Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1920-12-10
An Unsuccessful
Bachelor
By CLARISSA MACKIE

When Roger King returned to New
ton, Conn.,. after roughing 1t for two
years on sheep ranch In Colorado,
dltion and theory. The condition,
that of quite satisfactory bachelor
hood, was his. The theory, that until
attractive and eligible bachelors were
converted into model and happy hus-
bands there was no place for them in
the world, was Newton's.
Poor Rogerl At the club, at the din
ner table, even when he sought refuge
in the blue, blue waters of Long Island
sound. memorable fate was always be-
side him in the form of some well
meaning young newlywed, saying:
"Jove, mani You don't know what
you are missing. Just look at usi"
And always the echo would follow,
"But just wait until Peggy Jerome
comes home from Honolulu
To say that Roger King became rest
i've after week of this Is putting 1t
mildly. After two weeks he began to
show signs of positive i'll humor. And
when, on the first day Of the third
week, he stopped in at the Tom Sted-
mans for a friendly chat and Mrs.
Tom pulled out letter with Homo
lulu postmark, saying, II just must
read you this letter from Peggy to
show you how awfully bright she is"
he must be excused for saying under
his breath, Oh Peggyp
That's what Newton did to Roger
King, by nature most polite and we'll
hammered young man.
"You tell me again what a bright,
beautiful, bound to make any man.
happy sort of girl Peggy Jerome is.
and I'll be off for Colorado so fast that
you can't see me for the dust. Is 1t
crime for man to be slngleT he
ragged when they protested.
"YesW answered Newton with one
accord.
"Well, I won't be reformed by Homo
lulu Peg, anyway" he retorted rudely.
1t was the night of the Jennings
dance. Roger was looking forward to
n splendid time. He adOred dancing,
and as he tied his tie with great care
in front Of the looking glass he
hummed "Dardanella" gayly. He
climbed into his car and started off, at
perfect peace with the world, declar-
ing that since he had stopped his
friends attempts at playing Cupid by
one "d-n" and two rude remarks,
Newton was the best town this side of
heaven and he'd fight any man who
said otherwise.
Mrs. Jennings met him, beamlng.
''I'm so glad you've come at last,
Roger" she said sweetly. i've been
telling someone all about you, and
want you to meet her right away"
''If she can only dance, I'm her de-
voted slave for llfe," swore Roger; 81
don't care whether she can talk or
not"
"Dance Talkp exclaimed Mrs.
Jennings rapturously; "why, young
man, she is the most wonderful dancer,
the brightest conversationalist the"
LEAD me to herp cried Roger, in
terruptlng. whats her name2
peggy Jeromep announced his
hostess "She's the prettlest-"
But Rogers back had disappeared
out Of sight down the hall before she
had time to finish.
"Plague take It'll" he cried as he
made for the door that led into the
safety of the garden. He sank onto
a stone bench and gazed fiercely at the
moon. which smiled back at him be-
nignly, quite untouched by his Ill hui
NOR. Here he was, enjoying life and
thinking Newton an earthly paradise
when this Peggy creature had to loom
onto the horizon again and spoil It all
"Drat It all |" he ragged; "they
haven't even mentioned her for six
weeksw
A tempestuous, furious rush which
ended in the sudden occupation Of the
other end Of his bench made Roger
jump up in surprise.
"Oh, I beg your pardon" said mu-
steal voice, which somehow reminded
Roger Of sprlngtime in the woods when
the call of the birds mingles with
merry noise Of overlooking brook. 81
came out In such hurry did not
notice anyone was here"
"You see," she continued, after n
pause, leaning little toward him,
there Is a man in there that would
rather die than meet. 1 hate hlmp
"Goodl" exclaimed Roger, full Of his
grievance. 81 rather think we're kin
Cred souls. There's n girl inside that |
I just won't meet, even II 1t means
that I've got to go to Colorado to
escape her"
whats the matter with herr" asked |
the girl. 'Tll wager that for sheer I'M
pleasantness she's not patch on my
man."
"she's awfulp groaned Roger, the
tortures of his first few weeks In New
ton sweeping over him. Point by
point, know she can outdo your
friend any day"
"Well let's match them up, then,
point by point" laughed the girl. "You
startl"
ITO begin with, she's very bright
l do hate very bright people," began
Roger.
my man is very eliglblel II there's
one crime worse than being bright It is
being eligible" retorted the girl.
"She is bound to make any man
happy" exclaimed Roger in disgust.
"He is so handsome and strong.
Ugh !" cried his companion.
"She plays beautifully on the uku-
lelew continued Roger.