The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1875-12-22
tastefully trimmed with evergreens and flow.

tastefully trimmed with eyergreens and flow
ers, stopped before the entrance gate.
Grace Allison alighted, and came up the
walk. Seeing Ella she asked, fare you
ready, Miss Egcrton ?"
Ella was scanning with eager eyes the party
below, in search of some one she thought
must be there eyes, she said mechanic
cally, in reply to Grace's question.
We'll, come then, we are much later get
ting started than we should have been.'
ella caught up her hat and followed Grace
Town the path but Ellis Lelan was not there
nor any one else with whom she was in the
least acquainted with. The wagon was filed
mostly with middle-aged people. friends Of
the Allison's from the city. Her thoughts
turned eagerly to Lima whom she supposed
they would call for, but the horses were turn
ed in another direction and her name was not
mentioned.
Grace took her seat in The rear part of the
wagon besides her betrothed, Mr.. Dayton.
Ella was placed in the front part between two
portly ladies who, while they did not condos
cend to notice her, completely covered her
dainty muslin dress with their ample skirts,
and carried oil a whispered conversation be-
hind her back.
When they were almost half way to the
grove, Lima passed them in a fairy little car
r:age, in company with Mr.. Eaton. There
was simultaneous waving of handkerchiefs
and dofling of hats, to which Lima respond
ed by graceful wave of her small white
hand. But they passed like the wind and in
a moment were out of sight.
1t was very unpleasant ride to Ella, but
fortunately it was not long one. When they
reached the grove, Helen Allison rushed up to
her exclaiming Here is note for you
Miss Egerton Mr.. Lelan left it with me to
give to you if we saw you." "Oh, yes" re-
joined Grace. ~ had entirely forgotten it.
He said he supposed ydti were expecting him
to call for you, but as he wished to 60 with
LueIla, he would have to disappUint your ex-
pectation. / suppose lie Thought that note
woiild be some consolation !" and with a
light laugh, Grace took the arm of her lover
and walked away.
Ella was left alone. Sitting down on the soft
grassy knowl she read Ellis note. 1t looked
as though it might have been hastily penned,
and contained only two lines
"El,a-excuse me for not keeping my
promise to call early | will be there at ten.
ELLIS"
Had Ella known that it was written under
the scrutiny of a half dozen pair Of bright
hooking eyes, she could readily have account
ed for his GOODNESS.
But as it was it only plunged her still deep
er in sorrowful mystery, in regard to his
ungentlemanly conduct. AS she sat thinking
it over, Lima passed within short distance,
leaning ON the arm of Mr. Eaton, and looking
up into his face with bewitching sweetness
in her blue eyes. She kept her face studs
ously averted, as Ella endeavored to attract
her attention. And cold chill gathered a.
round the heart of the former, as she recalled
her uncle's warning. "Try your friend be-
fore you trust her too implicitly"
"Would Lima be found Wanting"
Hot glistening tears started to her eyes,
but she had to force them back, for Grace
Allison and Mr.. Dayton were approaching
"WiIl you take a walk with us, Miss Eyer
ton ?" she asked. You look lonely sitting
her all by yourself. "That recreant knigh
of yours will return by and by and then per
haps il he has not been successful enough II
secure another lady-loye. will humbly knee
at your feet for pardon and restored favor.
Grace ended up with her usual mock'pi