The Lamar register., 1903-07-15
CHAPTER XVII.

her turn. was acknowledging to her.
self the fact that she had filled out
amazingly in the two years since they
had met. and that she was certainly
very fine-looking woman. She foi-
lowed her niece down corridor
which led to what Eleanor styled the
visitors room. a pleasant apartment
In which a cheerful fire was burning.
Here they were received by the senior
professor of the college an elderly lady.
whose white hair was twisted at
either temple into a trio of fat ring
lets. and who was still Miss Johnson.
There was something. however. SO
gracious and affabe in her bearing.
she was so simple and free from af-
fectation. that Emma. who at sight
of her had put on a toplofty man
ner. let herself down inch by inch
until she lost herself in genuine sui
prised admiration of her hostess
tact and gentility. AS for Harold. he
and Miss Johnson hit OFF capitally at
once. so much SO that the moment he
was out of hearing on the, way to
their rooms he exclaimed:
She is a regular old trump, Flea
nor. Have you any more like her?'
She Is certainly very agreeable
woman" Emma added, with medi-
tative air 'One can hardly expect to
find many more so attractive as She"
I'VE shall be very comfortable here.
I'm sure " Emma added. as she glanc-
ed around the parlor into which Flea
nor had ushered them, with the
statement that it was for their use
and that there was bed chamber
opening out of 1t.
Dinner will be ready in half an
hour. and | will come shortly before
that. so as to take you about little
beforehand. My room is close by"
well. Cherub," exclaimed Harold,
as he attacked his valise after Eleanor
had closed the door. Il expect that
before We are ready to go home. you
will be beseeching me to move out
West. bag and baggage"
Don't be absurd dear, l wonder"
she added thoughtfully. a moment
later, why Eleanor is uncertain about
accepting the presidency. Did you
notice how confused she looked when
you referred to the matter?'
The poor child is naturally modest.
thrust upon her.
1T wasn't mere difldence. | tell
you, Harold, she has something on her
mind. There is some secret reason
for her hesitation. | shall believe
until | am convinced to the contrary,
that the cat in the meal is man"
What mani"
"a man. | said. have not the re.
mosest idea who he is. | am waiting
for her to tell us that
Harold laughed.
There is no one like a woman to
| ferret out what Is in another womans
| mind. Well dear, | hope you may
be right, for then you will be able to
say 4 told you sol
"On the contrary, fervently hope
that | am mistaken"
why, | thought that you were
| eager for her to be married"
II wished her to marry Owen Page
five years ago. but | do not wish to
see her marry Tom, Dick or Harry
| and a Western Tom, Dick or Harry
at rhat Though, come to think of It.
ii Hhe will marry a Westerner and
stay West. | do not so much care"
tiarold laughed again, so that his
fat sides shook, and said. as he ad-
jus.ed the pearl pin that adorned his
necktie:
You women are fearfully and won
derfully made"
Eleanor returned few moments
later and carried them on tour of
I Inspection before dinner. There was
an air of complete tranquility In the
house at the moment, for the reason
that the students had all gone to
their rooms to make preparations for
dinner. so that they had an excellent
opportunity to see what there was to
be seen, free from the distraction of
human agencies. AS they were emerg
ing from the last recitation-room the
clang of a bell announced that 1t was
meal time and Immediately after
there was a rush of steps and hum
of voices, which caused Emma to
prick her ears with curiosity despite
her preconceited intention to be
shocked. In another instant surging
troop of youths and maidens was
concourse. Except that they were
tinguish them, either in their dress
or bearing, from any body of students.
save that the sight of so many young
women together was novel to both
of the Stages.
Eleanor purposely detained her
guests until the last of the procession
lad passed. and then escorted them
into the large diningroom, on either
side of the central aisle of which
were rows of tables. The aisle was
the dividing line between the sexes.
On the right of it were the young
men, and on the left the young wo-
men, At the farther end OF the room
we're two other tables, Slightly raised
above and at right angles with the
rest, to one of which Eleanor con.
Quoted her uncle and her auzt.
These were reserved for the chief Of
fcers of instruction.
The Stages were given seats next
to Miss johnson. who presently rose