The Lambertville record., 1907-07-17
MatChn1akinQ
By FRANK II. SWEET

I copyrighted, lao,, by Homer Sprague
Ensconeed behind his flower boxes ON
the veranda. Tom Errett could look
into the neighboring garden and watch
her. for she, too, sought the cool and
sweetness of her garden. On Tuesday
could resist that smile? There was Il
silent perhaps UNCONSCIOUS. invitation
i'll it that brought Tom to his feet and
To the wall
Good evening, Mr. Errett.n said the
girl in white.
Good evening Miss Smith," answer
ed the man on the wall
You look altogether too comforta-
bic. | think we shall have TO follow
suit and build "A yeranda,
Don't. Use mine" was ON his
tongues end. but ne only responded.
III is comfortable" Then the infor
mality of the situation WAS too much
for him. Won't YOU come over aud
try IL" he pleaded
I'm afraid the wall is too much for
me-" She said, smiling demurely.
Tom was n man who never turned
back, his hand once on the plow. He
dropped quickly to the ground on her
side of the fence.
I'm dreadfully lonely" was his
apology.
On Wednesday she was not visible
and there was void upon the earth
ON Thursday and Friday things re
sumed the new glamour. On Saturday
the moon was II shadowy crescent
above the tree tops The stars We're
still veiled in sunset mists; the air was
odorous with the scent OF miguonetto
and sweet peas. Tom. expectancy
written in every feature. waited for the
hutter of white amid the flowers. the
sound of voice which WAS like no
other voice he had ever heard. At the
first signal Of her approach. he stepped
boldly ON 10 the wall.
Special delivery, sir" said serv
ants voice behind him. lie opened
the letter. conscious that her eyes We're
upon him 1t was from the wife of q
college friend inviting him TO spend
Sunday at their country place. He
glanced ut his watch There was bare
~ time To catch the last train Then
his eyes fell upon her
Answer, sIrY'
No yes wait Il moment"
His eyes still sought hers.
Can ! help youz' She asked sweetly.
"Will YOU" he flashed eagerly. May
go 10 church with YOU tomorrow
The corners of her mouth drew to
gether In Il wise little smile, for Tom
had not impressed her as being
churchman.
"Yes, but Its early mass"
Tom did not finch.
Thanks" he said quietly, and. scrib-
bling Il few words. he handed them to
the man:
To Mrs Herndon Roberts. Holly House.
Columbia Heights n. J..
Another engagement Impossible 10 ga
AwfullY sorly THOMAS EI2RETT.
To Mrs Herndon Roberts. Holly House,
Columbia Heights. y j.:
Your letter mscarTied and came too
late. Greatly disappointed. VIII run up
next Saturday # convenient To yeu.
AUGt' STA SMITH.
Iierndon Roberts returning from the
Columbia links, found his wife staring
at the two kilograms with disappointed
eyes.
Fate Is against u.s." she groaned.
'rom has another engagement here's
his wire and another from Augusta
says that my letter miscarried and
reached her too late shall write
them both special delivery now"
Going to her desk, Mrs Roberts
penned the following notes:
Dear Tom Don't make any engagement
for next Saturday or Sunday, II you have
one. break It, do. Tom dear We are go-
Ing TO try the new links. ! cant think Of
any stronger induccment. Take the $40
by way Of the Cor.lHndt street ferry.
Hastily, but cordially yours.
AGNES ROBERTS
My Dear Augusta Can't understand my
letter miscarrying but | wont cry over
spilled milk although was tempted to.
Delighted at the prospect Of having you
with us this coming Saturday. Take the
$40 train by way of the Cortlandt street
ferry. Always affectionately yours.
AGNES ROBERTS.
The gatekceper ut the ferry shut Tom
from joining the hurryIng crowd n
dozen yards In advance
Sorry. sir, but you're too late" he
said "Therc'll be another boat In n
few minutes"
Tom, suit ease In hand, gazed help
lessly at the closed gate
"Too late to connect with the 3:1O."
he said. This boat would have made
It," But his tone was listless.
The official eye still regarded him
coldly SORRY. sir" he repeated.
where were you bound forT'
columbia Heights"
"No more trains for the Heights to
day. sir.
"Whcre's the nearest telegraph of
fee" asked Tom striving to hide the
grin of delight which spread over his
face as the man spoke
He sent his telegram to the Rob
crises. jumped into n cab and drove
home elated Disappointment await
ed him, however The house next door
was suspiciously quiet.
Cook says they've gone away" ven
tured his man as Tom sat down to his
solitary dinner. "Claret. sir?'
For how longi" asked Tom family.
"All summer sir Miss Smith has
went to the Hot Springs. Rhcumatics
terrible. SIR
"Hot Springs -rheumaticsi" repeated
Tom, regardless Of his English in his
excitement.
81 suppose sir, that when folks gets
old they feel bit shaky, sir the man
explained
"Oldf" roared Tom. "What do you
meanT
"fhe cook said Miss Smith would be
sixty-four come next September sir"
"Of whom are you speaking, ,IonesY