The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1900-02-02
A MODEL MAN

Hamilton knew how man should
conduct himself. This was a great
factor in his favor. When the con-
sentative people of LaXton suddenly
found such man as this in their
midst they received him with open
arms.
In time 1t became no uncommon oc-
currence to speak Of Hamilton as the
''model man." He grew accustomed to
this distinction, and did everything in
his power to hold the title the people
Of the village bestowed upon him.
He became a veritable encyclopedia
in affairs of love. He was consulted
by every one on every phase of the
malady. No young man of the town
thought it anything to lay bare his
heart TO Hamilton.
Hamilton sat writing one evening
when Appleby, the serious man."
was announced. 81 say, Han, l want
to see you about something" were his
words on entering the room.
We'll, well, old fellow" began Ham
ilton. jokingly, Il hope you haven't
gat into it, too, l thought you were
tireproof."
Il thought so. too, Ham, but fellow
never can tell. Why. do you know,
I'm actually losing my appetite
You must have advanced quite far"
said Hamilton. How long has this
been going on"
Don't ask me-" replied Appleby.
"All ! want is your advice. Do you
think l had better go on, or let the
matter drop?"
What's to cause you to let the mat
ter drop?" asked Hamilton, seating
himself more erect in his chair.
"A third party" was Appleby's
brief reply.
And what does she think of him"
''She says she does not care for him;
says she never did"
Don't You believe her. App asked
Hamilton, earnestly.
when | am with her." began APP
! plehy, his voice faltering, l believe
| every word she says. 1t never occurs
to me that she could utter anything
but the golden truth. But when l am
away from her | think of what has
TRANSFERRED, and l see plainer-I think
deeper"
Let the girl Alone" interrupted
Hamilton.
At this sudden outburst Appleby
started. He met Hamilton's penetrat-
ing gaze and read in it the fact that
Hamilton meant what he said. Apple
| by was silent. Hamilton's advice was
not what he expected: he did not like
| it.
But, Ham," said he at length, do
you know what you are asking? 1t is
impossible. The girl is Holtense RAN
| dali"
Hamilton moved to the window and
stood gazing into the lighted thorough
fare below, his heart beating strangely
at what he had heard.
by iove," began Reginald Craven.
do you know, | could hardly wait
tell you. I'm in love. AS sure rs
you're alive. it's got hold of me. Hor-
tense RandalPs the girl An admirable
creature, Hamilton. Her father has
all he wants, too. She's the only child
you know. and by jove, she's a great
one. She says she likes Appleby. he's
so serious. She has never told me why
he likes me, but she does just the
same. She wouldn't tolerate me if she
didn't would she. HamiltonT'
Well" began the latter in his meas
ured way, "IIortense Randall is not
like other girls. ] would not put too
much faith in her"
BLESS your soul. | don't have faith
in any girls. Take it altogether, it's
an age of degeneration; don't you
think SOP"
Leave the girl alone"
1t was the second time Hamilton had
uttered the words, and they were now
uttered with more emphasis than on
the previous occasion.
Not for the world declared Craven.
I'D lie miserable without her. | bear
Applehy no il!-will, but I'm not go
ing to leave the field to him alone.
Much obliged and with hasty strides
he walked away
When the coming of the wedding
arrived. in the midst of all that was
beautiful and costly, Hortense Randall
was picture as she stood before the
mirror for a final look. From the top
of her head, where nestled the frag-
rant orange blossoms, to the feet,
dainty incased in daintiest slippers, all
seemed to be shimmering haze.
Two hours later Hortense and her
husband were seated in a car A gay
chattering was going on in the car,
ripples of laughter intermingling.
well, old fellow. this is surprise
Where are you bound for? What
have you been doing with yourself
lately?"
When Hortense raised her eyes she
beheld stranger at her husbands
side. The goOd-natured face was
wreathed with smiles and the hand he
extended met that of Hortense's hus-
band in hearty grasp.
"Pye been getting married. Mr..
Moreland, this is my wife"
Moreland's eyes met those of HOr-
tense for an instant. and then in his
pleasing way he said, accept ny I'D
wishes, Mrs. Hamilton. cen uat
You. Ham,"
The cry of "all aboard" came Ii
through the open window, The g wesg
changing of bells and the irH'0 no cd
out of the deDot,-Home Mac Give