The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1875-12-22
CHAPTER v.

Her first impulse was to make hor way out
of the grove and return home. 1t seemed i'm
possible to go back and endure Ellis Lelah's
neglect, and Grace Allison's flying sarcasms.
But gradually her self possession retiiined and
she reasoned the matter calmly in her mind.
True, Ellis Lelan had sought her especial So
ciety for several months past. But perhaps
her heart alone had taught her to believe that
her thousand nameless acts of affection meant
more than friendship while there was one
he regarded with higher holier love. If
this was SO she felt that it would not be JUS
tice to blame him, Or respect him the less, no
matter how much she might suffer by the al
tentative.
That he had known and loved Luella before
he became acquainted with her, Grace's re-
mark clearly indicated +; and the unpleasant
thought suggested itself, that be might been
using her as means of testing that young
lady's sentiments toward himself. But this
was mere supposition, and she tried to dis
miss it as such.
There was something however connected
with his conduct toward her, from which she
could not so easily acquit him of injustice !;
no. only had he failed to fulfill his engage
ment, but he had spoken lightly OF her in the
presence of strangers and she recalled
Grace's words.
" He supposed that you were expecting him
to call for you, but as he wished to SO with
Luella, he would have to disappoint your ex-
pectations." The note too, had been care
lessly left for I" some one to give her, If they
saw her."
AS she reviewed it, it seemed SO utterly un-
like him, SO at sariahbe with any trait Of his
character, that had she not possessed par
ta evidence of it in the note still crushed in
Ter fingers, she would have doubted the
truth of it.
Situated as Ella was, many girls would
have done all sort of absurd things. Some
would have follow her first impulse, gone
home Immediately, and left him to wonder at
her absence. Others would have adopted an
air of offended dignity, treated him with
studied GOODNESS and firted desperately with
any one who offered.
But Ella was d girl of more practical good
sense than sentiment and with the air Of a
well balanced mind, she wisely decided Upon
the course she should pursue.
Although she could not shut her eyes to
the fact that His Conduct was unaccountably
strange sire determined to allow lin an OPP
portunty to give her an explanation. Ac-
cordingly she resolved to go back to the grove,
and treat him just as she would have done
had he fulfilled his engagement and by the
close of the day if he gave no explanation or
apology for the manner in which he had treat
ed her, she would feel justified in stunning
him as unworthy of her respect.
Wiping away some natural tears, she
smoothed the crumpled letter, and putt u
in the pocket of the dress, adjusted her hat,
and walked quietly down the grassy isle to
the spot from which she had started. As she
approached it she saw Lima. Luella, and
Grace, standing in group convcrsing, and
at the same time looking eagerly in all direc-
tons.
The moment they saw her, they ran toward
her. Lima kissed her with affectionate IA
miliarity, cxclaiming "Why Ella, how do
you do. have scarcely seen you this morn
ing?"
ssShe is SO taken up with cousin Ned,'
laughed Grace ooh, don't mean that it
| Is all on your side +" she continued /; as Lima
regarded her with areproachful look. Ned
is as deep in the matter as you, shouldn't
be surprised IL he joined us at the Springs OF
his wedding trip"
A pretty blush suffnsed Lina's face, ane
the next moment Mr.. Eaton and Mr.. Dayton
joined them. :" She is found, ;" remarked thu
latter glaucing at Ella.