The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1882-12-27

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you have made no other engagement be
said.
Still Barbara hesitated. She had not
promised to go, she reflected He had not
even asked her but simply informed her
that he would call at certain time as If she
had no choice about the matter. Again that
distracting vision of the black horses and the
gold mounted harness and Barbara said hes
itatingly- have made no other engage
ment, but" " that settles it," broke in
Frank, and viii call for You early
Barbara was not quite sure of its being
settled, for her mother-Oh terrible thought
what would her mother say. Barbara
quaked with fear every time she thought OF
it, and yet she had not the courage to tell
Frank the truth. She did SO long for drive
behind his housekeeping ponies and of
course if she retracted her partly given
promise he would not ask her again. So
the afternoon wore away and Barbara went
home in very unsettled state of mind.
A dozen times before the fair she resolved
to send Frank a note saying she would be
unable to accompany him and as many times
she was deferred by the bewildering vision
of that gentleman with what she was sure
would be the most stylish turnout on tho
grounds.
The morning of the fair found her as far
as ever from decision At seven o'clock
she was dressed and trying ON demure
looking hat which made her round gypsy
| face look coquettish enough to satisfy the
most exacting mortal but il failed to afford
her any satisfaction on this particular morn
ing She was in terrible state of uncer-
tainty and excitement which she exhibited
by pacing up and down her room declaring
that she was the most unfortunate girl in
existence and she had half mind to
stay home.
Suddenly she paused and pursed up her
small mouth in defiance. She would let
fate decide it whichever gentleman made
his appearance first should be the lucky one.
Tint would be perfectly fair for oil parties
and would remove the responsibility from
her own shoulders, she reasoned.
John Barclay was very busy that morning,
He gave his carriage thorough washing
and just at the last minute he concluded to
blacken and brighten up his old harness a
little. He knew all about Frank Hamlin's
stylish carriage and horses, and the new har-
ness which attracted SO much attention. He
had also observed the Irritation between him
and Barbara at the picnic and remembering
Barbara's weakness for stylish turnouts he
felt particularly anxious to have everything
in the best possible shape. So he worked
steadily and it was after eight o'clock when
he led Bay Harry out and put him to the
carriage. Bay Harry was really very
decent appearing animal and he looked SO
sleek and shining and held up bis head so
proudly when they drove out of the yard
that John was tolerable well satisfied with
his general appearance.
1t was not more than mile to Mr.. Cum
nirgham's and he had gone nearly half that
distance when snap went one of the traces.
Gould anything have been more unlucKy ?
And Barbara would be waiting too for he
had promised TO call at eight. He turned
all his pockets inside ont in search of some
Irvine but of course none was to be found
so he led Bay Harry to the fence, secured
him there, and hurried across a couple of
fields to the nearest house. The dew was
not yet dried from the grass and its effects
on Johns dusty shoes completely obliterated
all traces of the vigorous backing he had
that morning given them.
cts half past eight this very minute"
he muttered as he returned and proceeded
to tie up the unfortunate strap. Just then
there was a sound of wheels and John looked
Up to discover u charming little carriage
with the top smashed distraetingly flat, and
pair of jet black horses Sc. off with gold
mounted harness on which the sunlight
flashed and quivered in manner dazzling
TO behold.
whats up2" cried Frank Hamlin pulling
up on tho lines.
Nothing" said John shortly, and Frank
whirled away
He'll go right by Mr.. Cunningham's and
Barbara will be sure TO see him." fumed
John. If it hadn't been for this COMPOUNDED
trace I'd have been there long ago. He
gave il a vicious jerk to see if it was safe,
and stepped back to note the effect. 1t was
not very satisfactory of course, and vowing
vengeance on the whole business he sprang
into the carriage and in five minutes was at
Mr. Cunningham's.
Barbara was not on the piazza rs he sup
posed she would be, neither was her bright
face visible at the window. Mrs. Cunning
ham met him at the door with such a blank
look on her face that John was frightened.
"Is Barbara sick 2" he asked anxiously.
"No," calculated Mrs. Cunningham ap.
oarently not knowing what to say.
whats the matter then, isn't she ready
TO goa
REALLY John, don't know what to make
of it, but Barbara has gone TO the fair With
Frank Hamlin."
John stared at her in establishment.
repeated slowly.
I'm sure I can't understand it at ALL"
declared Mrs. Cunningham waxing wrathful.
I happened 20 look out of the kitchen win
dow and there was Barbara getting into that
dandy fellows carriage. ran to the door,
but gracious they were out of sight in less
than minute"
John turned and left the house without q
word, but Mrs. Cunningham followed him
out You won't mind this John, you know
row grls are easily dazzied and led away;
promise you it shall never happen again."
But John did not commit himself. He
was hurt as well as angry and he turned
towards home in a very unenviable state Of
mind. He would not go to the fair he
resolved; and as they journeyed homeward
Bay Harry finding the check-rein broken,
dropped his head as if in sympathy with his
masters forlorn condition.
In the meantime Barbara was having a
delightful day. The long dive in the early
morning, the exhilarating air, even the
flashing gold trimmings on the harness all
conspired to make Barbara feel like young