Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-04-07
THURM0NT Frederick County, Maryland, Thursday April I 1898.
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JEA1HGTTE HoW7AbW70E
COPYRIGHT, 1897 sv TINE AurHoa.

H'WAbt/OStIH
FRIGHT, 1897 sY the AurHoa
occasions, sat picking out pecans with
deliberate nicely and dropping the un-
broken halves into his black coffee, star
ing into the cup all the while as intent
" as If the oracle of old supposed to
rest among the grounds would come at
his bidding and settle the question
which was agitating the family bosom.
Presently he lifted his head lazily and
contributed an abrupt remark to the
somewhat wordy discussion. well,
said he, what are you going to do
about her7''
"Who!''
"You and Amy, mother"
II am not quite prepared to say. The
matter is really difficult"
Mrs. Chambliss absently shifted the
sparkling rings OH her long, white fingers
with a soft, caressing touch. She hoped
Randall was not going to complicate
matters by becoming domineering. She
liked things to move smoothly and soft
, ly and unhurriedly, always in refined
groove. 1t was the only sort of motion
she could endure with any degree Of
composure. The Randals-she was a
Randal-had been running or rather
moving-a Randall never ran-in a
groove of elegant leisure for generations
back and she did not propose to be jolt
ed out Of it by any boyish impetuosity
on Randals part. There was delicate
suggestion Of rebuke in her soft answer
to the quick asperity with which Ran
dal repeated her own words, "The mat
ter is really difficult!'
Eyes, quite so. Amy and l were
talking about her yesterday. Of course
We want to do just what is right.
"And handsome" his father added
with vague liberality.
"And kind" said Amy, deprocating
his hastiness with reproachful eyes
Randall threw his head back hastily,
to free his forehead of misplaced lock
Of the waving black hair, which he
have found tolerable.
"Of course, of course. All that goes
without saying, or ought to. But when
are we going to do those right and
handsome and kind things? If Miss
Martin had been as deliberate in her
movements as we are, father might not
| have taken much interest in this discus
| SION"
"As soon as we have decided what to
do, we will do it promptly"
Call" said Randall dictatorially,
land at once.'
"Calll Who?'
mot you, mother, but Amy there.
It might prove awkward, you see, to
call six months hence and remind Miss
Martin of piece Of forgotten heroism.
Warmed over enthusiasm is about rs
nourishing as warmed over potatoes. y
Don't be unreasonable, Randall We
had not thought Of calling at all. am
really not prepared to take the entire
Martin family into an embrace. 1t is
really dangerous to give such people an
opening wedge"
II don't believe the girl is that Sort
wife, but fix it up between you all. 1t
Is none Of my lookout. will foot the
bill when you have settled it among
you"
Foot the bill?' Randal's indignant
glance was travelling rapidly over the
family circle.
"Yes," said his mother, calmly ig-
noring his evident disapproval. II had
thought of writing Miss Martin an ap-
preciative note, in which l could as-
sure her Of the warmth and sincerity OF
our gratitude, and then-as she's quite
horsewoman herself, I am told-I
mean to send with it handsome riding
whip. Amy has ordered q lot from Bur
rows to select froru. We would like
you to help u.s."
Randall turned his mocking eyes full
upon her.
1T won't do, mamma. 1t won't do
at all"
II had thought Of locket a heavy
gold locket with something engraved on
the lid. Girls like to hang things around
their necks," said old Mr.. Chambliss,
looking around triumphantly as if to
claim tribute for this subtle insight in
to the feminine so,.l.
Something on the order of fire.
mans modal You might engravo on
the lid, Reward for gallant and mcri-
torious conduct, " said Randall, crack
ing another nut and examining it
closely.
Something like that, yes. I don't
| know-Ran"
Father, Ran is laughing at you, for
ell he looks SO solemn" Amy flung an
indignant glance at the shining black
head once more bowed absorbedly over
his nutted cup of coffee.
II don't see why-a real handsome
locket l would not even object to her