Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1900-07-31
The Behavior of Classy.

SIT was plain that thought lay very
heavy upon the impressionable
Classy. He lounged in the long chair
which was his by ancient right. His
eyes had dreams in them; he nursed his
right leg affectionately in the way l
knew so well. And presently:
"I'm a nice sort of a fool, taking
things all around" he burst out Of a
sudden. And he sat upright and looked
as though he had thrown challenge to
me and to the world.
You shouldn't say that" said l.
"Self-depreciation is the worst thing
possible in these conceited days"
Il didn't come here to listen to your
tinpot epigrams," said Classy, fercely.
l was not offended fatter myself
that have come to know Cassy-a lit
tie. ss-4-ssz.- 70
''very well, then. Who is she?''
asked him.
Cassy's lips moved, and caught the
word before he spoke it aloud. ''Grace," !"
he said slowly. Its fine name for a
girl, isn't it?" The last assertively; the
challenge was in his tone again.
''It certainly wouldn't be much Of a
name for boy" suggested.
He flared out anew at this, and
forced myself into my old sympathetic
mood. And Classy, growing calmer:
did you ever read-do you ever read
children's fairy tales, where everything
Is right, and fits so easily into its place;
where the poor student comes always
to the princess, with arms held out to-
ward her and smile on his face. Aad.
If there be any wicked people they go
away, or die, or get out of the thing
somehow, so that they can work no
mischief. And everything ends just as
the poor student (and the princess) de-
sire, and they are happy ever after?'
81 do read them sometimes"
81 sometimes think" he said, ''that it
is great pity that we cannot live in
that pleasant land of fairy tales. When
I call now Che was applying his
thought to his own particular trouble)
l am never able to see her. The old
mans all right, rather jolly sort of
chap altogether. But the mater hates
me like poison. She comes into the
room all smiling, and says that Grace
is out or laid up with slight attack of
whatever illness happens to be fashion
able at the time. q give her credit for
being clever woman; she varies the
complaint so neatly.) And then we talk
about the weather land the last novel,
and SO on, and when go, so glad you
called, Mr.. Cassy,' and l get out onto
the street. When 1 turn the corner 1
ask myself why it is not fairyland, and
why can't go back with my faithful
followers and carry her in triumph
from the house."
"Yet always" reminded him, ''the
poor student had many difficulties to
conquer"
He did not have a Mrs. Hepworth-
Smith to encounter" said Classy.
But she may be won over in time,"
suggested.
Not by me-" said Classy. I'm no.
body. You don't know Grace, do you?"
he added suddenly.
sit is my misfortune" returned.
"Well, of course, then, you don't un-
derstand. You can't possibly under
stand. She's"
""That'n do. I'll take Grace for grant
ed The point now is Mrs. Hepworth-
Smith, and the utter Indifference of the
once kind gods. You can't see her; you
want toto let her know something?"
Yes said Classy with deliberation.
81 think 1 do"
"Why don't you write, thenY
Classy was aghast at my brilliant
thought. He uncurled his knee and
threw himself back in the chair as a
man who has cast burden from his
shoulders. He said: Its great. l
never thought about that for a min
ute"
"I'm awfully sorry, coming round and
worrying you like this. But"
'1'm always glad to be of SERVICE" /
responded feebly, marveling at my
masterstroke of cleverness. "But
whatY
"Oh, nothing. Only, if you knew her
I'm sure you would understand"