The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1874-03-18

tlsst with her soft blue eyes, trailing over TIN
dusty floor.
The plans of the mind mature very rapid
ly sometimes, and by the time Horace hat
wrapped up the last package, he had decided
to make this incident result, If possible, to hi
advantage. He knew the clerks would b,
there in few minutes, and Calling the DO,
forward, he gave him a few orders in an un
dertone, and taking his hat said,
"Pm going directly by your place. If you
will permit me, will walk with you, and
carry these
A soft blush overspread Meta's face. at
is only little way" she said sit is not
worth while to trouble YOU" But her plead
ing eyes seemed to grant the request, and the
next moment Horace found himself strolling
along the cool avenue conversing with Meta
Peyton as affably as thorgh they had long
been acquainted.
A week passed away and she came regularly
each evening to the store, and rs regularly
Horace walked with her to Che entrance gate.
Then the ebony face of Cornelius, the serving
man, appeared, sombre, and uncommunicatiye
as usual, and from that time Meta came no
more at the close of the dusty day, like a
be.uteous vision.
But during these evening strols with her.
Horace had learned n good deal of the Peyton
family.
Her father had been one of the celebrated
firm of !" Peyton, & Co." ofRichmond Virginia,
The property still remained undivided and
would until Meta attained certain age,
which would be in a few months. Neither
her mother nor sister cared to mingle in the
society of Brookdel and as the small annuity
paid to her mother would not be sufficient to
support the style they wished they preferred
to live secluded until they came in possession
of their fortune. But she declared that she
loved society, and at times was so lonely she
scarce knew what to do to pass away the
long duh evenings
Horace's mind now dwelt constantly upon
her not it is true, as II had dwelt upon
Ethers, with tender yearning, but with a
thrill of pride that he alone of all Brookdell
had been honored with her society and conf
dence.
But now he was in perplexity to know just
how to follow up the advantage he had
gained. She had suddenly disappeared, MOI
could he catch even a glimpse of her as he
passed the dwelling
One evening he sat thinking it over. Oh
tho opposite side, clerk was whistling,
"Better be off with the old love
Before you are on with the new"
Horace knew he had no reference to him
but the sentiment seemed so natural, Il
could not help giving it a moment S reflection
mo" he said emphatically, that wor
certainty. must know before Ethel come
home whether / can succeed with Miss Pey
ton, and if not, / have still prize to fall bacl
upon"
Suddenly thought occurred to him. an
so home and talk it over with Salome. Sh
did not think Of it before" As he walked
down the avenue he began hummng an ali
from II Iraoitore, and it brought Ethe
rather unpleasantly to his mind, for she ha6
played it for him the evening before her de-
parturc to the city.
cts fortunate she is absent just::as this
time, f" he thought complacently, as he began
singing the chorus of popular song.
| AS he reached the first corner, lie came face
to face with his brothers wife. "Why
Salome, was just coming down to see you y
he exclaimed.
'Did you want anything in particular? y
"Yes, Gerry particular. / am in pursuit of
a wife under difficulties, and l watt you to
help me out" Horace rested his arm on the
iron railing that enclosed the ample grounds
of Lawyer Field, and looked at his sister with
rueful air.
81 did not suppose gou would have any
difficulty to secure Ethel Linwood, responded
Mrs. Elgin, with slight sneer on her proudly
curved lips.
Probably not but it's not Ethel am in
pursuit of just now"
"Who then, pray?"
"Meta Peyton."
Mrs. Elgin was not ignoraht of the intimacy
that had sprung up between that beautiful
| lady and her brother-in-aw.
"Have you seen her again." she asked
heartily. "Tell me about it."
"No haven't seen her, nor there isn't much
to tell, but it is like this. If were sure of
securing the hand of Meta Peyton, | would
break off with Ethel"
"why not find out them"
"Ah there's the rub, as somebody once
said How am to find out?''
There was pause, then Mrs. Elgin said,
GLOW can assist y6u?"
81 have plan something like this. II
could meet Miss Peyton several times while
Ethel is away, could judge something Of her
sentiments toward me. If were sufe of
Meta would treat Ethel with GOODNESS one
of her sensitive nature would soon under
stand.''
"Why not LET Ethel CO. you can do better?''
"Tm not sure. Her snug fortune is not to
be despised. These pretty little premises be-
long to her--a fellow has only to walk In and
hang up his hat"
s.Lct me see," said Salonic, musingly.
could get up some impromptu little parties
Mrs. Revere would give one l know. We