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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1885-8-7, Page 2A YOUNG GIRL'S WOOING. BY E. P. non, Author of •' 80.1e bio"tbre lural,."' 0 From Jest to Eeruente, ,p•,m., Kc, Volvo the Lose of sty fortune. 01 ammo if I Gould not pay this at once all the rest would be down on me. Ilow in the world did yon gain knowledge of this affair 2" Thank God, and take courage. I believe good is going to come out of this ovil, and I believe you will think so too when you have heard my story ;" and she told him everything. "And Graydon has, to all intents and purposes, engaged himself to this— spooulator," said Mr. Muir, grinding hie teeth. "He's no brother of mine if he does not break with ber ; and, as it is, 1 feel as if I Gould never trust him with my affairs again." Henry Muir was a man not easily moved, but mow his concentrated pas- sion was terrible to witness. His ' hands worked convulsively ; his respira- tion was quick and irregular. His busi- ness and his commercial standing were his idols, and to think that a selfish, schemiug girl had caused the jeopardy of both to further her own petty ambition, and that his brother should be one of ber tools, ouraged him beyond measure. "Now," ho hissed, "I understand why that plausible scamp offered to lend me money. Ile and his confeder- ate Wachner° have boon watching and biding choir time. I had to be ruined im order to bring that speculator's daughter to a decision, and Graydon has been doing his level best to further these schemes." "Henry, Henry, do be calm. Your are not Paned, and 811811 not be." "It's 110 use, Madge; I'm foully caught in their devilish toils." Madge grasped his arm with a force that compelled hi; ntteation. "Iteury Muir," she said, in low and almost stern tones, "you shall listen to know nothing about it. 0 God 1 that I were a emu I" Thank God, you aro a woman 1 Child as you are, compared with my years and experience, you shall have your own way, I will this once put my lifelong prineiplo under my feet, and if the future house of Muir & Brother ie saved, you shall $11v0 it." "011, thank you, blank you, Heuryt Now see how happy I am. I have bp oto stipulation,—the "brother' must not know it. Wo shall go on the first train, than we not?" "Yes. You can say you want to do some shopping. Colpo, we have boon away from glary too long already, 0 Madge, Madge, would that there wore more girls like you 1" me. Ignorant girl as I am, I know better, and I demand that you meet this emergency, not in impotent anger, but with your whole manhood. I de. mand it for the sake of my sister and your children, for your own sake and Graydon's. You explained to me be- fore we left town that I had sixty thousand dollars in United States bonds, first mortgage, and other good securi• ties. You also explained that by the provisious of my father's will I had con. trol of this money after I was eighteen. You have been so scrupulous that you have not even thought of asking for the use of it, but I demand of you, as an honest man, what right have you to prevent me from doing what I please with it ?" "Yon cannot make me take it, Madge." "I can and will. I shall go to the city with you by the earliest train, and when Aruault asks for his money you shall quietly give it to him, and no one but ourselves shall know anything about the matter, If you pay this money promptly, will it not help your credit at once 2" "Certainly, Madge, but—" "0 Henry," she cried, "why will you cloud all our lives by scruples that are now not only absurd but almost crim- inal2 Think of the loss you will in. fact on Graydon, your children, and your wife, by such senseless refusal. Have you not said that a little time will insure safety and fortune? And there is my money lying idle, when with to-mor- %OW's Bun it could buy me more happi- ness than could millions at another time. I trust to your business judg- ment fully." Sho stood aloof and faced him proudly, as she continued: "Do not imagime I fear poverty. Believe me, Henry Muir, I have brain and muscle to take care of myself and others too if need be." Then, in swift alternation of mood, she clasped her hands caressingly upon his arm, and added: "But I have a woman's heart, and there are troubles worse than poverty. To see you lose the results of your lifework, and to see Graydon's prospects blighted, would be more than I could bear. You can give me all the security you wish, if that will satisfy you better; but if you deny me now, I shall lose confidence in you, and feel that you have failed me in the most desperate emergency of my life;' "The most desperate emergency of your life, Madge?" "Yes ; of flay life," she replied, her voice choking with sobs, for the strain was growing too great for her nerve. forte to resist. "You give way to sense- less anger; you inveigh against Gray- don, whom he has only acted honorably, and has been deceived; you refuse to do the one aimple, rational thing that will avert this trouble and bring safety to us all." "Why, Madge, if I fail, this speculator will drop Graydon at once. Soottl this fact alone would be largo com. peneation." "If you were cool—if you were your. self—yon could save Graydon in every way, I want to see him go on in life, prosperous and happy, not thwarted and disheartened almost at its begin. ning. 011, why won't you ? Why won't you 2" and she wrung hor hands in distress. "Is Graydon so vary much to you, Madge ?" he asked, in a wondering tone. "Hush 1" she said, imperiously; 'there aro things which no man or woman shall know or appear to know undoes I reveal. them. ' It's enough that I am tryingto save you all, and my OVA peace of mnd. Henry Muir, I will not he denied, There are moments when a woman fools and knows what is ril;lit, while a man, with his narrow oastaron rules, would ruin everything. You must entry out my wish, and Graydon must CHAPTER XXXI. CEECXUATE• "R'oll," exclaimed stirs. Muir, when they appeared at last; "I thought you and Madge had eloped!" "'We aro going to tomorrow by the first train," said the young girl. "Henry says ho must return to town for the day, and I will accompany him to do some ahopping." "Now, Henry, this is too bad, and I've scarcely seen you this evening." "I'm truly sorry, Mary; I did look forward to a good quiet day with you, but there is an important matter which I neglected to see to to -day, and which must be attended to. Graydon will soon be ready to relieve me of a great deal." "Well, I shall be glad when he can do something besides waiting on Mr. Arnuult's convenience for the privilege of seeing Miss Wildmere. It will be a terribly long, fatiguing day for you, Madge,—for you both, indeed 1" "Oh, 7 cha'n't mind it in the least! It won't be half so fatiguing as one of my long rides. You spoke of wanting some things, and I can shop for you, too." Madge retired early to preparefor her journey. Mrs. Muir soon followed, and er husband remarked that he would merely remain down long enough to write a note to Graydon. This missive was brief, but was charged with dyne. mite. On the morrow, long before Miss Wildmere waked from the golden dreams which that day should realize, Madge and Mr. Muir were on their way to the city. The young girl had said : "Don't let us do anything by halves. I have read that in the crisis of a battle timid measures are often fatal. Lot me give you everything that you can use as col. lateral. How much is there 2" "Sixty thous Ind available at once. As I have said, you shall have your own way." ll'oll, for once a woman is wiser than Solomon." They wont immediately to the trust company which had hor property in keeping, and, having complied with the forms, obtained the entire sum, then parted on Broadway, to rendezvous at the train. Mr. Muir gave the radiant girl a look which she valued more than the money. He then went to his bank. The official whom he accosted had been rather cold and shy of late, but when he received the securities he grew percepti. bey urbane. On reaching his office Mr. Muir found that a transaction which had been great. ly delayed was now consummated, and that another ten thousand in cash was available. This also was sent to the bank at once. Several business men wore present when a confidential clerk from .'lrnault appeared, and asked for a private interview. "Well, really you must excuse me to- day. I'm very busy, and expect to leave town in an hour 01 two. Please state what you have to say in fow words, or else I will see you next week." "Mr. Aruault," began the clerk, in a metallic tone, "says he is compelled to call in the loan he recently made you." "Oh, certainly, certainly! Have you the securities I gave him as collateral?" "No, sir, but I can get them," said the man. "Do so, and I will give you my check. Thank Mr. Arnault for the accommoda- tion, and say that I have thirty or forty thousand to spare should he be hard pressed. Be quick." The Wall street men present looked at one another significantly, and one of them remarked, "You are forehauded for these times, Muir." "If this absurd lack of confidence would only pass," was the careless re- ply, "I should have more money on hand than I could invest profitablyy;" and then he appeared absorbed in other matters. Arnault received the message fromhis clerk with something like dismay, and turning on Mr. Wildmere, who was present, he said, almost savagely, "You have been misleading me." "Indeed I have not, sir,—not inten- tionally. I can't understand it." "Well, I can. Muir is an old fox in business. I was a fool to think that a paltry thirty thousand would trouble him. Well, there is nothing to do but to close the matter up." "What, in regard to my dad htee 2" said Mr. Wildmere, inadvertently. "011, no ; confound it 1 Whathas she got to do with this affair 2" replied Arnault, with an irritation that he could not disguise. "I certainly have made Miss Wildmere a fair offer; some would regard it as more. I shall go up to. night and r0eeive her answer, as I re- mised. I am ono who never fails in a promise to man or woman, and I am ready to make good all that I have authorized you to say to your daughter, and more," Mr. Muir mot Madge at the depot, and was quietly jubilant, Moth tau hod heartily civet tho oxperiehees of the day. "You aro a blessed little woman, Madge. I was./lover to off my btalapoo THE BBT1SSELS POST tlotore 111 my are es 1. was that tligllt. When conf080d and upset, it is one of my impulses to stink to sumo prinoiplo of right, Bloc a mule. epees you, I think I have secured you twice overt I have given you a lieu an property worth two hundred thousand in ordinary times," "You have taught me to lean on you once more, Henry, and that is worth mono than all your other liens." Mr. Arnault now appeared, and came affably forward, saying, "I am. glad my enforced action did not incomtndo you to.dey." Thank you. I trust you are not in trouble, Mr. Aruault;" and there wee a world of quiet satire in the remark, "0h, no,—only a temporary need, I a8snre yeti," was the hasty reply. "So I supposed ;" and as Arnault turned away, the speaker gave Madge a humorous glance, which made her ook of demure innocence difficult to maintain. Graydon had enjoyed fair suocoss im fishing, and yet bad not been supremely happy. He found, with the venerated Izaak Walton, that the "gentle art" was conducive to contemplation. As he fol. lowed the trout -stream amici the soli. tildes of nature, the artificial and conventional in life grow less attractive. In spite of his efforts to the oantrary, Miss Wildmere seemed to represent these phases. The appareut self-sacri- fice for her father. which 1,e had so um. equivocally condemned, was after all, about the best thing ho knew of her. Tho glamour of her beauty had boon upon his eyes, and fie had credited her with corresponding graces of heart and mind. What evidence had he of their existence ? The more he thought of it, the more his pride, also, rebelled at the i nomi- uious position in the background that he was compelled to take while the \','all Street diplomacy was prolonged. At last, in anger and disgust, he resolved that, if ho found Aruault in his old position by Stella's side, he would with- draw at once and forever. After all, although he was as yet un- conscious of it, the secret of his clarified vision was the influence of Madge upon his mind. Sho seemed in harmony with every beautiful aspect of nature,—true and satisfying, while ever changing. Madge was right : the mountains, streams, recite, and trees became her allies, suggesting her and not 14tisa Wildmere. He would have returned, for the pleasure of her society, but for his purpose not to appear again until Arnault should have time to arrive from the city and resume his attentions. If they were received as in the past, he would write to Miss Wildmere his with- drawal of further claims upon her thoughts. It was with something like bitter cyni- cism that he saw his illusions in regard to Miss Wildmere fade, and when he drove up to the hotel after nightfall on Saturday, be was not sure that he cared much what her answer might be, so apathetic had he become. Without pausing to analyze the reason of his eagerness to see Madge and hear of her welfare, leo ran up at once to Mrs. Muir's room. "Madge went to New York I" he echoed, in surprise at Mrs. Muir's in- formation. "Yes; why not? She wont to do 90131-3 slamming for herself and. mo. bliss G001) NEWS For the Farmer. 1 have securest the neater Grey township for a Patent Load Lifting Maclaine. You can do your hauling and mowing with ono man loss than usual, as a boy can run the mat - chino. It is simple, durable, labor saving, convenient and combo had at a small expense. Farmers do not bo deceived, order this patent and take no other. We will take pleasure any time in testing it with any other load lifter made, and as to its reliability, safety, strength, lightness of draught and expedition, it has no equal. Wo have testimonials from farmers saying it is the bust thing they have on the farm and that they would not be without it for three Wales its cost. See this Lifter be- fore you invest a dollar in any- thing of the kind as it is just what you want, Any information do - sired will be furnished Anyone infringing on the Patent will be prosecuted. HIR4JVl "WHITE, CRANBROOIi, ONTARIO. MONEY TO LOAN. Money to loan ca farm property at LOWEST RATES. for Wildmere's hero, and for a wonder, Mr. Arnault is not. What more could you ask 2" "Hanglklr. Arnault—" He hail come near mentioning both in his irritation. "When willbfadge and Henry arrive 2" "Soon now,—on the nine o'clock train. Oh by the way, Henry left a note for you!' "Very well, I'll go to my room, dress, and meet them. "Ho is asking after Madge rather often; it seems to me. She doesn't compare so very unfavorably with the speculator, after all, even in his eyes." On reaching his room he threw him. self wearily into a chair, and carelessly tore open his brother's note. Instantly he bounded to his feet, approached the light more closely, and 'saw in his brother's unmistakable hand the fol- lowing significant words : PRIVATE AND COMPANY FUNDS W. B. DIOBSON, Solicitor, Brussels, Ont. INTERESTING ArorsT 7, 188d. .11. L. j<<1 CICSOX, Pratioal I atohmakor ane Jo'wollor; Satisfaction Guar.anteea in all Repairing. To EVERYBODY. --SHOP AT— N..1, JACKSON'S STOKE It1tU88Ei$, MONEY TO LIIN1). Any amount of Money to Loan on Farm or Village property at 6 & 6 PEII CENT. YEARLY. Straight Loans with privilege of re- paying when required. Apply to A. HUNTER, Div. Court Clerk, Brussels. Stoves, Furniture &c. Tho Sterling Gook Stove just the thing for farmers use. Has a largo oven, takes 27 inch wood. and weighs over 400 lbs. The Marquis, one of the most conven- lent and handsome town Cook Stoves ever offered to the public, also in stock. 0ALL AND SEE 22Tr. "DAVIS" SEWING MACHINE. Itis Simple and Durable and does e larger range of work than any other machine in the market. "Dead this letter carefully and thoughtfully; then destroy it. Show your knowledge of its contents by neither word nor sign. Be on your guard, and permit no ono to suspect huanciai anxieties. Arnault and Wild - mere have struck me a heavy blow. The former has lent me money. I must raise a large sum in town, but I think I can do it, even in the brief time per- mitted. If I cannot we lose everything. If I don't have to suspend tomorrow Miss Wildmere will aooept you in the evening. She bas been waiting till those precious confederates, her father and Arnault, did thole worst, so that she could go over to the winning side. Yon aro of course your own master, but permit me, as your brother, affection- ately and solemnly to warn you. Stella Wildmere will never bring you a day's happiness or peace. She loves herself infinitely more than you, hex father, or any 0110 else. Bo true to mo, and you shall share my fortunes. If you follow some insane notion of being true to hex, you will soon find that yon bavo been false to yourself. Again I warn you. Spook to no ono of all this, and give no sign of your knowledge. "Rimy." Graydon road this twice, thou ameba ea tho paper in bis hand as ho mutter. ed, "Fool, dupe, idiot 1 Now at last I undorstaed hor game and allusious, Sho was made to fear that henry was about to fail, and she would not accept me until satisfied on this point. Groat God I my infatuation for her has been inciting Arnault in these critical time to break my brother down, and her father has Moen aiding and abetting, in A FULL 811PPLY OP FURNITURE, --CONSISTING 07•— CHAIRS, BUREAUS, BEDSTEADS, LOUNGES, MATTRASSES, &C GENERALLY ON HAND. Moat door to JL Drown hardware storm W. J. 'Jackson. Money to Loan. PRIV4TE FUNDS. FARMERS ATTENTION ! The undersigned has the following goods for sale : THE DTJNDAS 00BD BINDER. Harvest Queen Reaper, Front and Bear Cut Mower, Hay Rakes, Hay Tenders, Wisner Seed Drill, the Bain Wagon, The Guelph Bell Organ, Raymond Sewing Machine, General Purpose Plows, Sulky Plows, three kinds of Scuffiers, Horse Powers, Grain Grinders, Mow- er Knife Grinders, Harriston Fanning Mill, 1 second hand Buggy, 1 second hand Wagon ,and other implements too numerous to mention. We would just say that our Binder is considered by competent Judges to be the $20,000 of Private Fun sEarnboon ttlaaod in PondIvmen AT 7 PER GENT. Borrowers can have their loans complete n three dans if tibia is satisfactory, Apply to E. E. WADE. THE BEST "CAT V IIS D WIT W. DI. 'Morris, frost 010n Ines WOlnls, 11fI'1011hiLI,, Oi11 Manufacturer of *roc dlOPoront kinds of d mod ssaatisfnotory The uctm 118 yo2. made osEagrpump. in. water, sawing wood, 0110111310g or 1 er ilsI,108 any lim6�it maollnexy equal, b21 OI3L1 BBATB3) 1118318 have ea, mired a world-wl00 xoputatl on. I guarantao than0,8 being eu1orl0r to many now 1n the market, and equal to any ovor made. 1110Y will throw water 100 foot, or forte it a rano on the level. lfarmmre and etooknt on are re. allleetadt0e5ndf0xpartieglarebofara 821171118 either a \Vnndmill ora Pump, et I chem that wino aro the beet in t2201110I8,Mitchell,Ont, Best in the Market, being simple in construction and eas- ily worked by one span of horses. !!"'Farmers will do well to Give Us a Call before investing elsewhere. G -E0_ LOVE, BRUSSELS, ONT. BRUSSELS WOOLEN MILLS. I beg to inform the farming com- munity that 1 0111 now prepared to take in Carding, Sfinning, And Weaviiag, at my New Brick Woolen Ittill, and promise to give Satisfaction to those favoring us with, their trade. nave on hand and will keep constantly in stock a full as- sortment of Cloths. Flannels, Tweeds. Bruggets. Blankets, Yarns, knitted Goods, Dress Coeds, Cotton Shlrtings, Grey Cottons, &e. Also Fine Canadian Tzeseeds, PANTINGS & SERGES i. for Suits which 170 will get made up on short notice and a good fit warranted every time. Highest Market Price PAID FOI1 B UT TE i EGGS, 4o. GIVE Mtn A CAL at my Now Mills Moro going Olgowlier o. Geo, Howe,