The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1902-05-14

with an old fellow like me-" Tom was
only thirty, but somehow he had felt
very old and settled since that night.
But Jack always declared that he
didn't want to be with any one else,
and he was such shy child that Has,
tlngs forbore to press the point.
He was therefore much surprised
one afternoon, on coming in, 10 find
the rooms empty. Where could Jack
be? As the minutes went by, bringing
no boy, he became really anxious. The
jSaitor had not seen him. He was re-
turning from fruitless inquiries when
he stopped short at n burst of childish
laughter. Could 1t be Jack? He never
laughed like that. But, yes. 1t was
his voice, and It came from the girls
rooms.
Hastings hesitated. And now the
girl laughed. 1t was the same sauey
little laugh he had loved so much il
the days gone by. 1t decided him.
She had stolen his property and should
answer for the theft. He knocked
boldly on the door.
Silence. He knocked again. Eyl-
IDENTIFY they did not hear him. So he
turned the knob and entered the for
hidden chamber.
Surprising sight! On the floor In
true Turkish style sat the stately Miss
Trevor. On her lap were a big sheet of
cardboard and sundry brushes and
paints. Her hair was dishcveled, and
several daubs of color ornamented her
cheeks and nose. Over her shoulder
in a state of great excitement leaned
the truant. Hastings hardly knew him.
His cheeks were flushed. and his eyes
We're dancing as he cried, Nov, that
is the way the little monkey swung
off by his tailn' His cheek was press
ed close to the girls, and his arm rest
ed lovingly on her shoulder. Evident
ly she had won his heart too.
Hastings felt n swift pang of Jeal-
ousy and started forward.
Then they heard him, and Jack
sprang up with cry of delight.
The girl was too loaded down to
rise, and so she sat there. Perhaps 1t
was the sudden flood of color to her
cheeks, perhaps II was the upward
glance of her eyes; at any rate Il sud
den light came to Hastings. For Il mo-
ment he stood there blinded, dazed
Then his customary GOODNESS came to
his aid. Ii was his turn to carry things
with a high hand, and he must make
the most of 1t.
His eyes challenged hers as he said:
How long have you been receiver
OF stolen goods. Miss Trevor? | am
glad TO see that you have the grace to
blush for your sins. even under your
paint"
Jack was quite shocked. she did
not steal me-" he protested. 81 was
lonely, and | was waiting for you in
the hall, and she asked me to come in,
and l came and we've had a beautiful
time" he added in a joyous outburst.
CHATS just as bad" Hastings an
swered severely. You mean 10 say
that she enticed you In here"
Jack was speechless. The girl hat
said nothing.
you might at least invite me 10 si
down, since you are so comfortable,
Hastings went OIL, land let me Join II
the beautiful time; though | don
know, on second thoughts, that it ism
| pleasanter standing. 1t Is SO unusua
to see you Mt my feet"
Miss Trevor started TO scramble up
but two strong hands lifted her gent.
into a big chair. 1t was new expert
ence to her to be either commanded OF
helped. But she did not seem TO mint
it nor to notice that he was still hold
ing her hands. Both had forgotten
Jack as Hastings bent over her anG
asked. "Are you glad that have
Gomez"
Jack Is delighted with it all, but he
never will understand why Tom al.
ways calls the girl Hearts Desire
when her name Is Alice.