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The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes ou les planches trop grandes pour dtre reprodultes en un seul cliche sont filmdes d partir de Tangle supArieure gauche, de gauche d droite et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nicessaire. Le diagramme suivant illustre la mdthode : 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 i ^?T Mr. Perkins, of Nova Scotia ; OR- THE EUROPEAN ADVENTURES OF A WOULD-BE ARISTOCRAT. BY CARRIE J. HARRIS, WOLFVILLE, N. S. WINDJSOR, N. S. J. J, An8u»w, B there now ! But plan away aiuon^st Voui*selves: it's time I was fifittinjr to work. It won't pay havinj^ a lot of men idling around till all hours in the niorninir, and Bill ain't no irood unl<\ss lie's looked after." "Our son VV^illiam never forfjets that he is a fjentleman." "No, nor in^ the parlor tlooi-s with your lonj^-tailed silks and satins, woulil have to Ik* in the pantry st)attin^ butter at this tin»e, or doinp^ your own washing, like your mother did afore you. Hut 1 nnist jjfit, or 1 will soon have to hring a bucket of water to fetch you all out of fainting tits." "Oh, «lear!" stiid Julia, as her father left the room : "1 (^uite es the pater say about niy proposed holiday? That is the most momentous question 8 Mr. Perkins, of J\'ova Scotia. \ I with nn- at tlio present inoineiit," asked the younger son. "He says, my dear boy," replied I'lis mother, "that lie will give you a thousan inipi-ove your time so well, that you will not only secure a noble wife for your- self, hut a wife for your brother and husbands for your sisters as well." "How ani I to manatee that, ma nwre? Am T to send for Will and the mrls when 1 meet with what I eonsirowit wrists, kind of y upon I radia- on her ? The tct is, I fitting I will ill the e they y tine dress e, for ce her me to iris it wear I" rs on )t up s for irely Mr. Perkins, of j\ova Scotut. ^^ to the table and began to look over the mail, just as the girls appeai-ed. "How do you think we look, papa^' asked Julia. "Fine as fiddles ' But why in the name of com- mon sense couldn't you have told me that you didn't have money enough to buy whole dresses: I wouldn. t have minded a few dollai's more to cover your backs all over. Tf vou «lidn't have cloth enouijh, 1 sh.ould have thoui'ht that vou could have done better with- out them long tails than go without waists/ "Why, papa, do you not know that onr dresses are made in the latest style;*" "Style, hey I Wa-al, all I've got to say is, that it ain't uiuch of a'style. T like to see young women decently covered, myself. You woidd be in a pretty bad pickle if one of them little sti'ings on your shoulder should happen to give way, and your dress dropped off while you was a scurrying around in some feller's arms ; I guess yoMY ma would have a worse fainting fit than she does when I. begin to talk about the Vnitter and eggs she used to sell. Wa-al, if you are all a-going to be rigged like that, I guess I'll go to l>ed. I went to a circus once, where there was a lot of young women making exhibitions of themselves, but they wasn't as bad as you, for they all wore tights to cover their nakedness. Be careful not to stand around in the cold half clothed I Go(xl night." ifi .Mr. Pri'hins, of .Vovff Scotia. "(iood ui^ht, pupa," sw^'cl'v choi'U.se*! his daugh- ters, well pl('rts«'(l, as tlu'ir father knew, to see him take liimself out of tiie way i)et'ore the anival of the quests. "One of you gii-ls look over the paper and see what it sa3's ahout Thonwis going to Europe, wliiU^ 1 read tlu' letter's," called Mrs. Perkins from the upper end of the hall, as hei* hushand «Htii au lie is fitted for the perfonimnce. " "The mean, contemptiMe sneak !" exclaimed tl«c elder lady, "(lirls, do not either of you dare to dance with Marston to-night, and I will give hini so cold a welcome that he will be glad to I'etire be- fore he is here long. Skating over the duck pond, indeed 1 What does the fool mean by that!'" "I think it is a slang term used when speaking »)f crossing the Atlantic," answered her daughter. "Well, we do not use slang here, nor recognize those who do. For the future, I wish you to drop the accpiaintance of tlie Marstons ; they always were a low-minded set, at best, and now we will see who is coming this evening." With those words Mrs. Perkins broke the seal 1!! AEr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. 17 (1 tlic are to e hiiii e be- )()U(1, akiiior ter. of an fiivelopti and reaKjrongh." " Yes, that's the postmark." "Throw it into the tire," suggested Julia. "No, toss it into the table drawer, and I will read it at my leisure. Your papa would ncN'er fcjr- give me if I burnt it before it was read." Just tlien a peal at the door bell sent the trio into the reception-room, and the bvisiness of reading the notes was postjxined for a more convenient .season. drop ways 1 see ♦nit mr ^ seal 3 (^HAPTKR III. In about an hour the liouse was pretty well filled, and all was ^oin^ ineiry as a iiiarriage bell, when Mrs. Perkins appeare V»ed. But there, child, I atn chattering and keeping you standing in the cold without your dress on, and 90 .VI I'. Prrk'ins, of .Vovn Scotia, scsrsuaa:- cs:.-xar.r:sr: Hoiiic youn^ man nii^ht coiiu* in \\v\\\, too. I^'t nir put Tuy slinwl around you. Thuit- now, you KmiIc ni(»rc eoinfortahlr ; run away to J)est style hy a Boston diessmaker. I tell vou she made the countrv folks stare, when she come into meeting the Hrst Sunday after she come tlown. Thei*e, you run light down stairs, I'll come so(Mi. I s'pose the folks will soon he going. " "No, they will not go for hours yet, so take a giKkl long rest hefore you join us." Mrs. Perkins was in hopes that the old lady would, in taking a rest, fall asleep ; hut she was dihe inflicted a series of tortures on that |>o<>r lady that well nigh drove her frantic. She soon foinid that it was u.seloss for her to take refuge in a faint- ing fit, — the most effectual way of silencing her hushand when he approached a disagreeahle suhject, — for, instead of (|uieting the old lady, she imme- diately began relating her experience of sundry females down in (JuyslM)rough, among them parson (loudey's daughter, who married Jacob Brown, and who always re(juire«l a sti'OJig solution of camphor, or some other equally powerful drug, held to her nose before she wouM recovei-. il i fiiw u iiri < I •).» Mr. Perkins, of A''ov(i Scotia. At lost tlif evening was over. The hist jijuests liad biken tlieir departure, followed l>y the injunc- tion to be sure and eonie to see her if thev ev<»r oaiiK* jj,: ■*:;,•* ,/ut.i:i ,^•^;;^^,;J^?^ OHAPTEK IV. -?H:- ;.;^5 Tj#e HKHiiiiig iA tlu; (lepai'tiiiM^ dawued fair and bi'ight. The whole houftehokl At the Perkinses, ijicliidii»jL( the ancient aunt, uotwithstauding the fatigues of the previous evening, w»ks astir at an early hour. Mr. Perkins wariuly welcomed the aunt, who had laid the foundations of his fortunes. He had l)een deeply provoked at the innocent cause of their suffering the evening l)efore. Although he often enjoyed a laugh at their expense, when he saw their ridiculous attempts to lead the connnunity in which they lived, on the strength of their sudden accession to fortune a few years before, he by no means liked the idea of having them held up for the ridicule of their ac(iuaintances by another, even though that other was the one to whom they were at Hrst in- debted for their prosperity. When she declared her intention of going with the family to the station, Mr. Perkins interfered. "You must be tired, my dear aunt, after your journey," he said in answer to her appeal: "So II I' i' .:rA. • v: m Mr. Perkins, of JWyva Scotia. 25 ■■-■'. ' . , ' - .:, U; ■%' f ieclared her lie station, after your peal: "So you nnist stay to home with me and let the rest go. There is not room in the carriage for all. I will tiike you for a drive this aftern'i'.'.y,>-:^:4'-''''J''\r:-i- '•« i<"'?;v? .-■(»;'■ *''■'*»> y^ ■> r;/ 4, .s;. In this way the young lady kept chatteiing for scjme time, endeavoring to take up all Mi's. Perkins' attention, leaving the coast clear for her sister to <.lraw out the old fossil, as they afterwards expressed it, when relating the visit to their friends. But at length Miss Mau(., who had been shaking with sup- S8 Mr, Perkins, of .Yova Scotia. preKsed iiieiTiiuent for soiiit* time, could coiitaiu herself no longer, and burnt into a peal of hearty lB.uut, judging from the peals of laughter which came floating back to her h\n\i the sleigh as it disappeared from view, tilled with a '; imndter of gay pleasure-seekers, who ha<] been wait- ing outside while their companions made a party call, she knew it nnist have been of a verv amusinij nature, Vjut wdiatever had been said was the last "': straw for the jXMjr camel's back. She felt it would ' be impossible to face her tormenter again, so, plead- ing a headache, she retired to her room, from which I she only emerged a few minutes before it was time : for her guest to leave for the statiave them to follow the fortunes of Master Thomas across the Atlantic. lit of their ung UidieH, the enter- *erkinK hat>!A' }.'}ni ■>> r'r Utf ''''': ,.•■ ■•'rh'^" ■"•■'' ^'TiSK > it ^••I'ii-i^lity/r ^n^H-^p-'>j''r ■:-:^' t's'M-'?. •/ w^ •' ■ > I ;;'.;■ " ,C"»(v,7 1. •;'V»0"';>( t. , OHAPTKR V. f. On ordiiuiry occasions, when any member of the Perkins family visite«l th« metropolis, they took up their ahode at tlie lioust^ or a friend ; hut this, cer- tainly, coui«l not be considered an ordinary occasion, for, was not one of the family starting for Kurope^ Not a member of the connuunity in which they lived had ever crossed the Atlantic for pleasure: so, as a matter of course, the tti-st hotel of the cit}'^ was the proper place for them. ,^^ _. ,, „,,. r. . On reachini^ the depot, a cat) was called and ordered to the Wavei'ley. After dinner a note was sent to a few of their most intimate friends, asking them to come down on l)oard of the steamer, with the girls, to see Thomas ott'. At three a gay party of seven young ladies ac- companied him to the pier, where lay the good ship Vaneo\iver. The decks were crowded with the passengers and their friends, and a busy scene was presented. The officers were giving orders in the tone that nautical officei*s always use on the deck of UU -.w. .t-i'-: ' '';» Mr. Perkins, of J^'ova Scotia. "U iiiber of the key took up lit this, cer- ,ry occasion, For Kuropc ( vvliich they •leasuiv : so, he city was called and ' a note was 3n(is, asking^ earner, with ig ladies ac- le good ship d with the \y scene was fders in the the deck of a vessel, while the sailoi-s sprang forward to do their bidding with that alacrity which none except sailors ever seem to consider necessarv. / A short time after our friends anive«l, the visitors were all ordered ashore. (Jood-V)yes wei'e (juickly exchanged, and the greater part of the crowd passed from the ship to the pier. The pilot took charge of the Vanronver, her moorings were cast off', her head swung slowly around, and she moved majestically out to sea. Thomas was fairly afloat, and the great Kuropean tour hjid connnenced. Julia and Janie Maud watched their brother as long as he was visible on the «leck of the steamer, and then, with a final wave of their handkerchiefs, they entered a cab and were driven back to the city, where they proposed remaining with their friends for a visit, during their aunt's stay at Chestnut Villa. As the goody is expected to make that at tin* pitisent day. We do not cmisitler our educa- tion, tinishefl any more than you Englishmen do, without tirst exploring the European Continent. The only difference with us is, that it costs so nnich more having the Atlantic to cross." "In that case I shoahl not think that the custcmi would he cairied to any great extent, all American.^ not being millionnaires." ^-.,i. -;. -.'"Of course poor people cannot afibrd it, but we of the wealthy cl-ass all df)." "You are a Nova Scotian, I presume, or a resi- lient of one of the Upper Provinces." "I am a Canadian, 1 am happy to say." (He will tliink 1 am a nobody if 1 call myself a Nova Scotian, thought Thomas). "I have be*'n taking a trip through CAna(ia my- self this ^'ear. 1 suppose it will socm be the correct thing for all Euroj^eans of note to visit America, at I !■ Li^ tid. sullied' said if(," th()U*(lit he iiiiist 1x5 hat 1 am no ily . "1 aifi s<) anxiuUH 1 graduated, You know bo make tliat r our eduea- gHshmen do, I Continent. ijst« so inticli Lt the custom II Americans* rd it, but we nc, or a resi- > say." (He self a Nova Canada my- le the corrtx;^ ■> America, at Mr. J*erkin,s, of J\'ova Scotia, 33 h'ast tliose who can stand the sea voyage. I should jiave liked very much to have seen tlie celebrated Annapolis Valley, where the beautiful apples are grown, but could not njanage it. I am told it is a Invcly spot. Kver been there i'" \ "Yes, [ was born in that favoured locality." " Indeed ! I thought I understood you to say just now that you bclongerl in Canada." "You do not seem to be very well posted in the geography of our country. Do you not know that Jill British possessions in America, except Newfound- land, are called Canada?" '^^ ' .1 "Are they ^ Pray, when were the Bermudas and the British West Indies annexed to the Dominion? They hatl a sepaj-ate goveriunent when I left home. I should have thought that I would have heard soniething of the change, being in Canada all the while ; but it must have taken place during my voyage out. How fast it is getting dark ! It will .son be time to prepare for dinner. Have you ever been at sea before? Shall you be sea-sick?" "No, I never made a very long voyage, but suffi- cient to test my nautical powers. We seem to have (|uite a number on board. I expect we shall have a very pleasant voyage, if we are only fortunate enough to have decent weather." " Humph ! that remains to be seen ; I saw one group getting on board that would be sufficient to throw a wet blanket over any party, if they were 3« AfadiM^ w Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia, inclined to be ever so lively. Hut let us take a trip below an?'• "Yet you do not seem to be aware that the name Perkins with him is only a nomi de phiine, his true name being Melville D. Landon." •* .; ^^ "Then he cannot claim the honor of being a rela- tive of your distinguished family." \ ! I i 1 ,:li 38 Mr. Perkins, of JSfova Scotia. "No; as I have before int'ormed . you, we are Canadians ; Mr. Landon is an American." "Still you might trace your origin back to the same fountain-head, both Americans and Canadians being of European descent." "No branch of our family, sir, ever settled in the United States. We can trace our lineage in a direct line to one of the most noble families of England, my Canadian ancestor being a younger son of a British Earl." This was said in a loud tone for the benefit of the f)ccu pants of the Captain's table, and also to impress upon the strangei", the fact that he was talking to no ordinary person. , , , :>,ti^:u ; v ' / "Here is a snob of the first water," mentally quoted that individual. "He beats the English pat- tern. I wonder how the cash was made to fit him out for his tour, I will bet the old man's hands are not as white as his son's. He is too fond of telling what he is, to have been on the top round of the social ladder for any length of time. I hope we will have a short voyage ; we certainly have a congenial lot on hoard. " Well, to use a nautical term, I think I will turn in," he said aloud, as he arose from the table. "Good night all, and pleasant dreams." "I trust that the last announcement will not destroy the gentleman's rest," remarked the engi- neer, "he seemed utterly crushed." J ^^-4,. ootia. [ you, we are an." •' n back to the and Canadians r settled in the 3age in a direct es of England, nger son of a e benefit of the also to impress IS tallving to no iter," mentally [\e English pat- lade to fit him lan's hands are fond of telling 3 round of the I hope we will ive a congenial link I will turn stable. "Good sment will not rked the engi- ^.r- Mr. Perkins, of JVuva Scotia. 39 A general laugh went round the table, in the midst of whicli Thomas got up and walked away with a dignified air, without taking any notice of what he mentally called their rudeness. ■ ' . ■, , ■ 'iU' M •"SET' y' )■ ' TST-' mm: ,;'.:■ "f"^v' ■ i';-'-^-), '-s. 'V I ■, 'C-'A'" ,#■■;;*■;■ "tk',. '■■ -^/^ij^V CHAPTER VI. / ' ' Now, indeed, was Thomas in a dilounna. How to obtain an introduction to Lord Arlingford and family was the problem to be solved. Of course the first step on the ladder would be to cut the acquaint- ance of the stranger he had met when he first came on board. How unfortunate lie had been after all, but it was a lesson not to be too ready to pick up with strangers because they happen to be well dress- ed and agreeable. After thinking for some time on the subject, he resolved to let things take their course for a few days, and perhaps in the meanwhile his infallible good luck would come to his aid. With this wise reflection he descended to liis state-room, and in a short time he had forgotten his triumphs and defeats in a dreamless sleep, from which he was awakened by the ringing of the breakfast gong. Dressing himself quickly, lie hastened to tlie dining saloon, where he found most of the passengers al- ready assembled. The steamer M^as gliding along quite smoothly over the surface of the water, and # Mr. Perkins, of JSPova Scotia. 41 How >rcl and irse the quaiiit- ■>i came fter all, )ick up 1 clress- iime on B their nwhile With -room, umphs be was goner. lininiT irs al- alonii' ", and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. Sea-sickness -might bo what the future had in store for them, but the present was for enjoynjent. As our hero walked to the seat assigned to him the evening before, he glanced at the Captain's table, where he saw even the ill-tempered old lord had laid aside some of the gloom of the evening before, and was laughing in evident enjoyment of some joke from the table at the other side of the room. ^ ,, , As he seated himself he received a courteous good morning from his acquaintance of the pre- vious evening, to which he responded rather stiffly. Looking up he met the eyes of the Honorable Miss Constance, and the smile with which she greeted his glance made his heart beat quickly, as he dropped his eyes upon his plate to conceal his exultation. He felt it would be no difficult matter to make the acquaintance of the Arlingfords if the ladies of the family noticed him without a formal introduction. He felt that he would find it hard work to play the agreeable to even the daughter of an English lord, with such a face, but the stake was too high not to make the most of it, and he knew it was his only chance to gain his point. Leaving the dining saloon he went on deck to smoke a cigar and mature his plans, (juickly turning his back on his neighbour of the breakfast table as he saw him com- ing towards \\\m. That gentleman needed nothing more to show him that his presence was not wel- m . "i ,' 42 Mr. Perkins, of J^'ova Scotia. come, HO he walked to the other side of the sliip, vvliere he soliloquized as follows: — "The cut direct! Well, it is not the first time! I wonder how lon^ it will be before he picks up the Arlingfords ; that is what he is fishing for. Gad, there is one of the young honorables watching the performance. His fortune is made, now, if it can be called a fortune to make the acquaintance of that . , bankrupt gang. If he has plenty of the needful, it ^ will not be very hard for him to gain the hand of one of the young ladies, especially if he can prove his descent from that earl he talkerl about, at dinner last night. The tarnish will be rubbed from his gold by shipping it across the Atlantic. I saw the Honorable Constance smile very sweetly on him at breakfast time; well, her face is cei'tainly not her fortune, Imt her name may be. . v - , ' " I guess the Honorable Caesar is going to advance. He lias been taking stock, giving old Brown's son the cut direct is a good trump in his hand. Exchange ; cigars, young gentlemen, and then for an introduc- tion to the lady mother and the whole is completed; a grand triumph for them to carry him back to Arlingford castle to spend the Christmas holidays, as a trophy of the American tour. If they can only end the whole thing up with a wedding, they may get hold of enough to keep them afloat for a while longer. If something does not turn up soon there will not be a stone of the old castle left in the family Mr. Perkins, of J\'ova Scotia. 43 by another year. I do not tliink the American tour was a success, it' one may Judge from tlieir h)oks when they came on board. It takes gold to specu- late out there as well as in England. A title, if it is not well gilded, is discounted even in America. Well, I hope the poor beggars will make out somehow, for I have no wish t<3 turn them out of their musty old castle, and the pater will have it as sure as fate be- fore another year, if they do not get a windfall in some way." ,. > As our worthy traveller was thus comnuining with himself, the objects of his soliloquy had, as he already predicted, approached each other and ex- changed cards, and even gone through the form of an introduction to Lady Arlingford, who had come on deck for her morning promenade. She received the young Nova Scotian with her most gracious smile, if the contortion into which she managed to twist her weazened face could be called a smile; but as young Brown had remarked, their fortunes were at a very low ebb, and Perkins appeared to be the only straw at which they could grasp, — so, frail as the support seemed, it was eagerly clutched. For the last few years they had staked their hopes on an American heiress, and when, after much planning, a sura of money had been gathered together to defray their expenses across the Atlantic, they had all set sail for that Western El Dorado, but on landing in the New World they had found that the average 44 Mr, Perkins, of JS^'ova Scotia. American was as shy of tlie British pauper, even thoufi^li he wrote Honorable before his name, as were the Enghsh. As their slender stock of money rapidly diminished they at length embarked ft)r their native land, resolving to save what they could from the wreck of their home and settle in the western part of Canada, where they would meet with none who could know of their downfall. At dinner the evening before, when they heard young Perkins declare so emphatically that he was not only wealthy, Imt also a descendant of an Eng- lish earl as well, their fainting hopes were revived. Here was a young man with a fortune, going to Europe to enjoy it, and having the popular British contempt for everything Ame]'ican and Canadian, they immediately concluded that of course he had no influence to launch him on the sea of British society. Wh}^ not take him in hand, and if he could not be induced to wed one of the daughters of the house, and make liberal settlements, he might, out of sheer gratitude, take one or both of the sons back to America with him, and provide wealthy wives. At least the experiment was worth trying, and a little civility would cost nothing except pride. The way in which he had snubbed young Brown was conclusive proof that he was looking for higher game. Of course he would be an almost insuffer- able bore, but the Honorable Cajsar would tone him down by the time they reached England. Mr. Fey kins, of J^uva Scotia. 45 So, ficcorcHnjifly, the yount^ people were called, a family council was held in the maternal state-room in the early morning, and it was decided to take him in hand at once. ;v,t;H' .; i ' r;;* r';,6', ■ The Honorable C^pjsar was commissioned to make the first advances, an•,• The stately old lord condescended to inform the Captain that he should like Mr. Perkins to have a seat at his table during the voyage. So, at luncheon, he was seated between the ladies Arling- ford, where he would have the opportunity of choosing between the ladies, much to the amuse- ment of his I'ecent companions at the other side of the saloon ; but this he treated with the lofty contempt which he considered it deserved. *;<;>' '■ ' Secure in his egotism, he could see nothing except jealousy in the rude jokes of the vulgar crowd. Being on a plane so far above the connnon- place, he could afford to ignore all fun in which they were pleased to indulge at his expense. Before the Vancouver reached Liverpool, he had got to such a degree of intimacy with the Arling- fords, as to accept an invitation from them to spend the Christmas holidays at their castle. When Lady Arlingford had given him the invitation, she had graciously added : 46 Mr, Ferklns, of JS'ova Scotia. "I am afiJiid, inv flear Mr. Perkins, that we cniinf)t proniiso you very mnch in tl)o way of auuiscnicnt, as Lonl Arlin^^fonl will require a lonr theii' father's comfort, that they decided against the proposal, (iladys suggested that we might ask you, as she heard you say that you loved a (juiet country life, and her father endorsed her opinion. He almost looks upon you as one of the family. It was only yesterday that I heard him say that it seemed impos.sil)le it could only be one short week since we had met, you seemed like a person he had known for years. It is all the more remarkable, as he never cares to make the ac(juaintance of strangers." ; v - '«<^ <: -..n' \fif't-h*:\ki-. "My dear Lady Arlingford, you and your charm- ing family do me too much honor. I was indeeil fortunate in meeting you. I was looking forward to a lonely voyage, and you have all been very kind. If you ever come to America again, you must be sure and make us a long visit. My father and mother will be so delighted to welcome you all at Chestnut Villa. Like you""elves, we reside most of the time in the country. I think you would like our home." "I do not think that either Lord Arlingford or ,Mr. Vei'klns, of Xova Scotia. 47 myselt' will over visit Amorica a<;rtiii. We should never have mustered couia^e to cross the Atlantic this tiuic, hut the dear <;irls were so anxious to visit the new world, and tlieir father never denies them anythinjjf on which they have set their hearts. 1 am afraid that the journey has heen too much for him. He was ill most of the time after we landed, ami we could not ha^fhx to do justice to ycair charm- ing country. As soon as he was sufficiently rec(jvered we sailed for home, and he will re(.<-( i. n:\ f. "Perhaps one or lK)th of your sons miorht he induced to return to Nova Scotia with nie," said Thomas, remembering his mother's injunction to secure a brace of hu.sbands for Julia and Janie Maud, and resolving to strike while the iron was hot. ■•■■' -■''''-r' ''^'■•^'^'""*V"'^i.;M7 ■:.'■ ;» "y^v. !■•:■.■-••', ^,'^i.n. "Perhaps," replied her ladyship; "but there is time enough to think of that before your return. We will finish this journey before we plan another. You must make us a long visit, if w^e can interest you, before you go to Paris, and another before you sail for home in the spring." '^^ ' "Many thanks for your kindness, my dear lady. I shall not fear dullness, for who could be dull in your charming presence? You will soon see home now. The man at the lookout reported land as you came on deck ; it ought to be visible to us by this 48 Mr, Ferkiwi, ofJ^ova Scotia, time. T am anxiously lookitif^ for tho first glimpse of th«} hoiiK* of my ancestors." • "Your ancestors were Insli, were thoyT' ' , "No, indetMl, they were not! I have often lieard my fatlier say that my efreat-j^i"an. "I should advise you to do so, by all means. It is strange you do not know his name, as it is. You must be a peculiar people in America. I think I will go below, it is fearfully cold this morning, I do not wonder that the dear girls have not been on deck." ..^,-A'''.'A.,'-,i,;:' '■ k.".--'^- ,t; •■'; /;■■ Vh:u.r: J:..- r-i-.* ■ '" , . '■' '\ ' ' '■■ ■= ■ , ; r , •'■>. h. i-K.'!. -^^■:..'- i . ■■,•■" < ■ ii; ) . V""? . i'- ' ;;>i- ' •» « ■"'■'^\ j^'iV: \' ■• -• ' -,< "»« • ' *j,:t,.n- ■'' .•( , ' .' •», ' ' ,wv ; ^'1 ■* V ^' ,, . r, '■)■ ' CHAPTER VII. .•r'-'>' '■'>; ,>- (•'■ ArrER luncheon, the passengers, well wrapped in furs, went on take my pick — rich girls always take to Sv.^- "thing "If 1 can take the heir to the title back to Nova Scotia with me, he will do for Jule. Siie is getting fllong, and I suppose the pater can put him in the way of increasing his capital. How the mater will delight to talk of my daughter, Lady Arlingford ! Won't she pile on the airs though, when the event comes off! — that is, of course, if it does. But none of the ladies of the family for nje, thank you ! However, it will not do any harm for her to think she has me for the present." "Why, Mr. Perkins ! where are your thoughts flown ? I have spoken to you twice, and could not make you hear. You are not very gallant I must confess." "A thousand pardons, my dear young lady, I was dreaming of the ancient history of Ireland. The fact that this is my first visit to the old world must be my excuse for forgetting so delightful a companion. I promise not to ofiend again." The smile and elaborate bow which accompanied this dose of flattery completely disarmed the young- lady's anger, and as the ship was nearing shore she Mr. Perkins, of Mora Scotia. 51 began to point out the various objects of interest to him, for a time reaily chai'ming him. ..'m . *.^ .. „ ' He forgot that she owned one of the plainest faces in existence, in listening to the low, musical tones of her well-bred voice. She had read almost everything, travelled extensively, and was quite a brillif-nt conversationalist. *' ' ■ ^ ■- " < ' A few of the passengers went ashore at Queens- town, and their baggage was soon in the hands of the officials. The mail was sent ashore, the channel pilot came on board, and the Vancouver was headed tor Liverpool. The ladies retired to their cabin, and Mr. Perkins remained on deck to smoke, and dream of the future. What a brilliant picture his imagination called up as his fancy led him into the gay salons of London and Paris. He hoped, as the Arlingfords proposed leading such a quiet winter, that one, at least, of the young honorables, could be induced to accompany ^ him to those gay capitals, where the golden portals would fly open at the magic name of Arlingford. As he was thus dreaming away the twilight hours, a familiar voice sounded in his ears. "Wa-al, I'll be darned, if it ain't Tom Perkins from Nova Scotia ! How in the name of all rattle- snakes did you git away over here? But I'm rale glad to see you. And how's the old folks? Many's the piece of pumpkin pie yo> r ma has give me for pickin' up chips and huntin' hen's nests for her ''^'■;- JMi Mr. Perkins, of J^' ova Scotia. when I was a little feller, and manv'a the time I've found enough eggs to fill her basket, and then car- ried them down to Lark ins' store to swap for tea and sech like. How is thb old girl looking? It's better than five year since I've seen her. I expect her hair is white by this time. But I'd have knowed you anywhere, you ain't a bit changed. Got a ship over in Liverpool?" . < "I think you have made a mistake in the person. I have no recollecti<3n of ever meeting you before, and I am also happy to inform you that my mother never was under the necessity of exchanging eggs for tea." "Mistaken! Wa-al, I guess not! I'd hev knowed you anywhere, you or any of the rest of old Bob Perkins' children. Your father was a right good one. I heard tell as how he made a lucky spec a short time after I left home the last time. Your ma was , Julie Ann Smith — old Dan Sntith, the rag ped- lar's darter. I know the whole breed ; but your ma was a mighty tine gal. Mistaken? Wa-al, I truess "No, Mr. gintleman, you don't come that off on me ; but if you don't want to be civil, mum's the word. I'm sorry I intruded. I might hev knowed that you was too line to be seen talking to an old salt, even if he was an old friend of the family. Times hev changed since Bill Howard was a boy. Then the Perkinses used to feel honored by an invi- I % Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. 53 tation to our house. Wa-ai, sech is life. Good- morning, Mr. Perkins." If anything could have added to the annoyance of Thomas, the sight of Mr. Brown, whom he had coolly ignored since the first day on board, saunter- ing leisurely up to the said Bill Howard, would have been sufficient. He was evidently a cabin passenger, or he would not be on that deck. If Brown got hold of him, and drew him out at dinner- time for the benefit of the Arlingfords, what in the world was he to do? He knew from experience that he might as well attempt to stop the wind from blowing, as try to stop old Bill's tongue when once he was started, and he also knew that Brown was just the one to start him. What evil genius had sent him on board of the Vancouver, when everything was working so smoothly? The fates had been against him from the very outset of his journey. He could not help shuddering even now, as he recalled the sudden appearance of the old aunt, the evening before his departure from home. He wondered if the spectre of the past was always to confront him at every turn, just as the golden apple was almost within his gnisp. "Well, the thing has got to be faced, and skulk- ing won't mend matters, so I might as well go down to dinner," he concluded, with a sigh. ■ 'i'\r' r, If/- '>^: nVvA ^\ •',"<.*: AM ■', ^^ u ;.-.r';^ ■'■'' i '- : • i ' r CHAPTER VIII. ' He cast a furtive glance at the opposite table s he seated himself, and saw by the side of Bro /n, his old neighbor. Everyl)ody seemed to be in high spirits, and — was it fancy, or had the engineer really heard Howard's version of his position in Nova Scotia? A scornful smile curled his lip as he met the eye of Perkins. ' "' "You belong to Nova Scotia, Mr. Howard, I be- lieve," he heard Mr. Brown saying, as he turned his head. '-"''\ ''■■"'':'. "\ ""•'" ''"^'■'' * '"'■ ^ '" ^■''■"''- '''•' " Wa-al, yes," replied that worthy ; "Nova Scotia is my native land, as the college men would say, and although I don't see much of it, I have a kind of a hankering for the old spot." "^ ' - ^ .^--vir - ■■■ > "I suppose everybody is rich out there ; that the gold grows in the streets, and all you have to do is to stoop and gather it up, — in fact, that it is a sort of paradise where the younger sons of the English nobility go in order to make their fortunes, without soiling their hands with trade." Mr. Perkins, of j\ova Scotia. 56 "English nohility, hey? I guess you won't find many English nobles stalking around there, loose. Every little while some snob of an Englishman conies along and tells the people that he belongs to the blue-bloods over here, when all the gals go wild over him for awhile, and take him around to pic- nics and parties, until his cash gives out, and then he ill* i seen no more. A year generally finishes them, unless they get a i'resh supply from home, and then they hang on a while longer. Anyhow, that's the way it used to be. I ain't been there for five years, now." "But sometimes they go there to stay, do they not^" "They always go there to stay, but they gener- ally change their minds and move out when they have been there a spell." "Don'f one take root once in a while T' "They may, V)nt I never heard of one doing it in my time." "I met a Mr. Perkins, a short time ago, who told me that he was the grandson of a British earl. He belonged down there. The fellow was rich ; he was coming to Europe for a pleasure excursion." " What ! old Bob Perkins' son Tom ? Wa-al, that is rich ! Grandson to an earl, hey ? Ha ! ha ! Why, old Bob used to be our hired man once. He married our hired girl, when I was a little feller ; her name was Julie Ann Smith — old Dan Smith, the rag- .^ 56 Mr. Perkins, of J\''oihi Scotia. pedlar's darter. But slie was a nice ^irl, thougli, and made a mighty smart WDiiian. There wasn't such a butter-maker in tlie country. She could always git a cent or two more a pound for her but- ter than anybody else, and law ! the eggs that woman used to sell. I had a chance to know, for I u.sed to be at her house half the time. She used to send me out to hunt the hen's nests, when she wanted the basket tilled up to send down to the store ; but they are rich now. Old Bob's got the biggest apple farm in the country ; he has made a fortune from his apples alone, besides the potatoes and stock he sells. The two gals don't make butter, you just bet they don't ! They have servants to wait on them, and drive out in their carriage with two big lamps on the sides, all dressed up in theii' silks and satins, with a man to look aftei* the horses. Nobody ain't good enough for them to speak to now ; but they say old Bob is the right sort yet, his money hasn't raised him a peg. He still goes around the farm in his old clothes, looking after his hogs and things, and don't go into their tlrawing-room, as they call it, from one month's end to another. An earl, hey? Wa-al, I do declare, that is the greatest I hev heard for some time. One has to travel to learn, they say, and I have certainly learned some- thing by travelling to-day. That old Bob Perkins is the son of an earl, I guess will be a surprise- party for the folks to home." ■,.. Mr. Perkins, of J\'ova Scotia. 57 "Indeed! You surprise nie ! But I still think you must be mistaken : the Mr. Perkins to whom I refer would not deimi to soil his hands with work or trade." - ' • ■ '< ■• • '<"^ "•■ .. ; "I don't know what you call trade, but if you refer to the Perkins that's on board of this ship at this blessed minute, why that's the very individual that T mean. That's certainly old Bob Perkins' son Tom ; I would know him in Chiney. Many's the time I've toted him home from school on my sled, and I always got a piece of pumpkin pie or a doughnut from Julie Ann for bringing him. She was real good in them days ; but, my sakes ! ain't she stuck up now, though ! But she never was above speaking to a feller, at the best of times." "As you say that you have not seen him for live years, it is just possible that you may be mi.staken, even now." "Possible, but not probable, as a book would say. Tom's got a face like his mother's. Julie's face was about the size of a good big washtub, and looked like a cake of taller ; besides, ain't his name Tom Perkins? You'd hardly meet with two Tom Perkinses that look like Julie Ann Smith. 'Tain't no use for the feller to say he ain't the one, for I know better.. I can't see the use, though, in him trying to make out 'tain't him ; they are all fond of bragging, and I should think he'd want me to see .y\ ■- 58 Mr. Perkins, of JV'ova ^Scotia. him dressed up so fine. Who is he ehuiiiining witli? They don't look like much pottiters." -fi . ;;■.>• .. . "The parties you refer to, are the Riglit Honor- aV)le Lord Arliiif^ford and family, of Arlingford Castle." H,.....v.. ,.....,.. ., .....:. :••:.:. y "Oh, that's the way the wind blows, is iti* The l)lue-bloods of Englanrl don't believe in work, I've heard. Wa-al, as I before remarked, times liave changed since I w^as a boy. Wlio'd hev thought once that any of the Perkinses would be able to chum with lords ; but they don't look like very rich folks, if they are lords." A dead silence followed this dialogue, broken only by the clatter of the knives and forks. Poor Thomas quickly swallowtnl his dinner, and, without daring to look at the Arlingfords, left the saloon. He went immediately to his state-room, where he threw himself, dressed, into his berth, and spent the entire night in trying to find some way out of his difficulty, but was no nearer a solution when the breakfast gong rang, than he had been on retiring. He was surprised to receive a pleasant "good- morning," from each member of the Arlingford family. Miss Constance seemed even more deter- mined than usual, to. charm him. She was busily engaged during the entire meal, in planning ex- cursions for his amusement when they re?xched Arlingford Castle. ,■ ;f:i ; M \fi Mr. Perkins, of J^'ova Scotia. 59 "Come on deck, Mr. Perkins, and take vour tir«t look at dear Old England," she ctilled, as she arose from the taV)le. " What a pity that we should have passed Holyhead <]uring the nigiit! We shall lan-::!^;.'?.i*?>"5-,v- ,-v-t .^.^.f,, ■^.i-i.;^',- >.l' 60 Mr. Perlclris, of .N'ova Scotia. Could Thomas have been present, hehiinl the scenes, at the family council held in I^idy Arlin<;- ford's state-room, the evening before, he would not liave ffone helow to prepare for his visit to Arlingford Oastle with so li<(ht a heart. The Honorables F'rederick and (iladys were for cutting the insolent upstart without more ado, but the old Lord, still hoping to secure the American heiress, through the Perkins' influence, over-ruled this verdict, and was seconded by the Hon. Ca)sar, whose vision of an unreceipte«l tailor's bill, which he knew he would have to raise the money to meet, almost as soon as he landed, inclined him to take a more lenient view of what they considered an offence. He hoped, by taking the part of Perkins, to be enabled to borrow the money of him to meet the bill. The Hon. Miss Constance, of course, was on the Perkins side. "Who but a fool," .she declared, "would hesitate an instant between a husband with plenty of money at his connuand, and teaching some upstart's brats for sixty or .seventy pounds a year." "Did not the sailor say," she replied, when her brother remonstrated, "that Tom's sisters had .ser- vants to wait upon them, and a carriage and coach- man at their command? also, an unlimited number of silks?" When, she would like to ask, had she been able to indulge in a new silk? No, thank you ! Gladys could become a model governess, if the Mr. Perkins, of J\'ova Scotia, 61 she luul >i fancy for tliat life, hut for l)er part, she preferr(Ml a parvenu liu.shand and a Hfe of ease and luxury, even in the colonies. "If the ^'old is made of apples, it will he much sweeter than if it is tarnished with coal smoke : and what have we heen living on for the past few years, if it is not old Brown's bounty ? I am sure that he has never seen a cent of interest for the uioney that ho invested in our estate." •' '<<■■ ■■^■'■■- •■■'■'■• ■ ■ ■ So it was decided to overlook the exposure of the evening, and treat young Perkins the same as usual; only, as Gladys said, "It would not have been so bad if that oiiious Brown had not known all about it." ,>>•.,- ■;'); -.'1,1 ,V '■■••''*■'' )\!, } ■ 'I • « ' ^^' ■f;,n ■■.'«■;; _ • I Vi' •Uli r'\'V\ , -* V* r I . :. I . I ' I [ , • {:■;■}<. (mArrKK ix. i Bv tlio time* that our tiuvollers had f^jathoi'cd tlieir ha^ga<»o togotlior, tho VitMconvrr had dropped anclior in tlio Morscy, abroast of tho FrincesH land- injy, and a small steam Vjoat was alongside to take the passengers ashore. The Arlintj^iords had made no accjuaintances on l)oard except Mr. Perkins, so there was notliing to do but bid the Captain a polite j:^ood-by, and lan«l. Their baggage was soon examined, when they drove direct to the depot, and in a short time were Hying into the interior towaivl home. Reaching London, tliey drove to a quiet hotel, stopping only long enough for luncheon, when they were again on the wing. They reached the end of their journey just as the sun was sinking into a bed of crimson clouds in the west, and enveloping the grand old castle in a flood of rosy light. As they landed on the platform at Arlingburgh, a splendidly appointed carriage dashed up, which Thomas immediately concluded was sent to meet Ml'. Per kins, of A^ora ScotUt. 63 tliciii ; l)ut a man spraujLf fnnii tlic coach ami ^raspiMl yoiiii}^ lirovvM l)y tlie hand, ^ivin<^ him a most cor- dial welcome. J '/'t •> M '. - ». ' Just then an ancient-look iii'^ vehicle, drawn hv two sedates ol/.s^V.,. CHAPTER XI. Any person unaccustomed to finding himself alone in a strange hotel can understand the feelings of Thomas the following morning. He began to think that after all he had not done wisely in so pointedly snubbing Mr. Brown. From what he had seen of that gentleman while visiting the Arlingfords^ he was inclined to think that he occu- pied no mean position in the society of Arlingburgh. He had observed on the morning of that ill-fated hunting expedition, that he was about as popular as the young Arlingfords. Had he been contented with his acquaintance, he would, in all probability, have made it very pleasant for him during his stay in England, while his titled friends cruelly cut him as soon as they had obtained a glimpse of returning prosperity. Well, it was of no use crying over spilt milk ; but what in the world was he to do with himself ? Truly, there was not a great deal of fun HI travelling in a strange country alone ! i ' After considerinoj the matter for some time, he ^.f-- •n^i--^" 72 .Jlfr. Frrkins, ofJVova Scotia. . ^ * , .' "Lord Frederick Athol will give me a charactei-, to be sure," replied the Irishman, .-.x '/ -^» v.u ^j,,^;,. i.> "Why did you leave the service of his Lordship /" "Be me faith, and sure it was meself that he got too poor to kape any longer, poor boy !" i f ,•<>**?{.( "Have you your character with you?" l-' ii-ff i;< "Be the holy powers, and do ye think that I ^'v J\lr. Perkins, of j\ ova Scotia. "3 would travel around witliout me cliaracter, sure;' And it's Mike Maloney tb'it always carries his character with liiiii, it is." (r.ii.«i ? ,'r;j / 7v(i)pv'; : ^1 ."Let nie see it, please." < * ■ •( - . v.. "See me character! And it's surely cra/y the man is, to want to see mc character I He will he after wanfcin»,^ As Mr. Ft'rkins ijua^incd, they made a strikinLT ])ietur<>, and fjlassos from all parts of the house were tui'ued upon theii" liox. It was evidently not a common occurrence in London for a gentleman to take his servant to the theatre with him for a companion. A pomp(ais old d<)vva(^«.'r occupied the nearest box, accompanied by two handsome yo\in«:( daiuf-els. Mike attracted considera!)le of their attention, and as hv perceived their amu.sement, he arose, pulled his forelock, and bade them a polite good-evening. "Sit down, you scoundrel !" conunanded his mas- ter, "and do not let me hear another word out of you this evening." "Begorra! sure and it's not mesilf that kin how Id nie tongue for the intire night. Shure, this must be the gateway to Heaven, that his holiness the priest talks about. It's beautiful, it is I" ,,,.,,. "Will you hold your tongue?" "Faith, and it's mesilf that will try to, if it dis- plases your honor for me to talk." "Have we something new in the way of enter- tainment this evening?" said a voice behind them. "I never heard of turning the boxes into a portion of the stage ; but there is always .something new in Mr. Per kins, of j\*uv(i Scotia. 77 the wind, and a couple of actors luive certainly lost their hearings to-night. It i>i decidedly original, it* nothing ni/,,m ^n-, ,- ;.•. ; „., f/ t l. Mr. Perkin.s turned and gave the speaker a scornful glance. Hut Mike was not going to be contenteout the city. BO Mr. Fez 'kins, of j\'ova Scotia. I came up from the country a few days atj^o, wliere I lia^^ TS^* ;e to 6 CHAPTER X.. Sliv JPERT's carriage was waiting at the door, and in a short time Thomas found himself the centre of a gay group, consisting of some half dozen fast young ladies and a number of equally fast young gentlemen. There was a fair sprinkling of titles among them, and again his star seemed to be in the ascendant. After all, the blundering Irishman had given him a powerful lift on the social ladder! He might have remained in London many years and not had as much notice taken of him as Mike had procured for him in one evening. Mademoiselle La Moin accepted his apologies graciously, and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. When he bade his hostess good-night, she gave him a cordial invitation to call f-equently during his stay in London. "But do net bring Mike with you," she added, with a shudder. "I do not feel inclined to renew the acquaintance. I can hear him 7^ifWT».(|-^'-T»n-';''^:'"r7rfW: Mr; Perkins, of JSf'ova Scotia. ^3 reu rbt o;u)S IV hivu yet telling me not to be afraid, that his master, Mr. Perkins, would protect me and take me back to America with him. America is apparently but once removed from Paradi.se in his estimation." "It certainly was a portion of the programme that the audience was not expecting, although it would be a difficult matter to make some of them believe it," said a gay young lordling, joining the group. "Mr. Perkins, I should advise you to take the fellow out with you fre(iuently, he would soon make you one of the most popular men of London." "I do not think that I should care for popularity obtained in that way," replied Thomas, and, with his most graceful bow, he withdrew. Sir Rupert drove him back to his hotel, and then went to join his boon companions at their club, where they had all agreed to meet to discuss what they called their new curiosity. "Who is he, Mordaunt?" asked one of the party, as they all flocked around Sir Rupert on his return. "Is he worth taking up?" "I do not know ; but, from what I have been able to gather, I should say, yes. The Arlingfords picked him up in America, and brought him over with them. They were out there, you know, try- ing to find someone to save the estate, which was just about gone. He must have had quite a pocket- ful of the ready, or they would not have l)een bothered with him. _=::==^--==^-=-'""="-" jg^t on English -They haa ^''"^^ ^'yl^t and left them a ,„U before . -^-^l^^^Lli "o further use to fortune, so Mr. l'"'''"";. ''^^^aisn.issal fro.n Arhng- then., P-™P''Ves UP to London for a time, to ford C«stle, and con.es up to ,i„rfords, Vieing »n ook for new -"^-"^neaX^rted forgot t. give such deep grief for the d - ^ P . ^^.^^^^^ ^ ,, hin. a letter of ^-^-f^^ZLt. who acts as gu. e^ left at the .nercy of ^'^^; j; his master to the Fancy au Irish servant S^'^^^u-e in London ! a:eJci..lesof t»e -f P;P; ' tt what an item rorofr="-.-*"ttanra"i some tune, ll^^y interrupted one of t^e group^^,^ ^^^^ ^,,,„,, ;„ Ws .•Oh ; some ot Su ^ P ^ ^„„ther. pahny days. I expect <^-^^^^^^,^ ,, he rephed: Sir Rupert laughed goodj ^^ Arlingford "Yes, I spent a fortnight o ^^n^gford Castle with the g-^^tve, It she jilted hiin for ^;^:^:;.S:w:rdnephewtotheHonorahle Mr, Perkins, of Kova Scotia. 85 Gladys, one of the most hideous females it was ever my fate to behold. My refusal, coupled with a few other misdemeanors, cost me a fortune, and left me a titled beggar. "Well, we will turn Perkins over to Evelyn. If he and Mademoiselle La Moin cannot make some- thing out of him, I give him up as a hopeless ctise. Evelyn, you owe me my revenge to-night ; to-mor- row I will have to run down into the country and see the mater, if I want to be left alone to spend my Christmas in peace. 80 let us get to work, for it grows late." They were soon all seated at the card table, and Mr. Perkins was for a time forgotten. *^^^^^^^* his lied: ford rford mfor ^f ^«" ^^^^ ^„,i„, i„ his drean.s. was soon ?ast asleep, "^"^^f ' ;hi<,h he had spent ...ingling with the gay crowd mwm the evening. j ^ ..j^it from Lonl -rhe next — ^ ^^ ^I^ Mademoiselles little Evelyn, one of the gue-v supper the evening betoie ^^.^ ^.^^^^ ^.^^,„ Thomas ordered l""*^"^" ^ Mike. They where they were ^-ted »po" J^^, Lo„don in «pent the ^^t'te^-^'Vlt^^nd although highly ^'''^'^^t :r;: - P-Hlon, experience had rx;:r;ep.;..;wai.^^^^^^ ■ ..,srrr;=i -u - and Mr, PerlcLtifif of J^ova Scotia. 87 <^f^^^^^ moiniiif,'. H>» n«* , , ^ ,,„ concluded to hiu. alHWt atUm-lmK chuich, «elMt one at l.ap-l.a/.avd. ,„or>.in(!, he ar- After 1,1-eakfa.st the Wlo^m j „„t alone. He walked ^>'"y ^ resemblance to a ,,„iUUng he can,e t^ beaung .^^.^^^ ^^ clmrch. There "«« ^"\ l^'f ^ ^^, owing to the entered, but he dec.ded tl at .t w^ ^^^^^^ ^.^^^^^ fact that he was t«o e^i >• ^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^ would iKigiu. . „,,i..ea his listtiner. -What service; '" '"" ' ,,,.ch to be sure." ..Why, the service ,n *- ^"-^ ^o ^^^ ^'^'';:ratti;:w:^>^^'^^^ Mr, Perkins. ^^^^^^ f„, „ policeman He was not lett Ion ^^.^^^ .^ ^j^„ge, station. , , uuiiJing, he was placed When they reached that buuaii ^, ■/« ■■■ Mr, Perkins, of J^'ova Scotia. 8!) rht a ced in charge of another official, who led hin» through a long corridor and down a flight of stone stepH, at the lK)ttoni of which his guide paused and opened a door. He was pushed into a room without cere- mony, and the door (piickly closed and l:x)lte^ ^^V^^ =% Is *J0 Mr. Perkins, of J^'ova Scotia. concluding it would have to go along with his watch and ring. . .... - j. .. ,.>.;,... — ': ^ For about an hour after this he was left undis- turbed ; but at last he heard a step coming down the stairs, and he made up his mind to submit (juietly to the robbery that he felt certain would now take place, if by that means ,he could only retrain his freedom. But his jailer came into the room bearing a plate of coarse bread and a pitcher of water, wliich he placed on the table, and withdrew without say- ing a word. Mr. Perkins sprang to the door as he M'as leaving, and asked him where he was and what he was Vn-ought here for ; but the only reply he re- ceived was, "Don't know," as the door was (jnickly locked in his face. He paced the room for the next hour like a caged lion, and, at last, thoroughly exhausted, threw him- self upon the hard bed and dropped asleep. He was awakened by the noise of a key turning in the lock, and his jailer entered with his supper, consist- ing this time of hard bread and a bowl of weak tetu He placed a smoky lamp upon the table, took the untouched dishes brought at dinner-time, and was leaving the apartment; but his prisoner had been too (juick for him, and was already in the door. ,.,,, An alarm was quickly sounded, and as Thomas rushed up the stairs, he was promptly seized at the top and walked down into his cell again, and the Mr. Perkins, of J\'ovti Scotia. 91 «Iooi' barred in his face l)efore he had tiiiu's to recover Ins breatl). .. * ^.,,.i .. . .,..,.., ^ *:...? ...j, >,,..,•. "Well, I may as well be poisoned as starved to death, for it is quite apparent that I won't get away fi'om here to-night, and I niaj' need all my strength to get away at all. So I suppose I had better try and eat some of this trasli," he said, con- teurptuously, taking up a piece of the bread. He consulted his watch before he l>egan, and found that it was about the hour that he would be expected at Mademoiselle La Moin's quiet little dinner-party. He wondered what she would think if he did not keep his appointment, after accepting her invitation. The food, though coarse, was welcome, and he tinished it all before he left the table. -< ;: He spent the evening in walking a)'ound his cell, and at last lay do^yn and watchetl the window for the first streak of dawn ; but how slowly the hours passed. His lamp had long gone out, and he had no means of knowing the time ; but he at last decided that the London fogs, of which he had read, were really obscuring the light of the sun, for cer- tainly twenty-four horn's had passed since the jailer had brought him his supper. At last tired nature asserted herself, and he fell into a troubled sleep. When he awoke it was broad day, and looking at his watch, he found it was nearly eight. A short time after, his breakfast was brought in, an ■■-■''rK Mr, Perkins, of ^ ova^ Scotia. 03 and, as your prosecutor has not appeared, you may go, you are free." "And how, sir, am I to ue recompensed for the wrong that I have sustained at your hands?" "You have met with no wrong at our hands. We only do our duty when we detain those who are brought to us." "Were I in America, I could have you prosecuted for false imprisonment." "You are not in America, but in London, and you had better leave here before I give you in charge for contempt of court. I have already shown you too much lenity." On hearing this threat, Mr. Perkins concluded that discretion was the better part (jf valor, and quickly made his escape into the street. He haile ::> know. You will have to stHiitl any amount of chatt' on that scoi'o. How in the world did it happen^ One of Mike's pleasant little coine^ = - 1 .< . }' "If I was in America, I could make them smart for doing such a thing." " ' ' vrs. • "You could obtain satisfaction here, but I should * ^ 96 ,Mr, Perkins, of JVova Scotia, not a«lvise you to try. It would not lie pleasant to Imve a trial over it. You seem to be very comfort- able here, but you would tind it much more pleasant if you were to take private lodgings. You intend to remain some time in London, do you not? You can receive your fiiends much more conveniently f- in h)dgings." "1 was thinking of going to Paris soon." *' If I were in your place, I would spend part of the winter in London. You are just l)eginning to get acquainted here, and we can make it quite pleasant for you after a time. You will have the same ground to go over again in France, only it will \m more difficult for you there, owing to the fact that you will have hard work to converse with >. the Parisians." "I am considered a capital French scholar." "You may be in America, but you will find it will not work to a charm in Paris. " I can help Mike look after you. I won't agree to have anything to do with your church-going, for I am not nmch of a han'■ ■'> : i\i. i- ,1 .♦.■>*;;< -a:» <^'v, .!■. .-,..., ■ . . . ,^ ' .V*"*-'!' \-'4-ii h'0': .'^'-ii^il ■'A'ii \U'.- V ■/ '. V *^ h «^ CHAPTER XV. Aftek Mike had arranged everything to his own and his master's satisfaction, he »isked permission to spend the evening with some friends. "Why, Mike!" replied his master, "I was not aware that you had friends in London. I tliought you hailed from the Emerald Isle !" "Bedad, and so I do, sure. But do you think that a gintleman like me Lord Athol spent all his time at home like some common farmer? No, in- dade, he did not! He travelled all over the world, as it were, and took me along with him as a com- panion, your honor." . ^ "His lordship had you for a companion, did he?" " Well, not exactly ; but, as he was young, poor boy, I had to sort of look after him, you see, and kape a fatherly eye on him. I wonder what he is doing to-night, poor lad! and a sorry Christmas he'll spend all alone by himself, and no one belong- ing to the old castle about him at all, at all !" 102 Mr. Perkins, of J^'ova Scotia. "Is it to see him that you wish to go out to-night?" "See him ! Do you suppose I would take such a liberty? No indade! it's to see me own blessed cousin, swate Nora O'Connor, from Tipperary. She is lady's maid to Lady O'Mullin. That's where I want to go." "Well, you can go; but I want you to return early, as I shall not go out this evening." "And it's meself that will be in by tin, by the clock, without fail. Will your honor be after want- ing anything before I lave?" "No ; you can go now." . - For some time after his servant's departure, Thomas sat gazing into the fire and dreaming of the future, where Mademoiselle La Moin's bewitch- ing face played a prominent part. With what a charming smile she had set aside his lordship that afternoon. How plainly she had showed that he, Thomas, was her favorite. He wondered if his mother would consider the actress good enough for her daughter. If not, would he dare defy her? He drew the bracelet he had purchased that afternoon from nis pocket, and gazed at it, wondering if she would be the recipient of many such gifts. If she had many such friends as his lordship, the contents of her jewel-case wouid be quite a fortune for her. Yes ! he would win her from all his titled friends, and carry her back to Chestnut Villa with him. Mr. Pei'kins, of J\'ova Scotia. 103 v*. .m ^K- Poor, misguided youth ! Will not even a single doubt enter to mar the glowing picture? How long would the lively little French actress be con- tented to remain in the quiet seclusion of Chestnut Villa, even could she be induced to go there? i The tiny clock on the mantle striking ten, aroused him from his reverie. "I will have no callei-s after this hour," he thought, "so I might as well go to bed. I wonder where that scoundrel of a Mike is ! He promised to be back before ten ; but I suppose he has not seen his cousin for some time, and the hours are going more swiftly than he is aware of. Well, I do not need him very much now ; but he must not be given too much liberty, or he ■will become unmanageable. I will go to bed and try to get some sleep, for it is precious little I will get to-morrow night." The following day seemed to crawl, so slowly did the time go ; but at last the hour for dressing arrived, and Mike's duties were fairly begun. His hair was most elaborately curled, and the few stray hairs that adorned his upper lip, and which he dignified by the name of moustache, were c^ fully waxed. He had spent nearly an hour over the selection of his button-hole bouquet, at the nearest florist's, and nearly another had been w hi led away before he could decide on the exact tint of his gloves. But at last everything was arranged to his entire satis- ■X-'. 104 Mi\ Perkins, of J\l'ova Scotia. f -K' faction and takmg a last, lingering look at his , reflection in the ghiss, he set forth for the home of Mademoiselle, .('■■••m!-.; :.,',;;:*. ^.'-^■,, v^. ■■.>*'. •:'•> :i.-v^-^'. ■-■^ Elarly as he thought he was, he found Lord Evelyn and several more young gentlemen before him. A small stand had been placed near the entrance for the reception of the little lady's Christ- mas gifts, among which he soon discovered Lord Evelyn's diamond locket. He was in doubt if lie should place the bracelet among them or deliver it " to his hostess, but at last he walked boldly to the spot where she was standing, and presented it with a killing l)ow. • His charmer took the packet from his hand and smilingly tore aside the wrapping. • "How lovely!" she exclaimed, as the bracelet was brought to view, and, with a delightful little courtesy, she tripped to the talde and laid it among other remembrances of the joyous season. He was permitted to lead his fair hostess into the dining-room, and was seated in the post of honor at her right hand. He could not help won- dering, if this was a sample of her quiet dinners, what her large ones could be like. A gay lot were gathered around her hospitable board, and wine / and wit flowed freely. The hostess and her com- panion, a prim little woman of about sixty, were the only ladies present. Either Mademoiselle's lady acquaintances were in the minority, or she pre- ■M\: ■ m ■i* I I ''^."'^'''f' ■'•?• ■^ h •i^* ;f /'.,,' Mt\ Perkins, of J^ ova Scotia. 105 ferred the conipariionship of tho sterner sex. She did not leave the table when the wine was passed, but remained anion^ her guests and partook of the sparkling glass as freely as any of those present. Toast after toast was proposed and drunk before the signal was given for separating, when, instead of returning to the drawing-room, a rush was made for hats and coats, and in a few moments her guests, with the exception of Thomas, who remained to accompany her and her companion to the theatre, were seeking their various places of amuseiiient for the night. They were soon ready and on their way. Thomas was told off to escort the old lady to a box, while the actress disappeared behind the scenes. When they arrived, the curtain had already risen, and our hero did not have long to wait before his divinity appeared on the stage. He amused himself between the acts by listening to the old lady's praise of her patroness, and searching the various tiers of boxes for the faces of some of his companions at the dinner table; but apparently they preferred the actress in private life, for not one of her guests, with the exception of himself, had paid her the compliment of being present this evening. * After the play was over, he was invited to supper in Mademoiselle's private boudoir ; but her occupa- 106 Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. ■■ \ tH^ tions had been too much for her during the evening, . f tor she was tired and soon dfisniissed her companions. .'.i;^^ Thomas was surprised, on getting out of a cab at the door of his lodgings, to see his rooms brilliantly lighted, and, hastening up stairs, he was about to enter the half -open door, when he discovered that -> his room was occupied. Stepping back, he peered \ in, and saw a group of seven or eight men gathered around the table in the centre of the room, at the ^ head of which Mike was seated, dressed in one of hid master's evening suits. A gay smoking-cap crowned his head, and a pair of light kids were / drawn on his hands. The table was covered with « classes and decanters, and it was evident that his >> - - ■ l private stock of M'ine was pressed into service to .,'"'•"• \ help grace the festal board ; but what was a greater . ' '^/ surprise to him than all else, was to discover Sir Rupert and Lord Evelyn among Mike's guests. Just as he made this discovery, his lordship pro- posed an adjournment. The rest of the company demurred at this ; "but," said his lordship, "it would be awkward for Mike if Mr. Perkins should happen along and discover us all here." ;_ "Oh! the fool will believe anything you tell him. We could soon trump up a yarn that would . J | -i^ settle him. Throw a lord or ladv into the discus- sion and he's a goner," replied Mike. "C*n't we manage to present the actress as a duchess in dis- , » guise ^ It would bring him down in no time." '4^ F '. ' :■ • i-V ' -1 ■yh I , ♦ '.hi ■ ■■'■I ,' 1^ Jir. Perkins, of JVova Scotia, 107 "I think you are doing pretty well as it is ; but find out, if you can, Mikt, what his resources really are. He may only have a temporary purse ; but I think the supply is inexhaustible, for he is certainly too green to try anything in the w.ay of speculation." " I wonder if there are many ntore like him on the other side. Bill — or, begging your pardon, Mike. You'd better stick to the fellow, you might make all our fortunes." "Yes, Mike," said Sir Rupert, "you might pro- cure us each a big fruit farm out west. I wonder if picking apples is hard work." "Too hard for this child, at all events," replied Mike. "We will run the Yankee greenhorn down to his bottom shilling, and then discharge him. We are not doing too bad. Mademoiselle has him fast, and we can take what she leaves. Well, gentlemen, I think you had better disperse. I want to lay aside my borrowed plumes before the peacock comes home to roost, and it will take me some time to turn into the meek and humble Irish servant." "Do you ever get your Irish mixed. Bill?" ' ' "Sometimes I stray into Scotland ; but if it was Greek it would be all the same to that fool. He knows nothing except broken English, and a few scraps of American French, which some of the pro- fessionals on the other side of the Atlantic have managed to stuff into his obtuse brain. But off with you, for Mademoiselle won't keep him very I I 108 Mr. Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. late if left to herself; she is too indolent to exert herself, if there was a million in it." Thomas stood spellbound, as he listened to this dialogue, until the whole thing flashed into his mind. He had been the victim of a gang of impos- _^ tors. Yes! there was the pretended Lord Athol, who had given Mike a reference, among his guests. \, Well, he had been swindled out of something like a hundred and fifty pounds, but he had discovered them in time to get away before they reached his bottom shilling. . .. • He decided that he had now had enough of English nobility, and would cross to the continent at once. . . . , -4 Advancing into the room, he startled tliem all 1^: by saying, politely : "Good evening, gentlemen. J am sorry I was away when you came to visit me, but I see my ser- vant has been doing the honors in my absence, and as he is dressed in one of m3' evening suits, I suppose that he answered as well as a Yankee greenhorn. . vk "Lord Athol, I l)elieve. I hope you are not come to try and induce your old follower to return to your service, for I really have found him such a '* jewel that I could not possibly get along without ^ him ; and now, gentlemen, as the hour is late, I will wish you all a very merry Christmas, and bid you goad-night." Mr, Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. lOi) ■'S V** "Mike, you can clear away that litter ami bring mc my writing-case." ,.,;; .,; >- i ■ m. f .,i=.v., '.v^t' i As Mike did not obey this conniiand, his master turned to repeat it.but found that he had disappearetl. "Ah ! I presume that he has gone to lay aside his evening dress and resume his ordinary garb before returning to his duties. Excuse me, my lorrl, allow me to help you with your overcoat." . ^ < After the guests had departed, he rang repeatedly for Mike, but no Mike appeared. He cleared away the gla.sses and decanters himself, and, drawing a chair to the fire, tried to decide what he had better do now^. Tnily, England was not one of the most enchanting places in the world for a stranger ! He would take the first opportunity of crossing to France. When he had arrived at this decision, he arose and sought his couch. • '«■ He was awakened the next morning by the ringing of the Joyous Christmas bells. His lii*st thought was of the happy family party gathered around the home fireside in far-away Nova Scotia. What would he not give to be with them to-day I There was no one in all this great city to wish him a merry Christmas ! Well, he would amuse himself by getting ready for his journey to France. , How cold and cheerless everything was, when he entered his sitting-room ; the empty grate and the scattered remains of last night's entertainment gave the place such a forlorn appearance, that, with \, , • -♦ 110 Mr, Perkins, of Jf ova Scotia. a ahutkler, he went to call Mike. He found that j gentle.nan had left with all his belongings, includ- ing the 8uit he had worn on the previous evening. He returned to the sitting-room, cleared the ashes from the grate, and soon had a cheerful blaze ; he then began to look around for his breakfast, and at last manage*! to procure enough to satisfy his hunger. !.;;,', After making the room as tidy as possible, he donned his outdoor garments and left the hou.se. Remembering a former experience, when he had ventured alone in the streets of London, he re- mained near his door until he could obtain a cab to take him to his destination, which was the Gi'eat Western Hotel. Telling the cabman to wait for him, he walked into the office and asked for his letters. He received several, all bearing the home post-mark, the one from his mother containing a check for fifty pounds, as a Christmas gift. After reading them, he began to prepare for his journey to Paris, and before night he was all packed and ready to start the following morning. He found, on consulting his landlord, that the pretended Lord Evelyn had taken his rooms for the winter; but, by forfeiting a mcmth's pay in lieu of warning, he man- 7' ^^ aged to get rid of them without further trouble. The next morning he left London at an early hour, firmly resolved to have nothing to do with strangers in the future, unless they were properly introduced. r- I i"^^ s.*. A y .' \ v\^ , f: h CHAPTER XVI. P) Had Thomas followed his inclinations when he left his lodgings in the morning, he would have taken the train for Liverpool instead of Dover, and sailed for home ; but he reasoned, " I came across the Atlantic to see Europe, and, as an eminent writer has said, 'In visiting Paris you see the whole continent.' I shall make a complete failure of the whole thing if I return now, and the poor mater would never survive the disappointment ; l)esides, a fellow would have to stand any amount of chatf*. So it is Paris or die." With this heroic resolution he drove to the depot, and was soon on the road to the great European capital. Purchasing his ticket, he found an empty apart- ment in the waiting train, and, entering, threw himself into a seat, arranged his wraps to his satis- faction, and began listlessly to watch the crowd outside. ....... , ,-^. _ Just before they started, he heard someone enter 112 Mr. Perkins, of JS'ova Scotia, tlu' car ami take possession of the ()pjK)site seat; hut, tnie to his resohition of the day hefore to have notliin^ further to do with strangers, he did not even turn his head to l(X)k at his travelling coni- ])anion. He amused himself foi' awhile by watching ^y the changing scenery from the wintlow of the now '\ moving train ; hut, hecoming tired of this after a time, he turned arounv f hero, "who possesses a little money, and, because he happened to he l)orn in an old stone house several hundred years old, thinks the world and everything it contains was made for his use alone. May the ^ood saints protect me from ever having anything fui'ther to do with an Englishman ; I hate the very sound of the name. They talk about the rascality of the Yankee, but for cold-blooded villainy com- mend me to an ordinary Londoner." With this reflection, he arranged himself for a nap, but the rustling leaves of the stranger's book, as he turned page after page, prevented him from enjoying the repose which he sought. If he had only obtained a book before he started, he could have managed to make the time pass more pleas- antly ; but, he thought, " it takes time to get accustomed to the half-civilized ways of this coun- try. If I was on a railway at home, now, and fancied a book, all I would have to do would be to seek the newsboy and get whatever I wanted ; but who would want a book on one of our trains, where you could have the pick of perhaps a hundred peo- ple for a companion, instead of being locked into a cell with some unsocial English hog. I wonder how many hours more I will have to be penned here with him? If he was half a man, now, he would offer me that paper on the top of his grip- sack ; but let him keep his old trash, I shall buy a supply for myself when I get to the next news- 8 :■;<■..... ■:.-,-.■■ .■■, ■■",,. 114 Mr. P( "kirifi, of J^ov it Scotia. stand. I wonder if tliore is any way to make them let you out of this hole heforo your ticket expires." Just then the train stoppiMl, and almost immedi- ately after the guard (Altered the apartment and handed the stranger a telegram, and, rect^iving the customary half crown for his services, withdrew. Thomas sprang to the door to call him, hut he was too late. He pulled frantically at the close )t MHI^ h ' ' Mr. Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. 117 Kh \"\ American book, in which I wai deeply interested. None except a Yankee could have ever formed such a plot in his brain. You are going to France, I presume. Do you intend to do Europe?" "Yes ; I am going to take a run over the conti- nent for a pleasure trip. My name is Perkin,;, and I belong in Nova Scotia." "I am happy to meet you, Mr. Perkins. They say confidence begets confidence. I believe I have left my card case behind ; but you will find my name there," handing him the book he had been reading all the morning. Thomas turned to the title page, and read : — "To His Grace of Westmere, from his affectionate Eugenie." "A live duke, and no fraud about it this time, for he is a perfect gentleman, and no mistake. He was not going to take any notice of me at first, but he found me irresistible. He is as reserved as all of his class, but I guess I can manage him. Ma knew what she was about when she sent me across the Atlantic. She knew I was bound to succeed. If Bill had been in my place, now, he would have taken up with that confounded Brown, and never got any higher. Now, if I can only get His Grace to go back to N. S. with me, who can tell what might happen. How it would tickle the old lady to be able to talk about my daughter. Her Grace of Westmere. How I could humble the Arlingfords > \ ■ 118 Mr. Perkins, of JSfova Scotia. when I meet them. Would I not enjoy telling them that I was just over for a short visit to my brother- in-law, His Grace of Westmere ! "If he was to see Janie, I know he would take a fancy to her ; Janie is more like myself than Jule, and would stand the best chance. Jule is too old for him ; but if we once secure His Grace, it won't take Jule long to pick an earl or viscount. I wonder if he has any sisters! They ought to be good-looking, if he has, or they cannot resemble their brother. If there are any, I shall try to catch one for myself. I am glad ma sent me that fifty pounds ; I should not have been able to get along without it. I wish I had not been such a green- horn as to give the actress that bracelet. I might have been able to dispose of it to one of the ladies of Westmere." Here his soliloquy was cut short, for the train had glided into Dover, and the guard was unlocking the door of their apartment. His Grace had aroused from his nap, and was gathering his belongings to- gether. Thomas followed his example, and in a short time the two were walking the promenade- deck of the Calais boat, and chatting as affably as if they had been comrades for years, and the deter- mination of the day before to have nothing further to do with strangers, unless properly introduced, was for a time forgotten. u,;;',v,^|^ >;■;,;' < ;v*>K - w r t P^ty. - ft' >'. ." \' CHAPTER XVII. Reaching Calais, Thomas could not help bless- ing the lucky incident which made the duke his travelling companion, for he soon discovered that his very American French was not likely to help him much, now that he had reached France; but His Grace, who appeared to be as much at home as if he was standing under the flag of Her Most Gracious Majesty, quickly extricated him from all his difficulties. A generous tip to one of the offi- cials relieved him of the necessity of having his trunks examined, and the two called a cab and drove away. - . - "Your Grace did not seem to have any trouble at all -.ith your own luggage. I suppose you cross so frequently that you are well known to most of the officials," said Thomas. ' v The duke laughed heartily, as he replied : "No, I did not have any trouble with my own trunks, for the simple reason that I did not have I any to bother me. I always find it less trouble to . \ 120 Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. -'.^t do without luggage when on a journey. One does : , ' not need to carry a complete outfit for a first-class t-'- tailoring establishment when going direct to Paris ; you can generally manage to obtain the necessaries of life in that city." "But, if you do not carry a trunk, what do you do with your clothes when you do buy them?" "Wear them, of course; that is what they arc , made for, is it not?" "I suppose s6; but one does not always wish to remain in the same place long enough to wear out a suit of clothing. If you were in need of an even- ing suit, for instance, and went to the trouble of purchasing one, you would not be likely to wear it out in Paris, and if you had no trunk to put it into when you wished to leave, what would you do with _it?" '• • ' "I should manage to rid myself of it in some way, if it became an incumbrance. Here we are at the hotel ; prepare to be delighted with your first meal in France. If you are as hungry as I am, you will ';, ,;^/;-..;fi/V.,l' 't ''^'ilil ,. v)£''. ' r'-'' ■ CHAPTER XVIII. The next few days of Mr. Perkins' life passed away like a pleasant dream ; the duke and he kept up a constant round of pleasure-seeking. He could not even find time for that glowing description of Paree, which his mother had asked for as soon as possible after his arrival ; but he reasoned, as he put ofi' writing the letter from day to day, "How can the dear old mater expect a description of Paris from me until I have explored the city?" So he went on with his explorations, until, one day, exploring his purse, he found that the two hundred pounds with which he had entered Paris had dwindled down to a few francs. Then was tht glowing description written and quickly started on its mission across the Atlantic, accompanied by an earnest appeal for more funds. Scarcely had he dispatched his letter, when the duke entered and politely asked him for the loan of a thousand francs. Thomas was surprised, for it 128 Mr. Perkins, of J^ova Scotia, was only the; evening before that Ilia Grace had borrowed a thousand from him. "You look somewhat surprised, my dear Perkins, at a duke being reduced to the necessity of borrow- ing money ; but the facts of the case are these, the Westmere revenues are very small — a mere nothing ^ for a man in my position ; however, her ladyship of Melville backs all the unpaid bills, which are as numerous as the sands of the desert, for her good- for-nothing brother, as her old lord calls me. I ex- pected, when I left home, to meet her on my arrival here, but her lord and master decided to remain in Italy for a few weeks longer, and keep his lady with him, so in consecjuence of my coming here almost penniless, I have written to her ladyship of my whereabouts, and will receive a draft in a day or two of several hundreds ; but, in the mean- while, I find it decidedly inconvenient to have an empty purse in a place like Paris. So, if you will be kind enough to accommodate me for a few . days longer, I shall certainly remember you in my prayers." Perfect silence reigned in the room for some time after His Grace finished speaking ; but at length Mr. Perkins was obliged to confess, that, however much he might be willing, it was l^yond his power to lend him the money. "The fact is, my dear friend," he said, "on look- ing over my funds this morning, I was somewhat :--J.'f~'-. ' Mr. Perkins, of J^ova Scotia, 120 HUrprised to find that the two hundred with which I left England the other day, had melted down to aluioat nothing, and I have just Hcnt a letter homo asking for a draft to Ix; sent at once. But, in the meanwhile, how am I to live? I suppose it will ^*f take nearly a month to receive the money. It was certainly very careless in me not to have made some Vjetter arrangement for supplying myself with cash on this side of the water before leaving home ; hut it never occurred to me that travelling in Europe would he so expensive. I had over two thousand dollars in my pocket when I left home." "Why, my dear Perkins, you are indeed in a hard fix. Is there any danger of your people not 4 hononng your draft?" "No indeed ! the money will be forwarded the instant my letter arrives ; but how to exist in the meanwhile, is the problem to be solved." " Well, if I was in your place, I should hunt out some cheap lodgings and lay low until the money comes to hand, and then, like a butterfly, emerge from your chrysalis. I will take a run across to England, after I see you comfortably settled, and look after my affairs there ; and about the time '^'i^ your money arrives, Lady Melville will reach Paris, and we can all have a jolly time together. Her ladyship will get us into the first society of the city, so try and perfect your pronunciation all you can, and you will enjoy yourself all the more after your 9 I 130 Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. ) forced seclusion. Let us have a real good time to- night before we separate. What do you say to the opera?" "Can we afford it, that is the question?" "It will cost but a trifle, and you certainly want some pleasant memories to take with you into exile. ^ I will go with you in the morning and help hunt up some cheap lodgings that I know of, where you will 'i // be 'comfortable, and, by paying for them in advance, you will secure a roof over your head for the next month. If you are careful, you can live on a mere nothing. You look surprised at my talent for economy ; but, as I have already informed you the ducal revenues of the house of Westmere are almost nothing. I will have to pick up a city ^ heiress some of those line mornings, to fill my ex- hausted treasury; but I will wait until I exhaust / • the patience of ray benevolent sister. A wife will be the last irump for me. I love my freedom too well to don the yoke as long as it can be avoided ; but let us examine the financial department, and then away." . ;v - ? ' r , k ^ Thomas produced his purse, from which His Grace first secured a few five franc pieces for the evening's entertainment, and then proceeded to ex- amine the contents in order to calculate on the month's expenditure. % ;^^^.^i.'r^ • After making a memorandum on a scrap of paper, he informed his companion that he would T-^' •if Mr, Perkins, of JSova Scotia. 13 1 'M: in^ ,-;<■.■«, ■5' .#;'«^- from experience when I recommend the place to you. It will be rather dull, but the old girl will look after your comfort as if you were her own son ; that is, if she thinks there is a prospect of getting well paid for her services." They still kept the hack at the door while His Grace went into the office to settle their bill. When it was presented, even that gentleman's face fell. Horror of horrors ! How in the world was the money to be raised? He went in search of Thomas, but soon found that the united fortunes of both were not sufficient to meet the bill. After much think- ing. His Grace found a way out of the difficulty. "You will have to leave your things here in security until we can raise the money. I will send it to you as soon as 1 obtain a check from my sister. In the meanwhile, slip a few things that you cannot do without into a valise, and let me take it with mine. I will see what arrangement I can make with the proprietor before I go." In a short time they had everything arranged, and the two were driven to the station, where the :':> ^•,,;Vv-;.:.:^'A^',j.f;^ . .;■ '.■ . ,..v \:':('[,^■'■ :■! ■;>:'■ ■; :.rj .:,jii*; ■;..:* ';^,*-S?:\'1''i''' ■ ■♦ ^ "^ aiw y^—i'p tv ig w f'i.- ■^:'-r::, ■;:^.;^ S A- ■' '*'■■' .^ 'y; >'V ^■^ ••:iV';^>>'^r-s V ,■ '/. ' CHAPTER XIX. ;-v \ '■ At length Thomas rang the bell at the dooi of the house which was to be his only shelter for the! next month, and, being admitted, he toiled up the stairs to his room. A fire was burning in the grate, and a cup of cold tea and some dry toast was soon brought to him by the girl who answered the bell. Although he was very hungry, he could not help shuddering as he took the food from her dirty hands ; but he quickly ate what she brought him, for he had not tasted dinner. He amused himself during the evening in arranging the few articles he had managed to bring with him. Among these was a small writing-case, and he decided that he could manage to pass away the next day in writing long letters to his sisters. He lay awake most of the night, trying to think of something to do that would make the month pass more pleasantly, and at last, thoroughly tired out, he went to sleep. <^ The monotony of his Parisian life was broken by an occasional letter from the Duke of Westmere, ■'*■■ 138 Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. admonishing him to keep his spirits up in anticipa- tion of the good time coming. When he had been a resident of Madame Duf ree's house for about four weeks, the anxiously looked-for letter from home arrived, containing a draft for two thousand francs, and accompanied by a letter from his mother, warning him to be more careful in the future, and be sure to save enough to bring him home, for, she wrote, "I had an awful time to get that from your father. Your sisters and myself will have to economize in every way for the next year to make it up. You ought to bring a duke home with you to repay them for the sacrifice they have made for you. You must have been fearfully extravagant to have put through so much money in so short a time." After he had read the letter, he brushed his clothes and dressed himself as carefully as it was possible for him to do with the materials at hand, sent the girl for a cab, and went forth to cash his check. He inquired the way to the British consul's, and soon had his draft exchanged for the coin of the country ; then, like a boy let loose from school, he was soon on his way to his former hotel. He settled his bill with the proprietor, took charge of the keys of his trunks, and was once more estab- lished in his old apartments. >»v His first act after getting settled was to w^rite to his friend, the duke, and give him an account of his ^> V Mr, Perkins, of jy*ova Scotia. 139 f^i \' «ySr changed fortunes. That worthy soon joined him, and the two resumed the life they had led when they first entered Paris together. Following his mother's advice, Thomas carefully laid away the money needed to take him home, and with the rest determined to enjoy himself. Every- thing was going smoothly, and Lady Melville was daily expected. In the meanwhile. His Gnice was living on Thomas's bounty. One evening, about a week after the duke's arrival, Thomas lingered longer than usual at the table cVhdte. He had met a gentleman from New York at dinner, and the two were conversing agree- ably when His Grace left the room. When Thomas reached their private room he was not to be found, so he went for a stroll in the grounds belonging to the hotel, while awaiting his return. After walking around for a short time, he threw himself into a seat in a secluded part of the garden, and began thinking about home. The sound of voices in earnest conversation aroused him from his reverie, and he was about to move away when he heard his own name. The intruders had come to a stand a few feet from where he was sitting, and, looking through the shrubbery which concealed him, he was surprised to see the Duke of Westmere and his runaway London servant, Mike. "I tell you, Ted, that I must have the money to-night," Mike was saying; "it's all very -fine for uo Mr, Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. you to say that you can't get it ; but I tell you that you have got to get it. Perkins got a heavy check from home the other day, and will only be too pleased to lend the paltry sum of five hundred francs to His Grace of Westmere." "I tell you it will not do for me to ask him for so much at once ; you will have to wait. Even if he is one of the greatest fools in existence, he will be sure to suspect something wi-ong if I walk up to him and ask him for more so soon after his last loan. I am gaining his confidence as fast as possi- ble, but don't expect too much from the fellow." "Well, the money I have got to have, so get it as best you can. It is all very fine for Mr. Edward Smith to be the companion of the rich American, and have all his bills paid for him, and a good time generally, but the rest of us are not so fortunate. If there is a fancy job to be done, you always man- age to secure it ; but you must keep the rest of us afloat, too, if you do not want us to peach while you are playing the lord or duke." Thomas waited to hear no more; but, like a flash, the whole plot was clear to him. The man who called himself the Duke of Westmere and Lord Evelyn were the same. He belonged to the gang he had found in his room on his relurn from the house of the actress on Christmas Eve. When they found that they were discovered, the pretended Lord Evelyn had disguised himself and followed him to ll :fe Mr. Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. Hi Paris, there to play the vulture until he had obtained possession of the greater part of his money. He had paid all the villain's bills for him since his re- turn, but he had obtained no money from the second draft. Of course the fifty pounds were gone, but he had made the discovery in time to prevent being left penniless in Paris a second time. "Good evening, gentlemen," said he, approaching them. "It is a beautiful evening for a stroll. Ah, Mike, I am pleased to meet you again. I presume you have come to return the suit of clothes which you accidentally carried otf. You need not have taken the trouble, I will give them to you as a Christmas gift. It is customary, is it not, in this country, for people to remember their servants at Christmas? My Lord Duke, I will have to ask you to excuse me this evening, for I have important matters to attend to, and, as I suppose you will be returning to England immediately, I will say good- by here. Please remember me to your sister when you meet, and tell her ladyship to send the draft for the amount her noble brother owes me to my address in Nova Scotia, as I will probably return there be- fore it is remitted ; and, now, good-by. I suppose it is superfluous to add my good wishes for a very pleasant journey home, for how could it be other- wise than pleasant in the company of such an amusing person as our Irish friend, Mike ? Besides, ./ r" 142 Mr, Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. there is a chance of nieetinfj a froHli victim on the road." With this partinj^ sJiot, Mr. Perkins turnetl on his heel and walked leisurely away, leaving the two conspirators looking at each other without the power of utterinjT a syllable. The pseudo duke was the first to break the silence. »' "You see, you idiot, what you have done now !" he exclaimed, savagely. "You always have to upset our plans with your blundering. I told you not to come here, and now you see the result of your obstinacy. It is too bad ! I expect that he had a good, big purse to empty. Well, staying here won't mend matters, so I may as well go and gather my belongings together and march. Meet me at the railway, we can do nothing more here ; but it is as much as a bargain that I have money enough to take us both back to England, and of course you have made no provision for your return." "Of that you may be sure, my hearty ; I had all I could do to get here. But it will not cost a great deal to go third-class, — that is, if the great Duke of Westmere can come down to that, after all the splen- dor he has so recently enjoyed." ,::y,^:ii:^:, ■^:i;S:fy■.i "Sarcasm is not your forte, try something else, my friend William; but you had better hurry, if you want to catch your train." '-f^.^ :! - (I ( ■,('•-. J \0 It. ./?' Mr. Perkins, of J^oua Scotia. 143 "All right, I am oH'; but give us a bob for cab fare." "I have nothing to waste for cab hire. Walk, as you did when you came here." "Very well, me darlint, I will remember you in my prayei*8, — as the goor« (■■-. .-^ n h >' Xf.;^: \ 'T CHAPTER XX. :i.'S^.T«. They reached Calais in the gray dawn of a cheerless February morning, where Mr. Smith gave his companion the slip after seeing him on board the channel boat. He returned to the hotel to wait the coming of Mollie, who soon put in an appearance. "What will it be your pleasure to want with me now?" were the first words with which she greeted him when they met. ■ ^ v ^ ^ ^ "Sit down, my dear Mrs. Smith, and I will ex- plain to your ladyship. I have some work on hand for you." ■ /' ^^ "So I supposed, or I should not have been sent for. It is generally to do work that all others have failed to do that I am called upon. Whom have you been fleecing now ? I hope you have left enough to make it worth my while to undertake the job ; the last game you permitted me to take a hand in was not worth the candle." "There is plenty in this, if you play your cards 10 i IbJ II l«!'~ 146 Mr, Perkins, of JVova Scotia. as you well know how to play them. I hope you brought your jewels with you." "You may be assured that I did not leave them behind me. I generally know what is wanted when I receive one of your affectionate little billet-doux; it is always to fleece some poor young simpleton, by playing the fine lady for his admiration." "Have you brought Celine with you?" ' "Why do you not ask me if I brought my bon- net and cloak ? I should as soon think of starting without the one as the other. But you are a long time in coming to the point. If I did not know you so well, I should almost fancy that you were ashamed of what you are going to propose, you seem so fond of beating about the bush." " Well, to be brief, then, there is in Paris at the present time, one of the greatest fools that America has ever produced, and that is saying a good deal. About Christmas the boys nearly cleaned him, out in London, but he discovered us and struck for Paris. I disguised myself and followed him there, and ran him to his last pound before I left ; but he ordered a fresh supply from home, and went into retirement at old Dufree's until it came over, which it did about a week ago. I took such an affection- ate interest ii* his welfare, that I crossed to France at once to give him the benefit of my advice, and help him spend it in a judicious manner; but be- fore we got fairly at work enjoying ourselves, who V •iiKKimiimi.. .. ,,,.„ , , , , , „ , .„.. _^ — . .__ — ^.^.^.xffiaiasspi.. \ Mr, Perkins, of JVova Scotia. U7 should come along but that blundering fool of a Bill, and spoil the whole thing by insisting upon having a share of the spoils at once. The most un- fortunate part of it was that Mr. Perkins (that is his name) overheard our little discussion, and called us a couple of impostors on the spot, although, pre- vious to that, he had affectionately called me his dear friend the Di^^e of Westmere. So now, my dear, you are to finish him off and take his last penny from him ; do not even leave him enough to pay the postage on a letter to Nova Scotia, asking for more money. I always want satisfaction when any one insults me." ' '"' - ''^'''■^!^'" *- "Would not the cheaper way have been to bring him up before a court for slander? What a base libel for any person to call such an honorable gentle- man as Mr. Edward Smith an impostor! I can imagine your feelings. What heavy damages you might get!" ^^.w,' '.^ ^.^^v -.;.--... -yn^; - "You are pleased to be sarcastic this morning, my dear Mrs. Smith ; but my honor should be yours also. I expect you to avenge my wrongs." "As a loving wife should ! Did I not promise to do so at the altar? Give me your commands, and I will obey at once. You have had my love for — how long? I forget the date. Now you have my honor and obedience. That makes up the catalogue, does it not?" "You had better attend to my commands, then, J 148 Mr, Ferkins, of J^ova Scotia. If Vr\ for time passes, and I should not like you to reach Paris, only to find the bird flown. You had better [ take a title ; Mr. Perkins is a great lover of titles. Here is the money to defray your expenses, and you need no further instructions from me, so success to you, my dear. If you can manage to captivate the f: heart of the Nova Scotia millionnaire, he may take you home with him. You can amuse yourself in packi i' apples for the English^narket." ' Aud so relieve you of the burden of supporting nie ? Many thanks ! I have no desire to be scalped by some savage while engaged in so delightful an occupation. I would much prefer the companion- r ship of my loving husband in dear old England. But, good-by. I will report my success from time to time. I will call myself Lady Keating. If you have anything to communicate, you know the address." Lady Keating, as she proposed to call herself,, soon had her luggage and maid installed in the firat train for Paris, and reached that city before dark, going direct to the hotel where Thomas was staying. She sent Celine to examine the books at the office, under the pretext of looking for a friend, whom she was expecting to meet there, and found that Mr^ Perkins had not yet left. ' - She created quite a sensation in the dining-room with her elegant toilet, w^hen she appeared at the table d'hdte in all the splendor of a blooming young^ ^ii'., "t-^-. '' ti^ jm^ / Mr. Perkins f of JsTova Scotia. U9 widow just out of iiiourning for her gouty old lord. She socn recognized Thomas by his resemblance to a photograph which her husband had given her that morning, and managed to keep near him as he left the saloon, attracting his attention by dropping her handkerchief as she passed through the door. Thomas immediately secured it and presented to her, with his most gallant bow. The smile and graceful little courtesy with which she acknowledged his politeness, almost turned that young gentleman's head, and although he had made / up his mind to leave Paris for home on the follow- ing morning, he soon decided to remain and make the acquaintance of the charming stran^T. By careful inquiries of one of the clerks in the office who spoke English, he learned that she was a widow of high rank in England. The next morning he watched her door, which he found to be opposite his own, for her appearance at breakfast ; but, after waiting TOr some time, he saw a servant bearing a tray, containing her breakfast, to her private room, and it was taken from her hands at the door by a smartly dressed French maid, who instantly dis- appeared. All day he hung about the corridor, ]^(^i watching for the appearance of her ladyship ; but the hours passed away without his wish being gratified. He dressed himself carefully for dinner, arranged a flower in his button-hole, and went to the saloon soon after the bell rang. • .•■ I » .''• y '. . y':^-i '■-■i->'''''-^-. .':■ ■•;j:< ^y^^i m V'>:*.' • t ' • ■ • ■ ' \ , >::(;>■ CHAPTER XXI. ir?- ••.l.< The next morning he sent a carefully-written note to her ladyship, asking her to go for a drive, which invitation she accepted, promising to be ready in half an hour. The half hour brought Thomas in one of the most elaborate turn-outs that could be procured. He was in the seventh heaven of delight, as he drove with his fair companion around the city, she pointing out the historical places of inter- est along the route. • He spent the evening in writing about his .pros- pects to his mother ; he described the beautiful young widow as something almost too good for this world, but yet cherished the hope that when he arrived in Nova Scotia, she would accompany him as his bride. For the next few days the pair were inseparable. They dined together at the table d'hote, they lunched together in her ladyship's private parlor, and always visited picture galleries and other places of interest in each other's company. A masked ball w^as to 154 Mr, Perkins, of J^ova Scotia, take place at the hotel, and the pair received cards of invitation. This wasVhat ^r. Perkios had been longing for ever since he had crossed the Atlantic ; he wished to attend a genuine European ball. After much discussion, he and Lady Keating decided to assume the characters of a Spanish prince and princess. In the course of the day, she informed him that she had ordered her dress, and the two waited with considerable impatience for the evening to arrive. ^ As he was reclining in one of the easy chairs in her ladyship's sitting-room the day before the event was to take place, Celine entered and handed her mistress a slip of paper, which she took wnth a slight frown. ' "Mr. Perkins," she asked, turning toward Thomas and holding it in her outstretched hand, "can you tell me what is wrong with this ? they have refused to cash it for Celine." He took it from her, but his knowledge of the French language was too slight to enable him to decipher the writing. Her ladyship placed it in her pocket with a resigned air. ^ *^ ♦ "I will have to send it back to England to have the mistake made right, so good-by to the evening's pleasure. I cannot get my dress without money. Imagine Lady Keating having to stay away from a r-'^ s } \l i ' Mr. Perkins, of Kova Scotia. 155 ball for the want of a dress to wear 1 What an item for one of the fashionable London journals." "Have you nothing else you could wear?" asked Thomas, looking at the elegant silk in which her dainty form was then enveloped. " Why, Mr. Perkins, of what can you be think- ing? Did I not tell you this morning that I had not appeared in society since his lordship's death ? So, of course, I have no dress I could wear. Any evening costume that I have would be over two years old. What a breach of etiquette it would be, to make one's appearance in a Parisian ball-room in a dress made two years ago ! No, I will remain at home. I hope, some day, that there will be a uni- form currency throughout Europe, so one can carry bank-notes from one country to another." "Would it be too much of a liberty to offer you the money until your draft is rectified?" "I must confess that I should hardly like to accept such an obligation from a stranger, or, par- don me, I should not have said that. It is very kind in you to make me such an offer." ; ,< , " You need not consider it an obligation, and no one need be the wiser of the transaction." ^. . "I feel strongly tempted to take advantage of your kindness, for I did want to go so much, I have led such a secluded life since my husband's death," and the dainty bit of lace she held in her hand was held up to her eyes. ^ T 1 156 M\ Perkins, of JSTova Scotia. "How much do you require?" asked Thomas, taking out his purse. ^ ■ •' i-. "I do not know ; I will ask Celine," replied her ladyship, touching a call-bell on the table at her side. • ' ^ Celine informed her that the dress was about one thousand francs. Thomas was fairly aghast at this piece of infor- mation, and for a moment repented of his offer. It would take the most of his entire fortune; "but," he reflected, "it will be only for a few days, and I cannot refuse now." "I have not the money with me, but will get it for you," said he, rising. "Pray, do not put yourself to any trouble about the matter.". "The money is in my room ; it will be no trouble, whatever, for me to bring it." The money was soon placed in Lady Keating's hands, and Celine was dispatched for the dress, while Thomas went out to procure the flowers for the important event. Dinner was soon over that evening, and, after dressing himself, Thomas went for her ladyship, to escort her to the ball-room. In his childhood he had often read descriptions of angels, but what pen could describe the vision of loveliness that almost dazzled him as Lady Keating stood before him ? She wore a dress of some indescribable hue, draped lA •. r Mr, Perkins, of JSTova Scotia, 167 with pricelcHS old lace. Her nock an^:r M,.}}^ " I I , i^f'"'::',-^ ^ •;''■ ■ ' I; CHAPTER XXII He awoke early the next morning, and, after partaking of a frugal breakfast at the nearest coffee-house, he started in search of a shipping- office. As he was inquiring his way, he met with a familiar face, which he instantly recognized as that of Bill Howard. He advanced with outstretched hand, but that gentleman declined now to recognize him. "Serves me right," he thought, turning away with tears in his eyes, which were perceived by the sharp ones of the old sailor, causing him to instantly repent of his coldness. ^ "Tommy, what can I do for you? Are you in trouble?" he asked, hurrying up to him. , "Yes, I am indeed in trouble ; I have lost all my money, and am now looking for a chance to work my way back to America. You are a sailor, can you tell me where I would be likely to obtain a berth in some ship?" "You obtain a berth to work your way to V '.* ./'- ^';3i ■■ .• -f.'-t. J iMA^Jfiti ' , Mr. Perkins, of JVova Scotia. ^63 America! Why, you poor boy, they would be likely to leave you in mid-ocean ! Yes, I can help you ; but not in that way. I will lend you the money to pay your fare home, and you can give it to my sister Katie, when you have it to spare. Tell her I sent it to her for a Christmas present. She will think it has been all the time on the way." "If I take advantage of your kindness, after the way in which I treated you on board of the Van- couver, I will tell her the truth." "Come now, Tom, Bill Howard ain't the man to hold a grudge, especially agin Julie Smith's boy, I can spare the money just as well as not, and I should have sent something to little Katie long ago. Do you ever see her now ? We used to call her your little sweetheart when you were children. I sup- pose she is a young woman now. Is she good- looking? It is over five years since J have seen her. She was a pretty little girl." ^ ' /f^;,. ? : "She is called handsome," replied Thomas ; "She is a dressmaker. I often see her, for she makes most of my sisters' dresses." • ir-v:>.>,^ "I suppose she is not invited to the balls and parties that I have heard your mother gives." "No; to tell you the truth, she is not; but she will be for the future, if I can manage it, of that you may be sure." ' - r "That is right, be good to poor little Katie, and ' • t ■■ ■.;*■ f iftjSJ;'. ilgl il {f to.- 16^ Mr\ Perkins, of JVova Scotia. it is all I will ask. We will go to the agents' and see when. the first steamer sails for home." They found the first steamer left in three days, and, after considerable discussion, a place was taken for Thomas on board. He was determined to take a passage in the steerage, but in this he was over- ruled by the old sailor, who insisted upon his going in the style in which Bob Perkins' boys were accus- tomed to travel. At last a compromise was made, by which he went as a passenger in the second cabin. After that matter was disposed of, Mr. Howard proceeded to do the honors of Liverpool for the benefit of his young friend. The first place to which his guide led him was a whiskey saloon ; but imagine tho astonishment of the old sailor, when Thomas refused to partake of his hospitality in the form of whiskey. <;,' ^ ■ "Don't you drink anything at all? You would like a glass of wine, maybe." ; v " No, I thank you ; I never touch intoxicating liquors." ■■ ■:^Y ,- ..-^^f ■■;.;-■ -:.^ ■-.:-■■■■ ' ^.- ■■;;'-„ "That's right, my boy ! Give me your hand. I might have known that Julie Smith's son would soon turn right side up, although I own I was awful mad when I met you on board of that boat, and you pretended that you didn't know me at all." "I acknowledge that I was wrong, and I hope you have forgiven me ; but you must own that it was not pleasant to be told, in the presence of a V'k < ^ : »> t\ V ' t « ' V Mr, Perkins, of JVova Scotia. 165 charming yoimej lady who despised the very name of trade, tliat my mother once sold eggs for a vmg. "I suppose not; but what became of the charm- ing young lady? Sent you adrift when she got all your money?" ■ ^ , . , >, \ "No, she did not get my money, but she sent me ' adrift when she found that I had to work for a living. A gentleman calling himself the Duke of ' Westmere borrowed aU my money, and, after he got possession, I found that he was too poor to give it back, so I got left. Although such gentry are too proud to work, they are not too proud to spei what other people work for; but let us talk/ something more pleasant." The three days soon passed away, and Thomas took an affectionate farewell of his friend on the deck of the Sarnia. He neglected to ask the name of the ship he was to sail in, and the last two days of his stay in Liverpool were somewhat' spoiled, by his thinking that it might be the Vancouver in which he would have to cross ; but what was his joy, on reaching the ship that morning, to find that it was the Sarnia. When he left, he made Howard promise to write to him frequently, and also to come home and see them all before long. This the sailor promised to do, and they parted with real regret on both sides. ; - *. The homeward voyage was uneventful, and the i / 166 Mr. Pctklnfi, of Mova Scotia. steamer dropped anchor in Halifax harbor the ninth day after leaving Liverpool. Thomas soon had his luggage examined, and went to a modest hotel for the night, for he had arrived too late to take the evening train for home. He reached home the following day just as the family were seating themselves for the early dinner, which the elder Perkins always insisted upon, re- gardless of the protests of his wife and daughters, who fain would have dineeUat a more fashionable hour. He was received with open arms, although it was (^uite a disappointment to the female membei*s of the family to have him return with neither lord nor duke in his train. \\\ w ♦■\S' TI7-« I N »: • !,y !. ,; •••! '.;/.. f . \) .\r' CHAPTER XXIII. r \ ' %\ A ■/X: Mrs. Perkins was for celebrating the traveller's return by giving a grand ball, but she was over- ruled by Thomas. Mr. Perkins was so delighted with what he considered his son's good sense, that he presented him with a fifty dollar bill on the spot. Poor old man, he had learned by bitter experience, that the best way for him to show his affection for his family, was to provide them with plenty of money. Thomas thanked his father warmly for his gift, and informed him tLat for the future he should like to depend upon his own exertions, for he considered that he had wasted enough of his parent's money. The old gentleman was so pleased at this piece of information, that he told his son that he con- sidered the money was well spent if it had procured him a little sense; "for you must own that you needed it bad enough when you started for France," he said. "I must acknowledge that I had rather romantic ■ N 168 Mr, Perkins, of J^ova Scotia, ideas," said Thomas; "but knocking around a bit has boiled them down. If you can help me to get a situation, I shall only be too glad to go to work now." . ^ "What would you like to do? Your ma wants you to make a lawyer of yourself; she says that you would be an ornament to the profession." "Right she is, there, as the dear mother always is. I should be an ornament to the profession, but of no earthly use there. I am afraid that jurispru- dence is not my forte. I should much prefer being a clerk or book-keeper in some office." "Is that so? Then I know just the thing for you. Old Brown, down to the station, wants a clerk ; so, if you would like the place, I can get it for you. I don't suppose there is much money in it, though." "Enough to supply my simple wants; so, if you can get the situation for me, please secure it at once." If Mr. Perkins was pleased at what he called his son's good sense, he soon found that his wife was not so easily satisfied. ^ "To think," she said, "after all the money they had spent on him, trying to make a gentleman of him, that he should want to go into that dirty little railway office ! Why, he has lost what little sense '-.-.■ ' * ■ -^"- 1 \ I ^'hf ^ ^ Mr, Perkins, of Kova Scotia. 169 he had before he left home ! If ho wants to do something, why doesn't he study law? I always intended him to be a lawyer." " But the Vxjy thinks that nature did not intend him for tiiat profession." "Nature intended him for an idiot! I think he will end by marrying some low-bred girl, and turn- ing farmer. It was only last night I actually saw him walking up the street with Kit Howard, the girls' dress-maker. Just think of it I" 'I should not advise you, Mrs. Perkins, to repeat that where the Howards would be likely to hear it, or they might retaliate by saying that Katie was walking with the son of people who were once their servants. You forget that we were not always rich. For my own part, nothing would please me more than to see Thomas marry Katie Howard. I con- sider her a very sensible young woman ; and if he wants a fann, I shall only be too glad to get him one." "It will break my heart to see him come down to that, after all my hopes." "I do not think there is any danger of that. You can take the girls and start for Paris before the wedding comes off. I would not mind the cost of another tower this year, if it only ended as satis- factory as Tom's ha.s. ' '^ 170 Mr. Perkins, of J^ova Scotia. "I should enjoy that. Wiien does the happy event take place?" "I have not been informec; of tlie date, but Hoon, I should say, from what Tom told me to-nij^ht." The End. i^T-r^z— -^ - ^' — *'-' -L i i mt'iujMi 3 *'«? iv/\:'^v.. MaW-z.:, J5.yi -7 ---1 Newspaper and Joli Printiiig EstahlislmeDt, WINDSOR, NOVA SCOTIA, Is splendidly equipped for the execution of all classes of Printing, such as SMALL AND LARGE *>dSTERS, Pamphlets of all kinds, Bill Heada, Letter and Note Heads Hn .pads , Envelopes, Business and Visiting Cards, VVeddingStat^^ ery. Legal prmtmg (including Appeal Cases before the Supreme Court), Business^ lags, pnnting for Societies in every form Shh) ping P.lls of Ladmg, Single and Joi, 'otes of HaL^S,^ f.^. ^^A P'"°P"^^°'" ;« constantly adding to his large stock of ype, and is prepared to give entire si«:?action to all who m-^y favor him with their orders. au vmio may BOOK PRINTING A SPECIALTY. Write for peirticulars for any work aaeded, to JAS. J. ANSfepW, - . Proprietor. ^2^„|J^J^j^__;2^~^j— _