Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1915-06-24
HEROES AND OTHERS
Physical Courage Does Not Al
WAYS Outshine Moral in a
Woman's Eyes.
ev cLARISSA MAckIE.

"A ClOd-a cumberer OF the edrtn!
Will Linscott stared grimly at his
male reflection in the hall mirror be-
fore he pulled on his cap and went
limping painfully away from the
house.
Mrs. Frake, the housekeeper, who
had known him from frail boyhood,
looked from her window.
"Poor Master VILE" she murmured.
"What pity, after all operations, that
he can't be cured! There's his Cousin
Daniel-a big, strong man, like an OK
and not needing SO much-why
couldn't Master Will have had just
wee bit of that strength"
Someone else was thinking the very
same thing at the very moment when
Will limped along the path that Dor
dered the golf course and disappeared
in the south meadow.
Alice Long, waiting while Dan
Linscott executed one Of his brilliant
strokes. drew a soft breath of pity
as Wills tall, gaunt form disappeared
from view. Not once had he turned
toward them, although he must nave
heard her CHEEKY call-must have re-
cognized the piercing whistle that Dan
sent after him.
Hes all in this morning" said Dan,
carelessly. ITS deuced shame that
Doctor Hardness failed to help him.
Its more of blow to Will than we
can imagine" said Alice, quietly.
Fancy having all the money one
wants and able to buy everything
save health
"Health-and woman's love-,
amended Dan, with meaning glance
at the girls lovely face.
money never bought the love of
woman who was really worth while,
remarked Alice, flushing under his ar
dent glance.
Dan Linscott had plenty of money
of his own, so he felt no jealousy of
Wills handsome, delicate beauty Dan
was sure of himself-of his good looks,
his ability to please, his success at all
athletic sports, his power to win any
woman he wanted for his wife.
He was even sure Of Alice Long.
whose people were victims of genteel
poverty; sure of her love and sure of
her good sense in marrying such an
embodiment of everything desirable as
represented by Mr.. Daniel Linscott.
So.he was in no great haste to put
the important question to the girl,
His weekend visits at his cousins
handsome country home afforded him
an opportunity to see her frequently,
and he felt sure that she was only
waiting for him to make formal dec
laration of his love- Then there re-
NAMED only to slip a ring on her fin
ger-such a ring it would be as she
never had seen before-never dreamed
of wearing!
Alice glanced at her watch and
pleaded an engagement She declined
Dams offer to accompany her across
the fields toward home. Nothing loath,
he remained behind. He could walk
with Alice any time, and the course
was in perfect shape, thanks to Wills
thoughtfulness for, of course, the poor
chap couldn't play stroke himself.
At the piano or violin he was
wizard; but as for sports-one re-
membered he was an invalid and ex-
pected nothing of that sort.
Alice struck into the path and fol-
lowed 1t to the south meadow where
Will had disappeared, At the stile
she paused and, bending her hand
above her tranquil blue eyes, she
looked for some glimpses of his gray
clad form.
But he was nowhere visible. The
meadow waved like the sea, knee
high with daisies and buttercups.
Meandering among the flowers ran
narrow path. Trees were scattered
here and there, and over in the
northeast corner little group Of red
brown cattle were grazing.
Alice crossed the stile and entered
the narrow patch. She was strong,
athletic young figure, clad in spotless
white linen, with a red sweater, max
ing a brilliant splash Of color on the
landscape. A little song trembled on
her lips as she went along, but all the
while her blue eyes searched the field
for Will Linscott.
She came upon him suddenly lying
prone in the grass, his face buried in
his hands, the picture of despair
Alice dropped down beside him and
put hand on his dark hair. Don't,
Will" she whispered.
dull red surged into his cheeks
and left them drawn and white. Even
his lips paled and his eyes were
depths of agony and shame.
Don't mind me, WILL" she soothed
him softly. Why, we've been play
mates and friends for years and years!
Tm-Will, cried myself to sleep last
night when l heard Doctor Harkr
ness decision"
You're an angel, Alice" he NUT
tered with downcast eyes. Then he
added, with grim defiance: 80 did I
cry myself to sleep like baby just
because | couldn't have health. I'm
SO jealous of Dan and his strength
and his good looks that l am beastly
cross to him. I'm in the deuce of a
temper, dear. There's only one thing
want in this world-it's the love of
certain woman and don't dare ask
her-to marry a clod!"
All the color went from Alice's face.
It was true, then, what Dan had told
her about Wills infatuation for Ruth
Clarkson, the singer. OF course, such
music lover-such a musician as
VIII, would love another musician; 1t
was usually So
Yet he was so dear in his helpless
ness. He needed woman who could