The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1896-07-29

many day but pride finally came to
the rescue, and determined to try to
forget Mary and the whole female sex.
Feeling that it would be impossible
to have any peace of mind with Mary
SO near, planned long trip to Europe.
1t had always been my fathers wish
that l, his only son, should take this
trip, but had always opposed it, think
ing that he could not afford it, for he
had two daughters, both younger than
myself, and longed to see them take
that position in society which good
education only can give. And, while
this European trip would not have seri-
ously interfered with my wishes for my
sisters advancement, | knew that it
would entail an amount of economy at
home that l did not like to think Of
But. seeing my depressed spirits and
perhaps guessing the cause, my father
renewed his persuasions, set forth in
glowing terms the advantages to be
gained. which none knew better than
he himself, as he had been quito trav-
eler in his youth, and finally overcame
all my objections,
My trunk was packed; passport and
guidebooks were provided; arrange
ments were made for tho necessary
funds to meet my expenses, but not a
word came from Mary, although she
must have heard that l was ready to
go. Father, mother and sisters babe me
a sad goodby, and was gone.
A few days after leaving home ]
sailed from New York and in due time
landed in Ireland. 1t took me n month
to see all that l wanted to see of that
country, and l spent two months in
Scotland, three months in England and
proceeded to Paris, determined to stay
long enough in France to learn the Ian
guage thoroughly, spent six months
in Paris and the rest Of France, and
l might have spent six more if / had
| thought my father could afford it. But
l knew his resources We're not abundant,
| and so / hurried on into Germany, de-
| voting q year to that country, Switzer-
| land and Italy. was ON the point Of
winding up my trip with n few months
in Spain, when n slight incident caused
me to turn my face toward home with
as much haste as if q legion of devils
| was behind me.
Preparatory to going into Spain, had
taken Spanish grammar out of my
trunk with the intention of brushing NJ
my knowledge of Spanish, which ha6
become quite rusty from long disuse
As opened the book small letter ad
dressed to me in Mary's we'll known
handwriting fell out. 1t was withou
postmark and was sealed.
tore it open, with beating heart
for her image was as fresh in my mem
DRY as on the day l parted with her a
her door. 1t was very short, and l OBJ
served that the date was ON the mex
day after had last seen her, This wa
the whole letter.
| May =. 1s.
DEAR JonN-Yos MARY.
| Only four words besides the date.
l then remembered that l had beef
looking over my Spanish grammar Oh
the very day this letter was written
had dozed off into a nap of few min
utes, duration and had left the bool
| open on the table beside me. had beel
reused up suddenly by some one call
ing me, and, asst was nearly dark whel
| awoke, must have shut up the lctte
in the book without seeing it.
Everything was now clear, and Mary
| had done all that / could have wished
1 took tho first steamer for New York
and never did man croes the Atlantic
ocean with greater anxiety. Well Nigh
Mary have remained silent after such {
note. l reproachcd myself hundred
times for never making any inquiries a.
| to the causes of her silence and cursed
my foolish pride along with my re
| proaches.
As soon as l got to tho end of my
journey l went directly to Mary house
even before going to my own home. She
was decidedly cool toward me, though
it had been years since we had seen each
other But when explained the matter,
she seemed fully satisfied, and we were
married III Il few weeks.
/ afterward learned that the letter
had been duly sent by trustworthy
messenger, who had come into my room,
and, finding me asleep, had left it at
my elbow, supposing, of course, that
would see it when l woke up.
Many years have passed away since
these events took place. and there is q
little Mary now running in and out as
write, who bids fair to equal her
mother in beauty. And nothing pleases
her 80 much as when l tell her the story
Of my finding mammals letter in my
Spanish book ON the borders of Spain.
Said letter is now framed and glazed
and hangs above me- 1t has often beer
taken down and hidden by my wife,
and many threats have been made tt
burn it up, but l always manage to find
it and bring it back. New York Even
ing Post.