Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1903-05-06

when he returns. lie was so sorry
that he had to go TO town for II few
hours. In the meantime ! hope
that you will let me look after you"
'Thank you very much. Perhaps
you would be SO kind as to explain
to me a few things should like TO
know about Professor Botkine's the
cries on bacteria"
He was surprised 10 see deep
flush and look of distress come
over her face.
Here ne was plunging into SCI
ence the very first thing and turn
ing shy besides. Oh, she must send
him off to that bath! 1t seemed
rather awkward, but she neryed her
self to the effort.
mo, Mr.. Smith," she said gayly,
81 am sure that could not tell you
anything on the subject, and | can
not think of leaving you here alone.
You must let me make you comfort
able. ] know that after your jour
ney you would like a bath"
He looked amazed and then EN-
barrassed.
"Thank you very much, Mrs. Bot
kine," he stammered, "bnt | do not
care at all for a bath. | shall do
very well here, und"--
"No, no." she said nervouSly. ~
know that you are only afraid that
there is no hot water on such a
warm day, and You do not wish to
give trouble. Not word, if you
please, Mr.. Smith You will really
annoy me if you refuse"
She thought to herself that he lit
tie knew how more than annoyed
she was at the thought of his posi-
bic questions.
AS he followed james, Mr.. Smith
remarked to himself that before
this experience he would have VOW
ed that she was too pretty to be &C.
centric. He had no wish to battle,
but, fearing to vex her, meekly pro-
ceeded to perform his additions.
She was so elated that she went
to the piano and sang for half an
hour.
She was startled by hearing some
one come rushing into the room be-
hind her. She wheeled on the stool
and encountered the gaze of Mr..
Smith, who stood before her, look
ing decidedly uneasy.
81 beg pardon for interrupting
you, Mrs. Botkinc," he said, "but |
wished to thank you for your kind
ness and to make my adieus."
"Why, Mr.. Smith"- she began,
but he waved his hand apologetical-
ly and continued:
81 am very sorry not to have
found Professor Botkine, but per-
haps | can come again. There is
just time for me to catch the 5
o'clock train"
For a moment she felt stunned.
Then a flood of questions poured
through her mind. Was the man
insane, or what had she done to
offend him? What was there in
science to turn an apparently "nice"
young man into such a distract saw
age? The rest Of the day seemed
but at last she deserted Pro-
lessor Botkine and with him Il rath-
er desiccated and "dug up" looking
man.
"Here we are at last" said the
professor. 81 found our friend on
the train. He had mistaken the
train and gone to Alameda. Mr..
Smith, let me present you to Mrs.
Botkine."
She welcomed her guest cordially,
but the minute she was alone with
ler husband she seized him by the
apels.
"What joke have you been play
ng on meP" she demanded. "Who
s this Mr.. Smith,"
"Why, my dear, there is no joke
This is the Mr.. Smith that told
'ou | was expecting this afternoon.
What is the matter?'
"Matterw she cried. "Who is the
Mr.. Smith that came here this aft
,rnoon with a satchel and asked {
bout your theories ?"
"Why, we met him at the station
lie had a few specimens to show I
ne. lie is the son of my friend
Jom Smith of San Francisco. lie
lad just run over for a short call = :
"a short call" she echoed again. !
What will he think of me: sent {,
i'm upstairs to take that bath" !