The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-10-09

One boy in particular laughed at Jacks awkwardness. He was Tom Darnton, tall athletic chap and a great favorite with the girls of his acquaintance. But he was not liked overmuch by the boys that is, by the boys of strong character. Somehow the boys could read a certain cowardice in Toms makeup, and disliked him accordingly. But as he had never really displayed that objectionable trait. the boys had to treat him courteously and to recognize him as one of them at school and In society. It was Toms good looks that made him popular with the girls, for, sad to relate, too many girls are much impressed by a handsome exterior and graceful manners. Oftentimes they can- not tell the genuine from the spurious. allowing handsome features and fine clothes to impress them too deeply.
 And so 1t was In the case of Tom Darnton. He had won his place as friend and comrade of his class through the girls of his acquaintance
 One bright afternoon in the week be- fore the beginning of school, Mabelle and Rachel planned to have jaunt into the country. They invited several of their friends, among them Tom Darnton. Of course. Jack was to accompany them. And their Aunt Mary, young lady. had promised to act as chaperon for their party.
 It had been arranged for the members of the party to meet in the city park at a certain given point. The hour was placed at ? o'clock. Mabelle and Rachel. fearing they might be a bit late. asked Jack to proceed to the meeting place in advance of them and to greet the ar- rivals as host of the party. for such they had asked him to be.
 T know Aunt Mary" said Mabelle. She's always behind time q few minutes has to depend on that Suburban car, you know. So one of us should be there In her stead to greet the children as they come''
 "Yes. and Cousin Jack is the very one to do it," declared Rachel.
 But my country manners" laughed Jack. .Will they pass muster?''
 His admiring cousins laughed also. and Raehel said emphatically: Woe be 1t to any one who doubts that they will pass-in our absence. I don't doubt your ability, Country Cousin. to make them pass muster. You'll do just wiiat you think is the right thing. regardless or what others mlgnt tnlnk, enF
 Well, I'll do what is demanded of me-" corrected Jack. If I am to greet the arriving guests I'll do 1t in my best manner, which may not be as elegant as 1t should be. but 1t will be sincerely friendly"
 So away went Jack to the park to be present when the first guest should ar rive. Hardly had he seated himself in shady nook when he noticed on a bench a few feet away, and seated in such a manner that his back was towards the spot where Jack sat. a familiar 1g- ure. A second close look showed Jack that he was not mistaken in the person whose back was presented to him. It was none other than Tom Darnton. At first Jack felt that he should go over and speak to Tom, being, as he was, the head of the party, and the .receiv- ing committee. But on second thought he determined to remain where he was for he had never found it possible to like the suave Tom. Somehow he under stocd the neanness in the elegant boys character.
 "He has not seen me. therefore. doesn' t know that l have arrived" said Jack