Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-03-13

1ucIelOIc, pSIAoPob
81 studied my neighbors
more than l might study
them under different circumstances.
The great wooden hall had its
transient and unsubstantial char
acter stamped on every bare wood.
en- joist and unclinched nail 1t
was gaudy with flags and bunting and
cheap portraits. There were tin BAN
nerettes crookedly marshaled on the
floor, to indicate the homes Of the
different states. A few delegates,
doubtless new to the business and
over-zealous. were already on the
floor, but none of the principals were
visible. They were perspiring and ar
guing in those committee rooms, those
hotel lobbies and crowded hotel
rooms where the real business OF the
convention WAS already done and neat
ly prepared for presentation to the
nation. l had nothing to keep me from
studying my neighbors. In front Of
me sat two people who had occupied
the same seats at every session that
| was present, young girl and an old
man. The girl wore the omnipresent
shirtwaist (of pretty blue and white
tints, with snowy cuffs and collar.
and her green straw hat was decked
with blue corn-f1owers, from which
inferred that she had an eye on the
fashions Her black hair was thick
and glossy under the green straw. l
thought that she had a graceful neck.
1t was very white. Whittier than her
face. which kept touch Of sunburn,
as II she were often out In the open
air. Somehow l concluded that shes
was shop-girl and rode a wheel. II
were wrong 1t is not likely that shall
ever know.
The old man | fancied. was not sol
old as he looked; his delicate, haggard
profile may have owed its sunken
lines and the dim eye to sickness
rather than to years. He wore the
heavy broadcloth of the rural poll
tcian, and his coat sagged over his
narrow chest as II he had left his
waistcoat at home. On his coat lapel
were four old-fashioned Blaine badges.
necessarily he famed himself.
ut can't be they amt going to
nominate him today?" he asked rath-
er than asserted, his voice breaking
on the higher notes. the mere wreck
of voice.
"oh, maybe later" the girl reas-
sured him.
well, wanted to attend Repub
lican convention once more before
died. Your ma would have 1t wasn't
strong enough; but l knew better;
you and l knew better; didn't we,
Jenny"
She made no answer except to pat
his thin, ribbed brown hand with her
soft, white, slim one: but there was q
world of sympathy in the gesture and
her silent smile.
Il wonder what your ma said when
she came downstairs and found the
letter. and us gone." he cackled with
the garrulous glee of child recount.
ing successful mischief; made me
think OF the times when you was lit
tie and l stole you away for the cir
Gus. Once, your pa thought you was
lost-'member? And once. you had on
your school dress and you'd tore it
she did scold you that time. But we
had fun when they used to let me
have money, didn't we. jenny"
We'll, now earn money, we have
good times, too, grandpa" said Jenny.
smiling the same tender. comprehend
ing smile.
1--WE do that; don't know what
would do 'eept for you, lambie, and
this is-this is grand time, Jenny.
you look and listen; it's a great thing
to see a nation making its principles
and its president-and such a presi-
dent!"
He half turned his head as he
spoke, with mounting enthusiasm.
thus bringing his flushing face and
eager eyes-no longer dim-into the
focus Of his next neighbor's bright
gray eyes. The neighbor was young
man. not very young, but hardly to
be called elderly, Of an alert bearing
and kindly smile.
Il think him pretty fair man my
SELF" said the other with jocose un-
reinstatement; II come from his
town"
What was there In such a simple
statement to bring distinctly anxious
look into the young girls soft eyes?
There it was; one could not mistake
1t.
WE'LL" said the old man: there
was a flattering Difference In his
voice. We'll, we'll. And-and maybe
you've seen him lately?" The quaver-
ing tones sharpened with a keener
feeling; 1t was almost as II the man
were inquiring for some one on whom
he had great stake OF affection.
How did he look? Was he better.
stronger?"
"Oh he lOoked elcpantn aaid tha