The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-11-28

Ties LOT manuIactufe, I1tuc all competition
impossible. Evidently a magnificent fu-
ture was in store for the house.
The factory had resumed its old air Of
prosperity. A new building was in pro-
cess Of erection, intended to relieve the
busy crowd of wolk-people who filed the
older one like SO many bees. Job was
busy over his books all day, and his face
was radiant with satisfaction.
Florence was always busy, never seek
ing amusement or rest. Returning pros
peiity changed no one Of his personal
habits, nor was he less sad or silent. But
one day, when the intelligence had arrived
that his new invention, a model OF which
had been sent to the great exhibition at
Paris, had received the gold medal, the
highest prize, Mrs. Speed sent for him to
Join her in the garden, that she might tell
him of the good news.
For the first time a smile frightened
his care-worn face. His pride as an in
ventor was gratiiied, and Florence took
his friends hand IN a warm grasp.
81 am SO happy!" he said; but what q
difference in his tone. The words were
uttered without enthusiasm, without
hope. He was simply glad to have ac-
complished the task he had assigned him.
self
The bell rang to summon the work.
people from their midday leisure. Flor
ence obeyed also, and returned to his
drawing-table.
But he soon came down again, for the
news had moved him more than he wished
anyone to suppose. He wandered up and
down the garden, and smiled sadly enough
at old Denman as he passed the window.
ssWhat does he want T. wondered job,
puzzled at this unwonted restlessness.
But, in the evening, just as the cashier
was locking up, Florence came to him.
"Denman, ! should like here he
hesitated moment. "You may give me
that letter now, and the package too"
Job looked utterly astounded. Stupid
ly enough, he had fancied that Florence
thought no moro of Sylvia: that he had
forgotten her.
.Whatl you want
"Listei! ] can afford think n little
Of my own affairs. Hitherto, have al
lowed myself only to think of others"
"Very true," said Denman; snow let me
tell you what we had better do. The let
ter and packet are both at my house at
Hammersmith. Suppose we dine together
at Simpsons, as we used to do sometimes;
a man does not get gold medal every
day in the week, and we will drink q
bottle of good wine in its honor. Then you
can come home with me, stay the night,
and we can both of us take the first omni-
bus TO town tomorrow morning. Do me
this favor; it is so long since we passed
an evening together
Florence consented, not so much to do
honor to his medal as to hasten by some
hours the moment when he could open
that little letter. He must change his
clothes, which in itself was an exertion,
for IL was six months since he had put on
anything but an office-coat.
Mrs. Speed was summoned to the win
dow by an exclamation Of wonder uttered
by her nurse, and the sight of Florences
bowed form going out Of the gate with
job caused her strange pang, aud one
which she remembered long afterwards.
In the street lie received many cordial
greetings, which seemed to gladden. his
heart, while the noise aud confusion be-
wildered his brain.
MY head is dizzy and weak he said
to job.
"rake my arm, and don't think about
IT," answered his fidesd gaily.
The two men entered the restaurant,
and took table that stood in q recess of
window. Here was Jobs idea Of luxury
q large room, all gliding aud mirrors. As
each course was served, Job would insist
on Florence's trying il He did his best,
In his wish togratity his friend, but he
had little appetite.
''Don't you remembers, Job3f he said at
last.
"what2 The first time We dincd here ~
Florence shook his head.
"0h, no. l mean only three years ago.
II was there that we dined nearly three
years ago; in that very room. you and l,
and my wife,
''Yes, ] remember, murmured job, in
confusioni why had he brought his I'M
fortunate friend to n place that recalled to
him so much that was painfull
Florence, anxious TO enliven the repast,
raised his glass;
$40 your health, old friend
He tried to turn tho conversation, but a
few moments later he himself returned to
it.
"IIave yon seen herr
"Your wifel No. not once"
'Shc has not written again"
"No, never"
"But you must have heard something
about her in all these months. Is she
with her parentsT
mo, she is lot"
Florence turned very pale. He had
hoped that Sylvia was with her mother,
expiating the past by life of honest la
Dor. He had determined that by what he
should now hear OF her he would regulate
his future life; and sometimes he had
dreamed of failure in some far-distant
land where the shameful past would be
unknown. He had made no plans, but in
the depths Of his heart some vague idea
of the kind had taken root.
''Is she in ,I.ondon?" asked Florence,
after moments pause.
mo, she has been gone three months,
and no one knows where she Is"
Job did not add that she had gone with
Benedict, whose name she now bore, and
that her mother was broken-hearted. job
saw no need Of telling these facts, and so
sat in silence.
'Where shall we go now7" said the
cashier, as they left the restaurant
wherever you please"
Stroling down to the Strand, they no.
ticed concert.ioom in street running
towards the river and almost under the
railway station, towards which number
Of people were hul1'ying.
suppose we go in, too, for half an
hourf" said job, anxious 10 cheer his
friend, if possible.
florence made no objection. 1t looked
like the arch Of bridge, transformed in
to music-hall. Although ii was early,
tho room was crowded The air was suf-
locating, and the glare of gas bewildering.
Little tables We're scattered about, and at
the extreme end was raised platform
Our two friends had much difficulty in
finding seats, but finally established them
selves in corner, whence only a partial
view could be obtained of the platform, at
that moment occupied by magnificent
parsonage in evening dress aud lemon
colored kid gloves.
The rublic--the small tradespeoplc Of
the neighborhood, with their wives or
sweethca,ts--wer highly delighted with
the romance he was singing; but Florence
| and Job drank their beer without paying
much attention to the music, when sud-
denly the cashier exclaimed, just as the
song came to an end:
"There is We're de Laeyw
Sure enough, the old actor was there.
close to the little stage. lie was careless
ly leaning against pillar, dressed with
most punctilious care. his linen was dazz-
ling, and a huge flower adorned his black
coat. He occasionally examined the crowd