The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1916-02-19
CARRIE WAS CUTE!
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

lure ana had always considered HIM
SELF a 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 i'll 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 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. I'll take you"
So Jim followed the girl with her
busters and armful of clean linen and
Knocked at the door where she
stopped. 1t 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.
"Are-are you Mr.. Covington?"
Yes. Won't you come in and sit
down? Do you smoker" He took some
cigars out of humidor and held them
out. Jim selected one with a hand
that shook but made no effort to light
IT. 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. I
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! l 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. Il 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? II
Miss Carrie has the same tendency il
might be bad for you-that's true.
What would you SUGGEST"
Jim, notified, sprang up and held
out his hand. Thanks. That's the
talk. thought you would understand.
Couldn't we find you another placer"
No. I'd rather go there. 1t just
suits. But if | wear smock-how
would that do? They are so olsen
chanting. And | could put on spec.
tacles If you think it 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, Jim's
visit came into his head. Cad, I'll do
it," said he to himself 1T would be a
nuisance to have some silly girl SIM
pering always in the background any,
way" So he bought a loose smock, a
wig and spectacles. Here's to hard
work and isolation!" he cried as he
finished packing.
There goes the new boarder to
Merckle's!" said someone the next day
as the city express moved away and
man got into a 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 in 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. III
she's swallowed him while with all
that truck on. what would she have
done to the real thing? believe he's
He's fooled me. For no girl
On Gods earth could care for a fellow
ike that He looks more like a scare
crow than a man. I'm going to find
out the truth" So, seeking an oppor.
unity, he collared his man one morn.
ng crossing a field to his favorite
haunt.
jerome Cov!ngton heard him out.
hen, looking cautiously in every di.
'ection. he whispered: Ssh! Maybe
'he's around. Do you know, Jim. I j.
amt understand it. | believe she's
rying to make you jealous"
Jim shook his head more puzzled
han ever. She's not that kind of girl
and there's no cause to make me
ealous."
A week later Jerome Covington
lacked his bag and, still bespectacled
nd bewigged. paid his bill and de-
arted
The next day Jim got note and an
nclosure. Dear jim" read the note.
| think this explains all. | found II
mong my papers when got home. I
lust have picked it up and forgot
en- about it. Good luck and good
fishes. ]. c."
The Enclosure was as follows: Dear
arrie, | am writing to tell you that
our beau came to see a man here
ne other day when was cleaning one
his rooms. OF course | couldn't
clip hearing all they said. It seems
nat Jim is afraid you might fall in
I'VE with Mr.. Covington-he is so
ood looking. So they've made it I'D
etween them to fix him up as ugly as
ossible. Don't believe all you see.