The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-05-26

made up her mind as TO the future. If this
was her fate why should she struggle TO
avoid 1t ? Alva Lathrop was man, subject
to other mems failings and frailties. Ariadne
was fair and young and loyable How could
she, Rebecca, cope with such odds as
these
But there was hnrd drawn look on her
face as she went into the parlor at Inst,
into the parlor where Mr.. Lathrop sat before
the Are, looking dreamily into the blaze of
the hardwood logs, and Ariadne was hem
stitching handkerchief by the last level
Tunrays that came through the western win
lows.
Alya sprung up, and took both her hands
In his. How long you have been, Becky"
he said, kindly.
We thought y never would come,"
said Ariadne, as she held up her work to see
how far she had progressed.
The dull red rose into Rebecca's cheek
bones. Was it necessary, she asked herself
fosithein to put ON this outer mask of hypoc-
aisy
I'll was making Biscuits she answer
ed, as she sunk into the chair that Alva drew
forward for her.
"How strange you look I" cried Ariadne.
You look so fiushed-no, you are pale |"
"You have been OVERRIDING yourself"
said Alya, seating himself beside her, with
the air Of loving propretorship which, once
10 deli htful TO her, now grated upon her
feelings as if it was premeditated insult.
:" am very well, !" she said briefly.
But you are not well,' said Alva, in.
tently studying her face. Dear Becky,
must insist ON your not working SO hard any
more"
Don't let's talk about myself, she said,
/ irritably. Is there no pleasanter topic to
be found ?"
q suppose Mr.. Lathrop thinks that there
/ is not, /" said Ariadne, with laugh.
Sly little cat !" thought Rebecca, biting
her lip does she think that she can de.
ceive me 2"
But" added the young girl, ainging
her work into the basket, and pushing back
the table, there Is topic that we wanted
to talk about We have something to tell
you, Rebecca :"
"I know II" said Rebecca, her heart flut-
tering like bird. "You must not tell me
what II Is. know already. You and Alva
have been afraid to speak out But-but-
will not stand in your way II you really
love him"
II DON'T said Ariadne, tossing the curly
bronze colored head. " But Alva thinks ]
do"
Iknow she does" said Mr.. Lathrop,
with calm, good humored superiority.
"You ought to be good judge" said
Rebecca with an asperity which she could
not control
And he is an excellent fellow" added
Lathrop, land deserves nice little wife
and since his salary at the store has been
raised, promised him to speak good
word to Ariadne in his behalf And she
has half promised to listen to his suit"
Do you mean" gasped Rebecca.
q mean my brother Jack" said Mr..
LAthrop. Didn't you know that be was
one of Ariadne's score OF suitors?"
Rebecca's wan face frightened like but
tercup in the sunshine.
Ariadne,n she cried, with a sudden tidal
wave of feeling that nearly took away her
breath, "why didn't you tell me this be-
fore 7"
''I--don't know" murmured Ariadne,
turning away her face--and then Rebecca
nodded triumphantly toward Alva, and
said
Yes, you are right. She loves him."
Aunt Dorothy was delighted when she
came in bringing with her the subtle odor
Of sunshine and ripe grapes.
g 1 asked ALIVE to try his influence with
her. she whispered confdentially to Re-
becca. "She's such q willful child that 1
can do nothing with her. and never shall
ba easy until she Is settled with good hus-
band. I'm awful glad But"
Rebeccal Rebecca!" Ariadne's voice
called out, just here, "your biscuits are all
burning up!"
But what cared Rebecca Lacy for biscuits,
Just then. Was not Alva Lathrop as true as
STEEL