The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-01-30

copious draught himself, sat down
and with an effort to appear calm re-
sumed Lis interrogatories.
"Did you become personally &C.
quainted with the young man, or die
you obtain your information from
others 7"
~ had no time to make his &C
quaintance, but under the pretence Of
having a sister to place at school, ]
questioned the tavern keeper where ]
put up, and from the garulous old man
| received the information I have re-
peated," replied Brantly, recovering
his good humor Immediately.
thought the bird was snug enough for
a few days at least, and may be the in
telligence might be of service to you,
SO / only stayed one night and then
hurried away, and here | am"
:" It is Of the utmost Importance to
me, Bill, commend your judgment in
coming to me immediately and now |
shall leave her to recruit and look af-
ter Lauretta little, for I suppose you
are wondering why she has not made
her appearance here to welcome YOU
| have sent her down to the farm to
spend the nj hit, for I wanted to see
you alone, and now I must hurry away
without seeing her again / may re-
turn in q week, not sooner. / must
look after this matter myself. Count
me your debtor, Bill When return
l will prove how much / am your
friend. Kiss Laurette good-by for
me. and make yourself at home and
that's an invitation | have never ex.
tended to any man since this hut was
built. Good night" and muf1ing him.
self up warmly in furred over.coat,
which he took from the recess, Row
mean hurried out into the darkness of
the gloomy forest.
A letter for Miss Blanche" said
the servant, entering the drawing
room occupied by Monsieur Leclerk,
surrounded by bevy of young faces,
among which, fairest and queenliest,
was that of the dearly loved Blanche.
The lady rose, and taking the perfum-
ed note from the small silver salyer,
broke the seal, and hastily perusing
the contents, a glad smile lighting up
her conntenance, she asked to be ex-
cused, and hurried to her own private
parlor, where the note said her father
was even then waiting to embrace her.
Light as the footballs were on the soft
carpet, they caught the eager ear of
the listener, and while she paused
moment to recover breath, after rum
ming up the stairs. the door was OPEN
ed and she was clasped to the bosom
of tall elegant gentleman.
"Oh, father, 1 am most happy to
see you, even though your coming is
so unexpected" was her first saluta-
ton.
l thought to give you apleasant
surprise, love, though, indeed, my
journey was not long anticipated, even
by myself But how like your mother
you are growing. I can hardly real
lze that | am not looking at her living
self, " answered the gentleman, holding
her of at arms length, while his keen
eye scanned eagerly the beautiful
young face warm and glowing with
the happiness which the events of the
few past days had awakened.
But, dear Blanche, I have only stop
ped here on my journey for the pur-
pose of taking you home to Boston
with me. 1t will give you but short
time | know, but if possible Iwish you
to be ready to accompany me to.mor-
row, the day after at the very latest /"
Every shade of color left Blanche's
face at this announcement that she
must leave the spot where SO many
years had been spent, doubly hard to
leave now, since it contained the one
whose presence made her sunlight.
But she had no thought Of demurring
for a moment, she had been too we'll
trained by her pious teacher in the
precept, honor thy father &C., and she
had accustomed herself to the thought
that whenever her father claimed her
she must be willing to submit
She only said, bursting into tears,
81 viii be ready, but, indeed, father,
| was very contented here.n
Am | to understand by that, my
child, that you would be happier here
than in the home / have been at SO
much pains to have you fsted to
adorn ?'' @
" Not that, father" Blanche said,
smothering her sobs, and beginning TO
speak calmly, "Oh, no, not that, but
it seems very Sudden. They have all
been so good to me here / cannot helf
grieving toleave them" and she wept
afresh. " IL
Is that the only reason, my child !
When | visited Beech Grove q yeal
/ ago you seemed quite pleased with the