Metropolis weekly gazette. (Metropolis, Ill.) 1???-19??, 1917-04-13

needs something to settle him,
and Tint is the only thing that will
do it,
"Is he opposed to marriageT
HE won't listen to it
what is his objection?'
why, you know, Harry inherited all
his grandfathers estate, nearly a mil
Ion, and he has been target for
manageable girls ever since. They
have simply disguised him."
Mrs. Oglethorpe said nothing for
some time She was thinking. Final.
~ she broke silence.
81 think / know of a plan that win
settle him. You know Madge Claver-
ing? Well, you send Harry to me for
the first fortnight in April I'll have
Madge with me, and with a little
coaching l believe she will do what
you wish"
"Madge is a good girl. and l would
be glad to see Harry settle down with
her."
Henry Perkins, through his mothers
influence, was induced to go to Mrs.
Oglethorpe's. Madge was OH hand,
ready for business.
Il have a young girl with me- said
Mrs. Oglethorpe, "whom | wish you
to meet. You will find her somewhat
depressed, but / trust association with
you will make her feel more cheer
full
I'll get her out of it, said Henry
confidently.
Many sad persons have bad effect
on others, but there was resignation
about Madge mingled with a cheerful
ness of disposition that was attractive
Then, too, she had winning smile
which seemed to come through tears
Henry was not informed what her
trouble was, but he soon got pointer
She was continually bringing up a par.
agon by the name of Silas Gibbs. Mr..
Gibbs was the most intellectual, the
bravest, handsomest, most engaging
man that had ever trod the face of
the earth. The fact was delicately
brought out by Madge that Henry Per-
kiDs was not worthy to loosen his
shoes.
For the first time in his life Perkins
found himself turned down for another
man. Instead of being considered an
Adonis, Mr.. Gibbs was the Adonis. At
first Henry wanted to get away from
a girl who was forever talking about
another man, but after awhile he be.
came ambitious to eliminate this re
markable creature in his own favor.
Are you a college graduate?r asked
Madge one day of Henry.
Yes; I'm a Williams man."
"Where is Williams college? l new
er heard of it. l suppose it is one of
the small institutions. Mr.. Gibbs grad.
uated at Harvard. He led his class
for four years and took most of tho
prizes. He was president of his class
and class orator.
WAS he given to athletics?"
Yes; he was captain of the football
and baseball teams and stroke oar in
the university crew
Anything else?"
Madge looked offended. On her face
was an expression signifying, "Who
are you to sheer at the exploits of
remarkable MANI"
Now, Madge was the first girl who
had not literally thrown herself at
Henry Perkins, and she was constant
ly crying him down by comparison.
He was irritated his self esteem was
injured For the first time in his life
he hungered for bit of encomium
from a girl. When he found that he
could not excite her admiration he en-
deavored to excite her sympathy. He
had his troubles like every one else,
and he told them to her. In this he
was more successful If she could
not admire him she could at least pity
him. This brought them a trife closer
together. Gradually Mr.. Gibbs faded
away, and shortly before Perkins Wis
1t was finished the immaculate figure
was taken down from his pedestal.
That was the beginning of it. The
next time Mr.. Perkins longed for SYM
pathy he sought Miss Clavering. She
had become sufficiently weaned from
Mr.. Gibbs to be very cordial to Mr.
Perkins, and when the latter told her
his troubles she burst into tears.
One day when Mrs. Perkins and Mrs.
Oglethorpe were together the former
said:
My dear Mrs. Oglethorpe, owe you
a debt of gratitude. Harry is en-
gagged
ITO Madge Clavering?"
Yes; through your contrivance. How
did you manage itT'
'Oh, after what you said to me about
girls throwing themselves at Harry I
told Madge of it and left the rest to
her. She held up to him an imaginary
man who was simply perfect Beside
him Harry was a mere worm of the
earth In this way she brought Harry
to value any bit of appreciation shs
might delgn to give him, and when
he asked for sympathy she poured
forth liberal dose. Pity is akin TO
love, you know. and Harry found that
If he could not be admired he could
at least be loved. So they're engaged,
are theyf"
Yes, and Harry is very much in
ta-a Da l., mot COMMANDED N ...;,...4.