Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1924-09-24
The Judgment
of Ciaris
By H. LOUIS RAYBOLD
(Copyrigh t.)

ing the ceremony-and she had not
yet selected the groom.
Sometimes Claris pictured Jack Dud-
ley in the role-sometimeS Barry
Cowles. Her mother rather favored
Jack and because of youths contrari-
ness, that frequently threw her daugh-
ter's favors Barryward.
"Oh, mother, what a heavenly way
to drape your VEIL Claris was thumb
ing an advance fashion book and gloat-
ing over its bridal tinery. ooh, what
Il darling sleeve!'
Jack would adore you in it!' de-
clared her mother promptly. "IIe has
unusual perception for a man about
clothes"
$50 unlike Barry" murmured Claris.
Barry is too essentially masculine to
notice the difference between one
style and another
That is how the land lay. Something
would have to happen to throw Claris'
preference violently one way or the
other if there were to be any June
wedding at all.
VIII Nicholas. casually dancing at
tendance upon Claris' closest friend
Angelina, here enters upon the scene
as deus ey machina although at the
time no one recognized him as such.
The date of his entry was the day of
the parish house party, lavish enter
tainment celebrating the opening of
Eastlawn's new parish house. And
now on the very afternoon of the oc-
casiOn Will Nicholas who had asked
Angeline had carelessly allowed his
wrist to be broken cranking a refrac-
tory automobile and had to remain at
home, his aching hand in sling, wrath
in his heart.
Consequently Angelina went to the
party alone. Claris. however, upon
whom Jack and Barry assiduously
waited, insisted that they draw lots to
see which should take Angelina home
and it was during that homeward
stroll which had fallen to Barry that
events took a new course.
1--WE all love Claris," began An
geline. Don't WEI"
81 do" said Barry promptly, land
added ruefully.
Meaning? asked Angeline.
Jack Dudley, Of course"
"Jack is good boy" patronlzed
Angeline, "but my sympathies are
with YOU Now, listen, I've an idea"
Angelines scheme was simple and
proposed in good faith. The two of
them would make Claris jealous by
Barry's flirting with Angelina. Old
stuff-oh, yes-but still frequently eff
fective on each generation as it comes
along, Barry hesitated, then agreed.
Meanwhile Claris, sauntering along
with Jack through the silver moon
light found her thoughts wandering
until brought up short by her com
pnnions serious tone and more serious
words.
"Claris, you've got to judge between
Barry and me. I'm sick of this sus-
pense I'm going away for a week and
when I return l must have your an
swer. One week from tonight"
A strange. day followed for the girl.
No telephone messages, notes or flow
ers from either Jack or Barry. Late
that afternoon Angelina called up to
say that Barry had invited her to din
ner and the play afterwards.
Claris hung up the receiver with
peculiar sensation about her heart.
Basely deserted by one man and left
in the lurch by another for a week at
the end of which she must accept him
as a fiance or lose him forever! Know
ing what her mother would advise.
Claris kept her predicament to her
self.
After all there had never been any
thing definite between Barry and her
self as she had invariably warded off
any attempts on his part that limited
at a proposal.
The day for Jacks return she had
not made up her mind. In flutter of
dread she awaited his coming, re-
solved to trust to the inspiration of the
moment when first she saw him. Sure
ly a girl ought to know whether she
loved man when she saw him for the
first time after an absence however
brief!
Sitting in the couch hammock on
the dark veranda she heard with beat
ing heart approaching steps that turned
in at the walk.
"Jack !" Claris rose to meet him.
mot Jack this time, Claris," and it
was Barry's voice. Then, II never
heard you speak my name that way,
Claris And now, am glad. You see,
Angeline and l started a little game,
innocently enough, which has turned
out to be something more than game.
l came to tell you we are engaged to
be married in June. I hope you will
wish us happiness"
An hour later Claris was sitting in
, the couch hammock with Jacks arm
/ tenderly about her slender shoulders.
81 feel terribly cheated" she was tell
l. \ 70