river, llowing with •najestlo quiet to tho sea, drooped a •mivery hnxe, making it resemble some ftm picture seen in dreams.

A.nd Evelyn was as fresh and beautiful a.H ih» morning. There was no pallor on her cheeks, no langour In her eyes. A. delicato ro«»c-tlnt just relieved her Air connexion tho young month,with tin nil tip-i naif parted, had a delicious expreasion of sweetness and happiness, and Iter blue eyes seemed to rellect the splendor of tho dawn. Happiness had gnrrounded her with that atmosphere of fiuiocent joy her step was olnstic her Hlcnder figure moved with charming easn and graco. She Btniled on the W»rld around her. giving it a part oi fcer |oy, and inhaling Its freshness at evory pore.

The world is so old and Wcw now, that It laughs at these pictures but na&ro laughs at the laughers. Still, today, In spite ol science, evulution-theo-jios, and tho terrible doubt of all thing*, fcearts will boat ami cheeks will flash Knd they throbbed still rnoro warmly, *ud grew rosier In the old days, when gho world was younger and less skept-

ISvolyn did not ask her heart why she #U so happy—gtrls are not iutrospec-

2tve.xigure

She went along, simply absorlwd thoughts of the night lefore—of tho ^ii and calm face of the man who %ad wmt her heart—of hla smile, the Cmnsofhls %olee, and the eyes which tad looked into her own in the magical moonlight of the autumn night. The Ihnocent child hail given away l»er Hea^awl felt, with a dellcieus thrill, Atat hla heart, too, wan Iter own. This wa all s^te cared to know. She did not fc-»k f'trwanl—gave no thought to the ItUure—lived only in tho prw»ent, clasptig to her fond heart, aa It were, that dprtet. pxouisite conviction that he loved tar—1 urea her!—as she loved him.

When the smiling old Judge came m', she ran to him, holding out some Wiidfl"wer* *1* h*d gathered and clingtag (tro«od bis neck with the fondness offacblld, exclaimed, «Oa! pap*' did vou ever see such a IWuttful morning!" wind the day pa**ed like a dream—

T©lyn going to and fro, with light elastic slepv alnflng. laughing, with a Kind word and! smile for all.

Ml* Clementina followed her with her eye*, and her face wore an etpreaitfftn of the deepesi trouble. This lady ^»,i tiotermintd to or*—and tie innocent ImpfiiiMiwi of Evelyn made 11 almost imfor her to do ao.

Bat &fiaa Oementina sever shrank Av%ni her du\r. In the evening Ibe Ciunderlxit fell. Evelyn bad tripped on. singing llghUy, to her chamber, and wn beautifying bmelf with all the innocent pleasure of a child, before the aulrror, when the door opened, Mim (tUmeoUna came in, and taking her Mat on the lounge new the window,

mM, tv^yn, I hate aoaMStting to my to

mhaIii loMi of the human

b„r dwagmtaWe duty, She hail never pl«*sed with any undertaking, end bad beanao nerval# aa even t* for.

aV|

U» wy to me, luaJtyf*

Hrelyn. half-turning, with sweot Ziiita upon her lto». and patting her hair which iK» had J«l braided. "Hont*4hlng «f a very aerioae nature, a vary aartaw natore, in-

linked ooleklr at Uvft *p«*

fcjr r'rfik fiashlnu W»lr. «»Well, aont." •*0*oie awl ilt fmt w«ir atienU*ely.n

ai all afraid of Mi-a

Clementina, but she had a guilty e©»- amnsing science. She therefore came, mee^kl^, me as a fri and took her seat bealde tho elder on the lounffa.

Miss Clementina cleared her throet, aud seeuwd jtmt the least enubarraeeod She w^vedher handkerchief in ftont" her Cue. She mtaaed her fan

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mi) quite certain of that*

Alao,*1 oontlnned Misa Clementina,

es-aunt. Anj imng fn

"I fear that vou will bo pained. But I must not shrink. Evelyn The young lady raised her eyes with a little tremor.

People are talking about you, and laughing at you l" Evelyn gave a slight start, and blushed crimson, "Talking about roe!

Ijau^hingal mo

Aunt Clementina!"

mingle

Evelyn listened without a word. Th hot blood had camo back now to her •Wks. Her eyes were still tixod upoi floor.

I know," continued the elder lady, "nothing whatever of Mr. Harley or hi affairs, and do not charge him with an\ Intent to commit a dishonorable action but he is now under this cloud. Wh ho has not spoken of these thingsldnot know, but presume that tho subjee' is painful to him, and revolts his pride perhaps, too greatly to be alluded to This is his alfair—not ours. I say our*— for we have formed nn unfortunato intimacy, I fear, with this gentleman. inits vou, rides out with you, enjoys our society, no doubt, as a friend, rh: feels himself at liberty to enjoy It, I suppose, having no ulterior views."

Evelyn moaned a little. Sho was be coming lost in tho maze of Mi»s Clementina's arguments. •4 That does not involve the least lm putatiou of impropriety on Mr. HarlevV part," continued the elder lady. "He may sav,4I am married, do not mean to become a bigamist, but may enjoy th. society of the young ladies around me or bo may consider himself divorced— maybe mistaken In his view of tho law ho mwv bold opinions of which I know nothing. That is not the point."

EvelynVt bend had sunk gradualh Her cheeks burned. The point i*. that he regards you only as an agreeable friend, wnil ou

A stifled sound came from the girl Hps. Do people aay thatT"

Her color faded, and, the hrtt bTood receding, left the girl like a utatute of white marble again.

Who has said UhiI The voice no longer trembled. Th pride of the Bland* waa coming to her succor and steeling her.

I am not at liberty to tell you. but it has been nalil, and when such things are said by ono person, they are aald by others."

Yea." aald tbe girl, In a low tone, looking fixedly at the floor.

should be whispered about your fathers daughter." No."

And waa my duty to toll yoa and warn you." «•.*'

The eye* were atill fixed upon the floor. Men art peculiar In tbeir view*. Mr. tlarlevls In many pointa of view a pwmm of high character. Bat be la lonely

—have uecome—Shall I flnlah, Evelynr' Th© young lady roae slowly to her feet. In a quarter of an hour she seemed to havegmwntc«t yaaraoldw.

pmpl are taUiii^r of me f"

ou k*iow that?'* Yes, mv r**»r child." And kmgkb* a* met** 1 ftxtr them ta no dotiU ai all of K,

^(Mtltlvx at rov—my—Oh I I«a«worda! not otff the' Yea, will, ai mf

mkmhrnd assent.

"mHm Clementina sighed again. ^fhUVn

TERRE HAUTE SATURDAY

th,

oonfuslon. This is a bitter hour for me, I assure vou, Evelyn. I never thought I would live to see it. Yes, I wish to be plain. People arc talking of you—and gossip^ ing, and whispering, and giggling, and laughing at—at—it is best to tell you olainlv. mv poor child—at your fondness for Justin Harley!"

Evelyn's race had been crimson. It suddenly became white.

Evelvn uttered a low sound, which indicated with sufficient distinctness the feeling of utter mortification and indignation which she expressed. Words seemed to fall her, and tears had not come yet.

I will tell you plainly what I mean. andthenadvi.se vou, to tho best of nn ooor ability," said Miss Clementina. "Ii will not tako me very long, and heaven knows that I do not enjoy this conversation."

th met

iend only, while I—I Her ftoe had crfnwoned

ippea: Jtanation hoi tears came, and

throwing heme If upon the lonnce with Jber S»ee in her hand*, aho exclaimed, of with soba.

Oh It la

liete. Evelyn, that I take an intereet yon,"aheaala eolemnly. Ofoourae, auntl" a nTthat'l have at heart nothing but pride—I. Oh! la too much! I wl yonr real happlnees?

—the subijeat am pining fbi for mo—a love-tfek

y^y«'A iVJde,hr-m

re(ju«ang

That—Is nat true, aunt!" It is too true!" At mv—iny—Oh! I cannot use the word

At your fomlnctts. It is lietter to drop ceremeny. And they add that this tomlness is not reciprocated."

Evelyn was looking at the floor. "Mr. Ilarlevsaved you from drowning, and you were naturally grateful to him, "and received bim cordix lv when he eamo. That as all right am1 nmper. Hut even then I warned yoi against any intimacy with him. There were unfortunato rumors about Mr. Harley. It is said that he had contract e^, when ho was a young man, an unfortunate marriage, and you are awar of the reports now prevalent that hi* wife has been seen in this very neigh I Kir hood recently. I do not wish to 1Mr. Harley any injustice. I concede that ho is apparently a gentleman of thdghest character, and quite incapabl of paying his nddresst-s to a young lady withone trife living but I say t© you, as I have said to my brother, that Mr. liar ley mav have been married, and divorced, or he intends becoming divoro«l. And as there is a diversity of opin ion upon this subject, he may regard himself as at liberty, then or now, marry again."

Well," he said, "I see I ought not to Spoilsport: and as you call me youi tig old brother, which I am, Sainty—foi

I am big and old too—I shall go and nay my respects to Judge Bland, for the present, at least."

Evelyn did not make the least motioii -n retain him, or invite him to a seat be Hide her, where there was ample room tier manner was inimitable—not celd. lot marked in any manner,simply tranquil and commonplace.

Harley looked at her with utter as onishment. She sustained his lool. vith perfect coolness the proud blood .f the BlandsgavA her strength for tha "You will find papa in his study Phalli go and tell him you are here ir?"

441

beg you will not give yourself that trouble," be said. And, bowing, he went off and entere he house.

Two hours afterwards ho and bis irother wero riding back toward Hunts Ion. lie was in a maze. He had mis uken tho mere coyness of a young lady for coolness?

I will think it is due to that. „\yiat else could it be he murmured. ^,

Si CHAPTER XLII. 8AIKTY HARI.KY DRRAK.S THK ICE. The two brothers rode on lor nearly a mile without uttering a word. Both seemed buried In reflection. HarlevV wero apparently calm, but tho youth's were as plainly excited. He evidently wished to say something—Was afraid to mv it—and was blushing.

At last he made a desperate effort. Brother!" he blurted out.

What wonld you say to—to—now yon are going to laugh

Laugh? At what?"

Well, what do you think of my getting married There—it is out!" "Married!"

Yes, brother," aald the youth, blushing immensely.

You, Sainty!" "Wltv shouldn't I, brother? I'm

he said There should not marry If yon wish, Sainty.

I thought not."

but-"

oarneat affection and sweetneaa at audi momenta his face was charming. It ta the merest question of policy. Marriage la—I fancy that It la—at twen-

aon of high character. But be la lonely Marriage la—I fancy mat it is—at twen- drain mignt ue n«wj, -. —affair, as men call it, may have its ty—I mean to say that marriage is al- wonld he no trouble—pone I anq what attraction* for him. lie has to my oer* mm a eerioua matter, no doubt—not all land! it tfoold prove Inexhaustible tain knowledge declared repeatedly that and nighUagalne, but a «ir! nothing could Induce him to marry, tnarinfaa aflkir." Ami now he la paving yon a certain Yea, brother." amount of court—m amtudng himself, Xbe reaponalbtliiy abonld people aav, without any serious inten- be aaanmed too early} but st..., tions, which may or may not be a nee- there la strong affection—an earnest love ties rMxiiu with him, while year—MW Kvelvn, each aide—it ie beat, perhaps, to marour dear. inexperienced child, have oe- ry young." come—pople are saying it everywhere

1—*»--

^yoa^ear, old brother! liatan to the WM^da of wisdom I" Harley smiled.

What jumps with our Inclinations la always wtoeand jqdiataus, my boy.w

No. aont, it la uaMeeaaaty to finish •'l^Uairo you. vour sentence t" "SttH.ooe should reflect serlouslv beSlowly tha cheeks flashed a hot ool- fore Uking Important a rtop. There or replsoed the marble. •••i— perm!

are many th'«g» ooMklerad Yoa mean .... I mean U»o d»arac|erof the lady, her **H-unity, sad hrr Social poaltion. I tun nH very etdtHlve person In my mn ncf* 1 vrij rh*wn, hat wink on* should maTy in aee.*1 AT ...A E ^. TKMI

*»«L am a ioveak* ilrlM,Rntn If aha toqweat•tempered, attractive, aaM, awl having tnroed^fl fmi-i.isvftj*

J4 Slia'a mil that, "Well—her name?" Sainty bluahed tremendously.

4*I'd

rather not."

Harley laugbsd*

our circle of society, my dear, we do not have acenos things are done quietly.1 Evelvn had risen to a sitting position and was looking at tbo floor with her wet eyes. There was no despair in them pride had conquered.

It is quite useless to warn mo against anything like a scene, aunt," she said, in adull, calm voice.

nn explanation of any sort with Mr. Harley. His coming or going is quite indifferent ta me."

Her lips quivered a little, bnt grew tlrm again quickly. She rose.

441

will finish dressing, and com* down now, aunt. I am very much obliged to you for vour plain speaking I like plain speaking. I hope I shall prolit by it."

Evelvn then proceeded to make he? toilet, and Miss Clomentitia to herowi room.

Two days afterwards Harley rode mt« the grounds in the afternoon, and seeing Evelyn seated in conversation wit! tits brother Sainty on one of the ol«' rustic seats, dismounted, walked across the sward, and approached thom.smilin pc.

You are a sly j'oting fellow," In «a1d to the youth.

hateltal!—hateftil 1 So I

ot of goaalp, of giggling. I ing an Ihr one who earea nothing a lang ive-4ok fool 1—I, with all my Yc

never aeo him again Miss ClenHnO'ina waa almost frightened. But aho did not regret her course, for she really believed every word that

Very wall. I do not innet npon knowing. Yon will tell me when jon desire to do ao."

Sainty reflected for some time, blusbing and confused. The reverie ended in again, and the words: .'ou were speaking of what was to b* looked fbr in the voan«r lady. She ought to be of a good family 1 think ao, oertaiuly."

bor to a state of balf-tran-

quility. ••What I have said to yon, Evelyn, was very far from agreeable." abe added, "but believe me, !t was best to sa\ it. Your welJhre la aa dear to me aa it waato your dear mother, and younfr girls should be warned. lo nothing rash. Do not make a scandal by break ing off with Mr. Harley suddenly that will make th6 scandal-mongers talk anew. Receive bim politely—not oth

Is—that is—what do you think ol Judge Bland's family

Judge Bland^!"

44I

shall not bavi

You disappear from

Huntsdon, apparently seized with tin iesire to go and look at the state *f thi ivheat, and lo! find vou hero beside my friend, Miss Evelyn."

Saiutv 1 larley's fuco expandod into mile, and the smile ended in hearty laughter.

There is but one portion of your excellency's observation that I shall reply to!" he said.

What is that?" .I4 Harley had bowed low to Evelyn The slight and apparently unimportant pbrwso that your excellency -jind.i tne here

A hit!—a very palpable hit!" l»ugh Ilarlev.

Yon disappear too my dear big old brother 1 And ono finds you here t- S" Harley smiled again, with tho leas! ^tible air of confusion.

Ye—a, brother." "Judge Bland's!" Sainty felt that he had broken the ice. '•Yes, brother! Judee Bland's! Wh\ do you start so, and keep exclaiming in that way You said people of our cla» iicrht to marry hfto good families, didn't you

Harley had become somewhat pale.

Yea," he said, In a low voice.

And that I was not too young?"

441

said so."

And If the person was sweet, and the rest, aho would do l'he youth's oonfuslon was such that he did not observo tho unoontrollabb emotion of his brother. The strong frame was trembling, as If an ague tit nad seized upon it.

Well," continued the youth, I have not told vou about it before, brother. You seo was a little shaky but—but she is everything she outrhr to be. 1 hink I'm gettingon and now, as yon make no objection—as I was sure you wouldn't, brother—I'll go ahead and court her. and take my chance, and if 1 zot her, I'll have the very prettiest and ••wcetest little wife in the whole colony."

Harloy had not uttered another word He rode on in perfect silence, with hieyes fixed upon the ground, and a slight tremor agitating his frame. A great do -ipair had entered his heart, and rested there like a lump of ice. This, then, wa •vhat he had {o look forward to—rival vith his own brother—with theboy who vas more like a son to him, indeed 'han a brother—whom he loved with all lis heart, and whose happiness was tear to him as his own This boy had like himself, yielded to the charm of Hvelyn's beauty. He loved her per•hance she, too, loved him but that, hi loved her was misery enough. Why had be been so blind Why had be not asked himself the meaning of those in•••ssant visits of tho youth to Blandtiel-r. How was it that he had not understood the significance of that interview, sid« !v side, upon tho rustic seat, the ill hit mor ot tho girl at having their interview interrupted, the whole miserable truth vliich now dawned upon him, or rathei fell liko lightning?"

He scarcely asked himself if EvelynS feeling for his brother was such as th vouth supposed it might be. The on bought was burnt into his brain tha1 he, Justin Harley, was hi« brother's ii .al.

All the way back to Huntsdon thi -itorm raged in his breast. It was tin rreat struggle of this strong man's life On the one side passionate lovo for thwoman who baa become the dream itis waking and sleeping hours—upn whom he bad suddenly poured out al the wealth of his large and eames: heart on the other side, the love of hibrother—the brother whose happinesstie was to secure, or overthrow to read his own!

The confl'ct waa bitter. Tho storm tore him milo after mile. The evil spirit and the good—the two loves of histn ng heart for Evelvn and his brother —wrestled in him ana shook him. Then ie un*w still again the calm came. Illumed to Sainty Harley, looked at bin vvi a depth of affection which nvrds can express, and, steadyintr hivoice by a powerful exertion of hls-will -•aid:

Mv dear boy, it is possible that voi mav not have understood mo distincth is to the matter wo have spoken of oi this ride. I can see no objection to tb marriage you suggest. She—the youm.lady—la all that one could wish. Whave no father, Sainty. I am an ol« gentleman, and you shall have m.v blessing. Now. let us not tpeak furthei this. Tell mo when your arranjtr•nenta are made. Here is Huntsdon. Itahall bo vours on the day of your marriage, Sainty."

Harley turned his head and looked at him. Well, Sainty."

.CHAPTER XUII. DKINHEIUTKD. |s

On tho portico a smiling ami deforen Msl personage, of about fifty awaited Harley.

Mr. Shanks, from Lincolnshire—1 think this is Mr. Harley," said the smllmor personago, In broad English.

It was the engineer for whom Harley had written, in reference to his drainasre project. Tlie letter had gone quietly, •Miveloplng a check—tho engineer had eomo euickly, landing on tho day be fore, lie had evidently a high apprcd 'ttlon of Harley—and also of his check

On the nexi day, they mounted and rode to the Blackwatcr Swamp, which they thoroughly examined—making their way on foot where it was impose! hie to do so on horseback.

Tbejr came back In the evening. The

ne»rlv twenty—a real patriarch!" engineer was lecturing all the way npon The yonth uttered a laugh, which was dndnage—still smUlng and deferentlal. "There wonld bo no trouble—none

king fixedly at the floor. intended to hide hla confoafon. Harley nere wuum iw wuuuio—uuh' It la not proper that such goaiip rode on for some moments silently then whatever—In draining Mr. Harley a fen .,.,11^ «t^..t vmir f.thflr'n land. .There waa no backwater—thai is no valid reason why you i. Sain

land. .There was no

"sa

waa the worst—dikes, sir! dikes!—thst waa what swallowed op the money These

were mere pond-bolee and cat

holes, leaving out the lake. Orpins water from above waa all. What waa

Yon are somewhat young, 1 That Is no objection, Is It?" wnwt iruui v*~: Harley looked at the ardent boy with wanted waa one main catch-water drain, m. tiL i^Kam aov nnA linn. with a very few others say one hundred—bbt smaller, much smaller. Mr.

Hurley I—to drain into U. One underdrawn might be neceaaary. Yea, there

inexhanatlble, air!" And the amlllng engineer went on with back-water, aurploa-water, pondfa lea. -•-i-

•a, cat-holes, under-dralns, catcher. maindralna, and tbm teeknicallof hla trade. ,°T

How much wonld the entire lion onatT" aaid Harley. The engineer knit hli brtiara.

He aou Id not make an estimate jost yet. A trifle, however that f*tn nay, oMvaderlng tW v^neof U» preparty when reclaimed.

Mf}ivetaa

i. are yon not?" Mr. Hl ks. :wer MK BUM

wunimportant,

fflSWI. ... L. b^l miiui limiln i— wit

«I am flaking for a gantlaman wktt la wtiafcafw. IlartrVt.

a rot^i e«tla»ate-« oilnl.

mtim." ... I nbould aav between two and three nd*

1 mnoia ssit 2 iknintml noands Mr. Harlev.

»1 will decide In three days. We will

his own circle of aoctety.0 iHtrln ernirse T' had biwi riding A«1 if the young ladyyoo are think-1 hl»»d them. Tins km the limb of the Ing «4—for ran sure thinking of a paitlcof law who had drawn urn mortgfor ).7»,Nnn .N. I Mr. HI' ks. A* the engineer with

their conversation a perton riding shook thirty yarde hp-

th« U*Wf

What he

off at a

myon yn*k iwtweM toweitf dak

RONW —.RR-INRJ J. tOWaftf MlMII, •b«*l

wlUi

Whau Ji& waAi away from Oakhill, \»lonel Joshna Hartrlght knew that the drainage project waa Th full progress— snd the hurrkaoo bunt. He deapatcha note to Harley, requesting a brief interview with that gentleman. Hla own age and Intfrmities^ho said, wonld not permit him to visit Huntsdon. Would Mr. Harley be ao good aa to wait him?

When Harley read this note, he said,

There la a storm coming, I think." Ho was not mistaken. Colonel Hartrisht received him with a lowering oloud upon his face. The old gentleman bad become very infirm, and bis temper was more excitable than over—his observance of the rales of social intercourse less exact.

441am

Harley said, quietly,

441

face of

laughing his blushes

With which, tho -feinty glowod and, to hide...» he tnrned away bis bead and was silent

have no right to do ao, sir. I do not wish to look forward to your death."

My death will make no difference, *1 r!—I repeat, will make no difference, •iir!"

Harley was silent. I am the master in any disposition bat is made of that property, sir!"

The old man struch the floor violently with his gold-beaded cane as he •«poke.

My brother left It to me to dispose of ttis property as I thought best! If 1 bought proper you were to havo the 'Jlenvale estate of fifteen thousand acres—only, I say, in case I thought proper!"

The voice had risen, and vibrated harshly. Harley's silencc was exasperating.

Well, sir." This reply seemed still further to excite the Irrascible old man:

You defy me, then! You despise ny wishes and act in contempt of them! You go to money-lenders and that sort of people, and say:

Calm as Harley was, and resolved to control his displeasure, this treatment of ii as a mere child began to exasporate him.

I do not count noon your death, -ir," lie said, with cola respect. "I do -l'ttwish you to die that I may inherit your property. My own is my own, deived from my father. I shall dispose it, I beg to say, sir, as I wish—without asking any one's advice."

Having said -this, Harley rose and mado his uncle a bow. Colonel Hartright started lip in an outburst of rage.

Don't defy mo, sir! don't defy nto!" to cried.

4-Vou

nother's brother!"

441do

will rue this tone to me I"

If my interest alone controlled me," -aki Harley. coldly, "I should no doubt do so, sir. My honor and self-respect are more to nio than my interest. I am thirty years of ago. and although you are much older, and my uncle in addlion, I must say that your tone is intolerable, sir!"

With these words Harley bowed, and left the room. Ho had just mounted 'tis horse to return to Huntsdon, when •ie heard a bell rimring violently in the nansi jn. Tills bell was rung by Cojo•lel Tlartright.

A servant hastened. His master was Unshed and wroth. Ride at once to Mr. Ho&kitis', and -ay I wish to see him."

Yes. sir.'^ Mr. Hoskins was tbo lawyer of all work of the neighborhood, lie received Colonel Ilarirlght's message as he was sittjng down to table. But Mr. Hoskins was a gentleman of business. His inotto was, "Business lirst, pleasure •ifterwirds" —and tho heated animal ridden by the sevrant impressed htm.

Is Coiont'l Hartright in a hurry he said.

Yes, sah! he red In In the face!" wss tho grinning reply. This made Mr. Hoskins rido f«st. He know that Colonel Hartright never waited and ho, Mr. Hoskins, never kept him waiting: he simply charged extra haste in his fee-bill "Colonel," aaid Mr. Hoskins as he entered, hat In hand, "your servant." "Sit down there, If you please, sir—at that tablo—there ta pen and ink."

Yes, Colonel."

441

wish you to write my will." Yes, Colonel."

441

will state mv wishes In reference to mv own pertl'-ular property and and iliat left at uiy disposal by my brother, Geortre Hartright."

Ready, Colonel." Two hours afterwards, Colonel Joshua Hartright bad made a new will, entirely disinheriting Justin Harley.

Ten words had coet bim more than fifteen thousand acrea of tho richest land In Virginia. ,?

CHAPTEK XLIV.

MR. KICKS aHOWS HIS TKKTH. There aomething cowardl in Ihte. It blows a trumpet in front of the fortunate, and mercilessly strikes the man who ta down.

Mr. Hlcka!"

informed that yon are about to

drain that wretched swamp, sir!" be said, in aloud voice. Harley bowed with gravity, making no other reply than so deslsrn. sir."

He's mad! mad!" -v Harley braced himself against the hurricane.

It will cost you your whole estate, *nd you have already encumbered that, I am informed. Then you must look to —to—you understand mo, sir!—to your expectations from my brother's estate."

You are right," ho aald, replying to bis own tboaght. "I must fbrecloso the mortgagee—at loast £7000."

A. trifle ovet"

441

forget that I tun your

It was Mr. Hoskins, the limb of the law, who called out aa he rode from Oakhill bv the gate of the virtnona Mr. Hlcka, lofllng on his small porch haaide the feminine Hicks, and anrronnded by numerous little Hlckaea for the moat mrt dlrty-fkaed. The parental Hlcka vm vary "well off," indeed, but he bad "risen from an humble apbere in life by bis own nnalded exertions," he often said, and Me mode of living had not changed hta wtfo waa still dowdy, and hla children onpraaenUblc.

Mr. Hlcka Well, anything In the wind, Honklwr'

He rsune ont and stood at the gala Old Hartright has made a new will, Mr. Hlcka. I thought I would mention It," aald Mr. Fftakltta, confidentially.

A new will?" DMnheritltig Joatin Harley out-ami-out—don't leave him afoot of land!"

Mr. Hkfks knit hla brows tb ^ghtftilly. Thought I'd mention It as I Mr. 11 lekt Private and eon jfiMi nndenrtand, Mr. ilkka"

Tbey understood each other perfectly. Tltey were talking of Harley.

have looked at bis wheat, Mr. Hicks, end yon know the corn and tobacco were both failures. He can't pay you lute rat, and the estate is going down. A bad Investment, Mr. liicks1 —a very bad Investment indeed! I don't know what you think about it, ha a a It in

Mr. oicka continued to reflect. A bad Investment, you sav, Hoskins?"

Yes, Mr. Hlcka."

441don't

know about that, Hoskins."

"Ah?" Huntsdon *11 pay It twice over—but —well, Hoskins, maybe you are right, and it a bad investment. Precisely, Hoskins. The fact Is, as a prudent man, and the father of a family, Hoskins, it is my duty to look to ray investments. Hum!"

Their glances crossed. A slow smile dawned upon the face of Mr. Hicks, who said: .44 His uncle won't help him!"

Hoskins looked at tho speaker.

The property can bo put in the vwrket. Hoskins" The slow smile had broadened. Mr. Hoskius started and gaxed at Mr. Hicks.

You are tho best man of business, Mr. Hicks," he said, with irrepressible admiration, "that I have over kuowu in all the course of my life!" "Much obliged to you. I generally look after ray aff ilrs, Hoskins, By tho bye, are vou busy?" "No, Mr. Hicks." "Then you wouldn't mind getting down, Hoskins, for half-ax-hour?"

441atu

always ready to get down when

gou wish, Mr. Hicks,%' Mr. Hoskins had already vaulted from his steed.

Come in then. There's a trifle of mm (a good article) on the sideitoard, Hoskins. Perhaps you would like to try it when we get through—business first, rum afterwards." "I am much obliged to you, Mr. Hicks. Certainly! certainly

44I'm

shall inherit

front my uncle Joshua Hartright one cf the linest propertiea in all Virginia. Advance me inr ney it will be repaid at •lis death!' You say that, sir! You ay to yourself thst 1 am old! You say hat in a few years you will have all this land, and throw away as much as you vish on ynur wild-goose fancies, or waing your time In foreign countries.

rather awkward- at tho pen.

With a man like Mr. Harley, things must bo done up polite but make them plain! I want you to write letter to bim, Hoskins."

Certainly, Mr. Hicks, certainly! It will afford me pleasure. I should really like to see that high-hemicd fellow brought down a little and you are tho man to It, Mr Hicks!"

Mr. Hoskins entered what Mr. Hicks callod Ills "humble abode {ten, ink, and paper, also rum bottle and glusses, wore prod iced, and on tho next day Harley received tho following note

Justin Harlky. Esq., Huntsdon. "Sir: It Is with regret that I havo to stato that circumstances compel tne to request payment of tho amounts advanced you, on mortgage on the Huntsdon property. The said amounts, as por schedule herewith enclosed, foot ng up, with iwten st. of which a HtatcmcuL also accompanies this, to the sum of seven thousand two hundred pounds, sevon shillings, sixpence. (£7200 7s. (Id.)

will state that it would aflbrd me pleasure to leave this motiey longer in your hands, but having a payment to make, it is out of my power to do «o.

441

not forget it, sir but beg you to

remember that I am past my majority."

therefore request paynient„of tho amount in sixty days.

Your obedient servant, "W. Hicks." Harley read the letter quietly, and sitting down, wrote a brief not-, informing Mr. Hicks that payment of the money in sixty days whs* out of the question, sending tlie reply by tho messenger.

He is aiming to force Huntsdon into the market, anu purchase luw," he aaid, calmly.

Harley was not mistaken. On the next dny Mr. Hlcka, having sent lor and availed himself of tho servi *es of Mr. Hoskins, wroto again to Harley as follows

fbr: Your reply to my letter Is not satisfactory. I ain compelled to raise the amount lent you on inorlgago without delay. I therefore have to notify you that legal proceedings will be duly Instituted to foreclose the mortgages, aud rocovor tho amount due as per statement yesterday, viz, £7300, 7s. fld.

Your obedient servant, W. Hicks." Harley quietly put this letter In his Tioclcct'* "Well, that Is explicit," he said, "and it really looks as If I were ruined. I^ct me loo\t things In the face. My uncle, Colonel Hartright, has announ-ed his intention not to carry out tho wishes of ray uncle George In regard to tho CJlenvale properly, and has no doubt, l»y this time, executed a new will disinheriting me and now thoonlv means left me of relieving Huntsdon from encumbrance, and transmitting It free from dobt to Sainty. as I promised him, is taken away by this demand, which not only makes "the draining of the Black water Swamp Impossible, but foreoa tho sale, at an Inopportune moment, of my estate, which, under the circumstances, will bring not more than half its value, and he bought by Mr. Hicks. I am then landless and penniless, for tho estate la not entailed—I ami Sainty-—

He stopped, mused, sighed, and addHl "Sainty! That la the aaddest part! It is nothing to ruin an old man like mvself. I require little—he much for he' laIn hla spring-time. Kuln! That is a harsh word. With ruined pooplo there Is no marrying or giving ic marriagel"

The words seemed to touch an open wound he shrank, and turned pale. "This la nothing—only ruin," be murmured. "I coula bear (Ai* but that haa quite broken me down. So there Is to be no more sunshine In my life!—I thought a little happinem wss left for me In tha world .....

Ha knit hie brows and remained silent for a few momenta. That time was suffietent for him to regain bis calmness. Gradually hla brows relaxed, bis expression grew leas painful, then tbeaalm, *«d smile came back to hla llpa.

Patience I patience 1" be said, rising —a calm and stately young giant, in the Indian summer sunshine—"that is, after all, the secret of life. I will try to do my doty—I shall not be here long. Let me be patient, and look my trouble in the. fece, and thank Ood, whether I am happy or not, that a great crime was snared me by his all-mercifal goodness -Sthat I am not blood-guilty!" [to nn coimwoKD.]

"(berry Time"

ntlal,

Exactly." And I otav as well mention it—the old man la breaking fiut." *, t" Mav 4roj«lT anv day. Apftplegv

Mr. tf teka soosrled at the ln^l%iu^r« road in trout of Mr. Hosklna.

"Ulyof the Field."

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