The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1896-12-16
IN A TEACUP.

Harry Ellard had risen half an hour
earlier than usual this morning to give
himself sufficient time TO write letter
upon which his entire future happiness
depended-so he told himself-but the
half hour had elapsed before he had
been able to formulate his thoughts sat
isfactorily. He was due at his office in
30 minutes, during which time it would
be necessary for him to shave and con-
sumo his breakfast. So, without further
attempt at elaboration, he dashed off
what he had to say, sealed the letter
aud wrote her Christian name on the
envelope. placing the stamp on the
wrong side. Why he had not written
the letter the previous evening, during
which he employed several hours in
meditation concerning it, is n conun.
drum that only man i'll love can an
swer.
After ornamenting his face generous
ly with ugly little razor scars, he hur
riedly completed his toilet and rang
vigorously for the bellboy.
Here, Alexander! Take this letter
and mail it for me. He handed him
button instead of a dime. and rushed
down the hotel corridor to stop the de-
scending elevator
Alexander stared after him, then
looked at the button, grinned and turn
ed tho letter over.
''Ain't got any address-stamp on
wrong side. Well, l guess he knows
his business. = And he dropped it into
a box.
A month passed. Harry had received
no reply, and became in consequence
extremely uneasy, thinking that per-
haps in his haste he had written some
thing that might have offended the re-
oipient or that the letter had not reach
ed its destination. Alexander observed
his patrons discontinue with trou-
bled conscience. for he was fond Of him
because he tipped him more literally
than any one else i'll the hotel.
The letter was returned i'll due time
from the dead letter office, and Alexan
der was intrusted to take it to Mr. Ell
lard IS room. He rested on the stairway
and thought the matter over. He did
not wish to lay himself liable to reproof
for his carelessness. He knew that when
a man makes q fool of himself it is not
we'll for any one who acknowledges he
knows of it.
The envelope was addressed simply
but illegibly agnes. "
lovanIar ,a,,,a,,o hara1 nartoi., rnca
tinted notes that were strewn about Mr..
Ellard's dresser, signed. yours. as al
ways, Agnes No. - W street "-the
lady doubtless for whom the letter was
intended, and instead Of returning il to
the writer, he delivered it at the above
address.
Agnes Moran read it with CLEAN of
triumph in her eyes.
''At lastl' she exclaimed. II had
severe struggle landing that fish
wealthy, handsome, healthy. the beau
ideal of our circle. What triumph l
wondered why he was so silent and
lackadaisical the last time he called.
But how is thisl The letter is dated
Oct lit is now the 9th of November.
The envelope has teen opened-how
oddl OH" And upon examining 1t
closely she realized what had happened
and laughed heartily.
Poor fellow-and he has been in I'M
certainty for over a month. But what
possessed him to send the letter in this
condition after its returnl Perhaps to
let me know how perturbed he has been.
Well no matter. He shall know his
fate by tonight. The first thing to do
is to go over to see Angie Fairfax and
tell her the news. Hateful thing-she
played her cards hard to get him. She
will squirm with jealousy. And the
black eyed. red Tipped, round, 1.-THE
damsel started off at deliberate self
conscious pace with her head up, as a
fine young animal which has tasted
blood and knows where more prey can
be obtained.
She found Angie in her modest bou-
doir, before a dainty white dressing ia
BILE.
"What do you think, DEAR" cried
Agnes, breaking in upon her calm and
throwing her luxurious figure into a
dimity covered chair; "the strangest
thing has happened, and have come to
spend the whole afternoon and evening
to tell you about it. " She handed Angie
the letter, watching her narrowly. An
gie's hand trembled slightly as she saw
the writing; then she read it aloud with
perfect composure:
MY DEAREST GRILL address you thus be-
cause you have always been 30 to me. because
Hr,. Ak.aA Aaf raad
belong to my life.
You are so different from the women about
you, so sincere, pure and simple, mountain
flower among dollhouse plants, and although
have lived in this world of society for years
long for restful atmosphere such as your love
might give me.
/ have written this to tell you that cannot
call on you again until know in what capac-
ity / may come. II 1t Is to be only as your
friend-and ! will be your friend as long as
you will allow melt would be kindness in
you to let me know at once. In deep anxiety,
HARRY.
"a mountain fower!" laughed Ag-
mes. "He does not know me. III he
thinks he will find rest with me, he is
very much mistaken. What do young
people want of rests They need excite
ment and activity. shall cure him Of
his sentimentalisms But we will humor
him for the present -
Agnes" said Angie with look Of
pain. "that man offers you a beautiful
affection. 1t is wrong for you to depre-
ciate il. :"
ooh, you don't know anything about
him., she said, tossing her head in en-
joyment Of Angles discontinue. ut
takes a woman Of my knowledge OF
human nature to see through such
man. He is simply fiattering me to pre-
dispose me in his favor. And now /
want you to do something for me. dear.
I want you to invite him here tonight.
You know You tell fortunes beautifully