The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1904-11-16

ciety I'm manner that would have
been appalling had IT been less pie
turesque. Billy's face was study, but
whatever his thoughts were his atten-
ton was unmistakable. Not one of
Tessie's glances merry,
sometimes coquettish and sometimes
trimming with babyish sweetness
intended to make him feel how big
and strong and different he was-failed
of its mark. Jessie did not know
much, but that what she knew she
knew remarkably we'll was slowly
borne in upon Mrs. Jack during that
half hour
When the distant thud of the front
door at last proclaimed her departure
from the premises BILLY. who had out
stayed her, burst into an uncomfortable
guffaw, in which his hostess Joined
him somewhat ruefully. But the out
burst was not followed by any of the
caustic remarks that might have been
expected from II bachelor of his views
and standing. On the contrary. gen
ial. amused CLEAN fingered In his eyes.
the amusement of grownup with Il
dainty. foolish. attractive child.
"Tessie is such silly little thing"
observed Mrs. jack apologetieaily,
you mustn't mind her"
mind her" calculated her visitor
warmly. Il should say not. Shes
great" And he chuckled reminiscent
ly.
But on the subject OF Miss Blair
Mrs. Jack found him unresponsive.
DO you suppose he's Interested and
doesn't want to show itY' she demand
ed of jack that fountain of wisdom,
at the dinner table because Virgin
las precisely the sort of girl he pre-
tends to admire. Now that I've found
his ideal for him he doesn't seem TO
appreciate her"
Her husband laughed ut the chagrin
In her voice.
"If he doesn't fall In love with the
lady we've provided
According to his plans aud speeiti-
cations" giggled his wife.
According To his own plans and
specifications why. I'll punch his
head"
But I'm spite of his opportunities Billy
remained cold to the charms of the
sensible Miss Blair. In time Mrs. jack
noticed that it became increasingly diff
Aeult TO throw them together. Billy
simply would not be thrown.
provide II man with what he pre-
tends to like and he Immediately finds
out that he doesn't want IT," she re
fiected. with Justihabe cynicism. lie
says lie likes sensible girls. but he
won't look ut Virginia, though he will
hover about TINT little idiot. TessIe
Loring. like moth about n tame.'
And indeed there WIS plenty of foun
dation for her statement. Fur from
causing Billy TO take To the woods, as
Mrs Jnck had feared she might, les
sic seemed to exercise some subtle In
nuence over him The two We're for
ever meeting. both at Mrs. jacks and
elsewhere, by the merest chance, OF
course And II was noticeable Ms time
went ON that. though they arrived sep
aratcly. they invariably left together
a month later he came To tell hei
| of their engagement.
~ good many persons misjudge Tes
sic" he began, ms If he felt thnt she
might he one of the number, but Ii
reality she IL one of the most sensible
| little girls In the world.
lie said much more. and Mrs. Jack
swallowing hard. accepted IL nil. agree
Ing with him ut every point. But wheI
she was alone again she laughed unit
| the tears streamed down her cheeks
and thus her husband found her.
what under the heavcnsY' he In
| CURED, hut he got no further.
"Billy's going To marry Tessic Lor
ing she announced breathessly. He
| SAYS she Is SO sensible"
Jack gave low, increduious wills
tie.
Talk about love being blind" h'
blurtcd out Mt last why. love has
an \ ray eye, Nothing short of nj
X ray could see anything sensible II
Tessie."
And he thrust his hands In his peck
cts aud roared with her