The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1900-02-15
A MODEL MAN

Hamilton knew how man should
conduct himself. This tas a great
factor In his favor. w IN the con.
servatlve people Of Laz On suddenly
found such a man as his in their
midst they received hii with open
arms.
In time 1t became no 1common oc-
currence to speak of He alton as the
"model man." lie grew ccustomed to
this distinction, and did everything In
his power to hold the ii ie the people
of the village bestowed pom him.
He became veritable encyclopedia
In affairs of love. He vas 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, | want
to see you about something" were his
words on entering the room.
"Well, well, old fellow" began Ham
ilton, jokingly, II hope you haven't
gat into it, too, thought you were
fireproof."
'I 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 thii
been going onW
"All | want is your advice. Do you
think 1 had better go on, or let the
matter drop"
whats 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. Apr" asked
Hamilton, earnestly.
when l am with her." began APP
pleby, his voice faltering, | 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 l think of what has
transpired and l see plalner-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
1t.
But, Ham," said he at length, "do
you know what you are asking? 1t is
impossible. The girl is Hortense 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 jove," began Reginald Craven,
"do you know, l could hardly wait to
tell YOU. I'm in love. AS sure as
you're alive, it's got hold of me. Hor-
tense Randall's 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 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, HamiltonY'
We'll" began the latter in his meas
ured way, "Hortense Randall is not
like other girls. would not put toe
much faith in her."
"Bless your soul, 1 don't have faith
in any girls. Take it altogether, it's
dH aye VI ucScheiutiohs uoh Sou
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 be miserable without her. l bear
Appleby no ill-will, but I'm not 60
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 a picture as she stood before the
mirror for final look. From the toI
of her head, where nestled the frag
rant orange blossoms, to the feet
dainty incased in daintiest slippers, al
seemed to be q shimmering haze.
Two hours later Hortense and hel
husband were seated in a car. A gay
chattering was going on in the car
ripples of laughter intermingling.
"Well, old fellow, this is IA surprise
Where are you bound for? Wha
have you been doing with yourself
lately"
When Hortense raised her eyes sh,
beheld stranger at her husband.
side. The good-natured face wa
wreathed with smiles and the hand h,
extended met that of Hortense's hus
band in hearty grasp.
"I've been getting married. Mr.
Morcland, this is my wife,"
Moreland's eyes met those of Hor
tense for an instant and then in hi
pleasing way he said, accept my goot
Sstch To I at,rIo =.
yon, Ham"
The cry Of "all aboard" came il
through the open window, there was
changing of bells and the train moved
out Of the depot-Home Magazine.