章节正文
``No.-- Wall Street.
``Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to call at
my office to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, if it
suits your convenience? I have an important
communication to make to you, which will, I think be
of an agreeablecharacter. Should the time named
not suit you, will you have the kindness to name your
own time?
``Yours respectfully,
``MORRIS HALL.''
``Read that, John,'' said his uncle, passing him
the letter.
``Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir,'' said John.
``Have you any idea of the nature of the communication
he desires to make?''
``No idea at all.''
``If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in your
place,'' said John, whose curiosity was aroused.
``Thank you, John, but this is evidently a personal
matter. I shall go down there to-morrow at the
appointed time.''
John was far from suspecting that the communication
related to Frank, though he had heard the day
previous from Nathan Graves of the boy's escape.
He had been very much annoyed, and had given his
agent a severe scolding, with imperative orders to
recapture the boy, if possible.
It was not without a feeling of curiosity that Mr.
Wharton entered the law office of Mr. Hall. He
announced himself and was cordially welcomed.
``You have a communication to make to me,'' said
Mr. Wharton.
``I have.''
``Tell me all without delay.''
``I will, sir. This is the communication I desire to
make.''
The story of John Wade's treachery was told, and
the means by which he had imposed upon his uncle,
but the lawyer carefully abstained from identifying
the lost grandson with Frank Fowler.
When the story was concluded, Mr. Wharton said:
``Where is my grandson--my poor George's boy?
Find him for me, and name your own reward.''
``I will show him to you at once, sir. Frank!''
At the word, Frank, who was in an inner office.
entered. Mr. Wharton started in amazement.
``Frank!'' he exclaimed. ``My dear boy, is it you
who are my grandson?''
``Grandfather!''
Mr. Wharton held out his arms, and our hero,
already attached to him for his kindness, was folded
in close embrace.
``Then you believe I am your grandson?'' said
Frank.
``I believe it without further proof.''
``Still, Mr. Wharton,'' said the lawyer, ``I want to
submit my whole proof. Mrs. Parker!''
Mrs. Parker entered and detailed her part in the
plot, which for fourteen years had separated Frank
from his family.
``Enough!'' said Mr. Wharton. ``I am convinced--
I did not believe my nephewcapable of such baseness.
Mrs. Parker, you shall not regret your confession.
I will give you a pension which will relieve
you from all fear of want. Call next week on Mr.
Hall, and you shall learn what provision I have made
for you. You, Frank, will return with me.''
``What will Mr. John say?'' asked Frank.
``He shall no longer sleep under my roof,'' said Mr.
Wharton, sternly.
Frank was taken to a tailor and fitted out with a
handsome new suit, ready-made for immediate use,
while three more were ordered.
When Mr. Wharton reached home, he entered the
library and rang the bell.
To the servant who answered he said:
``Is Mr. John at home?''
``Yes, sir; he came in ten minutes ago.''
``Tell him I wish to see him at once in the library.
Summon the housekeeper, also.''
Surprised at the summons, John Wade answered
it directly. He and Mrs. Bradley met at the door
and entered together. Their surprise and dismay
may be conjectured when they saw our hero seated
beside Mr. Wharton, dressed like a young gentleman.
``John Wade,'' said his uncle, sternly, ``the boy
whom you malign, the boy you have so deeply
wronged, has found a permanent home in this house.''
``What, sir! you take him back?''
``I do. There is no more fitting place for him
than the house of his grandfather.''
``His grandfather!'' exclaimed his nephew and the
housekeeper, in chorus.
``I have abundant proof of the relationship. This
morning I have listened to the story of your treachery.
I have seen the woman whose son, represented
to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery.
I have learned your wicked plans to defraud him of
his inheritance, and I tell you that you have failed.''
``I shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all
my property to my grandson, excepting only an annual
income of two thousand dollars to yourself. And
now I must trouble you to find a boarding place.
After what has passed I do not desire to have you in
the family.''
``I do not believe he is your grandson,'' said John
Wade, too angry to heed prudential considerations.
``Your opinion is of little consequence.''
``Then, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning.
I will send for my trunks during the day.''
``Good-morning,'' said Mr. Wharton, gravely, and
John Wade left the room, baffled and humiliated.
``I hope, sir,'' said the housekeeper, alarmed for
her position; ``I hope you don't think I knew Mr.
Frank was your grandson. I never was so astonished
and flustrated in my life. I hope you won't
discharge me, sir--me that have served you so faithfully
for many years.''
``You shall remain on probation. But if Frank
ever has any fault to find with you, you must go.''
``I hope you will forgive me, Mr. Frank.''
``I forgive you freely,'' said our hero, who was at
a generous disposition.
CHAPTER XXII
CONCLUSION
Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the
poorhouse in Crawford. It was a sad contrast to the
gentle and kindly circle at Mr. Pomeroy's. What
made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear
nothing of Frank. She feared he was sick, or had
met with some great misfortune, which prevented
his writing.
One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door.
From it descended our hero, elegantly attired. He
knocked at the door.
Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came
to the door in a flutter of respect, induced by the
handsome carriage.
``What do you wish, sir?'' she asked, not recognizing
Frank.
``Miss Grace Fowler!'' repeated Mrs. Chase,
almost paralyzed at Grace being called for by such
stylish acquaintances
``Yes, my sister Grace.''
``What! are you Frank Fowler?''
``Yes. I have come to take Grace away.''
``I don't know as I have the right to let her go,''
said Mrs. Chase, cautiously, regretting that Grace
was likely to escape her clutches.
``Here is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman
of the overseers of the poor.''
``That is sufficient. She can go. You look as if
you had prospered in the city,'' she added, with curiosity.
``Yes. I have found my grandfather, who is very
wealthy.''
``You don't say!'' ejaculated Mrs. Chase. ``I'll tell
Grace at once.''
Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the
arrival. What was her surprise when Mrs. Chase,
entering the room, said, graciously:
``Go up at once, Grace, and change your clothes.
Your brother has come for you. He is going to take
you away.''
Grace almost gasped for breath.
``Is it true?''
``It is indeed. Your brother looks remarkably
well. He is rich. He has found a rich grandfather,
and has come for you in a carriage.''
In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and
put on her best dress, poor enough in comparison
with her brother's clothes, and was soon happy in
his embrace.
``I am glad to see you, my dear child,'' said Mr.
Wharton, who had accompanied Frank. ``Will you
come to the city and live with me and your brother?''
``Oh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is.''
``Good-bye, my dear child,'' sand Mrs. Chase, whose
feelings were very much changed, now that Grace
was a rich young lady. ``Come and see me some
time.''
``Thank you, Mrs. Chase. Good-bye!''
The carriage rolled on.
* * * * * * *
A few words only remain. Our hero was placed
at a classical school, and in due time entered college,
where he acquitted himself with distinction. He is
now making a tour of Europe. Grace was also
placed at an excellent school, and has developed into
a handsome and accomplished young lady. It is
thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained
a place in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton's
influence, and is now head clerk, with a prospect of
partnership. His father received a gift of five
thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment
of his kindness to Frank. Tom Pinkerton holds
a subordinate clerkship in the same house, and is
obliged to look up to Sam as his superior. It chafes
his pride, but his father has become a poor man, and
Tom is too prudent to run the risk of losing his
situation. John Wade draws his incomeregularly, but
he is never seen at his uncle's house.
``Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to call at
my office to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, if it
suits your convenience? I have an important
communication to make to you, which will, I think be
of an agreeablecharacter. Should the time named
not suit you, will you have the kindness to name your
own time?
``Yours respectfully,
``MORRIS HALL.''
``Read that, John,'' said his uncle, passing him
the letter.
``Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir,'' said John.
``Have you any idea of the nature of the communication
he desires to make?''
``No idea at all.''
``If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in your
place,'' said John, whose curiosity was aroused.
``Thank you, John, but this is evidently a personal
matter. I shall go down there to-morrow at the
appointed time.''
John was far from suspecting that the communication
related to Frank, though he had heard the day
previous from Nathan Graves of the boy's escape.
He had been very much annoyed, and had given his
agent a severe scolding, with imperative orders to
recapture the boy, if possible.
It was not without a feeling of curiosity that Mr.
Wharton entered the law office of Mr. Hall. He
announced himself and was cordially welcomed.
``You have a communication to make to me,'' said
Mr. Wharton.
``I have.''
``Tell me all without delay.''
``I will, sir. This is the communication I desire to
make.''
The story of John Wade's treachery was told, and
the means by which he had imposed upon his uncle,
but the lawyer carefully abstained from identifying
the lost grandson with Frank Fowler.
When the story was concluded, Mr. Wharton said:
``Where is my grandson--my poor George's boy?
Find him for me, and name your own reward.''
``I will show him to you at once, sir. Frank!''
At the word, Frank, who was in an inner office.
entered. Mr. Wharton started in amazement.
``Frank!'' he exclaimed. ``My dear boy, is it you
who are my grandson?''
``Grandfather!''
Mr. Wharton held out his arms, and our hero,
already attached to him for his kindness, was folded
in close embrace.
``Then you believe I am your grandson?'' said
Frank.
``I believe it without further proof.''
``Still, Mr. Wharton,'' said the lawyer, ``I want to
submit my whole proof. Mrs. Parker!''
Mrs. Parker entered and detailed her part in the
plot, which for fourteen years had separated Frank
from his family.
``Enough!'' said Mr. Wharton. ``I am convinced--
I did not believe my nephewcapable of such baseness.
Mrs. Parker, you shall not regret your confession.
I will give you a pension which will relieve
you from all fear of want. Call next week on Mr.
Hall, and you shall learn what provision I have made
for you. You, Frank, will return with me.''
``What will Mr. John say?'' asked Frank.
``He shall no longer sleep under my roof,'' said Mr.
Wharton, sternly.
Frank was taken to a tailor and fitted out with a
handsome new suit, ready-made for immediate use,
while three more were ordered.
When Mr. Wharton reached home, he entered the
library and rang the bell.
To the servant who answered he said:
``Is Mr. John at home?''
``Yes, sir; he came in ten minutes ago.''
``Tell him I wish to see him at once in the library.
Summon the housekeeper, also.''
Surprised at the summons, John Wade answered
it directly. He and Mrs. Bradley met at the door
and entered together. Their surprise and dismay
may be conjectured when they saw our hero seated
beside Mr. Wharton, dressed like a young gentleman.
``John Wade,'' said his uncle, sternly, ``the boy
whom you malign, the boy you have so deeply
wronged, has found a permanent home in this house.''
``What, sir! you take him back?''
``I do. There is no more fitting place for him
than the house of his grandfather.''
``His grandfather!'' exclaimed his nephew and the
housekeeper, in chorus.
``I have abundant proof of the relationship. This
morning I have listened to the story of your treachery.
I have seen the woman whose son, represented
to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery.
I have learned your wicked plans to defraud him of
his inheritance, and I tell you that you have failed.''
``I shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all
my property to my grandson, excepting only an annual
income of two thousand dollars to yourself. And
now I must trouble you to find a boarding place.
After what has passed I do not desire to have you in
the family.''
``I do not believe he is your grandson,'' said John
Wade, too angry to heed prudential considerations.
``Your opinion is of little consequence.''
``Then, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning.
I will send for my trunks during the day.''
``Good-morning,'' said Mr. Wharton, gravely, and
John Wade left the room, baffled and humiliated.
``I hope, sir,'' said the housekeeper, alarmed for
her position; ``I hope you don't think I knew Mr.
Frank was your grandson. I never was so astonished
and flustrated in my life. I hope you won't
discharge me, sir--me that have served you so faithfully
for many years.''
``You shall remain on probation. But if Frank
ever has any fault to find with you, you must go.''
``I hope you will forgive me, Mr. Frank.''
``I forgive you freely,'' said our hero, who was at
a generous disposition.
CHAPTER XXII
CONCLUSION
Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the
poorhouse in Crawford. It was a sad contrast to the
gentle and kindly circle at Mr. Pomeroy's. What
made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear
nothing of Frank. She feared he was sick, or had
met with some great misfortune, which prevented
his writing.
One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door.
From it descended our hero, elegantly attired. He
knocked at the door.
Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came
to the door in a flutter of respect, induced by the
handsome carriage.
``What do you wish, sir?'' she asked, not recognizing
Frank.
``Miss Grace Fowler!'' repeated Mrs. Chase,
almost paralyzed at Grace being called for by such
stylish acquaintances
``Yes, my sister Grace.''
``What! are you Frank Fowler?''
``Yes. I have come to take Grace away.''
``I don't know as I have the right to let her go,''
said Mrs. Chase, cautiously, regretting that Grace
was likely to escape her clutches.
``Here is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman
of the overseers of the poor.''
``That is sufficient. She can go. You look as if
you had prospered in the city,'' she added, with curiosity.
``Yes. I have found my grandfather, who is very
wealthy.''
``You don't say!'' ejaculated Mrs. Chase. ``I'll tell
Grace at once.''
Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the
arrival. What was her surprise when Mrs. Chase,
entering the room, said, graciously:
``Go up at once, Grace, and change your clothes.
Your brother has come for you. He is going to take
you away.''
Grace almost gasped for breath.
``Is it true?''
``It is indeed. Your brother looks remarkably
well. He is rich. He has found a rich grandfather,
and has come for you in a carriage.''
In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and
put on her best dress, poor enough in comparison
with her brother's clothes, and was soon happy in
his embrace.
``I am glad to see you, my dear child,'' said Mr.
Wharton, who had accompanied Frank. ``Will you
come to the city and live with me and your brother?''
``Oh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is.''
``Good-bye, my dear child,'' sand Mrs. Chase, whose
feelings were very much changed, now that Grace
was a rich young lady. ``Come and see me some
time.''
``Thank you, Mrs. Chase. Good-bye!''
The carriage rolled on.
* * * * * * *
A few words only remain. Our hero was placed
at a classical school, and in due time entered college,
where he acquitted himself with distinction. He is
now making a tour of Europe. Grace was also
placed at an excellent school, and has developed into
a handsome and accomplished young lady. It is
thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained
a place in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton's
influence, and is now head clerk, with a prospect of
partnership. His father received a gift of five
thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment
of his kindness to Frank. Tom Pinkerton holds
a subordinate clerkship in the same house, and is
obliged to look up to Sam as his superior. It chafes
his pride, but his father has become a poor man, and
Tom is too prudent to run the risk of losing his
situation. John Wade draws his incomeregularly, but
he is never seen at his uncle's house.
- agreeable [ə´gri:əbəl]
a.适合的；符合的 (初中英语单词) - character [´kæriktə] n.特性；性质；人物；字 (初中英语单词)
- lawyer [´lɔ:jə] n.律师；法学家 (初中英语单词)
- relieve [ri´li:v] v.救济，援救；减轻 (初中英语单词)
- curiosity [,kjuəri´ɔsiti] n.好奇；奇事；珍品 (初中英语单词)
- evidently [´evidəntli] ad.明显地 (初中英语单词)
- severe [si´viə] a.严厉的；苛刻的 (初中英语单词)
- communication [kə,mju:ni´keiʃən] n.通信；通讯联系 (初中英语单词)
- nephew [´nevju:, ´nɛfju] n.侄子；外甥 (初中英语单词)
- capable [´keipəbəl] a.有能力；能干的 (初中英语单词)
- provision [prə´viʒən] n.供应；规定；条款 (初中英语单词)
- tailor [´teilə] n.裁缝 vt.裁制(衣服) (初中英语单词)
- permanent [´pə:mənənt] a.永久的；不变的 (初中英语单词)
- abundant [ə´bʌndənt] a.丰富的；充分的 (初中英语单词)
- wicked [´wikid] a.邪恶的；不道德的 (初中英语单词)
- gravely [´greivli] ad.庄重地，严肃地 (初中英语单词)
- forgive [fə´giv] vt.原谅，谅解，宽恕 (初中英语单词)
- generous [´dʒenərəs] a.慷慨的；丰盛的 (初中英语单词)
- contrast [´kɔntrɑ:st] n.对比 v.使对比(照) (初中英语单词)
- circle [´sə:kəl] n.圆圈 v.环绕；盘旋 (初中英语单词)
- carriage [´kæridʒ] n.马车；客车；货运 (初中英语单词)
- wealth [welθ] n.财富，财产 (初中英语单词)
- flutter [´flʌtə] vi.飘扬；摆 n.拍动 (初中英语单词)
- grandfather [´grænd,fɑ:ðə] n.(外)祖父；祖先 (初中英语单词)
- wherever [weər´evə] conj.无论在哪里 (初中英语单词)
- distinction [di´stiŋkʃən] n.差别；特征；卓越 (初中英语单词)
- prospect [´prɔspekt, prəs´pekt] n.景色；境界 v.勘察 (初中英语单词)
- income [´inkʌm] n.收入，所得 (初中英语单词)
- convenience [kən´vi:niəns] n.方便；适当的机会 (高中英语单词)
- treachery [´tretʃəri] n.背叛；背信弃义 (高中英语单词)
- pension [´penʃən] n.津贴 vt.给予...抚恤 (高中英语单词)
- housekeeper [´haus,ki:pə] n.主妇，女管家 (高中英语单词)
- sternly [´stə:nli] ad.严厉地；坚定地 (高中英语单词)
- relationship [ri´leiʃənʃip] n.关系；联系；亲属关系 (高中英语单词)
- learned [´lə:nid] a.有学问的，博学的 (高中英语单词)
- inheritance [in´heritəns] n.继承(物)；遗传；遗产 (高中英语单词)
- misfortune [mis´fɔ:tʃən] n.不幸；灾祸 (高中英语单词)
- repeated [ri´pi:tid] a.反复的；重复的 (高中英语单词)
- cautiously [´kɔ:ʃəsli] ad.小心地；谨慎地 (高中英语单词)
- prudent [´pru:dənt] a.谨慎的；精明的 (高中英语单词)
- regularly [´regjuləli] ad.有规律地；经常地 (高中英语单词)
- imperative [im´perətiv] a.紧急的 n.命令式 (英语四级单词)
- cordially [´kɔ:djəli] ad.热诚地；亲切地 (英语四级单词)
- grandson [´grænsʌn] n.孙子；外孙子 (英语四级单词)
- upstairs [,ʌp´steəz] ad.在楼上 a.楼上的 (英语四级单词)
- classical [´klæsikəl] a.经典的；传统的 (英语四级单词)
- accomplished [ə´kʌmpliʃt] a.完成了的；熟练的 (英语四级单词)
- subordinate [sə´bɔ:dinət] a.次的，附属的 n.部属 (英语四级单词)
- fitting [´fitiŋ] a.适当的 n.试衣 (英语六级单词)
- greenwood [´gri:nwud] n.绿林 (英语六级单词)
- deacon [´di:kən] n.(教会的)执事 (英语六级单词)
- bewilderment [bi´wildəmənt] n.为难；狼狈；迷惑 (英语六级单词)
文章标签:名著
章节正文
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