Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1910-10-18

One boy in particular laughed II, Jacks
awkwardness. He was Tom Darnton, a
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 certain
cowardice In Toms makeup, and disliked
him accordingly. But US 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. 1t 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 Tolu Darnton. OF
course, Jack was to accompany them.
And their Aunt Mary, q young lady, had
promised to act as chaperon for their
party.
1t had been arranged for the members
Of the party to meet In the city park at
certain given point. The hour was
placed at . o'clock. Mabelle and Rachel.
fearing they might be 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.
II know Aunt Mary" said Mabelle
She's always behind time 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
Rachel said emphatically: Woe be 1t
to any one who doubts that they will
pass-in our absence. l don't doubt
your ability, Country Cousin. to make
them pass muster. You'll do just what
you think Is the right thing, regardless
Of what others might think. chr
well, I'll DO what is demanded Of
me-" corrected Jack. III am to greet
the arriving guests, I'll do 1t in my best
manner which may not be rs elegant as
it should be. but it 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
bench few feet away. and seated In
such a manner that his back was towards
the spot where Jack sat. familiar Gg-
ure. A second close look showed Jack
that he was not mistaken 10 the person
whose back was presented to him. 1t
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 1t possible to
like the suave Tom. Somehow he under.
stood the meanness in the elegant boys
character.
He has not seen me. tel efore, doesn't
know ths& have arrived" said Jack