The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1885-09-02

nor did they ever waste any precious time
in sentimental chat. ~ sS4
Love Is an exploded theory" said Mr..
Lennox loftily. ct will do in novels, but
too great number of unhappy marriages
have come under my observation for me to
believe it will do in reality"
=" No, it can not bear the test of time and
trial" said Miss Hart tritely, but with q
wise shake of her head -sz
But true friends may be friends for
ever" .s6ssa "a $43
"Ah, yes !" cried Judith, heartily, and
her bright, frank eyes met his unhesitat-
ingly.
So they discoursed, and firmly believed.
Danes books and Judith's pictures were dis
cussed and often gently criticised, hopes
and aspirations were confided to each other,
and every day the bond of friendship be-
same stronger.
Beware - said Mrs. Weatherby, Judith's
lunt, warningly.
Beware, Aunt Sue ?"
eyes: these friendships between men
and women are dangerous"
Judith's red lips curled in proud SMILE
"To weak-minded sentimeutalsts friend
ship may be dangerous, but not to Dane
Lennox and your clear-headcd- niece" she
said, with confidence, carefully mixing
some colors on q palette. g / am to illus.
trate an article Mr.. Lennox has recently
written. Have no fears, Aunt Sue; we are
too practical, too deeply absorbed in our
work, to have time to fall In love.n
And Mrs. Weatherby could only secretly
hope SO, for she loved the girl dearly.
That was delightful summer to the two
friends. They walked and talked in sun
light and moonlight; they were an inspira-
ton to each other Lennox sketched out
his strongest, best book, and Judith paint.
ed q picture superior TO all former efforts.
And this daily intercourse was all the
more precious because it could not last
long. In the autumn Judith would return
to the city, but Lennox had decided on a
trip to Southern California. But by tacit
consent they left the future alone-at least
that portion of it in which they were to be
30 far apart.
So the days passed, and the golden sum-
mer waned, and frosty chill crisped the
warm air. When the yellow haze of Sep
TENDER had wrapped land and sea in its
misty folds, and the roses were scattering
their withered leaves to the ground, Miss
Hart and Mr.. Lennox said goodbye. Sc
crotly both rather dreaded il and now they
did not dare to look to the future, lest its
gloom should dismay them.
t was early morning. The stage would
soon be ready to start, and Lennox hurried
over to Mrs. Weatherby's cottage for Inst
moment with his friend. @ 10
She stood in the porch, dressed in soft
gray, piece of lace round her full, white
throat, a deeply crimson rose fastened on
her breast, and never had she looked fairer
and more womanly. sharp pang rent
Dane Lennox's heart as he thought of the
lonely journey before him, and sudden
jealous fear that, in his absence, some Other
might supplant him, caused him to catch
his breath sharply. What if she should mar.
ry2 Where were his thoughts leading him
He pulled himself up rather fercely and
approached her.
Neither of them could lay any great claim
to calmness. but both tried to appear 80.
"This summer has been a profitable as
we'll as delightful season to me-" said Dane,
standing on the steps.
81 have reaped benefits from it also,'
said Judith, steadily, but with her eyes low
sred. f fa
81 hope that you will not forget me, OF
or allow any one else to claim my place"
Impossible to do either"
3"W We have been true friends, Miss Hart. "
eyes Mr.. Lennox."
He looked long and steadily at the face
half turned from him, then held out his
hand.
"Good-bye, dear friend" softly and with
tenderness.
Goodbye" Mr.. Lennox. wish you o
safe and pleasant journey" she faltered
and with face still averted. tx
"Thank you, and may you be happy ant
successful"
An odd restraint had fallen upon them
and more words they did not indulge in.
His hand released hers slowly, reluctantly
and IL was with rather lingering step he
went down the walk to the little gate and
out to the stage. Judith watched him out
of sight then turned away to seek her own
room, very pale and quiet.
For the remainder of that day she was in
visible, and when she came down in the
evening curious change had passed over
her handsome, high-bred face--a subtle
change. softening while it saddened it--and
! certain heaviness about those clear, bril-
liant eyes betrayed the nearness of tears.
Mrs. Weatherby looked on, understood,
but was too considerate to question or to
say, 81 told you sol"
Judith flung scarf over her head and
shoulders and walked down to the beach.
It was moonlight night, and the white
capped waves rolled in breaking into a
thousand sparkling jewels on the rongh
rocks. But Judith walked with sad, down.
east eyes and saw not the loneliness of the
world around her. A miserable sense d
loneliness and loss oppressed her, crnshei
her heart, robbed her of that proud indie
pendence she had so fondly cherished
A step crunched the sand behind her
and turning half startled she faced the mai
who had been in her thoughts all day.
Mr.. Lennon |" she cried, and started
back from him.
g Yes; have made short work Of my
TRIP" he said, with half laugh, then burs
put: II have been fool, Judith. Laugh
1t me If you will but love you. I hav'