Morris tribune., 1900-07-28


had felt the tears come to her eyes as
she looked at the untidy piece of
ground where the exquisitely kept gar
| den Of Jacob Van Brunt had been, and
the windows from which the round
| face of her friend had often smiled at
her repulsed her now with their bare
ness.
1t happened that in course Of time
Bertha had notion to go abroad, and.
having the consciousness of her certif-
1cate of graduation in her trunk, she
was in no haste to return to her home.
So she fingered where she pleased, ar
rogantly directing the movements of
her party, which consisted of maiden
aunt and an elderly second cousin.
With this double chaperonage she was
allowed to do almost anything she
pleased.
At length they reached Amsterdam,
making headquarters for themselves
there and planning to go upon many
excursions through the country. 1t
was natural enough that, having 10
cal habitation, they should make some
friends in the city, and so it came
about that before they had been there
long they were invited to dinner by an
American lady, Mrs. Truax, whose hus-
band was engaged in some mercantile
enterprise there.
The TruaX house was a cosmopolitan
one, and at it the habitue expected to
meet all manner of celebrities and hui
man curios. Bertha, much elated at
the prospect, whirled off, accompanied
by her decorous relatives, arrayed for
the occasion in the most unbecoming
of their best silks
What dear old frumps they are"
Bertha commented to herself. 81 think
the Amsterdam ladies will like them.
They just suit this background"
They seemed to indeed and got on
better than Bertha, whose youth con-
demned her to a subordinate place.
This was not as it was in America,
Bertha reflected and permitted herself
to indulge in moment Of homesick-
ness as She sat apart, her glowing
beauty unnoticed by the middle aged
people who were paying their respects
to her aunt ard her second cousin.
IT have delayed for moment for an
other guest" Mrs. Truax said. 81 wish,
ed to present to your niece, Miss Man
derson," she said, addressing Bertha's
aunt, ga young man who is half an
American. All, there is the bell now!"
The man at the door announced
moment later:
Herr Van Brunt"
Bertha turned with an anticipation
which she endeavored to subdue. It
was not likely that the son of garden
er would be at the home Of Mrs. Truax
But in the young man who entered
Bertha saw with unmistakabIe recog-
milton the amiable, soft eyes, the round
face and high brow and quiet, kindly
manners of her old friend, borne with
the assurance and ease that come of
self confidence.
The hostess managed to whisper to
Bertha's aunt, and Of course Bertha
"This young man has distinguished
himself in landscape gardening. He
has just laid out park for Prince
and is much thought of both
In Holland and Germany. I hear that
the Duke Of York is likely to send for
him for his new place in Scotland"
Dominicus Van Brunt saluted his
hostess with profound bow. How
well Bertha remembered that quaint |
reverence Of manner! He was present |
I'd to the guests and at last was led |
Up to Bertha, who suddenly felt as if |
'he were in short frocks, with freckles |
IN her face and braids down her back.
he started and flushed and then held |
'ut his hand in the good American
way, regardless Of ceremony.
What, you are acquaintedw cried
he hostess. They explained. The
hostess turned in some perplexity to
he spinster aunt. She wondered if she
lad unintentionally committed an in
discretion. But there was no annoy
nee in the face of the elder Miss Man
lerson, and the hostess felt at liberty
o permit the two young people to go
Lown to dinner together.
The conversation at dinner would not
'e particularly interesting to recount.
But Bertha remembered every word of
t. Perhaps Dominicus Van Brunt did
oo-but it has been impossible to Sc
ufe his confidence. 1t is a certain
hing, however, that the next day
'asket came for the young American
ady containing dozen yellow toma-
oes, dropped like eggs in nest Of
White daisies. Which was, surely, a
urious gift!
Now it is undeniable that Bertha
Henderson found Amsterdam interest
1g, yet for some reason best under
TODD by her sex she remained in it but I
short time, fastening away to other
oints of interest. 1t is also certain
hat about the time of her departure a
Dung landscape gardener ran to yews |
nd weeping willows in his designs
nd accepted with alacrity the oppor- s
unity Of designing cemetery for
ome new American town. But he re-
overed from his gloom when there
cached him from the shores of the
attic a trinket fashioned of lucent t
mber, shaped like yellow tomato. {
ooo,1rrod RI hin, %bo+ hn oI1rht also \ 3