Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-04-20
The ThaWing of the Professor


sorted poorly with his serious calling. To
be professor Of English literature at an
old and well-endowed college at % was
a fact 10 be proud of, but the professor
felt that his age was not a thing that
should be Haunted in the faces of the UNI
observation-disclosures in the faces Of his
grave ami reverend seniors of the facui-
ty. SO he decided to assume the charac-
teristics of an age more III harmony with
his official dignity. He affected black
garments OF severe cut. lie wore straight
band collars with narrow black ties He
decked his head with a stiff hat of I'M
usual height of crown.
Added to this outward semblance Of Sc
verify of temperament, the professor cul-
tivated an artificial manner of speech and
an angular gait, both tending 10 convey
the impression that he was a person of
mature contempt for the glibness and
friskncss Of youth.
The professor was a born actor. and he
somewhat enjoyed this make-believe ex,
iStence. After a while it became second
nature and was no longer Il task There
were times, Of course when he longed to
throw off these artificial shackles and be
his true self aga:n-and this longing was
ham rallied him on his m0urnful air,
Pretty Mabel never seemed to have the
proper appreciation of his dignity. She
was in the senior class ri the woman's
college annex of the university, and the
professor boarded with her mother. He
had come to the city with letters of in
PRODUCTION to this eStima BILE lady, and
she had promptly offered him a home.
Il wonder said pretty Mabel to her.
mother after one unusually elevating
course of dinner talk. "how long it took
Prof. Phillips to acquire that labOred
style Of hs?'
1T doesn't seem quite natural" said
her mother But | think he enjoys it,
He had been with them nearly four
months, when one afternoon somebody
rang the bell. The maids were busy else
where, so Mabel opened the door. She
found the caller was Il handsome young
man, very neatly dressed, and very COR
rect in department.
Il beg your pardon" he said, as he
gracefully raised his hat, but is this the
home of Jim Phillips, should say Prof.
James Phillips?"
Yes" replied Mabel. "but the profes-
sor is out just at present. He has gone
to the public library, but will return
soon. Will you come in and wait for
himT'
Thank you, will" said the stranger.
81 have come all the way from Chicago
to see Jim, and | can't afford to miss
him" He followed Mabel into the par
l0r and took a seat she pointed out. Jim
and | are old chums," he went on. I'VE
were quite inseparable i'll college, but dur
ing the last few years have drifte1
apart. Is he well and happy?"
He is well, I'm sure" replied Mabel.
But I'm afraid he doesn't look quite as
happy as he might"
And the wicked girl INDUCED in an in
ward giggle.
That's strange" said the caller.
whats the trouble? Isn't he giving,
.Oh, yes" replied Mabel, everybody
says he's a rising man. Yeu know he's
one of the very youngest professors in the
country"
III can't be financial difficulties" said
the stranger. Perhaps he's in love!'
oh, no" said Mabel. hes much too
dignitied to think of anything so tritling."
Jim Phillips dignified." cried the
stranger. Pardon me, but that's TOO
good" And he laughed merrily.
Pray excuse me" said Mabel. as she
backed toward the door. The stranger
Strengthened his face and arose as she
left the apartment. But as she passed
down the hall she heard him softly laugh
ing again.
Mother" said Mabel, as soon as she
reached her parent there's an elegant
young man in the parlor and he's come
all the way from Chicago and he knows
everything about the professor. and calls
him Jim, and laughs ut his being dgni-
fed. and we must ask him to stay to din
ucr."
but. really. dear" said the mother.
the professor might not like it,"
IN take the chances cried Mabel
Don't ycu see? This IS an opportunity
for lifting the veil or the professors
past And She darted back to the par
lor.
If you have Nc other engagement. ;"
She said in her prettieSt manner. my
mother would be pleased to have you re-
main to dinner"
My only engagement is to meet my
old friend" said the stranger. Pray
thank your mother, and tell her | accept
her invitation with much pleasure"
Just then latchkey ratified in the door
and the professor entered. He had to
pass the parlor on his way to the stairs.
and hearing a slight movement he looked
IN.
Why, Billy" he cried, and sprang for
ward.
Good old Jim" reared the stranger.
And the last thing Mabel saw as she
slipped away was the ;wo men wildly
shaking hands and humping each other
on the breast.
They had qnieted down when Mabel
and her mother came TO announce din
ner. but the professor colJred up when
he say the ladies'.
Mrs Benham," he said. permit me
10 present my friend. Mr.. Gilbert. Miss
Benham, Mr.. Gilbert Then he added
hurredly Mr.. Gilbert and l viii dine
at the hotel this evening"
Sorry to disappoint you. dear boy"
said the newcomer, but have anothe.'
engagement"
May l ask where?" inquired the pro,
feSSor.
Here" replied The newcomer. as he
followed Mrs. Bcnham to the dining
room. Then. when they were seated, he
turned 10 the hostess. Madam" he
said. Il am to infer that you have a
prejudice against the people of the
STAGE"
Certainly not" the lady replied but
why do YOU ask such a question %
Because Prof. Jim Phillips here quite
neglected 10 state my business" said the
newcomer with a duizzical smile. And.
naturally, | argue that he either is
ashamed Of his friends profession, or
else he wished to spare your feelings
But / shall NOT spare his. 1t is right for
you 10 learn just what company he
keeps. Know then, madam, that am an
81, sfvbR