Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1894-11-30
HER OLD FOSSIL.

There was so much talk about Professor
Chesney before he arrived that Larry de-
clared herself sick of the subject
Larry was the only one of the family
who had not met him, and with her usual
perversity made up her mind not to like
him. He was learned in mathematics,
which only scored against him in her eyes.
1.-THE calculating power alone should
seem to be the least human Of qualities, "
she quoted, her small nose in the air.
"There is something wrong about man
whom everybody likes. My prophetic soul
tells me l shall not take to him, at least. F"
The Wednesday the professor was ex-
pected Larry went for long walk. She
met Ned Erskine and Harry Winthrop,
two young artists with whom she was
good friends, and enjoyed herself very
much, getting in barely in time to dress
for dinner
They were all assembled round the table
when she slipped into her place, and there
was a reprOof in her mothers voice as she
said my third daughter, Larinda, Pro-
lessor Chesney."
If there was anything that her third
daughter hated, it was being addressed by
her baptismal name. With pout of her
red underlip she bowed hastily, and it was
not until she had disposed of her soup that
she looked at her opposite neighbour
A tall, thin man with brown hair and a
short brown beard and mustache thickly
strcaked with gray, large, domelike fore
head and nearsighted gray eyes that looked
kindly at herthrough his speCtacles.
He was a little surprised at the hostile
expression in the brilliant brown eyes,
which surprise dGepencd into establishment
when, in answer to low voiced remark
from, the young lady replied also in low
tone, but so distinctly that he heard every
word, Il think he is an old fossilp'
Notwithstanding this, several times dur
ing the meal his eyes strayed to the white
robed figure, the bent, shining brown
head, and once in the midst of a remark
from Augusta he turned quickly to listen
to peal of merry laughter from Larry.
Several of her friends came in during
the evening, and she devoted herself to
their entertainment, completely ignoring
the professor. When she kept up this be-
havior for nearly week, it attracted the
attention of her family as well as that of
the visitor, and when gentle hints were
scorned Larry was severely rcprimanded.
You are positively unladylike," said
Mrs. Austin, and I insist on at least
civility. He must think you an i'll man
nered child"
81 dare say do seem child to his ad-
vanced years" saucily answered Larry.
you are exceedingly impertinent, an
swered Mrs. Austin, who was now very
angry. Il insist on your being polite tc
Professor Chesney and doing your share
toward entertaining him, or 1 shall GER
tainly complain of you to your father
Leave the room, miss!"
A little ashamed and wholly angry,
Larry whiskcd out of the room almost
into the professors arms with such force
as to rather stagger him.
With a hasty Excuse mel" she spec
along the corridor and up the stairs, while
the "estimable gentleman" stood ant
looked after her.
IAN old fossil!' he murmured with {
slight smile, stroking his beard.
Shortly after this, to the surprise of all
Larry suddenly changed her tactics, anC
at dinner one day addressed the professor
He answered courteously, and very readily
Joined in the argument between hersel
and Jim. Her remarks we're bright anC
brown eyes and Changeful face were yer!
attractive. In the evening she played ant
sang for him and was as bright and be
witching as the heart of man could desire
much to the surprise of some and the an
noyance of others of her family.
She means mischief" thought jim
uneasily. Are you beginning to sucoumI
to the professors charms?" he whispered
"You know, gave you week"
81 am thinking of getting up collec
ton of fossils" she answered. with
knocking laugh, land this is too fine
specimen to lose. Don't you dare inter
fere!''
Poor wretch!'' rejoined Jim. The ha
my sympathy"
Unable to account for the change il
Larry's manner, the professor nevertheless
found her very agreeable, and, thougl
never neglecting any one else, it soon be
came evident that she was the attraction
The other two reluctantly gave way to heI
and she it was who went with him to pic
ture galleries and lectures and concerts
who was the life of theater and opera pal
ties-saucv. willful. charming.
n