The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-12-01
jealous. chp" thought Clifton, will

jealous. chp" thought Clifton, with
. griM smile. I'm glad of il! Though.
to be sure. when one comes to think ol
it. she hasn't given him SO very much
ground for jealousy"
''Hushr' Matte responded. lowering
her voice. Don't speak so loud. Its
that poor fellow from Cirlfn's-the
weak-minded young man, you know,
whom his friends have bourdcd there.
never have happened to see him be-
fore, but they tell me he is quite harm
less. and when l saw him standing
there in the rain making no effort to
go one way or tho other, felt sorry
for him, aud brought him home"
What! Carlin's idiot P" shouted
Charley, in very evident consterna-
| ton.
Yes, Carlin's idiot, if you will call
him so-which is very rud, and un-
christian of you," retorted Matte.
rid OF him. They say he never will 90
away unless you put him out by main
force"
Charley. the inconsidernte wretch.
indulged in a low. prolonged chuckle.
"Now you have done itr' said he.
We'll wait little until the delnge
holds UP, aud I'll see how can help
you out of your dilcmma.'
But Mr.. Clifton Durande waited fer
no such denouement
He to be taken deliberately. and in
cold blood. for Carliu's idiot! 1t was
too much for any mans philosophy;
and. catching up his sketching port
folio. he rushed out into the rain.
Perhaps l needed the lcsson," he
said TO himself; ..but it was rather
sharp one. Carlin's idiot, indecdr'
He got home to Casllcton Hall, where
he was the guest of Mr.. Alb.rique Cas-
tie. Just as a superb rainbow was arch
ing the dripping woods. aud the sun
broke in q blaze of glory from the
west.
1t had been long. rainy walk, and
as he walked he had thought of only
two things-Cariin's idiot, and Matte
Willett's fair, serious face.
'.How she pitied mel" he said tn him.
self. "There was q serene gracious
compassion in every word she said.
every glance sho bestowed upon me.
l night have known it wasn't intended
for my own personality-ciumsy COLI
ccited blockhead that wasr'
Lillian" he said to Miss Castle that
evening. ''bave you invited Miss Will
Matte Willeti?'' said Lillian, knit
ting together her pretty brows. .'Oh.
yes! She is old farJner Willett's grand
daughter, and she sings exquisitely and
accompanies herself with taste on The
guitar. She is a very sweet, cultivated
girl. But what do you know about her,
Clifton ?''
.'Oh," said our hero evasivcly, 81 |
have Glanced TO hear of her in my per-
rinations. And who is CIarlevp"
He is her broihcr.' said Lillian |
Castle; and then MIR. Durande felt bet |
Ter.
But it was not without q certain ma
licinliS satisfaction that be bowed low |
To Matte Willctt, looking lovelier than
ever in white muslin and pale blue rib
bons, the night of the party at Cas-
tleton Hall, when Lillian Introduced
them.
She looked Mt him with solemn sur
prise, evidently recognizing him, in
spite of his diamond shirt-studs, iaven-
der necktie and elegant evening dress.
''YOE see," he said with smile.
''that l am not Carlin's idiot, after all.
But have 10 thank you for your gr;.-
cious and gentle hospitality, nll the
Il am very sorry 1 made such an
awkward mistake" said Matte. color
ing little.
s'But am not" said MI. Durande;
'for it showed me the spontaneous
charity and kindness of your nature"
And before the evening was over
they were the best of friends.
Mr.. Clifton Durande's picture of '.An
April Shower over Glitter Falls was
hung up on tho Sight Line'' in the
next springs exhibition at the Acade-
my, and Matte Willelt took an inno-
cent pride in its beauty. rs she stood
in the crowd. leaning upon the ann of
the young artist himself.
'.And to think that /, simple little !
girl, should be engaged to such
q great artistr' she murmured, so low
that the words could reach his car
alone.
IAN artist" he responded. laughing,
Abut perhaps not so famous n one. at
ter all. shall never forgot. Matte
darling. what blow to my self-com-
placency it was when discovered that
you had mistaken me. the budding &C.
MUS, for-Carlin's IDIOT
"Please-please try and forget thatr'
said Matte.
Il wouldn't for the world,'' said
Clifton Durande.