Life — December 25, 1890 — page 27: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

- LIFE: man at bay for the three weeks that the latter had been in New Vork, but of course he couldn't be forever dropping in at the Amotts' just when Cairngorm was calling, nor could he expect that Esther would refrain much longer from open revolt against his self-constituted guardianship. Christmas evening was to be spent at the house of some friends of the Amotts, who were to have a Christmas tree for their children, followed by dancing for the older friends of the family. Cairngorm was to leave for the West the next morning, and as the party would break up early, Jack felt to a certainty that the foreigner would propose to Esther on their return to the house. In fact he felt that Esther's mamma had already given her consent. It was she who had made Caimngorm's acquaintance at Wiesbaden last summer, and his title together with his statement that his father, the Earl of Mac Nobreeks, was a very oki and feeble man, made the Wall Street broker of little importance in her eyes. Chauncey knew that Mr. Arnott was his partisan as against the 13 graph taken from the rogues’ gallery. The steamer should have arrived to-day but is late. Promise me you will not accept this man until you have the papers which I hope I can place in your hands to- morrow. “Mr, Merrick, mamma is calling us. Cairngorm waiting.” Caimgorm and Mrs. Arnott were waiting in the hall. Chauncey and Esther drove home with them, but Chauncey’s heart was anything but light. As they drove up they were delayed a moment by a hansom cab standing at the door, the horse giving off a cloud of steam which rose before Chauncey's eyes as an omen of good, like the pillar of fire to the Israelite. He could hardly wait to assist the ladies from the carriage. His hopes were confirmed when he saw Jack Turton standing inside the door with a letter in his hand. ‘*The documents have come,” whispered Chauncey, as he and Esther passedin. The look she gave him in reply was anything but We are keeping her and Lord that in matters matrimoni- al American fathers have very little voice indeed against their wives and daughters. When the start was made for the Vandams’, Chauncey left word that if any message came for him before eleven o'clock it was to be sent to him at once, Chauncey during that long evening felt in anything but Christmas mood, Mentally he in- veighed with Wall street emphasis against. Christ- mas, Christmas trees, children, presents, dan- cing, music, women, and everything else in creation, and especially against the British nobility in all its degrees, ranks and ramifi- cations. Eleven o'clock came and no word from Jack. The guests were beginning to take their departure when Chauncey managed at last to comer Esther for a foreigner, but he also knew [ WORE ANTE Nites, talk. It was Chauncey's last opportunity, and he was prepared to take big risks. He had done it successfully in Wall street, and there was no reason why he shouldn't do as well in Fifth Avenue. “Esther,” said Chauncey, gravely, you know that I love you, and until this Lord Caimgorm made his appearance you seemed to return that feeling. Since then everything has changed. His attentions are more acceptable to you than mins, and every time I have come near you, you have acted as though I was not welcome. I have kept from telling you the truth about Lord Cairngorm, because I thought that possibly you would come to your senses without it. The fact is, Lord Cairngorm is an impostor, and is no more a lord than Iam." “Ido not believe vou, that he is just what he claims to be. contrary >" “None that would stand in a court of law. But I am expecting by the City of New York a complete record of his career, with a photo- “Mk. Merricn, He has shown mamma letters which prove What proof have you to the MAXIMA IS CALLING ME, WE ARE KEEPING HER AND LoRD Catexcors WatTixe.” one of gratitude or affection, “Tt was a close call, Mr, Merrick, the letter, ‘She hasn't come over the bar yet. tip two inspectors to go down with me special.” “Good boy, Jack," replied Chauncey. ‘+ Your salary will be twenty- five hundred after New Year's. Good night.” and Chauncey hurried off to the library with his letter. It bore the inscription : said Jack, as he handed Chauncey Had to hire a tug and To THE PURSER OF THE "City oF New Yor FOR Liverroon, Cuauxcey MERRICK, Eso., NEW YORK CITY. INGLAND, Chauncey put the letter in Mr. Arnott’s hands and asked him to send for Mrs. Arnott and Esther. Ina few moments they came in, casting any but amiable glances at Cairngorm’s accuser. comicbooks.com