The following week was a busy one for Isabel. Lyman danced attendance
every day. He developed a sudden affection for Lancaster County and
took Isabel over the lovely roads of that Garden Spot. They visited the
Cloister at Ephrata, the museum of antiques at Manheim, the beautiful
Springs Park at Lititz, the interesting, old-fashioned towns scattered
along the road. Over state highways they sped along in his green
roadster, generally going like Jehu, furiously. The girl enjoyed the
riding more than the society of the man. He was exulting in the thought
that he must be peeving Amanda.
Nevertheless, at the end of Isabel's visit, Lyman was obliged to
acknowledge to himself, "All my fooling round with the other girl never
phased Amanda! Kick me for a fool! I'll have to think up some other way
to make her take notice of me."
Martin Landis came in for the small portion those days. How could he
really enjoy his evenings at the Reist house when Lyman Mertzheimer sat
there like an evil presence with his smirking smile and his watchful
eyes ever open! Some of the zest went out of Martin's actions. His
exuberance decreased. It was a relief to him when the boarder's parents
returned from their trip and the girl went home. He had her invitation
to call at her home in Lancaster. Surely, there Lyman would not sit
like the black raven of Poe's poem! Isabel would not forget him even
when she was once more in the city! Martin Landis was beginning to
think the world a fine old place, after all. He was going to school,
had prospects of securing a position after his own desires, thanks to
Isabel Souders, he had the friendship of a talented, charming city
girl--what added bliss the future held for him he did not often dream
about. The present held enough joy for him.