Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-01-10
Mechancdow Frederick County, Maryland Thursday January TO- lS89

John looked daggers at me, but bow.
ed stiffly, and then there was an awk-
ward pause. Not one more word did
he vouchsafe. At tea table, however, I
saw that Clara had succeeded in inter-
esting him. In truch, it would have
been hard to find any one who did not
approve Of Clara. Her beauty ard her
simple easy ways made her ~ universal
favorite.
During the three weeks that follow
ed, / could see every day that John and
Clara were growing to be better friends.
They haa many tastes in COMMON
John was fine reader, and Clara hap.
pened to be especially fond of his fa-
vorite poets. Ny brother had good
baritone voice, and Clara Was An excel
lent singer also, SO that most of our lei
sure evenings at home were devoted to
music. l was just beginning to con.
gratulate myself that affairs between
these two loved ones were progressing
satisfactorily, wheM one day my father
handed my mother a letter.
Good news for you,' he exclaimed
"The Newcomes are coming back this
week." The Newcomes were our
nearest neighbors, their grounds adjoin
ing ours.
II should think you would be delight
ed,' said Clara. That great house
looks so dismal. 1t seems pity to
have SO handsome place unoccupied.
made face, and John shrugged
his shoulders.
What is it 2 she asked, looking from
one to the other. 'You do not seem to
be particularly pleased
Mr.. and Mrs. Newcome are very
dear friends of ours, and their son will
be quite an addition to our little circle,
remarked my taother. He is a well
bred young MANA trihe spoiled, per
haps-the natural result of being the
only child of wealthy and indulgent
parents.
A trihe ? echoed my brother, con-
temptuously. Miss Glare, Arthur New
come is selfish tyrant but he is a
wonderfully handsome young fellow
and can be very agreeable when he
chooses to exert himself.
The Newcomes had been home only
few hours, when Arthur came in tc
pay his,respec.s to us. Very striking
he looked, with his fine Greek face, be.
comngly bronzed by bis ocean voyage
His dress was faultless us ever, and his
ease and grace of bearing were irresIst'
able. | presented my friend, and sa"
his usually impassive features light VI
with unwonted enthusiasm as his eyes
rested on her lovely face.
When he had taken his leave she
turned. I like Mr.. Newcome exceed
ingly, said she, frankly.
oh, yes, replied my brother, bitter
ly, there's no doubt but that you vii
like him immensely. All the ladies
do that.
4 never saw 80 handsome head,
she returned, with spirit. 4 coulo
not help studying it all the evening"
He seems to lack animation, but there
is a charm even about his nonchalance
That languid manner suits his face e1-
actly.'
NV brother looked ve1ed, but there
the subject dropped. During the three
weeks that followed. We saw Arthu
Newcome almost daily. He was inde
fatigable in planning all manner of Ell
tertainments picnics, excursions into
the country, riding parties, all in Clara
honor. As day after day went by, m,
brothers face grew. more and more
stormy. He seemed moody and taci
turn, ard there was a marked change
in bis manner toward Clara. He avoid
ed her, and in place Of his former frank
ness and cordiallty, treated her will
marked reserve. l was in despair
Was this to be the end of all nv tont
hopes? Had invited my friend to my
house only to ruin my brothers peace
of mind? One evening. Clara came i'll
to the parlor, and took sheet of draw
ing paper from the portfolio which sh'
held in her hand. Clara drew remark
ably we'll, and the picture was profile
of Arthur Newcome, which was pro
nounced a good Likeness. is it no
handsome she asked. Fine enough
Tor cromo, with its pure Greek out
lines. If | were his mother, woulc
put HIM on a pedestal in my parlor.-
His face is so fearfully and wonderful
ly classic that it somehow seems out o
place among our pug noses and hybrle
profles.'
Yes, it is undeniably very hand
some head was my brothers criticism