Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1915-10-07
FATE'S HANDY man
BY JUNE GALEAU.

Marjorie found her mother sewing
placidly in her own sitting room and
laid the case before her
MY dear child" soothed Mrs. Bis
sel lit is one of those things you
must leave to fate. Your father is
very obstinate man. If he dislikes
the Everetts, why he won't consider
that perhaps Paul is different from
his Objectionable relatives. Somehow,
some day, Jacob will change his mind,
but we cannot force him. learned
that twenty years ago."
1T is so ridiculous for father to OBJ
ject," complained Marjorie, for Paul
is-is-well, you know that no sane
person could object to Paul as son.
in-law!"
Mrs. Bissel pulled the flushed face
down on her shoulder and kissed the
quivering lips.
Take my advice honey" she MUIR
INJURED. Leave the matter to fate
and Paul Everett. He's got grit enough
to win you in spite of Jacob Bissel,
and that is compliment, Marjorie
Paul Everett received his dismissal
at the Bissel front door and went back
to his apartment and telephoned to
Marjorie.
I'll find a way out sweetheart he
promised. Hell beg me to come
around and see him-believe mel
Two days later Jacob Bissel lounged
in the retiring room of his favorite
club and talked to his old crony, Peter
Laidlaw.
Peter was talking about the splen-
did country mansion he was building
down on Long island and he invited
Jacob Bissel to drive down there.
Not another one just like it in the
world" boasted Laidlaw as they mo-
tored down to Bluffton the next day.
Everett. my architect, is a corker-
won't touch a job that doesn't appeal
to him-a regular genius"
Everett did you say?" demanded
Bissel sharply.
"Yes, old Tad Everett's boy-smart
little rascal, too. Wanted to pick his
own college and worked his way
through, by Jove! Born architect and
has made such a success OF 1t that he
can pick his own customers, too.
Wouldn't make a set of plans for you,
Jacob. If he took notion not to-"
"Pooh!" sneered Jacob Bissel.
"Bet you!" retorted Peter Laidlaw,
and so a wager was made and re-
corded
81 was going to build on my property
down here, anyway" remarked Bis
sell
Good want you for neghbor."
One morning Jacob Bissel picked up
his telephone receiver and called
number.
Paul Everett's pleasant voice re-
sponded.
This is Jacob Bissel," said the mag
nate rather pompously; Il wish to
consult you concerning the plans for
my new country house at Bluffton.'
Whereupon Mr. Bissel was referred
to Everetts secretary, who advised
the irate gentleman to call at the Of
fees of Everett & Co. at 4:30 that aft
ernoon.
Exactly at ABS Mr.. Bissel painted
into the handsome offices Of the young
architect and was informed by polite
secretary that Mr.. Everett had Just
left for the day.
Il had an appointment with him at
4:3O," protested Mr.. Bissel.
1T is ABS, sir; Mr.. Everett never
waits for anyone"
"The-young puppy!" chortled Mr..
Bissel as he fumed away.
But the next day he made another
appointment and kept it, and found
Paul Everett a most exasperating
young man to deal with.
And in the end, for no essential rea-
son, Paul refused to consider accept
ing Bissels patronage.
"A most unbusinesslike proceed
lng!" roared Jacob Bissel, as he
stamped up and down his office. I'll
never build that house until he makes
those plans!"
So he wrote a curt note and asked
Paul to call at his Office the next morn
ing, and when Paul came, cool and i'm
perturbable, he still declined to accept
Mr. Bissel's business.
II am not accustomed to being
turned down, Mr.. Everett" ragged ia.
cob Bissel "Is it a matter Of money!"
Paul shook his handsome head.
"It's rather a personal feeling" he
said with engaging frankness. "You
see, my uncle used to know you, Mr..
Bissel and he never liked you-had
some old business grudge, in fact.
Don't you think that's excuse enough
for declining your business"
II do not!" f1ared Mr.. Bissel, grow
ing red around his ears.
"Then-?" suggested Everett deli.
cately.
Then" repeated Jacob Bissel.
"Well, young man, it's no use-I may
as we'll give in and tell you to come
around and see me tonight at my
house."
about Marjorie?" asked Paul.
about Marjorie" conceded Mar.
jorie's father.
"Then, Mr.. Bissel," said Paul prac-
tically, suppose we 60 over the plans
for your new house, eh? l think we
can make Peter Laidlaw's mansion
look like chicken COOP"
Now you're talking" said his future
father-in-law.
Marjorie and her mother credited
the whole affair to kindly fate, but
Paul only laughed.
"Fates all right--only you've got to
get out and hustle her along" he said.
"And in this instance fate's righthand