Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1894-09-14
LhRRY'S OLD FOSSIL.


There was so much talk about Pro
fessor Chesney before he arrived, TINT
Larry declared herself sick OF the
subject.
Larry was the only one of the fam
ily who had not met him, and win
her usual perversity, made up her
mind not to like him He was learned
in mathematics, which only scored
against him in her eyes.
"'The calculating power alone
should seem to be the least human 81
qualities, she quoted, her small
nose in the air. "There is something
wrong about man whom everybody
likes. My prophetic soul tells me
shall not take to him, at least. "
The Wednesday the professor wa
expected Larry went for long walk
she met Ned Erskine and Harry Win
throp, two young artists with whom
she was good friends, and enioyeC
herself very much, getting in barely
in time to dress for dinner.
They we're all assembled round tn
table when she slipped into her place
and there was reproofin in her mother
voice, as she said, "my third dauglI
ter, Larinda, Professor Chesney.
If there was anything thlt he
third daughter hated, it was being al
dressed by her baptismal name. Wit
a pout of her red under lip she bowe
hastily, and it was not until she ha
disposed of her soup that she locke
at her opposite neighbor.
A tall, thin man, with brown hal
and short brown beard and mou
taehe thickly streaked with gray,
4 l.~ssl4ssA.eaisria sa.a-ss.ss- =
sighted gray eyes that looked Nd.
at her through his spectacles f
He was little surprised at the hos
tile expression in the brilliant browI
eyes, which surprise deepened inf,
astonishment when, in answer to il
low-voiced remark from Jim, tht
young lady replied, also in a low tone
but so distinctly that he heard eyer
word, 81 think he is an old fossil :"
Notwithstanding this, several time
during the meal his eyes straycd t.
the white-robed figure, the bent, shin
ing brown head, and once, in thl
midst Of remark from Augusta, h
turned quickly to listen to peal Q
merry laughter from Larry
Several of her friends came in dur
ing the evening, and she devoted her
self to their entertainment, complete
ly ignoring the professor When shl
kept up this behavior for nearly
week, it attracted the attention Of he
family as well as that of the sitor
and when gentle hints were scorned
Larry was severely reprimanded.
''You are positively unladvlke :
said Mrs. Austin; ''and l insist on, a
least, civility. He must think you Al
ill-mannered child "
81 daresay do seem child to hi
advanced years, saueily answered
Larry.
''You are exceedingly impertinent!
answered Mrs Austin, who was no'
very angry. 81 insist on your bein
polite to Professor Chesney, and dc
ing your share toward entertainin
him, or shall certainly complain G
you to your father. Leave the room
miss !"
A little ashamed and wholly angry
Larry whisked out OF tn room, a
most into the professors arms, vii
such force as to rather stagger him.
With hasty Excuse M, She spe
along the corridor and up the stnr
while the ''estimable gentleman
stood and looked after her
An old fossil" !" he murmured wit
n slight smile, stroking his beard
Shortly after this, to the surprise
all, Larry suddenly changed her ia
ties, and at dinner one day addressc
the professor. He answered cou
teoulsy, and very readily joined in
argument between herself and Jif
Her remarks were bright aud anu
ing, if somewhat crude, and t
brown eyes aud changeful face we
very attractive. In the evening s.
played and sang for him, and was
bright and bewitching as the heart
man could desire, much to the su
prise of some, and the annoyance
others, of her family.
"She means mischief" thong
Jim, uneasily. care you beginnii
to succumb to the professors charms
he whispered "You know l ga
you week. "
''I am thinking of getting up &C
lection of fossils, she answered, vi
mocking laugh, "and this is too ii
specimen to lose. Don't you dare
terferel'
"Poor wretch !" reioined Jim. %
les my sympathy"