Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1925-10-30
Susceptible and
Sympathetic
By J. A. WALDRoN

TF candle were tied in the middle,
i suspended horizontally, and lighted
at both ends It would not, fguratively
speaking, consume much more quickly
than Reggie burned his candle
Before he had time to realize much
Of anything but initial good fortune,
honeymoon, and something character
istic of amusement" on the side, Reg
gle was dead. The life picture he
painted was all foreground, confused
by glarlng colors and high lights. He
never even dreamed what perspective
means.
After the obsequles, as his mundane
affairs were being adjusted. Constance,
his charming misunderstanding In spite
of the life he had led her, for vital
youth was hers-found that she would
probably be left with little or nothing.
But lacking forethought, she did not
worry. Their fine country place was
legally In the hands of mortgages,
though she was permitted to stay on
for time. But residence there was
distasteful because creditors or their
representatives were intrudipg to make
inventories related to theft claims.
Reggie had roved in motor car, with
which Constance was absolutely In
love; and this she wished, IL possible,
to keep for her very owner, II she
could not keep 1t, to sell 1t for a stun
ming price.
an ask James about It," she said
to herself one morning as Ahe waited
for him to drive her out. James was
her chauffeur
Thrilled by the speed James nego-
tiated with skill as they stuck the
smooth, broad boulevard, Constance
gained courage. You must have no
ticed, James," she said, that am be-
coming quite poverty strlcken-that
am losing almost everything have"
"Yes, ma'am," was James reply.
"But one thing I hope to retain in
some wAy-this dear car"
James slowed down and turned to
observe her, But you know, ma'am,
I've got to have my wages-six
months, nova tidy sum, ma'am."
"Of course You can get your wages
out Of something on the place. File
lien, believe, or something"
THANK you, ma'am, I'm going to.
And was thinking, ma'am, Of leaving
when my month is up-Saturday week
that'll be-"
"Oh, well Then shall have to get
another chauffeur. And I'm so fond
Of you. James It's too badw
james was uneasy. "But, ma'am,
I've decided to lay a claim on this
carr
"oh. james James! How could
you do it2"
"But some one else would claim the
car ma'am. You shouldn't worry.
There may be some way cut Of 1t.
You know Merryman, the rich fellow
who lives In that fine placer James
pointed at great roof that rose out
Of the distance.
tive seen the gentleman, James, as
you know"
well, ma'am, whenever we've passed
Merryman he has eyed this car with
an envy you'd never think of a rich
man."
Yes, James, I've noticed him."
"And one day met him alone, and
he asked me the price of It."
"Indeed And what did you tell
hlmT
II told him didn't know, though
did"
"Stop here, James. We shall wait
for him to come up"
Merryman cantered up and stopped.
Anything the matter? Can l render
any asslstance" he asked.
81 really would like to talk with you
a moment, sir" said Constance
Would you mind coming back with
us?"
mot at all In fact, l should be
delighted. But we haven't been very
neighborly, you know. Why not keep
right on to my placer"
Constance thought a moment. "Why,
yes. Why not? We haven't been
very neighborlyg'
So Merryman turned about and can
tered alongside to his stately seat.
"You can wait a few minutes, James,
| shall not be long" said Constance.
Merryman had dismounted and handed
his horse over to groom who had
seen the return, helped her out with
cOurtly grace and walked with her I'D
broad avenue.
They were admitted by Il butler who
had the benign face of bishop medl.
tatlng on the beatitudes.
Constance told Merryman Of things
which were perfectly plain to him. She
had wanted so much. she said, to keen
her dear car, but james was about to
attach 1t for wages, and now she would
like to dispose of il to some gentleman
who knew its real value. And then
she cried gently Merryman was both
susceptible and sympathetic. He was
a widower
James tells me he has noticed that
you have always looked at the car as
though you wanted it," said Constance
with half a sob.
my dear young woman" replied
Merryman, taking her hand, 81 have
had an idea all along that you loved
that car. Really you should keep It,"
"But /, also, have noticed that you
regarded the car with longing ex.
preston" She sohhcd again. Didn't
you really desire ??
Merryman patted her hand. 1T was
not the car l was always admlrlng ms
we passed."
Mohoroioh Poc.oo Moooo,.