The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-06-13
CHAPTER II.


"The very man wanted to see," was
the exclamation Of my friend alluded to at
the close of the last chapter, when, shortly
after my arrival home l presented myself
at his office. "How've you been, old fel-
low? l was just going in search of you,
having ascertained you were expected any
day. You're in luck, or others are, don't
know which. The Lindons give splendid
party tomorrow night, and here is card
Of invitation, intrusted to me for you"
I am not acquainted with Miss Lin
don," / said, with assumed indifference, for
Lindon was the name of Clare's uncle.
"But you are sufficiently known to her
father" urged Stanley, "to be included in
so grand an affair; much to their satisfac-
tion guess, for the old gentleman admires
you, and is by no means unwilling, his own
daughter being engaged, that you should
become known to his niece, in whose hon
or the party is given. She and her sister
both are visiting there. They live in New
York The younger is an odd little thing
who cares nothing for gay amuSements, but
the elder is catch, not so much in point of
wealth, though their father is well off, as
that she is superbly brilliant. Lindon
promised to introduce her to the finest
beard in the State. By the way, see now
what makes you look so strange what did
induce you to have that of, Morris ?''
" 1t was whim, suppose can't get
used to its absence, though, and shall per-
haps cultivate another"
"Well, l must be off now. You'll go to
the party, won't you, and I'll call for you?''
"Yes, I'll CO." said, "that is, if you
think shall be admitted, beardless."
"Oh no doubt of that, for if the queen
ly Estelle is disappointed in you, she can
hand you over to the little one, who, to
my mind, is the truer woman and the most
attractive on that account
We were among the first arrivals the
following evening, but the brilliantly light
ed rooms were soon crowded with all the
beauty and fashion the city could boast
Estelle Lindon was regal, and her dress
would have done honor to Duchess, but l
had beheld her under other circumstances
l knew the disposition hidden beneath all
this splendor, and also knew of its supe-
rior. 1t is needless to say, was not daz-
zled.
"But where was Glare, would she absent
herself?" My heart sank like lead at the
bare possibility. Suddenly, it rose into my
mouth, for among the camelias and roses
in the conservatory, beheld the friend of
little Joe and the champion OF the shabby
coachman.
Her dress was very simple-pure white |;
and she wore no ornament save spring of
tiny pink and white blossoms in her hair.
A fine-looking gentleman was at her side,
minutely examining the flowers and assid-
ulously attentive, thought, to this, the
fairest of them all. had watched them
but moment, yet could gladly have
shaken that fellow out Of his boots, or SO
far into them that he would not have been
visible the rest of the evening.
"Are you fond of flowers, Mr.. Morris"
asked Miss Lindon, probably noting the
direction of my gaze.
"Extravagantly - answered, and she
at once led the way to the conservatory.
"My sister Glare, Mr.. Norris"
The hazel eyes fingered upon my face for
an instant, as though vaguely perplexed,
then slight flush arose to her cheek as she
bowed gracefully. Concluded on second
page.