LORD STRANLEIGH, PHILANTHROPIST.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10592, 22 October 1910, Page 2 (Supplement)

LORD STRANLEIGH, PHILANTHROPIST.

(By Robert Barr.)

Lord Stranleigh of AY\ehwood rarel allowed any expression of annoyance t. escape him, but one morning at break fast, on opening his favorite- - daij: paper, an. item that caught his ey< caused him' so far to forget liimself thai he gave utterance to the phrase: "Dasl it aI1! " ■ : ' It says much for the training of■ Ponderby, who was waiting upon him, thai this - excellent servant never moved p muscle-oh hearing the uuaccustomed exclamation.' "Whatever astonishment Pondcrby felt was very effectually concealed.. Stranleigh said to him, more peremptorily than tisual: "I wishf Ponderby, you would be so obliging, ris to telegraph my agent, Wilson, asking him to take the first London train and call" on me here before luncheon."- • "Very good, my lord," replied Ponderby, departing on his mission. After his master had finished breakfast Ponderbv turned to the newspaper page that had aroused this unwonted exhibition of feeling and had little difficulty in finding the item which he knew had' displeased his lordship. The paragraph ran as follows: ' '•air Peter Barnacle has promised to build a library in Stranleigh Village it the inhabitants will provide a site for the building. As all property in the vicinitv belongs to Lord Stranleigh ot Wychwood, there is littlo doubL that a beautiful plot of land will be offered by his lordship, so that advantage may be taken of this munificence." Ponderby read the paragraph twice with slightly puckered brows, as if tailing to understand why the extract should have caused annoyance. It seemed very good indeed of Mr Barnacle to provide for the mental enjoyment ot that delightful old English village; but, instead of being thankful, Lord, btranlcigh had gone to the extreme 0i saying, "Dash it all!'" As Ponderby carefully folded up the newspaper and put it away, he murmured to himself: "I wish I 'ad his money." But whether this referred to Mr Barnacle or Lord Stranleigh we shall never know, for Ponderby rarely confided in any one. The young nobleman returned homo at eleven o'clock, and half an hour later Wilson, the .agent, put in an appearance. Wilson was a very brisk businesslike man, with a hard face, r lowering brow, and lips which had : touch ol tyranny about them. AKhoncl obsequious enough to. Stranleigh, hi was very domineering to those ovc whom he exerted power, and was gener ally disliked by villagers and tenant* It was his boast that he stood no non sense from that class of people, and hi ittitude was one of protection so fa as Stranleigh was concerned, not con scaling the fact that but for him hi 'ordship would be robbed rischt and leii If orfc of the tenants ventured to ap p"p.l to Stranleigh direct, under a sciisi af oppression, that tenant v.«i& .ilmos certain to meet misfortune in his futuri -areor, although it was rarelv possibn Lo trace calnmitv to Wilson lumsell. Lord SLranlcigh was perhaps tno oas; in these occasions,- for whoever cam' lo him with a hard-lnck story was qmt< 2rrtain to have his complaint prompt!; incl favorablv attended to; hut, as "Nil an became better known, these appeal to C:osar were lrv, and less frecjiient Althoii»ii Straiiluigli himself felt an m atinctive distaste for Wilson's society md more than once had found reasoi ;o reprove him for his lack of sympathy ,vith the tenants, and on. occasion hao ?ven 'determined to dismiss him, he recognised his good business qualities. Besides that, he shrank from displacing

any man in the Stranleigh service, except on irrefragable proofs .of dishonesty or unfairness; so Wilson stayed on year by year. "Good morning, Wilson. I telegraphed to von because of an item in to-day s paper." Is it true that Mr Barnacle has offered a. library to Stranleigh Village?" '■'.... , "Yes, my lord; I believe it is. - "Yon believe! Aren't yon sure?" , "Yes; iny'lord: I am sure." , "Then why did you not write to me about it?" 1 - "' / "I didn't know that it would interest your lordship." • "Anything pertaining to the estate interests me,' and I dislike, reading in. the newspapers information about my own ■ affairs that should already be in my 'possession. Is" it not a fact that there is a well-selected library nowhoused in the Village Hall, the books of which are at the free disposal of all inhabitants?" "Yes, my lord." "Did the villagers apply to Mr Barnacle themselves?" "I believe they did, my lord. A pub lie meeting was held some months ago, at which it was stated that the books

at the Village Hall had all been read over and over again, and it was unanimously voted that application should be made to Mr Barnacle. After some investigation. that gentleman agreed to build and equip a library." "I see. Did any one propose application to me?" "I think not, my lord." "Do you know why?" "Well, I suppose they did not wish to trouble'your lordship, as you had already done a great deal for the village." "That's all very well, Wilson, but I think you should have looked after my affairs a little 'more closely than you have done,' and I ought to have been approached as lord of the manor before an appeal was made to a stranger." "It never occurred to me that Mr Barnacle would consent,. because Stranleigh Village is rather an unimportant .hamlet. Still, your lordship has.now an opportunity of assisting. It is proposed that a delegation wait iipon you for the purpose of obtaining a site, which is one of Mr Barnacle's provisos. It is suggested that you donate that plot of grassland at the head of High street, under the hill where the road turns to the left." "I see; which means that there will be built a blatant, red-brick, red-tiled-piece of architectural modernity domi- ! nating High street, and completely out of keeping with the rest of the village. Suppose, then, 1 refuse the request?" Wilson shrugged his shoulders. "In that case, my lord, you will effectually put an end to the project." "Quite so, Wilson. I hope you now sec. in what a predicament you have placed me. If I give the ground I shall spoil the village; and if] refuge all the newspapers in the country will hold mo up to scorn as the tyrannical landlord, quite callous regarding the culture of the people. I shall bo charged with keeping them in ignorance, so that they may vote in consonance \\ ith my own ignorance:" "Adverse.comment may be easily prevented, my lord." "It could have boon prevented easily if yon had taken this.movement in time, but I am not going to interfere with the liberty of the British Press. I he'licvo w" have some rather strenuous Socialists in Stranlcigh Village." "Yes, ray lord, we have. There are at least half a dozen who should have been packed off from the place montiis ago. I can do it yet if you give me permission." " " ' '

"Oil, bless yon, no! I am rather by way of being a Socialist myself; indeed, I have allowed free use of the Village Hall, -and 'I supply the reading-room with all the Socialistic journals I can find. Were the Socialists, as I suspect, leaders in this new idea?" ,

'"They "have taken a very active' part in it, my lord." " '"' .• "Very well; Wilson.' You will return to Stranlcigh Village arid convene the inhabitants thereof in the Public Hall. Acblogise to , th'em for— my neglect in allowin'g present library to - become out of date, -and',tell them-1- am in full sympathy with "their desire for improve-' ment. . By the'.way, do you know how 'much Mi-.Barnacle intended to spend •on this building," J "lam'jiot sure, my lord, but I think eomething like three thousand pouuds." "Well, that is very good of him; so I beg "you to have drafted a most cordial letter of thanks, declining the donation. This should be signed by youri self and bv all the \illagws. Vou" mav then announce that I will allot five thousand pounds for the building, because I wish to approve the plans and be assured that the library is in keening with the rest of the village as nearly as modern construction can compare with the excellent architecture of two or three centuries ago. I will donate the piece of land you suggest, and provide an amply supply of books, both ancient and modern. "The ancicut hooks'will be largely of my own ce!ecti:'::i. but 1 request you to write to every publisher in London for .

iiis catalogue, and those oalaloguos I ; \\ iili placed on a table in the readihgroom of the Village Hall. As it is the • lack of modernity in bur present selection, ask them to be good enough to examine these- lists, and lot each plane his initials" before -whatever book he' wishes. All these volumes-1 will buy and send down to .you. I shall also set aside and invest,a capital sum of money, the interest of which' will keep this i library going forever —the income being , sufficient- to pay for all work, repairs, and now volumes as they are issued." | Wilson hesitated. " . "I think, my lord, wc run some risk of .offending Mr Barnacle, who has been very generous in this matter. If you allow him to.go on with this project I shall sec to it that the next proposal made By the villagers is submitted directly to you." • "I am quite sure Mr Barnacle will take no offence if you write him a courteous and tactful letter. Everything depends on that, Wilson. Tell him that he has spurred me to action, and thank him on my behalf for doing, so. It is the outsider who sees most of the game, and I am-very grateful to him for pointing out a way which apparently I should have taken long ago. "Meanwhile, set about obtaining plafts from some of our best architects, not neglecting to give, the younger men a-chance. I think I would rather not have a competition. I will suggest some names and you can add others. Photographs of Stranlcigh Village might be i taken and sent out with your request for plans. Secure at first a series of sketches, for all of which you will pay. I shall make a selection from these sketches, and then you may ask the architects to visit Stranleigh Village at ■ my expense; examine the site and esti- • mate its capabilities, afterward supplying detailed plans and elevations, and : naming their own fees for this work." j Wilson protested that such terms • j were unduly generous —quite unneces•i sarily so, he maintained—-but Stran- - lcigh replied dryly that all lie asked > of Wilson was that he should carry out the'.scheme-as outlined, seeing that ; every one working in' connection with i it was duly recompensed. Wilson, over- , ruled, begged his lordship's pardon if he . displayed too • much zeal, giving as an : excuse the plea that he thought con- <■■ tinuallv of his lordship's' interests, there - being, "it seemed, so many outsiders who , wished to take advantage.

"That's all right," said his lordship airily. '-The advantage-takers. arc m reality the rich mail's best friends, for they continually strive to make possible his entrance-, to the Kingdom of Heaven. What .is a rich man for if not- to be taken advantage of? Although the wealthy may not be appreciated .m Paradise,- thev get more than thenshare of attention in this world, and thus -we strike a balance. However, Wilson, let us, as practical men, adhere to this mundane sphere and leave Paradise alone for the present. "Frankly, I dislike having my hand forced, as : is the case with-this library, and I consider you have neglected your duty in allowing an unnecessary agitation to reach a" point of finality without acquainting me. Stranleigh villa"'l, with its small population, needs a new library just as much as our farm carts iieed three wheels each. Still, there's no use. in" growling over spilt milk. Make out a deed of gift transferring the plot of land to whatever authority, takes charge of the new institution, hut- insert a proviso that, should the plot of land be used for any other purpose than that which we have in view, it reverts once more to the estate. You may' draw on mc to the extent of five thousand pounds, but n the cost of the building exceeds that sum let me know, and I will supply the deficit." .- With this, Wilson took his departarc and Stranleigh speedily forgot all about the matter. It would be ridiculous to assert that a young athlete like Stranleigh lacked the physique-to pursue the London Season to" its bitter end. Although there was certainly an air of great indifference in'his manner, he was quite-free from that intellectual languor which causes a man to look down upon what is termed "the frivolity of society. He always regretted his own lack of cleverness, and admitted shamefacedly that many features -of the London Season he thoroughly enjoyed, such as polo at Ranelagh, cricket at Lord s, and most of the races. Besides, he knew that London expects every man to do his duty in a country where the women outnumber the men; so Stranleigh, in addition to being an occasional host, was an indefatigable guest. The beginning of May saw him enter the London Season with the very best intentions, determined not to weary in wellrdoing till July was ended. He plunged manfully into the social maelstrom, no one more eager tp_ please, or —what is" especially valued in London society—no one so easily pleased. Nevertheless, just as the London Season was at its height Stranleigh began to see visions. Sometimes these dreams would picture to him a rock-environed, seacoast bay, with a little fishing village on its ■ margin; but more often the mirage represented a secluded spot in the forest' of Stranleigh Park, where, in a green glade, crystal waters came tumbling over rocks and, running rapidly and merrily through woods and meadows, formed one of the choicest trout streams that a fisherman could wish to cast a line upon. Young- Blake, the secretary, always made allowance for these visions and prepared for them. Toward the middle of each June Blake's communications with the world of fashion changed purport, from "Lord Stranleigh is delighted to accept" to "The Earl of Stranleigh regrets he is unable"; and thus he was prepared for the inevitable annual question: .. . .- "I say, Blake, how many invitations have I accepted for next week?" "None, my lord." • "Good. Nothing to prevent me from running down to Stranleigh Park?" "Nothing, my-lord." "All right; I'll spend the week-end there," at least." Blake always smiled at this.

"You needn't grin, Mr Blake. I'm not actuated by sentiment, as you appear to .think: a visit to the ancestral home; one's cherished, birthplace, and all that sort of thing. No; I can enjoy there what is quite impossible in liondou: an old and very disreputable, suit of knickerbockers, so dilapidated that if used outside the limits of Stranlcigh Park I should run a risk of being arrested as a vagrant. Once at Strani leigh Park I may not return to London at once. Blake, you're grinning again! It's a bad habit. Avoid it. Truth is, I've got some new fishing tackle' that ,1. wish to test. I love an old stream, old clothes and new tackle. Besides, by : the lassitude that's coming over Ponderby I know ho wishes to visit his relatives,.though he will saci-ifico himself as long as I stay in London. It snernr, ludicrous to think of Pendorby having relatives, but wo must take his word for it; so on my behalf strike a sort of social balance-sheet and close l the books. See that no letters are scnt-on. ] Get off yourself. Where are. yo"u going this year —Switzerland, the Pyrenees, or does high living prescribe Alarienbad?"

"Oh, it doesn't matter about me, my lord."

"Of course not: but where?" "Well, a friend of mine ha 3 a nice little yacht and we were thinking of the Norwegian fiords."

"The yacht isn't fitted with' wireless, is it?"

"No, my lord; ouite a,modest sailing craft that wo work ourselves." _ "Excellent. Couldn't be-better. No possibility, of our communicating with one another. Good luck to you." The same afternoon the young nobleman arrived by train at Stranleigli station, a good four miles from the % village of that name. -There was no''one to meet him; for he had come unannounced ,and without impedimenta: Striking across country, and walking through forest and field, mostly over his own property, he at last saw Stranleigli . manor-house nestling in the upper part of a well-wooded valley, sheltered from the wind on three sides. Stranleigli had tramped over the hills and now stood for a few minutes enjoying the view from the highest part of his estate. Half a mile farther down the valley, along the banks of the stream, lay the village, quaint witfi its gray-stone, ivy -covered walls and thatched roofs. Above it rose the gray, .square Norman tower of the old church. From the end of High street, up through thn trees, came an unaccustomed note of color which, except for:f its steadiness, looked like the blurred I r. of a-fire. Stranleigli knitted '

his "brow, wondering what it was, then,' \, liking down the path to vaid the house, view became more distinct, , ajid he t,iw a two-stoioj building ot \er> red brick, tooted with equally red I tiles Then, suddenlj, ho remembered the new public hbiai} and realised that his own mono had placed there this violent contiast to the subdued hue of tho ancient Milage I wish I hid built it of stoie," he said with i sigh JLh Jove I'll do it >ct, 01 else cover it with plistci l " Jdo entued his house, went to lus mom, xnd <n m\cd himself in the disleiJiitable kmr\oi bo<kers and meient No tnlk ot tweed Undo tho i colln of his gia-y flumel shut he tied ii wed scirkt ei u it, then suncied his lull length lelkcton in the pic--ghss with an expiation of satisfaction The best-dressed man in London was new i«n excellent lenicsentation of a

tramp. Al> tuiloi would hive i fit if he could"see \nc, and I should have to explain tint this an nc lust necktie is to place me en rapport with the new lbiaii " Pissing down the cimage dine whuh wound among the trees paitiilly hiding the house from the King's highway, lie entered the main street of the village aj its lower end aud there received, like a slap in the face, the full effect of the brilliant edifice, apparently built to cross tho road at the upper end. As Stranleigh gazed up the street with stern disapproval on his face he murmured to himself: ''l am either confoundedly stupid or Fate has turned against me. I spend five thousand pounds to help on the culture of the neighborhood and merely succeed in spoiling the prettiest village in England. That blatant building must be replaced." At this point he was accosted by the. oldest inhabitant, Samuel Nubbins, whose bent," shrunken figure was supported by a thick stick. "Welcome. 'ornc, my lord," said Nubbins cordially; and as the ancient used the, title in every sentence, he spoke, it will be omitted in recording his conversation. ,

"Good evening, Mr Nubbins; how are you? You seeni to be the. only one of us who never grows older."' "I be mam old, and I've lived to see. great improvements in my time, please God. I never, expected to live long enough to so:: so grand a house as that put up ii} Stranleigh Village." "Neither did I,"" replied the young man grimly. "It" be wonderful what rich men do for us iu these days," continued Nubbins.

"It is, indeed. I understand yo: asked for the library."

"Yes; but the.idea would never have come to me. I be too old and stupid." ."You do yourself an injustice, Mr Nubbins. You are old, and very, very wise, and I rejoice to hear that the scheme- originated with some one else. Who was .that brilliant person:"' "Wo had public meetings; two or tljree on 'em. All was in favor." "I dare say," said Strruileigh. "I've yet to hear of a public_ meeting that's not in favor of getting' something for nothing. < But who was the moving spirit?" "Why,- Bill Perkins had more to do w.ith it" than any one else, and people, are hot so hard on Bill as they used to be, 'cause lie stood up for our good." "What! —Bill Perkins, the poacher:"' "Well; they do say ho poached now and then ; but it's never been proved." "No; I admire Bill's dexterity in setting traps so successfully and never getting into one himself, but William as an advocate of literature rather amazes me. He'll be proposing to go to Oxford next." "I. dare say he's been there. He's a

great traveller, is Bill, and when things get a bit hot iii one neighborhood " " Old Nubbins checked himself, finding

he was verging on slander. Tho character- of the estimable Perkins seemed to hftvc improved. Nubbins changed tho subject abruptly. "At-tho last meeting wo passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr Peter Barnacle for his great kindness to us. They do say ho have a pot of money.""Then it is Mr Barnacle who has been, so generous about the library?" "Oh, yes," replied Samuel, surprised that such important doings in Stranleigh Village should be unknown in London. "We've, had brisk times with them workmen hero, and there wasn't a room to let in the place; nil taken up. They opened a branch of a bank at the. post office, cviul a clerk crime down from county town every Friday to pay off the' men: but they're all gone now, worse luck! Rare times wo did have."

"Then the library is finished?" "Yes. 'Twill be opened next Wednesday." "Really!" "Why, haven't you seen the bills? They're posted all over the place. Mr Peter Barnacle is to- make a speech, and your own factor, Mr Wilson, will introduce him; and there's Bill Perkins' name in big letters." . , "You astonish me. Is Bill to bo there."

"Yes; bis name is printed out, 'Mr William Perkins', and he's going to give an address on what books have done for him." "Ali-1 And what have books done for him?" "I suppose Bill means to tell us that on Wednesday. A good speaker is Bill, and fond o' reading they say, along of being alone by himself " "On other' people's property?" suggested Stranleigh. • "He's on., your property. ynow," said the conscientious Nubbins. "I can well believe it/" "But he's within his rights, for Mr Wilson —he made a gamekeeper of ■ him.". "The deueo you say! Set a tlncf to catch a thief, oh? I am learning a good deal since I left London this* morning." "Ah, they must be ignorant folk up in London!" . "They are, Mr Nubbins. Good evening to you. Thank you for your conversation, which I have .enjoyed very much." Nubbins beamed with gratification «'r ■he hobbled away, and Stranleigh walked up the streeti to the new library building. He was astonished to see, carved in a stone over the doorr - • THE BARNACLE LIBRARY Erected" 1910. The windows, and doors of the red structure wore all open as if to allow the plaster to dry, but Stranleigh did not enter. Ho strolled down the road -to the post office and sent away several telegrams to London. This done, he continued his walk to the gates of the nark; but, instead of .going .uphill to the mtuioivhouse, he deflected his course until he came to the residence occupied by Wilson, where he knocked at the door.

A deferential soivnnt showed liim into the drawing-room, and presently Mrs \Vil«m appeared, an anxious-looking middle-aged woman, not long recovered from a struma dlnn.ss, it one might indue f'-om the pallor of her countenance. She was undoubtedly much perturbed at thus unexpectedly meeting Lord Stranloigh, and it was with difiV culty she could repress her agitation. "Good evening, Mrs Wilson. I. came down from London to-day and just dropped in to see your husband." "I am sorry he is not at homo, my lord."

"Ah, well," >said Stranlcigh, rising. "It doesn't matter. Do you expect him back to-night?" "No, my lord; he will not return till Wednesday morning." Then, sesing Stranleigh's look of astonishment, she added, "Mr Wilson has had much to do with, the now library, and I understood it was with your permission." '"Oh, quite with my permission, Mr 3 Wilson, and really his absence makes no difference. I suppose you have his address, where I could telegraph him?" "Hsdid not leavo an address. All I know <is that he went to Manchester and will return on Wednesday morning with,,Mr Peter Barnacle, for ho has ordered the carriage to meet them at Stranleigh station. They are to inspect -the "library privately, then come here for lunch, and in the afternoon the public opening takes place." "I fee. A most excellent arrangement." " ■ ' ' "J'trhaps', my lord, you would honor in by lunching here with Mr BardpcLl?" f-tranleigh rlanccd with a smile at Ins knickerbockers. "I am no fit guest, Mrs Wilson, for any well-ordered household. I have fled from London to avoid formal luncheons and dinners, and .especially to evade uiodcl, respectable people like Mr Bar-

uaole Mf liimh <n, w , i sandwich 01 two m ||, ' Tin Mmng in in di I , , ' seno ihiit an c \pi( i, o\ei the Jnggud <ii i ' i \\ llson Hesitum I | tion

"Have you —have y„„ London to attend tlit> .... l '" ll ->' | library oh "Wednesday :-'•' ""- m .'"No; 1 knew niHhiii L , ,„■ . as lintimated, in Inui' •n,,,,. 1 '; 'i; and!woods." ' ''"'i ' "Tlien you will tu.i i, . ing?" " :.- ' u^„ ■■'Oil, I. intend tu !„• .|, r|i , but incog. lam uligluly ■;',,','' !!; ' i hearing Mr Baniai'lr's '' ' iv »- feverishly eager to Iran. ''| v, '!i have done for Bill I'rrkins, V'j '> into the new building ;,,,,[ .''nil at the back, so shalii'nK .-luil!, • 5 any one recognises i,u', |',,, 1 "'".t!. acknowledge the ac(|iiiii ;u , ll( °'i This announcement u : ,.,' n ji % so welcome as his ivin.-.,| ~. !f ! 'J.' tion to lunch. It v,a . ;il : ;,|' ! p Wilson was in an ;v.<>iA "'! sion, and Stranloigh, tended to sec nothing aad J* his most nonchalant ia 1,1,,,, "You will tell y,v w;|' ti called, but add thai .. ■„.■,.,!* thing "in partinciav. I i,.",,!,,? to let him ■know I slum!,! week or two. ' i'le.are ma!;,> j/j 5 ! clear, that his absent,' j s (I ;'* s sequence, .whatever. 1!,,, i.' ni ts neglect his because 1 am lioiv, ami t'"Jl :!; 1 if there is anything I ,-;,„ ~ !c ther the foslivili,.. | ;l , „,*'» know. Good-uiglit, Mr; vv'jj. " fear I nm keeping my dii!ii,. r '3 at the manor and i lm-. , ,, K good housekeeper i:nim<-,..,,.,1'"'=' Good-night." -""i

She gave him a limp 1,,,,,,] . young man lelfc with Hi.vrfui' hess, "as if ho suspe, 1,,] ihitbi,',. 111 Up at the ,jj ' had been hud, by his ' in the large dming-rnnm |„, t • • much smaller, .-.; ii.ly (!i ;lt |! rather .fowl of. Alr,'.nlv' m i',,' had arrived and was Kin,, plate. He tore open l!i,> <] Kf \,'* read :' |(

"Amou.ift requisitioned ln-iy-;]..' I/.brary on Tlnn-d n-. !\|, ni '.j.'j" was five thousand poni'd. ; ; ] r ;\ approved by your <j,,,ii,, £ amount posted i,i \'.'.i",,., fi' March 1, ::n<l- dopu.-il. ■! In i in; :," ler's Rank, JMsiucliv:-;, •■, , ;il -n''. March 3."

■ After he had eaten . ! ;nni-r. Tv. M , telegrams arrived, wliicli ,'j;„,j v .| advantage of boip;:; l!i,. r i Vll ( ),. the place, for the villus u ] t fice had been kept upm. ; m ,\ ; jj,"; sagss despatched to i!i» mi;.::'--; Sifter the closing hours <i;-.'hii.>,,|'|j British Govcrnmeiri. Ti:;> yj showed' that certain nH- -i.il l];;i! |i had been set. in ntolieii in'iv-s'k requests made liy (he lurl J j leigh. There was a di: "is .■: I;:i„c| ; a ; study door.

"Can you see Mrs V\"i!-i-ii."irvU. "Certainlv; show :!:. | ; i.r v "j,,iMrs \V,ilsOU war" de-iily u; ' v; ,'.i,\ the endeavor to 1-1; <■. 1 j LI ~,.:, was only partially :i!e.-. Mll i "1. am very mm Ii «..niV. L | !iV iincl that must lie m. :;,, i. : , v l(i trading upon yon." "It's no inirnsiu!! :,-, ,-}\, j| r , son. I am glad tn ■rs \,-,| ;,,,,; am accustomed In pl.-iiiv „' , v and tho old manor !'-,!■.' i, ](, than' I expected. !i ;. ui, armchair: I can guav.i.:;. ■ it;,m, Now tell me what i;'- i: .-e'.tnv J'ffi "I know nothing \ ;■,>■ ■■]. fiife" said, "and parh-.nn in,' ]-::,■ \wd t make everything el',!!'. I,n> !:m confides in mo now :\".<l I :,-,:: |i||,,| fear. He has ae.'eil i.;ih.,' hjs for the past three :en.ii! ; -. li-iij cited and irritable; w n> \ : \ tioned."

"That is only na.mv.l. T!,i large estate, am! ii ; :::!;:ii»;t involves a great :!;■;;! nl uvil; for tire le.rt Hire.' labor has- been place.'! en !:,.< ders in oterE-ceing (lie in-.i- fe The woman gave a r;'M;, b. ■ "May I ask you a midline my lord? It is i:;mu' <>f a:\-fe course, and if it is iiierjiicrii^tia

to know you need in I r.-u!;.-." "I shall answer aii.vti;;.;;. y;ii

"A largo cheapta ivv t'i my bond about throe lanal 1 :. :.p). I not sea the cheque ii .---li. lint 1 i the letter that a.rrt'aanmii'il it saw'it .should have l;-■" <lyA our county batik. 1 linvc ivMiit lievo it was deposited in Jlr.iA although I don't, knnn uin'iT," "Oh, that's all rmlil. It rep in " Cutler's Bank. .Unm-fctiT, March 3." "You knew of ihal, thi;:!'" "Yes."

'■' The letter said Hk> iiuwy for the librarv, but. J distinctly n stood that Mr Hani::* p;ii<l f«r new building." "Well, you see. Mrs Wibtt, i sort of co-operative nll'nir. I p" land, Barnacle put-; up t'n:' »' and their I'm going In piv.-vnl tin' of the books. Nir.v it is «* that money to put up a lilirsiry i be deposited in a 1 because Manchester contains «ui-' ■> most beautiful librae!''; in tli" B built aild equipped li.v p:iv;ito I You evidently thai!; il«j . f.ortiething amiss. I'lvcti ii lltj't ■'' bo bo, I give yiiii my >'"''' ' take no action in iln- "•■■<'•'• :l '• '■■' see,' there is nothing m i. ,;1 - , "I ■ noticed this avian: v ! 3' seemed'uneasy when t_ spul;' l <t a- 1 ing the function on \\'i':!ii'"a:i>. nn I resolved not to g". Vilicn t e tivitks are finished tell your lnisha called, and' ask him '«* ! !il . v ""'.; at this hour on YtVin.s-dny ml* I wish to consult I'.lim alumi/ luatters relating to lite csinhs ' The careworn woniai! •i- _ i' : ' r *'"■ embarrassing liiiu whli l."' r } J Stranleigh sat do« a a;anii. '■" thomrht." ■ "Of. enures," ."'ia r/«\ <" !;; ' "Vi'il.-on stole the live ileal'•"'■* warning will give him teas !■> I,: '[. can bo over in !■';■.; i.va " r .'■' America, before a .'la'-: "™ liL raises-a hue and cry. It'll '"'.' Intti'l will grant Iter ■> P':- ;l ' l !f that may be some cci:. r)ki t icn. ; ■ -Imagine Stnuileigh'.. when,, at nine oY!n< '■■ " :| V iv 'j 'evening, be kanied iliai Jny, wished to see him. 'hi J ll *.* into the study the a gam. I!:|,,t 'H ter a curt good cvenm;;. hl ' l "ft offer' to shake hand-.. 1 "", invited, ho helped him- ell t" a< - which he drew up to I 1"' lil * , . When he was annianerd. «* expected to meet an :::! "-',.'' s that cringing manner r I:::; j' 1 ' I'.■ 1 '.■• || tinguished Wilson's aIM"' 1 ""' 1 ■', knew he had done "•'V' I '-,''«,,. again he was disappi || t( tor wore an air of le-eva'.". say truculenco ai:d deliaiit-.'. '"My wife says you wain- •" What for?" . ~, ( "Oh, merely a lillh' '"• 1 ; 1 !', 1 K? riosity on my pari, | " d'" 11, Stranleigh with lll " 1 ' , '' ; , "J'; I '..,(]('» money did you steal— I'" 11, mine?" . $■ "That's a stupid mii.'.-n»» commented Wilson. , ..." ■ "You deny the theft, . ll! ;'';',,„.(, "I wasn't thinking <■' ' was thinking of 1.11«.- <i"'' ,l '„' body but an ass would a-K u.

"Why?" , ~ ~ ;! "Because BanweU; l '' , » t, "' i 'j. f ,l thousand pounds wlnlt' ~i,in"t; thousand; therefore, a.s I ' ~„] both sums, I iiiitiiralv larger. Any foul could ll: that." ~ ;„ti,n:'' "I see. Then I'm tk *» t,,n "Certainly." , , ■ j],:,,!; i "Well, fir cool cheek,! tl '" beats the record!" i,]|i'-lu*' "No'; it is only .vo'iv inl " V'itb ness that beats the roror'i. f complacency of a confi'itoc, • | pleton you forced A' myself into an impossible I" ■ ~ - t «i things had gone so faj\ l <•''* " (k ,„I < to Barnacle and tell him _;',,, t)l ! off. I knew that any (would be futile, »c<;aus doesn't appeal to a bra" l "" yours." i think ' ."I quite understand- ~ f „,upr phrase 'driveling idiot v ' u a:» all the epithets you have w C[|t t so we'll let it go a* I,a L 50 ,, <* 'cackle, and come to tlie (llis iJK mou-sense having no ell«' 1 what did you do?" , t0 biiiW'i "I allowed the old f x' l " or of« library and put aside the m• 0 i voting fool until this was °„' could safely return it ° " ">:;!' "Return' it!" cried »" amazement.

\ t'plso p " Wilson drew a note'"f nm liis i" sicle P ockct . extracted V& ?. iiul tos.si>d"the document over * (W l('i"li wlki opened it in dazed " £ •nd saw it-was payable to. ln.« yVfa live thousand and seventy seventy-five pounds?" In jjfeed- t { or three months at six pei "'in "most of your investments yoi standing- me a cheque, whicl 'JV~ will be returned dishonored P inn'p to sain time, and so,' as w< ? a i civ at school, make a hunk foi " Vi,p Continent. You aro putting ;D ~ to needless' trouble, Wilson ' r 'f aheadv determmed to take nc ■ i in tlio "matter." v'L, ire very good," sneered Wil io .Viuth to tell. I thought of do '" - vou suggest, but what with tht = as .oli and improved communicatior ' i?r lr the world I concluded it wasn't ji the risk. It would have beer ?lt to null out my four hundred anc .thousand from Cutler's Bank begins cheque was presented; but, a; $ I'm huving a small estate noxl i'\ ir own and investing the rest'oi ' T.onev in reliable securities whier '■i%e me an income even larger thar -j I'm fond of this part of the i'u „, v 1 love the simplicity of countrj f's compared with the guilt anc vnerv of the city." ltd Stranleigh laughed heartily. Virtuous man!" lie cried. "How ~r „ u make all that money?" Rubber!" replied Wilson. "\oir . "housand pounds was charged int< thousand before the firs and reinvested; and T con game up almost to the pre moment. Now I'm going to setth t alK l devote my spare time to the and construction of a sprinf would render rubber tires H.. s for automobiles." ?4in Stranleigh laughed f=„eakinii of the guilefulness o :-■' he said, "I have secured a two jK majority on the board controlling blovely scarlet building you hav< % opened. The first act will bo t( % a sort of industrial school in the and thus the land on whicl : l an( ]s will revert to me. Meanwhile Wl build, with the good graystonc 'sir qua'' l "' o -'! a library whose archive will h<" i' l keeping with the rjire and tlio old church. I shal t? it facing High street and itf L-nds shall run down to the little Jt, for 1 think the murmur o' ■;or is a pleasant sound to accom "v the reading of a book. I shal q tear down and cart away -you' fbrick abomination. I'll, pay bad •Barnacle his three thousand pounds -Ji interest- at ten per cent." -ill rieht," said Wilson, rising. "3 •;'[! nothing for the library from th< rnninz, except as a chance for mak imoncv. Meanwhile, here's anothe; smsnttn complete our transaction,! Iwith tliat lie handed Stranleigh hi: •iter, resignation. •Accepted," said Stranleigh, laugh ; , ■'fl'licn you go out through .tin it door mind the step. Good night.'