Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-10-29
Before They Were Married.;
By HENRY c. PARKER.
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The doctor smiled grimly II his
mother had known as he did to what
excess Of rage the professor was sub
iect, she would hardly have let him go
so readily.
Professor Drummoud doesn't dare
trouble me-" he said confidently, but
l do not intend to provoke him
In the hall near Amelia's door the
doctor saw Betsey Hubbard gliding
slowly along
Fit inmate of the professors
house." he reflected. She moves about
as silently and apparently as aimlessly
as cat What can she be UP to?
Why does she stay here after her place
has been taken? Or why does Mrs.
Appleton stay?
He stopped under the impulse to
her shoulder as if she, too, wished to
say something But as he hesitated
she glided on.
I'll have to think up something in
order to lead her into a conversation
thought the doctor. For the present
| require all the craft and dssimula
ton can muster with the professor.
At the foot of the stairs he heard
Philbrick's light-hearted tones from
the direction of the dining-room. \
low ripple of laughter assured him that
Louise was as usual, giving the visitor
admiring audience A low rumble of
bass from the room across the hall
testified to the professors where
abouts. The doctor knocked at the
door, and an instant later the professor
opened it,
''Ah, doctor" he said, with an APP
proach. to his ordinary blandness,
something wanted for the patient?"
NO, thanks" replied the doctor. 81
wanted word with YOU on matter
not directly connected with the patient,
If you are engaged I'll wait"
Greatly surprised at the doctors
agreeable manner. for since Amelia's
illness the young man had been curt to
the point of insult Professor Drum
mond looked across to the dining
room, He, TOO heard Phlbrck's
voice, and after slight hesitation,
said:
Come in here am alone"
Il thought | heard" began the
doctor.
Il was discussing domestic details
with Mrs. Appleton" remarked the
professor in a rather loud voice She
went out by the other door when you
knocked"
The doctor entered the room. and
Professor Drummond closed the door.
After what has passed, professor
said the doctor unsteadly, finding it
more difficult than he supposed to play
a part, lit is rather hard to begin a
conversation with you on even terms.
| have used very harsh language
Don't mention 1t, my dear boy.
Heat of passion, you know. Very
natural. | err myself in the same
way"
Il am glad you feel that no apologies
are called for on either side | have
come, however, not to speak for my
self. but for my mother"
Your mother?' exclaimed the pro-
fessor nervously. Really
"She has told me of your proposal.
you Internal young idiot, What do
You mean?'
The professors capacity for rage was
great, as the doctor already knew. but
he was unprepared for the suddenness
with which it burst forth now As
usual Of late, the professor made a
strong effort to control himself, with
the result thai he shook so that the
room seemed To yibrate. DR.. Williams
was completely taken abach.
She tells me you proposed mar
rage," he rctorted, after little pause
of establishment
Professor Drummonds mouth was
open TO speak but only an inarticulate
rattle sounded there. Another voice
spoke, however, with sufficient clear
ness and emphasis:
Nathan Drummond, What does this
mean?"
Concident with the words. a tall
screen standing before the fireplace fell
down, and there stood Mrs. Appleton,
with eyes ablaze and cheeks afiamo.
The professor turned upon her furious
~.
"Eayesdropping, eh?" he snared,
and raised his arm threateningy
DR.. Williams was thrown completely
off his chosen track by this. Diplo-
macy, craft, discrimination vanished
into air He caught the professors
arm.
Il wouldn't" he said Indignantly
IF you must abuse somebody, take
man--for once"
He won't strike me" muttered Mrs
Appleton defantly; but her voice
shook with excitement, or fear never
theless.
The professor with his arm still
raised and held BY the doctor, looked
from one to the other as II frenzied
He brought his arm to his side with
such force that even at that tense
moment it occurred to the doctor how
feeble he would he in an encounter