The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-11-24
THE PROFESSORS
QUEER BUG.
By J. T. NEWCOAIB.

ktX11 Taylor OF " University, was
percncd on the top Of the stile at the lower
end of the garden, with very fearful ex-
preston on her pretty face. With her chin
resting on one little hand she looked away
into space instead of at the young man VINO
was leaning against the fence but few feet
away. At length he came and leaned against
the stile.
"Well?" he inquired mournfully.
cit isn't well at all, Tom," said Miss Tay-
lor, looking severely at her companion;
"and | think it very inconsiderate of you to
hint that it might be-
"I'm sure meant nothing of the kind, u
said Tom, humbly. "What did the old-that
is what did your father say?"
"He says l am not to see you any more,
and that must tell you it is all over be-
tween u.s."
She spoke without lifting her head, and
closed her speech with heavy sigh.
There was silence for some minutes,
and then Waters spoke again, little more
cheerfully. -,
And what do ycu intend to do, Flos?"
IL SUPPOSE / have got to do as my father
SAYS and we will have to bear II, she said,
PLAYING mournfully with leaf that came
futtering down from the tree overheard.
There was something so resigned In her
words that Tom took Offenss at once, and
thrust his hands into his pockets.
You seem to bear up Wen SO lar, ne
said, very bitterly. :" don't think there is
much more to say" and he turned and
walked two or three PAGES up the road.
Toni called Miss Taylor from the stile.
He came back Immediately.
"Tom," with great severity, don't you
think it is positively wicked to be SO unklnd
when everybody is against me. L didn t
think you would be SO. and now there isn't
ANYBODY Toto"
Waters interrupted her hastily, for she
was growing more fearful with every word
she spoke.
There. Flossie, dear, 1 know I'm big
brute and hate myself for making you so
unhappy"
ITS just as bad to call yourself brute
as if would care for a blute." said Flor
ence, sObbing violently on his coat. =,
We'll. didn't mean that, either. then,
said Tom. and peace was restored once
more. The sobbing grew more faint, and,
at last, stopped altogether.
II didn't tell you the worst, Iom," she
said, presently, from his coat.
Waters face was the picture Of despair.
WELL" he said, what is it?',
HE is going to take me away" said Flor
ence, solemnly and tragically.
'Where, Europe?" asked Tom.
mo; down in the country, where he is 60
ing to spend a whole month. He is going
to hunt for new bug or something, and
just know he will stay for ages"
He may find the bug and come away"
suggested Tom, vaguely.
ii know he wont. They never do"
There was silence, during which there
were symptoms Of trembling sobs.
"Fossie," said Tom, suddenly, Il have an
idea"
"Really," with unconscious sarcasm.
perhaps you don't care to hear it," said
Tom, with dignity.
when are you going?" asked Waters.
81 think he said tomorrow"
"Well then," said Tom. stepping back to
watch the effect Of his words, Il am going
too"
rs that ALL" said Miss Taylor scornfully.
"Yo gu know he wont ever let me see you. 1t
will be no better there than here"
You wait and see," said Tom sagely.
Florence felt her curiosity rising.
"PerhapSyou had better tell me what you
are going to do" she said as indifferently as
possible
Tom Shook his head gravely.
You wouldn't understand. No woman
would" patronizlngy. And now" he
continued See somebody 6t. coming tis
part" Then tenderly, You will be glad if
it does come all right, little sweetheart"
You know WILL" she answered, and in
moment he had swung himself over the
fence and gone striding down the road.
That evening he made call on Professor
Taylor. He found that gentleman in his study
and received stffiy frigid bow as he
entered.
II have come to ask a favor of you sir"
he said, taking a chair and seating himself
comfortably, with his hat in his hand.
The professor wheeled around in his
chair.
81 don't want to hear you say anything
about my daughter" he said, with rising
wrath. II presume she has told you what /
have said. Let that be enough"
Excuse me sir" said Tom, calmly; 81
had not intended to speak of your daughter.
1t was very different matter"
"Weilp" said the professor, a little molli-
fed.
lyon see," said tue young diplomatic. 81
have been a good deal interested in the
work in your elective. l heard that you
were going to spend month or SO in a
search after some new specimens, and, as
have nothing particular to do this vacation,
l thought perhaps you might allow me to
accompany you"
Professor Taylor knitted his brows for
moment and thought. He really liked
Waters and it was true he had worked well
in the professors particular branch. 1t
would be an advantage to have him around,
but
"This is some trick" he said, looking
sharply at Waters. You think it will be
easier to follow Florence in this way.
wont allow it. Itell you, Pun not too old to
see"
Tom rose with dignity and moved toward
lhe door
Il am sorry you are able to so misjudge
me. l wish you good evening"" he said
gravely.
Tom stopped, with his hand on the door,
''Sit down again, Waters. and we will talk
this over. Perhaps / was trifie hasty in
what said"
Tom resumed his seat, and the professor
continued.
Nov, what assurance can you give me
that it is not as suggested ?"
Il suppose if help you in your search,
sir, and show no disposition to trouble you
with regard to your daughter, that will be
assurance enough" said Tom, little
coolly.
Certainly" said the professor.
And if you are not satisfied suppose
you can send me off whenever you choose"
The professor thought for aminute or two
and then said:
VERY well. You can go. and may add
that personally | shall be very glad to have
you with me in the work"
Thank you, SIR said Tom, rising.
"When do we go?"
"To-morrow at II. I am going to Sum-
mersyille, where few very curious and
valuable specimens have been found. /
hope to make some interesting investiga-
tions."
VERY WE'LL" said Tom. as he bowed him
self out, i shall be there
A servant came to open the door for him,
and Waters managed to scratch few words
on the back Of an envelope. at is all right
| am going" he wrote, and succeeded In
bribing The girl to give it to Florence.
But he did not appear at the train in the
morning. Another plan had come to him as
he walked home, ana all the way from -
to Summersville the professor and his
daughter were left to wonder secretly at his
noIappearance.
When they arrived at their destination,
however, they were both surprised to find
him waiting at the station with dilapidated
chariot-like vehicle which he had procured
in the village.
Il thought l had better run down by the
early train and see to things" he explained
| to the professor. II found some fairly de-
sirable rooms which you can get II you like
them. We will drive there now II you