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About The Eugene City guard. (Eugene City, Or.) 1870-1899 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 20, 1890)
e CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT. T I. W. .OBMTfKi, ACTDORor ".OCIITY," "scuooL." tra CIUPTEIl L "Would yon have the kindneass to step this war, air, Into Mr. Dawbarn't rooniP fkese wordi were addressed by a banker clerk to a young man whoso dres and man ner were a vulgar comound of groom, betting man, and pugilist. Tho porting gentleman swaggered by the desks and the clerks, looking iiiunue uispnragcment at tho barn turned paler, nnd when the young clerk wholeconcerii. und was ushered through the whom Mr. ftotart Studden had to plavfullv double dnora Into pretence of Mr. Dawtam. rallied a fortnight before in the street eii- Mr. Dawbarn wna the principal bunker in j tcrcd, the banker trembled more violently. Bramlingdon, und Brnmlingdou was tho ! "Mr. Munro," taid tbe banker, when the county town of the littlo county of MulTord. I door wan cloned, "vou-you-vou doubt leu It consisted of one long, struggling ttreet, know why I havo sent for voii-on thit fes beautified by five old churches, each a tivoocca tion slnn, today P tpiendid specimen of architecture, m hit b Tho voung clerk, who was at pale at Mr. contrasted strongly with tho Town Hall, Dnwtarn, falfered out, "'o, tlr," with ci tbe Corn Exchange, and the Market IMace, transimrent nn effort that the banker taw which were modern buildings, and unpleusuiit ! that the young man perfectly understood the to look at. "Mr. Studden," taid Mr. Dawbarn to the young gentleman of sporting npiienrauoe, "I bavo to talk to you, sir, very seriously; ait down, if you please." Mr. btudden tat iu a chair at If It were a toddle, thut one eye knowingly, and ex amined tbe thong of hit whip with tbe other. "Mr. Btudden," continued the banker solemnly, "1 have been informed that you bave overdrawn your account to tbe amount 0r "Yes; I know all about that, governor," broke in Mr. Studden. "1'vo been to d so twice, "I therefore gave directions that the next time you presented n check, you thould be shown in here to mo," taid the banker. "That Is a check of my own drawing." "Quite so." "Well, uow I am here," said Mr. Btudden, goading the side of his Imaginary borso with hit left heel; "respectful com a, and should like to know your littb game. Wbut's to be doner "Mr. Studilen, I have known you from a boy." "Well, 1 know that". "And I now seo you a ruined man" "Hold hard. Matilda," interrupted Stud den; "not ruined pushed for the moment on my knees, but not staked. I've been un lucky on tho races this last year unlucky at play. Why, last night 1 lost a pot at loo, and then that girl behaved to me in" Mr. Btudden," said tho banker, closing his eyes, "1 cannot listen to a catalogue of your cri crl imprudence. 1 am the father of a family, and'' "Cut that, governor!" broke In the amiable Mr. Studilen. "What I want is money, and not preaching no preacueo and floggeotoo. Tbis is the state of tho odds. I'vo overdrawn my account, good; will you let me have somomoref tin, 1 mean. If you will, I am ture to retrieve mvself. I've some splendid things on, but must bavo the ready ti id dity rhino." "Mr. Btudden," said Mr. Dawbarn, "I do not understand your Jargon, nor is such lan guage tho sort of tiling I nm ucenstonied to hear. You havo lost the fortune left you by your father in gambling, horse racing, and and the like. For tho last seven years I bavo seen going to irretrievable ruin. As you bad a long minority, and no friends to idviso yon, I havo tried to help you, but I regret to say, your complete ruin is inevitable-inevitable." "Bet you fifteen to one it isn't I" taid Mr. Btudden. "What you owe i.ie," continued the banker, not noticing the interruption "what you owe mo 1 shall never trouble you for." "Cess you!" said the irreverent Btudden. Mr. Dawbarn's fnco reddened. "Mr. Btud den," he choked out, "I nm not accustomed to be treated w ith rudeness, and I don't mean to begin now. I would havo giveu you some advice, sir." "Don't want it. thank von." "Good advice, parental advice; but it will 1 be of no use. 1 can see." "Notabit" "I shall leave vou therefore to the pursuit of your career of profligacy, and may it- : mav it"-Mr. Dawbarn stammered, for he j felt that ho was proposing a toast at a publio meeting "may it prove to you thut that that" "Out with it, governor," said tbe insolent young sporting man. "No, sir, I will not out with it," said the tanker, majestically. "I will not say what I was going to say." "Are you quito clear what you were going to sayF inquired tho young man, who re spected neither ago uor wealth. Mr. Dawbaru covered his defeat grandly. 'I will not detain you any longer, Mr. Stud den." Uo rang tho bell. "I wish you good day, air; my servant will show you out" "Very good, governor," said Mr. Btudden, rtismonntiu? from hit chair. or saddle. "You throw meover-very good; and just at the ! moment when tune, ir I aaa your capuai, or you uuu mjr latent aud tpeculated-ka focoluml-what might not be mude with tho tips I bavo! I know tbo way out, Chawlcs" this Mr. Btud dea addressed to tho servant "you needn't vr. Dawbarn, I have' tbe honor ahow me. to be, sir, your truly, ever to command, et cetera cetera cetera. " Mr. Studden departed with a flourish, leaving tbo banker ia a stato of the most wrathful iudi;;uatiou. Mr. Dawbarn was a great mau in Bramlialon aud accustomed to be treated witi respect and deference and ervility, and though so excellent a person, Mr. Dawbarn was something of a humbug, -H th. tom- man's manuers bad convinced ' tha that be knew it. and it i. very annoying to men of W years of ago to bo found out by tbeir Juniors. Mr. Rolicrt Btuddeu, or, as bo waa called, 1L-. Bob Btudden, or Mr. Kip Btudden, swug-jered pxst the cashier and at a tucker and the trrace T. moL A dozen tte'ps bam the door of ' 2L tSnk be met a clerk whom be stopped. "Halloaf be cried, with graceful badinage, OTnrtro. how noes itP How do yoa do, Mr. BtnUiM.? inquire! tbe cleri I -Don't bs U cKb hurry. Wtll, bow It . be.ebP I "iir. td-r i "Dosit b3 afraid, my bar. Va not ti lean to cycil eyort. V.'oy ct bolt i;a Lc;-I j I'd hui yoa ct iti.w-.cr to tn? you. t .- r- j d-j.-wii. IU-tji-j-ro- I Us. fcOailca tlaxi cao eye, Cnrt tiJ tti-u '- Lj di cad tzoX.-i Ltt3 tke j t'.ucz. f"'-z-S etrccS of Braitins-oa, " cttjM M-Z -.' t30JUt.ii e.aiiy. , rnpTT-n rr " a cn-n cwntrr towa It Ij Impa. ! ...f ru bt teri wxnz. aae-i tx.aru, eii then ramcr poinu to so tuxf i-robei crijiir.a: that justice aci kictlT poilotmea Loot me lost in tunnite, t eajamu tt innocent that tbe guilty Otlpmila In V-rot-fi m-A m 1 ' - 1 i about tuo ganli'ii nf hit mistress" father's I house, the Sign,,n Canulet and Monta-no would have been hfornicdor the occurrenei early on the following morning by several coniietent ami rrcd.hle eve witnesses all of j the gentler sex, and tlie ni'ajoriivon theotber ilo of llve-nnd-tbirtv veers of age. It was Christmas day, cold, clear and frosty. Mr. Dawharn was dressed In hi brightest black, and bit rravat w as as a mon ument to the mt irreproachable of laun dresses. But Mr. Dan barn wa pale and agitated, bit bend thook and bia band trem bled, till tho (wpert he beld iu tbeni rattled and rrumpl.el n hen a servant opened the dining room ' door and announced Mr. Munro," Mr. Paw- reason of the Interview. "Your conduct, sir, hat been euch that I I I do not know how to nddrett you," Ham mered Mr. Dawharn. "That you. tir, my servant, my paid and talaried tervnnt, thould hare to abused my confidence; thould have to dared to try to to injure me is is what I did not expect from yoa I know all, tir, alL You are discharged from the bank this moment." A pang tbot over the young man't face. "You will not bo allowed to enter there gain. Thit quarter't aalary it there, tir." The banker put upon tho table a tinall paper packet, "As 1 tball not tuiTer you to take. your place at your desk again, there it a half year's salary." The banker placed another small packet on the table, and tbe clerk made a deprecatory motion with one hand. "I in sist on it, sir, and shall take no denial. I also insist on your leaving Bramlingdon to night, or to-morrow morning, at the latest. Should you have nny debts here, leave a list of them, and today being Christmas day, I will see that one of tho clerks pays them the day after to-morrow. There can lie no ex cuse for your remaining, and your absence, iir, is a matter of much more imortaiico tome tbnn a few pal ry pounds; sol will hear of no objection." Mr. Dawbarn paused and drew breath, and the young clerk looked at him and then nt the window, as if out into a far distance bo yoml "My accounts, sir" he began, when the banker interrupted him. " Will bo found quite right, I daresay. Ilad you only robbed 'me of money, sir, 1 should have been better pleased. I have treated you only too well, and in return see what you have done." Mr. Dawbarn struck his clenched band upon the table. "But no matter. Do 1 understand that you will leave Bramlingdon to-night." Munro took his cyi from the window, and, looking full iu the banker's face, said: "I.ucv." Mr. Dawbarn's face turned scarlet, and ho again struck tho tablo. "Don't mention my daughter's name to me, sir, if you please. I won't bear HI How dare you ( There, sir, are tho rubbishing letters you havo sent to her, and if you havo any sense of decency or honesty left, you will return those you bave of Lore of of my daughter's." Munro took up the lotters his former mas ter had tossed to him. "Did you hear mo, slrP asked the hanker. "I lie; your pardon." "I sav, will you five me back her letters, end wiil you leave Bramlingdon to-nightP There was a pause, and the bells of tho church rang out for morning service, "I can make no promise, sir,'" replied tbe young clerk, very clearly. "I havo a duty to your duu-htcr as well as a duty to you. If sho desires that 1 should" "You set me at dofianci-, do you, slrP burst In the banker. ."Very good, very good; but don't sunposo that if you stay hero forever that you will teo my daughter, or ta enabled to write to her. If you stop in Lramlinguoii, ibe goes. Next week she trave.s with ber mother to Lonnon, aorojui, from her father's presumptuous clerk, who, becauso bis master asked him a few times i to his house, tosit at his table, and treated hira asan equal, to iar lorgov umwii bis eves up to his duugbtcr, his only child." It had been a terrible Christmas morning In tho banker's house. Mr. and Mrs. Daw barn had been informed that their only daughter, Lucy, rose every morning early and had an interview with tho young clerk, Monro, iu tho kitchen garden, the door of which ojiened into a lauo, and of which door either Lucy or the young clerk, or both, pos sessed a key. Lucy bad been forced into con fession, and had gone on her knees to her papa, and wept and implored bim not to hurt her C-eorge. Sho had given up all bis letters, which sho was in the habit of placing under her nillow everv night, and which letter r i I.: 1( .a 1 ffc Munro bad written stealthily in banking hour, and nmcea n ac ; - and i den. Air. Linwunru t-ub vu wiu,j -- , ,tlti frightened Mn DawbSrn. a 'P-JPT woman, into a 6t When M it. Dawbarn re- enrered. Miss Lucv went off into a swoon, and her father and mother bad to recover ber, and Mr. Dawb. 'niy lert the Servants of his household thould be cognizane Of tho disturbance, which waa an entirely un necessary excitement on bis pan, as vucy, the servants, had known all about it for the lost ight months. Poor Lucy was told that Munro was to bo immediately sent away, but that sho und ber mamma were to go to church that day, as their absence might be remarket oy a ue.o... "u '"'7' , tion. and that tbo was to uuiuu ucr look unconcerned, easy, comfortable and com- As Lucv and her mamma passed the door I Of tbe dining room, Lucy beard the youn? clerk' voice, Sho knew tbu tbe should never aee bun again, aud the could not resist her impulse She ran to the door. , a in. handle, and would ve opened it, but ber mamma pulled ber away, and oa tbo other tide Mr Dawbarn rusiied to tbo door and put hi baci against it lluaro strode to tbo window, t'jnt be mijht taio a btt look of hJ xoistreca cs the left the boiue. Cood-bv, George ceur, good-by!" cried poor Lucy 'in the paiS "V'.'o thaJ never i cixi oticr again; I.. 5u-by tti zooi Ij csi cooa-bj asaia" .aifii.- 1-1. A year had elapsed tiuco Lury Dawbarn tidcea farewell u ucr fitber't clerk tiuim'j tbe dinirg room (Scar. lie bad left raaUncdcn and gouo no oa tciw whitbrr. jciilicr letter nor nicer came to Lucy ; sbe , was too suaciij l in anil Lntal ct thct txrtion of tbe wall where they hoi concea-ed the j- kt Tbe good old Lnc that tuty - ued to Uk out put natK ajaia wa a tbic; cf the past In its c!ac there wt a braa new red brisk cemented by Iran new white mortar that yoa could see a mile oft Lacy bad been to Lon- plevnres and fashion a!Ml d:rrnction, and at the end of six months had reluruvd very thin aud fuile. Sho had I eon homo but a few weeks when the news came that young Munro had sailed from Liverpool for New York. It reachej Lucy's ears thnnigb a yniathetic tervnnt moid. The next morning he scut won! that tho would likv to bare a cup of tea sent to her up ttairs in her own room, at the had a hcadaeho and tagged to bo exeusisl from the breakfast table. Mrs. Pawbarn knew that the had heard of Munro't departure for America, but the did uot dare to mention even the name of the objectionable clerk to her husliand, who wasentirely Icniorantof the young man't movements. TwAor three days after the doctor was tent for. The medical man hummed and hawed and said that his patient was low. Lucy grew worse and worse, A consultation was held. The young lady' disorder was pronounced to be nervous fever, and one white headed old gentleman from London suggested to Mr. and Mrs. Dawbarn that if tho young lady were engaged he should not advise the postponement of the ceremony. "You see, my dear Mr. Dawharn," said the old geutlemnn. "yonrdeardaugbter'smalady is partly mental Sho has here no employ ment, thnt Is, no fresh employment for her mind. If you could ulstittite new duties, fresh Impressions, she would recover quieklv. Her energy is wearing her to pieces; the wnnts, so to sneak, to tagin her life over again. If if her partner has not yet been chosen" here the eyes of the father and mother met "let her travel, let her choose an occupation, give ber something to da I know a young lady much the same kind of case who took to Minting, and found con siderable benefit from the ttudy and the practice. Italy, now, might create a desire to cultivate sumo nrt-sny music, eh( Your dear daughter is not strong; her mind is too much for her body." Lucy was taken to narrogate, to Chelten ham, to Leamin-Tton and Scarborough, then to the south cf France and Italy. When she returned to Craml ngdon she had to be lifted from the carriage. Her father, who had not aeon her for two months, wns struck with the visible alteration in her face und figure, no himself carrel her to her room and wnt hardly conscious of his burden. Sho said she wr.s tired with 'her journey and would pi to bed. Mr. Dawbarn de scended to dine with his wife, nnd meeting on the stairs with the synijiathptic house maid who had Informed Lucy of Munro't de parture for America, nnd asking the girl why she was crying, nnd receiving for an swer that it was for Mi;s Lucy, he discharged her on the spot It was n ilisinl dinner. ITiisbnnd and wife spoko but little, nnd when one caught the the other's eye there was a great show of ap petite Mr. Dawbarn drank a considerable quantity of sherry. When the cloth was re moved tho conversation flagged. Neither dared begin tho consultation they felt was Inevitable. Before they went into Lucy's room to look nt her hs she lay sleeping, Mr. Dawbarn put bis arm nround his wife's waist and kissed her on tho forehead, a proceeding w hich made the good old lady tremble very much and her mouth nnd nostrils quiver. Side by sido in tho dark the couple lay awake in their luxurious chnmlier. starting at tho reflection of tho window framo upon the blinds. The father began. "Jemima." "Philin," said tlm mother. "What do you think of Lncvf Tbo mother heaved a !eep sigh. "Good GodP said tho banker, "when t took her np in mv wms I could hardly feel her weight She was like n feather like a feather. Jemima, you're crying, my love. Tell me, honestly, now, honestly, candidly, as you think. Tell me, tell me." Tho wifo threw her nrm nrourd her hus band's neck nnd soblied: "I fear that we shall loso her." It was spo!;en, nnd death was recognized as n presence in tho house. "D'ye t'.iink there's no boner' "Onlv one, anil that a very poor one." Mr. Dawbarn felt a mental qualm, for be kr3w what was coming. "What's that f" ho asked. "You'll be ungry with me, Philip, if I tell yon." "Anrry, my dear! no, no, not a bit," said the father. "You know what I mean." The banker sighed. "Do you mean" ho bo? an. 'Yes'. I do," replied the mother. "If Lucy could see or hear of that young man, I be lieve sho would recover. I'm sure it would do her good." Tboro was n long pause. Mr. Dawbarn groaned in spirit, but be felt that bis wife was right "I had such bettor views for her," groaned tbe banker. , "Yes, my dear, I know yon had," taid tbe wifo, pressing bis band. "Lord Landriuga was most particular in bis attentions, and 8ir Theopbilus Uawdnn absolutely spoko to mo about her." "I know he did," said tbo acquiescent wife, "Think of Lucy being Lady Laudringa or Lady Hawdonl county people and then of ber being Mrs. oh!" "It's a sad thing, dear, but what can we do now that she's so ill poor thing! And if we could save ber life" Mr. Dawbarn turned in tbe bed. "I'll ask Topham about it to-morrow." (Topham was tbe doctor.) "I'll bear bis opinion." "I bavj asked bim," said the mother, "and be agrees with me." "But bow can it be doner" asked the banker, turning again restlessly. "I can't ask the fellow to marry my daughter." "No, but you can offer biin a situation in the bank." "Supiiosc be refuses." "He won't refuse." "But bow can 1 And bimf Where is ber "In America," answered Mrs. Dawbarn. "America!" repeated the banker, sitting up ia bed. "Then bow tbe deuce U be to be got at P "Advertise for him. If he will apply to Bo-and-So, be will hear of something to hit advantage. I asked Dr. Topham'a advice about all that" "Advertising is not respectablo," taid the banker; to which bis wife made 09 reply but the word 'Lucy.' " "Besides," continued Mrs. Dawbarn, after short pause, "if you d ju't like advertising, tend somebody after bus to tind out tvhur UeU." "Send soracbaJy! Kc-d who? "Ob. that Mr. btudden; be doinjj notbltj anJ I dare say wiU be glad of llw joj." "I tup:io t bai '.undm tdv jed t jat tool,' Ye, bcd.d" "I tbougiit 1 reconired TopLutaT interest la thai young vagabond. 1 suppose you aui be bave taie-i '.li.'s 3.?. over aw toae time." "I end Zlr. 8t-!aP "No, you cci v'aua." Yes." "And you've arranged It til between yon." "Yea." "Why didn't yoa uU uo tU before, JemimaP "I was afraid." "Afraid! Afraid of whatP "Of you." "Of me, Jemlmaf Doot yoa tbitJt I lor say child as much a youP Tin sure you do; but you men don't un derstand tome things, " "But Topbnwt a man," remarked tbe purzled tanker. "But then he' a doctor," was the reply. Mr. Dawbarn groaned inwardly, at a pos sible coronet presented itself to his nuiid's eye and then faded away. "I timpose you must have it your own way." he said. "May I, PhilipP asked his wife, puttiug her arm around his neek a ccoud time. "Yes, I believe you're in the right But won't tbe shock the turprlse hurt herP "I'll answer for that May I toll ber to morrow P "Yes," sighed the vanquished father. "Bltws you, riiilip!'' said the good mother; and she kissed her partner, and both wife aud busbaud slept the sleep of tho just chaheh iv. "Lucy, my dear," said Mrs. Dawbarn the next morning as tho entered tbo invalid' chamber, "I and paa have been talking about you." "Yes, mamma," taid Lucy, with an evi dent want of interest in tho subject "And what do you think hesaysP "Don't know, mamma." "He's going to miiko some alteration in the tank." "Oh, indeed!" Miss Lucy bad not the smallest solicitude bout the bank. "And what else do you think P "Oh, mamma, 1 am so tired," said Lury peevishly. "What else do you think he means to dop continued Mrs. Dawbarn, bending her ma tronly head over her daughter's face, and pouring into her ear words that made tho girl flush scarlet nnd her eyes flash. "Oh, mammn, it can't be true!'' "My love, could I deceive youP "No, dear mamma, no: but oh, Is It tmel Kiss me, mnmmn dear. I am so happy nnd so thankful, and and in a little time, when Tve thought over how happy I am, papa may como in, ami I'll kiss him and thank him. and tell him how grateful I am too, and" - But poor Lucy could got no further, and tobtad and wept with delight "My darling, kiss me now," said her father, advancing from the door, behind which bo had watched the effect of tho news "I'll do anything to make you happy anything. " "O papal my own papa! ' "My darling, you'll love mo now again as you used to do, won't ymil and and there' Mr. Bob Studdeu s knixk. I'll send thnt fel low off to New York 1 mean to Liverpool, tbis very night." Mr. Bob Studden was waiting in the dining room. Ho wai so changed In face, dress, ap pearance and manner that when Mr. Daw barn saw him he started and said: "Are you Mr. Rotart Studilen P "Yes, Mr. Dawbarn, it's me," said the fa miliar voice. "1 dare say you And m changed. I do myself." Ho wns indeed altered. In place of the (pick, span, new, nattv, dressy, shiny, oily, varnished Bob, tho delight of barmaids nnd tho envy of grooms, stoml a shabby, cordu roy trousered, nnistcoatless vagabond, smell ing of straw and mirter. Mr. Dawbarn hesi tated before ho asked him to sit down. "I got your letter, sir," snid Bob, whoso manner was as deferential as bis clothes were shabby, "and ca:no on immediately. Sorry I couldn't present myself moro decently; but such is futo." "What are you doing now, Mr. Studden P asked tho banker. "At present, sir, replied Bob, "I am stable man at the Cock and Cottle," 'flood grBCio'.is!" "It's not what I .-f.uld wish, tir, but it' better than nothing. I'm sorry to say I'm only employed there two days a week Mon days and market days; but still, what with odd jobs, I manage to grub on." Mr. Dawbarn looked nt the ex-betting man's wan faco and wistful eyct, and asked bim if ho would tako a glass of wine. Bob shot a qnici; glance, and said that he would; and iu thu keen look Mr. Dawbarn rend hunger. "The sherry," said tho banker to a servant, "and bring lunch somo cold roast lieef and yon know; mid when we'vo lu:n !:r 1, Mr. Studden, we'll talk business." Mr. Studden'n perfcrmanco upon the beef was so extraordinary that the tanker feared that bo would commit involuntary suicide. It wns with a feeling of intense relief that ho taw bim attack tho cheese; but the attack was so prolonged that Mr. Dawbarn feared lest the suffocation tho beef bad left ur.ao oomnlishcd should b effected by tho Stilton. "Not any more, sir, thank you," answored Bob to bis host's complimentary questkin. "I never tasted such a cheese and as for tbo beef, it's taautiful. 1 haven't tasted anlmnl food for these ten days. For rod herring is not animal food nny more than a lump of salt is, and I'm sick of red herrings. Soak 'em in as much hot water us you like, they always taste of lucifers, pe'bai becauso they lie next to 'em In the shop. I may thank you, Mr. Dawtam, for a real meal such a 1 baven't bad for-(or" The wine, Mr. Studden had drunk seemed to have got Into his head, and from bis bead into hit eyes. Men are strango creatupt and even tatting men art men and wheth T it was tne memory of bygon days, or the wine, or the bread, or tho butter, or the beef, or the cheese thut affected bim, cannot I ascertained, but one of these causes, or tome of them, or all, caused Bob Btudden to lay bit bead upon bis anus, and to cry copiously. Ho then began recusing himself, and say ing that bo was b.vd lot; tbat be was mis erable aud r'i-uted; that bit life was an hourly rurso to bim; that be knew be bad brought it nil upon him elf; thnt a!) bis friends hud de serted him, particularly those who had shared hit hospitality, nnd even bit money, when he wuprofjierous; that the man who owed hit rise in lifo to biiu, and whom he had assisted t a crisis, bail behaved to bim with an in gratitude, that stung him to tuo soul; that ho was naif starved aud had no lied but in tho (table; that bo was ruined ruined and bad no hope. When tbe poor, broken down gamester bad exhausted himself, tho banker began, ll-i told bim that l.o the banker) had been ad vised to offer bim (Studden) enploynient because be knew him to bo intelligent, and hoped tbat hit past Mideringt l.al been a warning to bi::i (or the future; tLut tho limi ne be wi-sbid loeiupl'iy b::n ca wa d.H cult and delicate, tain;: no le-a tau to go to Kow York auJ troia tii rj u wlitnrrervu it might I ne-sn-ir ta t"cvd, iu scurrlj of Mr. Mu::n. tu.it uiout-y would bo pro vided and li'.leri furnished t'.ia, aui tliui ha waa rcquin.il lo start t't? Lirtrpl ti.3 very night; tiiat it was hoped b would col lightly givo up a chim-e tlmt ojcrej him rc riem!on for the yt and a fha prospect lor tit future. "I'll do it! Ill do it!" saU Cob, rising and grasping tbo taskt-r't Land; "and God blest you, Mr. Dawbarn, fur irix, a poor outcast Ucvd l it niotje chance, id not deuuiva joa. (j, If 1 do" "Hush, bua. Mr. 8tudJn." "You'd make a ana of me, sir sus! HI be true as ttecL I'd a t bet not on the best bone that was ever foaled. To-ni;U, eir 1'U start tint minute, barefoot, if you wished It I've got decent suit of clothe U pawn, sir, quite gobd enough for the likes of me; I'll be faithful nnd true, tir, and CM bless you, sir, ami und" Here Hob broke down again, and even stiff Mr, Daw barn was comis'lled to use his cam bric handkerchief as Mr. Stud iell used Ins coat sleeve. Hob was furnished with letters, among them was one from Mr. Dan barn addressed to Munro, which inclosed a nolo from Lucy, which contained only thte words, written in a large, trembling hand: "Comeback tome oh! come back to nie, my dear; and soon, if you would see again Ujsui tint earth your owu I.fCT." A few boms after Hob was seated on the roof of tho night roach, and as it rattled past tbe bani.cr'i house he saw a light in Lucy's chnmlier. Although tho night was cold tho w indow was thron u up, and athiu baud waved a handkerchief. cn.VPTKR V. Two years elainol and there wns no news of tho miv.ing Mr. Munro, Lotters arrived frequently from different part of America from Mr. Rob Studden, who evidently found his task to ta more ditlleiilt than he hail siii- pueed. America was a largo continent, and it was not so eny to find one nrticuhir man Uon it I 'nor Lucy amused herself by read- lug Issiks and ionising tns. She liked to wonder if lieorge were there or tnere, and what sort of place it was. She arranged all Mr. Bob Sudden's letters of intelligence in chronological order and coninrod them with the books nnd the maps and to traced hit progress. She always knew when an Ameri can letter arrived by an Instinct for which she was nt a loss to account herself; but for all these sounvs of consolation, for all ber mother nnd father' solicitude, she grew weaker niul weaker. She took no air but iu 1 an invalid chair. Her father walked by her sido grave nnd dejected. Stealthy shad ows took possession of the banker's bouse. They flitted on the windows, lingered on the staircase nnd hung about the passages; and the good folks of Uramlingdon looked tad at they passed the banker', over which, as ovor those it contained, lliore hung the sanctity of great sorrow. Two long, long years and two long, long months Lucy waited and bosl, each day her pale ch k grow ing paler, and her light form lighter, and toward Christmas she wm ncnblo to be lifted from her beil Dr. Top ham said that ho bad exhausted the resource of his science; and when tho poor girl turned feverishly, nnd, with slight acres of de lirium, asked for the fiftieth time if there were no newt, thedoetor Imckoned the hanker aud his wife from tho sick room and said: "I'vo nn ideal This cannot last long she must lo quieted somehow. She keeps ask ing for news; now news front America Would quiet her and she might sleep." "We btivo uo news," said tbe single minded banker. "No," replied tho doctor, "but we can mako some." "Make some!" "Fabricate it-Invent It Don't you seeP "0 doctor!" remarked tho tearful mother. "to deceive a poor creature on the threshold Of death!" "To s'intch her from death," said Dr. Top ham. "It nihst bo done. It Is the Inst chance. We must write a letter from Stud den this very night." "But but but it is forgery I" stammered th' banker. "Besides," snld Mrs. Dawtam, "Lucy knows Mr. Btudden hand and alway ex amines tho envelopes " "Then," said the doctor, "we must do It by telegraph " i "Telo-mM" "Yes. In a few minutes you will receive telegrnin from Mr. Bob Btudden, saying thnt be lias Just nrrived at Liverpool with with c. companion." "Who'll wild iir "I will." said thedoetor. "Hut hen-when sho Hilda that Studd.'n 1 not in Rutland what thenp "Wo must, think of something else," said tho undaunted Topham. "Tho enso Is des perate, nnd something desiiernte must lie tried. 0 n:ul taik to her, Mrs. Dawbarn, and I'll send tho telegram." With n strong feeling of conscious guilt Mr. nml Mrs. Dawbarn put into their dnugh t ' L:ri 1 o telegram containing these words: "From Iloliert St uilden, Adelphl Hotol, Liv erpool, to Charles Dawbarn, Uramlingdon, "I bnvo jnst arrived In Liverpool. I have news of Mr. M. I bojio to bo in Bramling don by Thursday." Lucy read tho telegram and sat np In ber bed. "Ho' come, mamma f she said, and her eye flashed and hor cheeks flushed. "He landed In England this morning I felt be did about V o'clock. H i will be bero toon, Oeorge will-very soon very soon. Mamma, please tell Eliza to put out my lllao frock. He liked ulac and to como and do my hair and and nnd toll Eilza to come to me ml 1 can tell her what I want myaolf." Tho father nnd mother exchanged glance that said: "Here I the consequence of our deception. What can be done nextp Tbe thought had hardly lieen interchanged be fore a amart rap was heard at tbe street door, and a serv ant enmo in with another tele- graphio dispatch, which ran thus: "From U. Studden, Adelphl Hotel, Liver pool, to C. Dawtam, Uramlingdon. "Just arrived bero with Mr. Munro. Shall (tart by night train, leaving ber at I 'M, M. and self will be nt Uramlingdou to-morrow. Telegitt'ih back " "Uow abttr d of Topham to send two tele grams!" said Mr. Dawbarn, when be and bi wife weroalo::", "as if one would not bring mischief enou -U. He must be mad." Dr. Tophniii entered the bouse, end In quired bow h i plan had succeeded. "Ob, Lucv i i very much delighted and agt tated," answered Lucy's father. "What we (ball d i Willi her when tbe And th new not true, 1 (Ij not know. But, Topham, why the deuce did you send two U-legramsP "Twof echoed Tophara. "I ouly tent one." 'Ye, you del." "No, I didn't" "Yes, you diiL Here It I." Tbe doctor looked at tbo lecond telegram, nd said, "I didn't send this." "N'ol Who t hen P "By Jorel I In did! Studden, I mean. Dawbarn, he's cornel ho' cornel I only an ticipate. I tbo truth. It was medical inspi ration und uiy itlent will recover." Mr. Dawbaru lust no time la telegraphing back to Liverpool At Lucy' express desire Mr. Btudden r.-u Instructed to telegraph at every Cation, that the ought know bow much nearer cud nearer ber Goorg wa to ber. Tuo telegraph boys wore u? th whale blz'at, aJ Lxj kept the telejaim aad rai ttf m u:;:.l l!? full fast usl&tp. Wbea iu cwoi she found herself nnaUe to rbo, so rcxj.voJ to rocaive bar future bus bend la i"-ato, and wueu the bad looitd in tbe mirror alio be;;ed ber mamma in whisper to lot ber bave some roue "not to bake me look better, but for fear my pal, white, white cboekt should frlguteaUeore." Tbe heav hours flew by. Gewrg arrived, and was shown upstairs to hi faithful, ooa staot mutrese. aad the sarvaut la tii kitchen UM great Jubilee, and there wc (weetbeartiug below ttairs a well a above. Mr. Dawbont found Mr. Bob BtudJoa quite an American according to tbe notion of American imuitad by Englishmen a few toonUi resident In the New World. lie were "goalee" beard, u,uar toed boots, and loud trousers ami ernvat ne addr Mr Dawliarn as "colonel,'' snd assumed innnner that savored eipi.il ly of th quarter deck and tbe counter half pirate, half bag man. As I advertised you, colonel," be tot planted, "in the vurious letter from tbe various diggings where I lixed my temporary location when I set foot In New York, I could flud small trmvof (1. Munro, but I fol lowed up that inns?, and dogged eternally wherever he had made tracks. At last I lost him, and wns near thinkln' I was done heller yes, tir and do you know why I thought I was done holler tie changed bis name, and w hat bis Inst occupnl ion was 1 could not die cover. However, I traveled and traveled on: nnd how d'ye think, nnd whar d'ye think, col' nn I, 1 founil him out at InstP "I don't know." "It was quite by accident it wa( I thought I'd beard of hint in Detroit, bot I couldn't find bun III Detroit; and 1 wagoin' way by the cars on the following sunup. Not knowing what to do with myself till roosting time, I strolled Into the uiusenm that is that wa a theatre then. The first man 1 see tqioii the stage wot Q. Munro, dressed like n citizen, in coat, vest and panta, or perluqis I should not havo known hint I hailed him, and we tturted off that very night We traveled quicker than post, or I thould have written. 1 thould bave diag nosed him before, but the track wa cold, be cause he had changed hit name, and gone upon the ttage a fact which 1 have not saen tioned to any one but you, nor do I intend to du the stage not being considered by the general a business like." Lucy was soon seen out again In the Invalid chair, but ber father no longer walked by her side. Ho was replaced by Mr. Munro, who usually proelled it himself. Within eighteen months tho young couple were married, and tome tinio after Oeorge wa mail partner in tho tank. Mr. Robert Studden, by the assistance of hit witrou, emigrated te Australia, where he drive a thriving busi ness in horses, Before he sailed he tpont tbe Christmas day with the bride and bride groom. And though our ta'e ends happily with mnrriago and dowry, as novels and plays should end, it is not for that reason fiction, but a true story of true love. AN IDEAL CHRISTMAS. Events of Day Wldch Made Mr. Serif- Bios Tired. It wat Christmas day; anybody could tel It; tleigb tails rang out more crisp and clear than usual; tho tun w.i brighter, the air was ihnrpcr, men itepped more briskly along the streets, the chime (minded sweeter; th (lelgh hells tinkled more merrily, and If tbat wnsnt enough to convince the most skepti cal, ho could look at tbe beading of the) morning newspaper. "HaP cried Mr. Scrlcgle a he limped out of tad; "taautiful day I beautiful; and. Indeed, Christmas; Mrs. Scrlggle isn't wake yet either; I'll get ahead of hor till timet Merry Christ " "Scrlgglcs, ha tbe servant got that Are started votP "I don't know, dears I was Just (nlng down to seo about it Merry Christ" "Scrlggle, I would liko to hare (5 to give to tho church. Have you got any money left from last nlg'utP "Certainly, I kept $2.1 exclusively for Christmas. I'll leave tho flv ou the dreaing case for you." Ho skipped gayly down ttairs Just In time) to meet tho new up stairs girl. "Good iiiornln', Mist her Scrlggle, Merry Christmas and Christmas gift" "Certainly, Bridget here's a couple of dol lars for you." The cook was Just emerging from the kitchen when ho arrived at tho door. "Christmas glC, Massa Scrlggles." "Certainly, Arntalla; here's ti for yon.- Breakfast was eaten and Scrlggle presented! his wifo with bonnet which she snid waa horrid, nnd sho gavo bim a cane to add to hie collection, which numbered something over ilosen. Ho then took the street car down town. "Mornin', Mass i Seriggles," mid hi boot black. "Chrlsinus glf. " "Yes, Sam; hero's a dollar for yon. "Christmas gift, Mr. Boriggle," said th levator boy. "Yes, of course; here's dollar for yon." 1 "Christmas gift Mr. Beriggles," said hi office boy in a cheery, holiday tone, which waa good for t'X "Ah, good dav, madame," said betoth lady whom bo found seated In bis choir. "Merry Christmas to you, I'm sure." "1 am glad to see that you have tte tm Christian spirit," she said. "I augur favor ably for my errand." " What can 1 do for you, ma'amP "I am working Iu the causo of charity, sho replied. "I am soliciting tulacrlptiooa for the new mlMiou for the uativr of Pata- gnnla, I hope I may put you down for 110." Mr. Bcriggle said certainly, aud I ber the money. Tbe Janitor and two scrub Indies alto i tucccesful calls. II bad to compromise with tbe latter on SO cent apiece. - At aliout 3 o'clock Mr. Scrlggle concluded to start for borne. As be reached tbe aide walk be felt la bis vest pockets, then In hk trousers pocket A slight look of annoyance crossed bis face. "Merry Christmas," said cheery voice. "Ob, bow are you, Drown; ye, to be tare Do you happen to have oar ticket bs yoor pocketP "No, I haven't" "Any cliangeP "No, not red." When Bcriggle reached home It was about half past & He dragged himself wearily through tbe door and bung himself oa th lounge. "Did yon have pleasant Chriatmasf sked bi wife. "Christina be blessed I" wi tbe ealy reply as he flopped over on bi side, with hi face to tbe suii A Christina Croup. Tbe shining holly bongs upon the watf, lis scarlet cluster (learning Id tbe li,';kl Of ruddy llronlow, snd the nelvomeeounl Of silver laughter: ripple throtiKU the rooia From youthful voices, whilst the mistletoe lit while, traopamit betillcts tempungly Haac o'er their tunny beads. Now kltb and Mb Are grouped In circle round tlmcbwry hearth, Each UsliUi hie experience of the year. For mum than be (but ouly meet at Yule, Th grty haired (-ranushlre surely nodi hi heaa Wb&t time th prutlle of th fuur yeor old Toe golden treSMsi raun'hng of the dock b poured Into hi ear; ud oo bis kneek Eager to pram, doth she, wee (.dry. sit To household Uorliiiir of snore of hearts, la yonder icuj( annehalr sits grandmamma. Whilst lea year Tuniiuy sfals bnide ber kna KnowtnT full writ, the tiriKlit rynl saucy rorut X okIksb toft e-ot in Uie old diiiue'a beA AxJ e.Ui a Uivla ?. ball m,'rrtful raze, Iv'l oa Ui cbuiren's parent earned bach Te lb "laof tue" Ueo Uiey laemteln wart la chlllaood't htppr, (lad uncootclousMsa Of tli to coma: and en. f urges. lie Time, They la Uwir treaty red blossom bloom cln ,-A.ttV Ullla Pe PsiWi'Tt""'i lrf'Tf -i ft at ma- " 7 -