Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-24
your way about 2 o'clock, and we will

go to the auction"
While these events were taking
place, others, perhaps equally interest
| ing, were transpiring in another part
of Mason's corner. The Professor had
not arisen until late, but 10 o'clock
found him dressed in his best and sur
Iveying his personal appearance with a
pleased expression. He felt that this
was day big with the fate of Profess
| sor Strout and Mason's Corner!
When he left Mrs. Hawkins board
| ing house he went straight to Deacon
Mason's.
as the Deacon in?" he asked, as
lpleasant-faced Mrs. Mason opened the
door.
mo, he has gone over to the Centre.
He said he'd got to go to the bank to
get some money for somebody, but that
he'd be back tween leven and twelve"
ooh, that's all right" said Strout,
stepping inside the door; lis Miss Hull
dy in?"
eyes, she's in the parlor; she went
in to practise on her music lesson, but
/ guess she's reading book instead,
for haven't heard the piano since she
went in half an hour ago."
WAL, I'll step in and have little
chat with her whilst Pm waiting for
the Deacon" said the Professor; "but
you just let me know as soon as the
Deacon comes, won't you, Mrs. Ma
SOM"
Mrs Mason replied that She would,
and the Professor opened the parlor
door and stepped in.
ooh. good morning, Miss Mason"
G. I'D Tho Drnfoccnr. hnn0 WI,
enjoying your usual good health after
last evenings excitement"
Huldy arose and shook hands with
the Professor
! "Oh, yes said she, II got up a lit
e late this morning, but I never felt
better in my life. 1t was very kind of
you, Mr.. Strout, and Of my other
friends, to show your appreciation in
such pleasant manner, and shall
never forget your kindness"
WAL. you know, I've always taken
a great interest in you, Miss Mason"
81 know you have in my singing
answered Hubby, and know that
have improved a great deal since you
have been giving me lessons"
But don't refer wholly to your
|singin'," said the Professor.
7, ooh, you mean my playing" remark
ed Hubby. well, don't know that
shall ever be a brilliant performer on
the piano, but must acknowledge that
you have been the cause of my improv
ling in that respect also"
"Waal, don't mean" continued the
Professor, Jest your singin' and your
playin'. I've been in interested in you
as a whole"
Il don't exactly see what you Inear
by that, Mr.. Strout, unless you mean
my ability as 4ousekeeper. / an
afraid if you ask my mother, she will
not give me a very fattering recon
mendation."
ooh, you know enough about house
: keepin' to satisfy me-" said the Profes
j sor.
i Hubby by this time OWNED what was
on the Professors mind; in fact, she
had known 1t for some time, but haG
assured herself that he would never
have the courage to put his hints, ant
suggestions, and illusions, into an &C
4 tual declaration. So she replied will
some asperity, what made you thinl
/ was looking for situation as house
keeper?"
.sOh, nothin !" said he, 81 WASH
thinkin' anythin' about what though
you thought, but was a-thinkin' abou
somethin' that thought myself"
/ Hubby looked up inquiringly.
what would you say" asked thu
Professor, 'if told you that I though
of gettin' married?
"Well," replied Hubby, ri think m.
first question would be, have 70,
asked her?'"
mo. haven't yet" said the Profes
(sor.
"Well, then, my advice to YOU" con
tinued Hubby, us don't delay; if 20,
do perhaps some other fellow may asl
her first, and she may consent, no
knowing that you think so much o
. her"
"Well, I've thought of that" said tn,
Professor. II guess you're right. VIVA
would you say" continued he, "if
told you that had asked herr"
Well, l should say" answered Hui
!, dy, that you told me only minute o
two ago that you hadn't"
well, hadn't then" said the Pro
fessor,
Il don't really see how you have ha,
any chance to ask her, as you say 70,
have" remarked Hubby, Sin the shor
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