The Christmas Stocking. ROM the shelf I hang, suspended In the firelight's glow, distended I'm so full that it's a question In my toe (oh, goodness gracious! Some one's put a big potato, and it makes me I wonder, now, what made them do it. No. I. judging rashly, and just think if it had not been for her never-ceasing care, day after day and night after night, I might never have left Cairo," and Shirley Grey, captain in her Majesty's Guards, drew his handsome form up to its fullest height, as he angrily returned his father's glance. "While quite acknowledging that the girl may be a good nurse, I refuse to acknowledge her as a fitting wife for my son and heir," said the old gentleman pompously. "A substantial check is the fitting reward for her services." "You don't know Marie Clifford, father, or else you would not have made such a suggestion," Shirley replied, trying to subdue his fast-rising anger; "she is as well, nay better, born than I." "I do not care what her antecedents are," rejoined his father furiously. "No pauper shall enter my family! She is an artful, deceitful minx, and has laid herself out to captivate you, and-" "Spare your hard words, I beg," said Shirley, nervously twisting his black moustache, and now deadly pale. "To be short and to the point, Marie became my wife six weeks ago in Cairo, and is in lodgings in London, while I came here to-to "To ask permission for an already irrevocable step," broke in Mr. Grey, who had also grown very pale, and continuing, with a satirical laugh: "Well, sir, you will indeed find you have made a great mistake. You have chosen your wife-stick to her; but not one penny do you ever get again from me! Go, sir, go! I have done with you forever!" "And you, mother," cried Shirley, kneeling beside her, "have you no word of kindness for me? Father, mother, don't you know what love is?" "I agree with your father, Shirley," said Mrs. Grey, stiffly; "all has been done by your own rebellious act." |
