The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1878-10-23
MISCELLANY.
Written for THE RlcoRr.
JOHN LINDEN CAMpBELL'S MISTAKE
by LENA WARD,
author Of g. Reese Whitney in Search for a
Wife,


John Lynden Campbell was "fine young
man." people said
He had been called " fine boy" and some
motherly old ladies called him fine boy still.
| hope the reader will not mistake that word
" fine to indicate that he was at all diminu-
tive in statue. Lest they should | will lal-
though | abhor description say that he stood
just six feet on his boots bad broad muscular
shoulders, large and welldeyeloped head i,
prominent but handsome features and luxuri-
ent curling wbiskers collectively considered,
dress included, he made very distingue spec
imep of the masculine gender.
This added to his supposed remarkably fine
qualities of mind rendered him an object Of
interest to all the marriageable girls in the
town. And why not
Whoever got John Lyndon Campbell knew
who they we're getting Wasn't he branch
of the distinguished family of Campbells who
were all wealthy but this one unfortunate
scion whose uncle, the Squire, instead of
leaving his property to him as he should have
done, left it to two nephews in Che South.
1t was reported that Aunt Polly Brewster,
the huckster woman at the corner, who had
lived for some years in the Campbell family,
was once heard to say when she was little the
worst for liquor. that " John needn't feel SO
big, that he was no relation to the Squire /;
but was tuck from the poor house, but Sue
always denied that she ever said it, so of
course it was not believed.
II was varv unlind nnanla said f,r tha
Squire to cut his nephew of without cent
such fine boy too, so they made lion Of the
" fine boy" and he had been popular ever
since. When he became old enough, Tro-
bridge & Co., in whose store he had entered
as errand boy, placed bin among the clerks at
favorite with the ladies, who daily thronged
it who found his taste invaluable when Sc
lecting their dresses. For he always could
tell them just what would suit their " fair
complexion, elegant figure" &c. 1t was sell
dom that customers left his counter without a
package in their hand and look of complac-
ent satisfaction on their face
Meanwhile there appeared in the society of
Beachwood an heress by the name of Jessie
Dinsmore. She had lived there some years
before, but left to accompany her invalid faith
er to Europe. He was dead and she had re-
turned with train of servants to occupy the
| fine old mansion, belonging to her now for she
was his only child.
Beachwood who had known her from child
hood, welcomed her with open arms, and she
soon became the belle Of its refined circle
where, of course, she met John Lynden Camp
bell.
They were mutually attracted, and soon al
intimacy sprang up which ended in an en-
gagement, or rather an ac cptance, the en-
gagement being laid over to await the sane
tion of an aunt, Jessie's only near relative
whom she always consulted before taking an
important step Z" But she will think as
do, dear Lynden for how could she think
otherwise ?" said Jessie fondly j; to which be
agreed mentally and feeling sure of success
awited with satisfaction the advent of this la
dy, who he learned was very wealthy, and
that Jessie was her only heir.
But this last drop in his cup of prosperity
was too much. He magnifed bis own great
ness, grew naughty and lofty, and refused tc
direct the poor and plainly clad people, who
escaped the notice of the porter, and came tc
his counter to inquire for cheap materials, to
the underground apartments where they were
kept Conscious of what he had once beer
he looked upon these people something in the
/ light of poor relations, and cut their acquaint
ance accordingly.
During the afternoon of the day Jessie'i
aunt was expected to arrive, as he stood care
fully folding superb price of moire antique
woman attired in a plain brown linen, will
wan face which he interpreted as indicative
of poverty, approached him. g wish to lool
at some cheap delaines and calicoes, she sale
inquiringly They are not in my depart
ment . he replied frowniugly. g suppose
they are kept here. Win you be so kind a
to direct me-" g There are stores at the 9th
er end of the town whore you can probabl.
get suited, . he returned gruffly and he alb
ruptly turned his back, and adjusted the sill
upon the shelves. I" Perhaps so but am no
able to go so far persisted the woman.
A lady came sweeping her rich silk acros
the carpet. He turned with bow full O
gracousness and said, /" What can show you
Mrs. Dunbar Z"
x