CHAPTER XXIV (Continued). THE PHOTOGRAPH.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2239, 13 November 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER XXIV (Continued). THE PHOTOGRAPH.

Whrn Herbert got the message he read it with mingled feelings of exaltation and despondency. He was jubilant at the idea of really making a start in tbe world, but he was low at the idea of having to leare Nid nnd her mother in their trouble*. Still it wan impossible to doubt what it behoved him to do, he could be but of negative use to Mrs Foxborough; except that his daily visit brightened her now somewhat sombre life, and was of course of much consequeuce to Nid, he could really do nothing for them. Tbe Bunbury mystery was for the present in abeyance, and Mrs Foxborough'a theory that her husband was dead had gradually obtained considerable hold of Herbert's mind. He had a sorrowful good-bye to say at Tapton Cottvge ; Nid clung to him and declared it was cowardly of him to leave her in her misery, but Mrs Foxborough had more strength of character. She rated her daughter pretty sharply for her selfishness, thanked Herbert for all he had been to them in their affliction, and bade him • God speed' in search of fortune with a face half smiles, half tears; reminding him that Baumborough was within very easy distance of London, and that she should have no scruples about sending for himself if she had need of him. Under which assurance and with a tearful embrace from Nid, Herbert bade good-bye, and set forth to see what sort of career that might be that old Phil had to suggest for him—hazy, very, concerning what this career should be, but firmly continced tbat tin alarum clock and early rising were most important factors in all starts of a commercial description. Very glad indeed was Phil Soames to welcome his old University chom ; he had always been very fond of Herbert when they were at college together, having for him that strong liking so often conceived by the man of strong character for his weaker brother, and Herbert Morant w<im essentially one of that otaa—a ooatiuuou.,

doer of foolish thing*, bat no ohroniole of anything mean or blackguardly against him. And so Herbert had continued till the present with nothing against him but want of vertebra in his character. The greeting between the pair was genuinely cordial, and Herbert having been duly presented to the old people, and dinner being concluded, they adjourned to Phil's peculiar domain for a oigar and gossip. ' I want to have a real good talk with you, old man,' said Herbert, as he took possession of an easy ohair ; ' have wanted it indeed for some time. I have been a lazy purposeless beggar all my life, but I've got something to work for now, and I mean to begin just as soon as ever I can pee my way. If Foxborough did kill Fossdyke I beliere it was. done in hot blood, and anyway I am going to stand by his daughter. I told her I loved her before her father had this charge laid at his door, and no one can suppose I'm going to be such a pitiful our as to abandon her in her trouble.' ' No, Herbert, I know you too well to think that of you, and you might know that I was not speaking at random when I asked you to come down here. We have an opening for you in our business, and I consider it worth your consideration. It will take you a good six months to master the routine, and by that time we shall know if you will feuit us, and you will know whether the work will suit you.' While Philip was speaking, Morant had taken up from the table a small photograph book, and was idly fiddling with the clasps, undoing them and snapping them to again. •It is awfully good of you to give me such a chance,' he exclaimod, as the other paused. ' Yes, it is a chance ; might quite possibly lead to a junior partnership in the firm, but mind, Herbert, it must depend a good deal upon yourself. If we can't make you a business man in that time there is no more to be said. We cannot afford to make you a sleeping partner. You must put your neck to the collar and pull your fair share of the waggon. If you are ever to participate in the profits you must be a bona fide working partner.' • I'm going to make no protestations, Phil. I can only say try mo, and as for pleep, sir, I've brought down an alarum clock that will effectually attend to all that. With Nid to work for I bhould be a biute to neglect such a chance.' While he spoke he had opened the photograph book, and was carelessly turning over the pages. Suddenly he exclaimed, • Great Heavens, Phil ! how did you come by this V 'What is it?' 'That?' ho replied gravely, as Herbert showed him the photograph that had arrested his attention, 'that is a likeness of poor Fossdyke.' ' Extraordinary !' exclaimed Herbert. 'I could have sworn it was meant for James Foxborough, and was a very ex* cellent photo. The two men must have been the very image of each othor.' And Morant and Soames stared at each other in blank amazement.