The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1882-05-17
Then he ross to 90, but before doing


said, almost apologetically. "It is a rule
from which never deviate."
The next day he came, He brought with
him nothing but the picture on which he
was at work, his paints and easels, and one
or two wooden models
OF course never intruded upon him at
his work, but he grew into the habit, as he
passed the open door of the sitting-room, to
drop in and talk with me.
One afternoon, when he had fingered over
his painting longer than his won't, and SEEM
ed more tired, asked him to stay and take
q cup of tea with me.
could not but see how gladly he con-
scented. OF course did my guest all honor
With my own hands / drew the old heir
looms from their covers and placed them on
the table. With pardonable pride ushered
him into the room.
Are you not afraid to live alone Miss
Loring," he asked, "with so much valuable
silver ?"
ooh, mol" I answered " / keep it in
safe built in the wall, and sleep with the
key under my pillow, No one would think
of looking for it there"
| And then I went on to explain to him my
horror of banks, and how much of my world
ly goods preferred TO have under my per-
sonal supervision.
g 1t is not safe, he insisted 81 wish 1
had the right to refuse to allow You to run
such risk"
With what tenderness he uttered the last
sentence! To what was it the prelude? 1t
must not come upon me too suddenly. l
could not bear the fullness of its ecstacy,
but no longer doubted what for long had
suspected-Algernon's heart was mine.
AS he babe me goodnight he held and
pressed my hand. I fear my head, spite of
the injury to my cap, fell one brief instant
on his manly shoulders, heard something
like sigh; then he tore himself away.
was again alone.
The next day did not see him on his
way to the studio Two men were with
him, SO he could not stop. They were rather
rough-looking men evidently models
Shortly after, one of them passed down the
stairs and went out. q en- Algernon came
'Where is your VISITOR" asked.
"They both have gone" he said
l thought it strange l had not seen the
other pass, but soon Algenon's presence
made me forget all else; only he seemed
distract and i'll at ease
Perhaps had been too cold, too distant,
and SO Ind wounded his noble heart. I ST.
- q.
emily modesty, and show him more of the
true heart which beat but for him. Before,
however, had gotten my courage quite to
the point he had gone.
sat alone for two, perhaps three hours,
until the twilight fell Then sudden de-
sire assailed me to G. up and look at the
progress Of his work had not seen the
picture since the day it eame, and he had
been with me fortnight.
Softly opened the door. The picture
was ON its easel, covered by cloth. Tho
latter gently raised, but could discover
ON the canvas no change. Doubtless, lost
in thought of me, Algernon had striyen in
vain to pursue his art.
l sank into chair and gave myself up to
| sweet reverie, when suddenly started A
| loud and violent sneeze sounded close beside
me. sprang to my feet and looked about
the room. II was empty, save for the two
wooden models and myself
One of these latter Algernon had evident
ly been copying, since he'had dressed it in
the brigand hat and coat he kept for that
purpose, and which he once had shown me-
A great terror assailcd me; / searched
every corner of the room. In vain-I could
discover nothing.
AT last l went out, but taking the key
from the door, locked it behind me- Onmy
way down stairs l caught glimpse of Jen-
ny's (my maid-of-all-worl) young man es-
Gaping through the back door.
did not approve of followers, but Jenny
was so good and faithful that | sometimes
had to shut my eyes to the somewhat fire.
quent visits of the young butcher, who evil
IDENTITY intended her 10 share his lot. Some
how my recent fright made the presence of
man, even butcher, q thing to be desired.
"Tom" called. He came back, bow
ing awkwardly. ~ don't mind If you stay
to tea" said. I'd feel better to know you
were in the kitchen within call"
Thank, ye miss but l can't stay to.
night, and ye needn't be nervous, for I'm
just after seeing Mr.. Vernon looking ont of
the studio window"
"Mr. Vernon has been gono two hours"
said.
swell, then it was some one else in the
studio, for / certainly saw mans head by
the window when / came in half-hour
ago."
His assertion made me doubly nervous.
at is very strange" said: and then I
told him what had happened.
"Let me go up and look, Miss Loring,n
he suggested.
Conserving, led the way, but stood back
that he might enter alone--Jenny, mean
while, bringing up the rear.
1t was now quite dark. Tom struck
light. The room was silent and empty.
Had some ghost been playing us tricksi
Doubtless if Tom had had only my story, he
would have been at once satisfied that my
imagination only was at fault. AS it was no
looked about him puzzled and perplexed.
Suddenly he made a spring forward.
"Don't, don'tn / cried. "You will dis
turb the model?
But too late. He already had clutched 1t
by the throat and, to my intense consterna-
ton and aniazement, it, too, became endued
with animal life.
For few moments the two struggled for
the mastery, Jenny and /, meanwhile,
screaming at the top of our lungs; but be-
fore the police arrived, Tom had bound the
fellows hands, and stood triumphant over
his PROSTATE form.
lie soon made piteous confession. 1t was
not his fault He had been hired to open
the door at midnight to Algernon Vernon,
and was to assist him carry off tho booty.
''Mr. Algernon Vernon 2" I gasped.
The fellow smiled hidcous smile.
Yes, miss" he said. "IIis real name Is
Jake Brown however He gaid there'd be