The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-05-02

low-traveler's conversation He seemed
now in the highest possible spirits, and
did his uttermost to entertain her; but
well as he succeeded in doing this, he
could not make her quite unconscious of
the passage of time.
thought the steamer crossed in an
hour and half" said she but we have
surely been more than two hours on
board"
40, dear no, l think not. There's a
good deal of wind tonight, however; so
dare say they will be a little longer
than usual"
Mrs Hartfcld questioned him about
the time more than once after this, but
he was unable to give her any definite
answer.
1t is all right, he said vaguel y, aud his
spirits mounted as the boat plunged gaily
through the water.
With the first CLEAN of morning they
neared the shore. Their luggage was
ready for landing among the first, only
a couple of carpetbags and a portmanteau
which was pounced upon by officials, and
borne off to building in the distance.
Mr.. Comberlord led Alice up the steps
and put her at once into fly that loomed
duskily out upon them in the chilly at
mosphere. He came back to her present
ly with the luggage and seated him
self by her side; but before he could
reioin her she had asked the driver
the name of the place, and he had told
her that she was in Ostend.
She looked at Edward Comberford
with face full of horror.
"What a wretched mistake p she
said we have come by the wrong steam
or! Why did you not tell me the truth
on board? But, of course, we can go on
from here TO Paris. 1t is only the loss
of time that annoys me-"
"My darling Alice, you are as inno-
cent as baby exclaimed Mr.. Comber-
ford, with triumphant smile. awe are
no more going to Paris than we are to
the moon All stratagems are fair in
love and war. George fairfield is as well
as ever he was in his life, and the little
note you so implicitly believed in was
only specimen of initiative penman-
ship by your humble servant. WANTED
to get away from that dreary old town
without escandre, my love. We are
bound for the sunny Rhine and, there to
forget that there is such place as Nor
bury or such a person as George Hart
field"
And you think that | will 90 with
your"
"My dearest, do not think you so
foolish as to resist your fate. The Rubi-
con is passed, and return utterly impossi-
BILE. We gave your husbands old clerk
the slip at Dover. He will be in Paris at
seven o'clock, with the story of your jour
ney, which will at once be set down as
an elopement."
{" am not so weak or 50 wicked as
you think" cried Alice snatching her
hand Indignantly away from his grasp
Foolish and guilty as,I have been in
listening to you, am not so base as to
bring dishonor on my husbands name.
You must take me on to Paris, Mr., Com
berford or must 90 alone"
" Impossible"
"Where are we going now?"
"To hotel | must get you some
breakfast There is no train for Paris
till seven; there is one for Cologne at
the same hour, and it is by that we are
to travel" l.a .r. .aI .
Alice looked at him in despair. What
ever love she had felt for him died a
sudden death in this moment of agony.
How gladly she would have welcomed her
husbands honest face. How bitterly she
reproached herself for the neglect of the
old clerks warning.
" He was my truest friend, she thought
-"and refused to listen to him"
They were at the door of hotel by
this time, and while the driver was ring
ing second fly drove up, and an old
man alighted. II was Mr. Morgan, the
clerk.
Alice gave cry Of delight, and call
ed him to the door Of the vehicle.
"There has been mistake" she said
Mr.. Comberford brought me by the
wrong boat But, thank Heaven, you
came the same way. You can take me
on to Paris" ,rI .. Ifrr ,r. r.f
"Or back to Norbury, whichever you
prefer, madam" answered the old clerk,
respectfully Mr.. Comberford has an uu-
fortunate habit of making mistakes
This is not the6rst time he has signed
another mans name by mistake. There
was an awkward business about forged
accommodation bill some four years ago,
which induced Mr.. Comberford to cross
the Atlantic" ...f..r.+..
what do you mean sir?" cried the