The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-08-28
The TlaVilg Of The Professor.

The professor was young and ne
looked still younger. He was ashamed
of his juvenile appearance. he lett
that it conSorted poorly with MS serl-
Gus calling. To be professor OF Eng
lish literature at an old and we'll en-
dowed college at twenty-seVen was a
fact to be proud of, but the professor
felt that his age was not a thing
that should be faunted in the faces
of the Undergraduates in the
faces of his grave and reverend SEN
iors of the faculty. So he decided 10
assume the characteristics of an age
more in harmony with his official dig
nifty. He affected black garments OF
severe cut. He wore straight band COL
lars with narrow black ties. He deched
his head with stiff hat OF unusual
height of crown.
Added to this outward semblance of
severity to temperament, the professor
cultivated an artificial manner OF
speech and an angular gait, both tend
ing to convey the impression that he
was person of mature contempt for
the glibness and friskiness of youth.
The professor was born actor, and
he somewhat enjoyed this make-be-
lieve existence. After a while it be-
came second nature and was no longer
a task. There were times, of course,
when he longed to throw off these artl-
fetal shackles and be his true self
again-and this longing was especial
ly strong when pretty Mabel Benham
rallied him on his mournful air. Pret-
ty Mabel never seemed to have the
proper appreciation of his dignity. She
was in the senior class of the woman's
collee annex of the university, and the
professor boarded with his mother. He
had come to the city with letters OF
introduction to this estimable LADY,
and she had promptly offered him
Eome.
81 wonder" said pretty Mabel to her
mother after one unusually elevating
course of dinner talk, chow long it
took Prof. Philips to acquire that lab
ored style of his?"
"It doesn't seem quite natural" said
her mother. But think he enjoys it.
He had been with them nearly four
months. when one afternoon some
body rang the bell. The maids were
busy elsewhere, so Mabel opened the
door. She found the caller was hand
some young man, very neatly dressed,
and very correct in department.
81 beg your pardon" he said, as he
gracefully raised his hat, "but is this
the home of Mr.. Jim Phillips, should
say Prof James Phillips?"
eyes," replied Mabel, but the pro-
fessor is out just at present. He has
gone to the public library, but will re-
turn soon. Will you come in and wait
for him?"
Thank you, I WILL" said the
stranger. 81 have come all the way
from Chicago to see Jim, and I can't
afford to miss him" He followed Mabel
into the parlor and took the seat she
pointed out. Jim and are old chums,"
he went ont. 1--WE were quite insep-
srable in college, but during the last
few years have drifted apart. Is he
well and happy?'
,ssHe is well, I'm sure" replied Mabel.
HBut I'm afraid he doesn't look quite
as hanpy as he might"
y And the wicked girl indulged in an
inward giggle.
That's strange said the caller.
whats the trouble? Isn't he giving
satisfaction"
ooh, yes" replied Mabel; "every-
body says he's rising man. You
know he's one of the very youngest
professors in the country"
ct can't be financial difficulties"
said the stranger. Perhaps he's in
loye?"
"Oh, no." said Mabel; hes much
too dignifed to think of anything so
trifing."
"Jim Phillips dignifed!" 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 laughing again.
Mother" said Mabel as soon as she
reached her parent, there's an ele-
CANT young man in the parlor and he's
come all the way from Chicago, and
ne knows everything about the profess
sor, and calls him Jim, and laughs at
his being dignifed, and we must ask
him to stay to dinner
"But, really, DEAR" said the moth
er, ''the professor might not like it."
tI'll take the chances" cried Mabel.
Don't you see? This is an opportunity
for lifting the veil of the professors
past" And she darted back to the
parlor.
''If you have no other engagement"
she said in her prettiest manner, my
mother would be pleased to have you
remain to dinner"
My only engagement is to meet my
Old friend said the stranger. Pray
thank your mother, and tell her l ac-
cept her invitation with much pleas
ure."
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 move
ment he looked in.
why, Billy" he cried, and sprang
forward.
And the last thing Mabel saw as she