The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1860-08-22


SO to night, bnt circumstances proven
i ted
j is it too late yet ? VIII you q
with me? Let me be your cavalier
once more as in the old times"
An idea occurred 80 Bertha hers
was an excellent opportunity to put
in execution the plan which she was
thinking Of when he arrived. What
should prevent her? Nothing, and
she resolved and her answer was,
+" / shall be delighted I'm sure
| will be ready in few moments"
/ Resting gracefully on the crimson
cushions, sat the fair Mrs. Mortimer,
and her fairer daughter, Helen Nor
timer, dressed in regal splendor, and
her gorgeous attire suited well the
dark style Of her beanSy. A smile Of
triumph and gratifed vanity shone in
her flashing eyes, as she listened to
the nattering remarks of Philip Ora
ham, whose very dis tinguished ap-
pearance, polished manners, and rea-
dy wit, made him most agreeable
companion. and TO whose good Offices
she trusted for admiGaance to circles
from which her bold gayety and fire.
dom of manner might otherwise debar
her AS for Philip Graham, though
he wou'd never dream Of such #o-
man for the quiet atmosphere Of home,
yet he loved toswhTe way an hour in
her company, little dreaming that
pain or anxiety WAS caused By his
conduct, since no word or act Of Ber-
tha's limited as much.
See. Graham" exclaimed Miss
Mortimer, is not that your wife in
the box opposite US ~
Bertha / declare /! How came
she here and with stranger too y
said Philip, looking in thu direction
indicated.
Then you don't know him 2" said
Miss Mortimer. st Very elegant in
appearance, and very much deToted
to his fair lady, should say some
old lover I presume
d Excuse me, Miss Mortimer, but
my wife is too lady-like for indeEieacy, !"
he answered sternly
Offended Philip ? and with me z"
she said turning her lastrous eyes
pleadingly toward him. Pardon me
| did but jest"
She laid her ungl owed hand upon
his arm. But the arts which had
charmed and dazzled the young has
band had lost their pow 'er, and he on
" answered politely her expressions
Of regret. Bertha nt It his gaze of
surprise, smiling, but soon seemed alb
sorbed in the music, a nd the remarks
of her companion, W hose interest in
her comfort was sun, iently apparent.
He seemed well know among the au-
dience too; for the watchful Philip
noticed many bows . nd smiles of rec
ognition.
There is PR. Go lding, who knows
everybody / will TASK him the name
Of yonr w'lfe's atteadant,n said Mrs.
Mortiro' er, who had marked with sur
prise The discompa sure Of Graham,
who M, asshe told htar daughter after
VT .rds, she had supp ,osed too much a
nan of the world to care for his wife.
"Mr. Golaing, pray tell me the
name of the gentlt,ma opposite, that
one with the magnificent beard and
dark eyes.
Why, I declarel it is my old
friend, Leonard Percy. Must have
arrived to-day. lie has been four
years absent / mssst go round and
see him. 7 see he has found Mrs Gra-
ham already. Icongralulpte You sir.''
he continued, turning TO Philip. -
" Congratulate me ! for what ?" NUT
tered Philip, in sur prise, q dim idea
entering his brain that Helen was
right in her conjecture and that Mr..
Golding meant to insult him.
The opera was over at last, and re-
sisting for the first time Helen's al
Turing glances, and Mrs. Mortimer's
earnest invitation to come in and
spend an hour at cards, Philip hasten.
ed homeward In time to see a carriage
drive rapidly awRy. from the door
Bertha was already unbinding hel
tresses when be entered her chamber
! and in answer TO his questions. sht
! only answered carelessly,
. Yes, had an opportunity, and ]
thought I would improve it. Yor
, know il looks 50 stapid for married
people to be always together in pub.
; lie. Leonard is an old friend Of mine
and I am glad he has returned
shall enjoy his society very much. :
She vas only repeating words whicl
Philip had used many q time ghel
praising the beauty and grace 9
some new acquaintance bat they di'
! not seem very satisfactory now, for b
! only rnattered humph,'' 10 q diacon
tented way and was silent.
Bertha saw the success other scben
and laughed mischievouslE as she 10.
81 down TO sinnlber. and dream, per