The Heir Of Bendersleigh;

ger , advancing to the table , took from the box thereon a document , which In : proceeded to read . He said it was merely the draft that he should read , so that any alterations might be made in it that were necessary , and therefore he had left the names blank , The document merely recited that , certain annual sums were to be appropriated in a certain manner out of the revenues oH the Bendersleigh estates , upon certain contingencies

enumerated ancl set forth at length . " Now , first of all , " said Mr . Grainger , when he had finished reading the document , " I must call upon the ileir of Bendevsleigh , as the principal party concerned in the matters set forth in this deed , to come forth and acknowledge it . " Mr . Augustus Eaker , assuming a very bashful air , requested his friend ,

Mr . Joseph Smith , to support him to the table , which that gentleman did in burlesque seriousness . " I think , " said Mr . Grainger , " this is scarcely the moment for ribaldry of this character . Surely at a solemn time like the present , at least decorum might be observed by those chiefly interested . " Harriet Marshall buried her face in her hankcrchief , and wept bitfcterly .

'' I don't see why we should make it a funeral piece of business , Grainger , " cried Mr . Augustus Eaker , fiercely . " It is a serious moment indeed for you , " replied Mr . Grainger . " That ' s my business , " said Mr . Eaker . "It is , and bitter enough it may be to you , " exclaimed Mr . Grainger . "Bitter enough I knowif you could have your way , " said Mr . Raker ,

, maliciously . "My way then , " replied MY . Grainger , " was to smooth yours . I call this company to witness that I have done what I could to promote the happiness of the young hearts engaged in this ceremony , aud in confirmation of that I now proclaim my conviction , that this marriage , as proposed , cannot but be disastrous . "

Mrs . Marshall advanced quietly to the side of Mr . Grainger , laid her hand upon his arm , and looked into his face with an imploring expression , but she uttered not a word . " What is the old fiend going to do now ? " roared Mr . Augustus Eaker , and shaking his fist in Mr . Grainger ' s face . " To complete these documents , " replied Mr . Grainger , quietly . "And first of all , I require the assistance of the Heir of Bendevsleigh . " " Oh , well , go on , " said Mr . Augustus Eaker , sullenly , and advancing to the table .

"Do you feel yourself in a position to act for him ? " enquired Mr , Grainger . " Don't be a fool , " was Mr . Augustus Eaker ' s reply . " The question is not an irrelaveut one on my part , " added Mr . Grainger , quietly , " because I have been under the impression that the representative of the House of Bendersleigh would be worthy of his high position . "

" What ' s the meaning of this stuff , Sir ? " inquired Mr . Augustus Eaker , in a tone which exhibited a strange mixture of fear and audacity . "Again , I ask , do you feel yourself justified in assuming the position you would occupy here ? " inquired Mr . Grainger .