when they
saw the objectionable paragraph, although they did make light before me
of my terrors and apprehensions; and it remained a fact, that Edward
went at once to a friend and brother lawyer, to request him to take
steps to prevent any further annoyance or developments in the matter.
It so happened, said this gentleman, that he had a hold upon the editor
of the "Morning Bugle," which that personage would be very sorry to
have him use to his disadvantage; and he assured Edward that he would
settle the affair in such a way that none of us need fear any future
trouble or publicity.

How the thing had become known so as to afford matter for newspaper
gossip, we could not tell, and did not much care to know; probably,
through the talk of the servants, who had, of course, been acquainted
with all the particulars of the unfortunate incident. Exaggeration, and
a wilful desire to falsify a trifle to the discredit of those concerned
had done the rest; but our lawyer friend's remedy proved effectual, and
the "Morning Bugle" was silenced.

CHAPTER VI.

UNCLE RUTHERFORD'S PRIZE.

Uncle Rutherford, the most generous, the most benevolent, of men, had,
nevertheless, the most exasperating way of carrying out his kindnesses.
He would suggest or hint at something delightful, and which just met
the views or desires of his hearers, dwell upon it for a time, then,
after leading one to the very height of expectation, would apparently
put the matter entirely from his thoughts, and for days, weeks, or
months, nothing further would be heard of it.

To urge its fulfilment, or to endeavor to discover what his intentions
might be, was never productive of any good; on the contrary, his
intimates believed that this still further deferred the wished-for
result. Even aunt Emily, his much beloved and trusted wife, had learned
to possess her soul in patience, when he was supposed to be revolving
any thing of this nature in his mind.

The question of Jim's future had never been alluded to by him since
that day last September, when it had been discussed at our seaside-home;
and now it was nearly Christmas, and Milly was on tenter-hooks to know
if there was any thing favorable in store for her _protege_. She knew
better, as I have said, than to hurry matters, or to ask any questions.
That uncle Rutherford had not forgotten it, however, was evident from
the way in which he watched, and apparently studied, the boy's ways and
character; Ji