The Lambertville record., 1899-03-08

complexion that / did not love. He
seated himself close 70 the lady, and
would have yeDtured some tender
nesses with her, but she gave him no
encouragement; at which smiling
grimly to himself, he watched her as a
cat watches a frightened bird.
| went on eating for some time and
applied myself with great attention to
the wine, in order to spur somewhat
tardy tongue. In half an hour | knew
my carriage would be ready, and that
was but short time to suecor beauty
in distress, for that was what my heart
conjectured the scene before me TO
represent. At last, leaning back in
my chair and uttering a sigh Of salts
faction, | found my voice
Il give you good-day. sir. This inn
serves fair refreshments, and is better
than it looks"
I've known worse" he said, glanc-
ing at the table. then he turned his
back on me again
You travel fast" | said "as though
upon some pleasant errand."
Or as though the runners were be-
hind" he said
NO, no; even they, surely, would re-
spect your company. The errand must
be pleasant
Your conjecture. sir" he said may
be right or it may be wrong. imag-
inc that 10 be my business.
Come" said |, don't be angry, but
drink a glass with me. We meet only
to part, and good liquor will dwell bet
ter in the memory than curt words. :"
Sir" he answered, eyeing me saw
agely, 81 desire neither your liquor nor
your acquaintance, and you may drink
your wine yourself.
Il thank you / said, for so grac-
ious permission. and may you learn
better manners before you grow too
old"
Bravo" he sneered, "and a pretty
pair of you? The boy Is impudent and
deserves Il whipping, and YOU" turn
ing to the lady, mot much less. For
with this nonsense"
"As for the whipping" said |, drop
ping a hand ON my sword, Il take and
give only whippngs with steel"
Brave" he sneered, "and a pretty
hand you make at the game, I'll be
bound"
I'm at your service. sir | said.
draining my glass
The fellow was terribly put out, but
could see that he had good reason to
avoid a quarrel; he looked from me to
the window and from the window to
the lady, and bit his lip with rage.
After pause he said more quietly:
Il fight only with men. and then with
such as can show boards"
For the lack OF the beard" said /,
you have to thank my razor"
Indeed" he said; then the razor
must be like my lord chancellor, and
do little work"
you have a pretty wit, sir"
4 have often been commended for
IT,
"Doubtless by men, then, said /, for
it bites toe sharply for women
May. you mistake. for women. are
my greatest natterers He smiled so
grossly at the girl that if my life had
had to answer for it | could not have
held my tongue
is it a woman's way to fatter by
tears9" | asked.
You young dog! II | had time and
were unineumbered I'd slit that saucy
tongue of yours" he cried.
Il asked for information, sir, not for
threats. | thought that in your charm
ing society, which | enjoy immensely,
women might find their pleasure in
tears
You think too much, boy" he said.
and then. with an oath, he left the
room and | heard him cursing the
landlord for his delay in serving him.
calling him more foul names than were
proper for a girl to listen to. That
was my opportunity. and | was quick
to take it, the more readily as the
lady's imploring eyes met mine again
in fun gaze.
Madam, said |, III you are in any
trouble. and need Il protector, my
sword and life are at your service.
ask no questions it Is yours to com
mand.
"Oh, sir, she answered. Il have been
wicked. and It's now too late" and she
fell to weeping afresh
DRY your eyes, dear lady. Foolish
you may have been. but never wicked.
Anyway, this is no time for repenting.
DO you travel willingly with this gem
tleman. or do You wish to be rid OF his
company?"
Yes. yes. to be rid of nim-and to
forget"
His name is?"
"Northtleld." she murmured, as his
step sounded outside the door.
He entered. scowling. and glanced
suspleiously at us: but as | had not
moved and the lady was still trying to
dry her tears he said nothing, and sat
down again at her side. A moment
later food and wine were brought and
as they took their places at the table
rose and occupied my old station by
the window.
My blood was up. and by this time
mad forgotten all about the object OF
my journey; the lady's youth and
beauty had made so subtle and at the
same time so strong an appeal to me
ina; | stopped TO consider nothing
more. | have never. in all my life.
been able to stand against a woman's
weeping, and at the age at which l
then was, just in the first flush OF free
dom, was In no humor TO reason with
myself, | stood at the window, but
in such way that ! missed nothing
that passed at the table, and the more
| saw the more l itehed for battle
Northheld ate largely and drank
deeply but the girl hardly carried
morsel to her mouth, and when she did
the quiverlng OF her lips was pitiful to
see, lie urged her TO take more, but
she only shook her head. and at last
put down her knife and fork alto
gether.
Come, child" he said. Il begin to
weary of this nonsense; don't want a
crying baby on my hands