The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1891-07-29
CHAPTER VT.

CHAPTER VI.
1t was early sumpser. June, not yet q
week old, had donned her loveliest garb and
the smiling earth rejoiced as the warm
kisses OF the burning sun fell upon her
hower-bedecked bosom, Hills and valleys
were carpeted with rich green velvet.
while lilacs, apple-blossoms daisies, but
tercups and laurel gave to the landscape
gay, brilliant tints and scented tho gum
mer breeze with the perfume of paradise.
A pleasing land Of drowsy-hed 1t was, OF
dreams that wave before the half-shut eye
and of gay castles In the clouds that pass,
forever flushing round summer sky"
Down q narrow road winding through
grove OF chestnut, maple and hickory trees
came a stylish dog-cart. A startled squir-
rel heard the clink and jingle of the har-
ness and springing upon fence-rail gave
one timid glance at the on-coming turn
out and then scampered into the woods to
find spot safe from the invasion Of man.
A robin, more daring than the squirrel,
perched upon the lowest branch OF a
neighboring tree and Justify warbled n
song of welcome to- the young man and
woman who passed that way.
It is hard to believe on such day as
back, putting cigarette and allowing
Rhoda to handle the reins, that sin and
sorrow can really oxist. Why is the world
80 beautiful? just look there, Rhoda," he
cried, as they left the grove behind them
and came suddenly upon the brow OF O lofty
hill.
The scene before them was enhancing.
Asilvery simmer In the valley told where
che river found its way toward the sea.
Farm houses nestled here and there, while
far to the north-ward the spires and
eteepies OF the city glistened in the sun
light.
Let's get out here and spend an hour,
RhOda, communing with our own souls
and box OF sardines."
The young man sprang out OF the cart
on the instant and gave his hand to his
companion. AS we have had only a
glimpse OF Rhoda Barr In the darkness
that precedes dawn, let me describe her as
ahe looked In the searching light Of the
midday sun. She was somewhat above
the medium height, slender, lissome,
graceful. Her hair was dark and luxuri-
ant, her eyes large and very changeable In
tint. Her features were delicately cut
and, as you watched her closely, you felt
that perhaps one OF her parents had died
of consumption. She was dressed quietly
in black and white checked cheviot. At
her waist, as usual, reposed bunch of
fragrant violets.
Throwing off her black straw sailor hat,
she allowed the gentle breeze to toy with
her disordered hair, laughing gleefully as
she helped Harlan TO spread luncheon on a
rock that seemed designed by nature to
serve them for q banquet-board. 1t was o
large, fiat stone that had been worn smooth
during the glacial epoch. It lay In tbs
shadow OF an enormous oak tree and not
far off little spring dubbed merrlly up
as though anxious to do It's share toward
the entertainment OF the unexpected
guests.
Isn't this jolly?" exclaimed Harlan, en-
Enthusiastically as he uncorked bottle Of
champagne and filled Rhoda's glass.
Indeed 1t Is. Adam and Eve before the
fall might have envied US
Yes. They had no sardines, no sand
wiehes, no champagne, no cigarettes
nothing but fruit, leisure and a great long
ing to know thing or two"
Rhoda was leaning against the tree, her
soft. liquid eyes lazily wandering over tho
landscape.
Do you really love me, Harry" she
asked suddenly, turning upon him pene-
trating glance that brought tho quick
blood to his cheeks.
Always In Doubt" he cried. What
more can | do, nhoda. TO prove my love
for you"
"Give me cigarette" she answered
smiling mischlevously.
Then my love-gauge will go up In
smoke. You are not superstitiousY"
"Heigh-hol Why should l be? What
must be-must be. In that philosophy
there Is no place for superstition. But
seriously, Harry" she continued, putting
her arm around his neck and drawing his
head down into her lap, "you have been
very restless for few days past. Tell me.
darling. what troubles you" She bent
down and hssed his red. voluptuous lips.
Nothing troubles me-" he answered
emphatically. Who could be worried In
such place, at such n timo as thls2 Do
you remember Riley's poem on June2
1t seems to voice the very spirit OF this
hour:
soQueeniy month OF indolent repose;
drink they breath In sips OF raro perfume,
A In thy downy lap OF clover-bloom
nestle like a drowsy child. and dosc
Tho lazy hours away. The zephyr throws
The shifting shuttle OF the Summer q loom,
And weaves damask-work OF CLEAN and gloom,
Before thy listless feet. Tho lily blows
Abugle-can OF fragrance FER the glade;
And. wheeling into ranks. with plume and spear,
Thy harvestarmios gather on parade
While. faint and far away. yet pure and clear.
A voice calls out OF alien lands OF shade
All hall the Peerless Goddess OF tho Yeari''"
Beautiful" exclaimed Rhoda
"Yes--but dusty" added Harlan reilling
his champagne glass and draining 1t to the
bottom.
what changeable fellow you are,
Harry One moment you are soaring In
the clouds, listening to the music of the
spheres. The n5xtinstant you come down to
earth and call for copy OF Puck or Judge"
So much the more run. The man whe
can derive enjoyment from Shelley and
Bill Nye is not likely to be bored In this
world"
Perhaps not But as he goes through
ME he may cause a vast amount Of sorrow
20 those who love him."
"Whyr l don't quite understand youis
Yes you do, Harry. You know won
RAat mean. Your heart is as tickle 90
your mind. Two. months ago. you wers
mentally In love with chemistry. Last
week there was nothing worthy your at
tention save the old English dramatists
Next week expect TO find you infatuated
with astronomy BY the end Of your
Senior year you will be mentally bas9,
worn out with the short-lived enthusiasms
OF Your four years sejourn here.e
Good heavens, what a lecture!" cried
Harlan, lighting cigarette and playfully
blowing the smoke upward into the hand
some face above him. And you say my
heart is as unstable as my mlnd9"
Il fear IL is" she answered sadly. you
will always receive more love than you
can give"
The young man gazed thoughtfullyacross