The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1880-09-01
MISCELLANY.
a W0MAN'S INFL UENCE.

$50 you've allowed yourself to be be-
witched by that little siren. Miriam Tolbert,
I'm told, Dukeheart 2"
"Pm afraid can't contradict the report"
said the major.
His companion laughed and shrugged his
shoulders. They were having charming
little dinner at the club, with some half doz-
en- other convivial souls.
s..See here, now, old fellow, he continued,
as he uncorked second bottle Of old port and
filed the. mejor's glass to the brim. = you're
fond Of your glass, think, as well as the
rest of us-your old port, your sparkling
champagne, your brandy, old rye, and all the
rest Of them. Isn't It so P''
"Couldn't do without them. My dear Eel,
low, what are you driving atsn said Duke
hart, tossing off his glass.
"rll tell you, major. You acknowledge
that you are bewitched. Very well /; now, do
you know what your pretty sister Is q"
"Of course do. She's the pretticst wo-
man in Boynton.' n
Granted but she's something else.--
Dukehart, my poor fellow, she's reformer
an out and out temperance advocate. Did
you ever notice what ooquettish little blue
ribbon she wears just above her heartP WE'LL
that's the badge of the order. She's tenn
perapce reformer, old fellow aud If you mar
ny her she'll reform You just as sure as your
names Tom Dukehart.'
The major laughed, and all his comrades
Joined him. He was the leading spirit Of
the club, d wild, dashing, handsome young
fellow, rich, gay, and just the least bit too
fond of his glass.
Have your laugh out boys" he said
pleasantly I" but it all amounts to nothing.
I'm bewitched, confess, but not TO the ex-
tent you imagine. If pretty Miss Tolbert has
fancy for the blue ribbon crusade, well and
good, but she won't catch me in that trap
I'm too old bird to peck at that sort of chat,
you know" aE egH rsar asa
"Ah but we don't know, I" cried Eastman,
"do we, boysp III lay wager of almost
any amount that in less than month you'll
sport blue ribbon in your button-hole, and
roll up your eyes in holy horror at the sight
of dcmijohn
"Done 4" cried the major pushing for
ward his empty glass. Put up your stakes,
comrades. Aud lay wager that ! make
my pretty oliafmer haul down her. colors be-
fore she is week. older. What do you
say !" Xs3Y
Done done 70 cried half dozen voices
in chorus, and then the stakes were put up
and the glasses cinked merrily, and the
laughter became uproariouss M
"My dear Miriam, really hope you have
no intention of encouraging Major Duke
heart,,' said Miriam's mother, as that young
lady was dressing for Mrs. Groves party
"He is handsome, agreeable person, I'll
admit, but so very wild, and fond Of his glass,
too, I have been told. His attentions are be-
coming quite marked, Of late. My dear child,
pray take my advice and discourage him at
once.n 3s as
ed her.
Don't worry, mamma, love-" she said, IN
her soft, sweet voice q l shall do nothing
wrong. Perhaps shall be able to win Major
Dukeheart over to my way of thinking
clam afraid not. Miriam. The safer way
will be to let him alone"
A wistful look crossed the girls beautiful
face.
81 can not agree with you, mamma she
replied. .sWhen we have influence it sure
~ is our duty to use it for the good Of 9TH
ers. But do not distress yourself You may
trust me-"
Yes, my pet" said the mother, kissing
her daughters cheek, but these handsome
men are SO enticing, and q woman's heart SO
weak m
"And woman's influence 50 strong. You
must not forget that, mother said Miriam.
|
"Miss Tolbert, wont you drink philopena
with me q"
1t was Major Dukeheart who asked this
question, laying one hand on Miriam's arm,
while he held in the other . little crystal COB
let filled with sparkling wine.
Miriam turned and looked at him and her
dove eyes lit. The handsowe, pleasant face
of the tall soldier was growing very dear to
her girlish heart, and the touch of his hand
ON her arm made all her pulses bound and
Hutter.
"I'would like to obIige you," she said
with her sweet, winning smile, but there Il
matter of right and wrong involved, yor
see, and 1 m very sure you would not desire
me to do wrong, Major Dukehart."
Dear me, Miss Tolbert," began the ma
jor, feeling sure of winning his wager, bu
| tha touch of her soft fnoara an HE han1