The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-10
CARRIE WAS CUTE!
BY LOUISE OLIVER.


self man of the world from the view
point Of Coles Crossing.
The errand upon which he was bent
just now being somewhat out of the
ordinary, Jim felt nervous and iii at
ease and the marble-corridored apart.
ment hotel was SO entirely different
from Parks tavern
The elevator left him at the sixth
floor and slid downward out Of sight.
The quiet was broken by a football,
and maid in blue and white striped
dress appeared. Here at least was a
human being. Jim took off his hat
and bowed. Can you tell me which
door is Mr.. Jerome Covington's?"
I'm going there now" she said curl
ously. IN take you"
So Jim followed the girl with her
busters and armful of clean linen and
Knocked at the door where she
stopped. It was opened by a good
looking man with palette on his arm
And as the girl disappeared into the
room beyond he turned to Jim. Good
morning." said he pleasantly.
Yes. Won't you come in and sit
down? Do you smoker" He took some
cigars out of a humidor and held them
out. Jim selected one with a hand
that shook. but made no effort to light
1t. He looked nervously around at the
luxurious sitting room, slid the cigar
into his pocket and broke out, I'm
Jim Wallis from Coles Crossing.
hear you're going to board at
Merckle's out our way Is it true?"
The artist took a couple of puffs at
his own cigar and knocked off the
ashes. why. yes! / believe that's
the name.
well" went on Jim, who was
gaining courage with returning hostil.
ity as he noted the strong. attractive
face, well set shoulders and easy man.
ner OF the other. II thought I'd let
you know that I'm engaged to Carrie
Merckle and won't have any fooling."
The older man looked thoughtful
THE girls in the movies do seem to
have a penchant for velvet coats and
flowing ties. It's queer, isn't it? III
Miss Carrie has the same tendency II
might be bad for you-that's true
What would you suggest"
Jim, Modified, sprang up and held
out his hand. Thanks That's the
talk. / thought you would understand
Couldn't we find you another placer"
mo. I'd rather go there. 1t just
suits. But If I wear a smock-how
would that do? They are so olsen
chanting. And l could put on spec
tacles IL you think 1t would help and
wear wig for that matter"
Until the time of departure, Jerome
Covington gave little or no thought to
Jim's petition. He promised easily-it
was not always so easy to make good
However, as he was packing. Jims
visit came into his head. Cad, I'll dc
it," said he to himself 1T would be a
nuisance to have some silly girl sim.
pering always in the background any,
way 90 re bought loose smock.
wig al spectacles. Here's to hard
work and isolation!" he cried as he
finished packing.
There goes the new boarder tc
Merckle'si" said someone the next day
as the city express moved away and
man got into buggy beside Carrie. |
Jim had seen and was satisfied. Even
he doubted the identity OF his late &C.
quaintance.
Carrie fell Immediately and desperate |
ly i'm love with the dreadful-looking |
newcomer Her infatuation was per.
fectly evident because she made no
secret of it, Jim moaned wretchedly. |
His worst fears were realized. "If
she's swallowed him while with all
that truck on, what would she have
done to the real thing? ] believe he's
squealed. He's fooled me. For no girl
on Gods earth could care for fellow
like that. He looks more like a scare.
crow than man. I'm going to find
out the truth" So, seeking an oppor.
tunity, he collared his man one morn.
ing crossing a field to his favorite
haunt
Jerome Covington heard him out, |
then, looking cautiously in every di. |
rection. he whispered: Ssh! Maybe
she's around Do you know, Jim,
cant understand 1t. | believe she's
trying to make you jealous"
Jim shook his head more puzzled
than ever. She's not that kind of girl
and there's no cause to make me
jealous"
A week later Jerome Covington
packed his bag and, still bespectacled |
and bewigged, paid his bill and de-
parted.
The next day Jim got note and an
Enclosure. Dear JIM" read the note.
Il think this explains all. | found 1t
among my papers when | got home.
must have picked it up and forgot
ten about it. Good luck and good
wishes. j. c."
The Enclosure was as follows: Dear
Carrie, am writing to tell you that
your beau came to see a man here
the other day when was cleaning one
Of his rooms. OF course / couldn't |