The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-04-24

to himself a few weeks later Its pre-
posterous for me to go on so with that
girl. 1 suppose she is having great fun
at my expense. or perhaps am boring
her when she would rather be with
Greene. It's midsummer madness, but
I'll stop before l am made a complete
fool of. Why did I wait so loEg to begin
this sort of thing, or why did l ever
begin it at all" and he walked off to
spend the afternoon with Miss Downes.
Agnes Downes, so the interested gossips
declared, was an ideal wife for this
learned, dignified professor In fact the
professor himself was inclined to take
this view. Sedate, cultivated and charm
ing, she would make an ideal home for
him in the college circles, where his lot
was cast. She was most gracious TO him
when he was with her. though truth be
told, this was not a great deal of time, as
the professor could usually be found IN
the company of a girl much more youth
iul and much more frivolous than Miss
Downes- But the professor had sternIy
set himself to forego the society of the
butterfly and with the calm judgment
which had hitherto ruled his career, was
himself, she was past the age of impulse
and foolishness and had due regard for
the benefit and endurance of intellectual
sympathy. Yet, when he thought of her,
his heart beat none the faster, though he
felt a dull pans as he resolutely shut out
the vision of a pair of brown eyes and
wavy hair
in the sunset calm the professor walked
along the beach. He saw the butterfly
and Greene strolling toward the boat
house and he quickened his steps TO-
ward the cottage. Agnes Downes was
sitting on the piazza and gave him a
smile of welcome as he sat down at her
side In few quiet words, he asked her
TO be his wife and waited in silence for
her answer. 1t come
Il am sorry for this, professor: and
yet 1 think you do not really love me. I
realize fully our congeniality and that we
are fitted for each other. But love IS not
an exact science, but a bird that fits
and lights where it win. 1 have been
very cordial to you, / know, but it was
not wholly for your own sake. I think
YOU understand"
My cousin" said the professor solely. |
Her eyes met his. II have known him |
a long tine" she answered, land when |
he tires of the world and the pleasures
thereof"
Il appreciate your confidence in me-" |
He rose and left her sitting there staring |
straight before her in wonder at her |
own confession.
1t was growing darker down by the /
boat house except where the rays of light /
from the full moon shining over the bay |
touched with light the white gown of
he butterfly, curled up on one of the
seats. The professor caught sight of the
lress and came up softly.
YOU" he said.
She sprang up.
Il thought you were boating with
Greene" the professor said.
mo, we got the boat and 1 told him
didn't want to go. for him to- go away.
was lonesome then, so 1 came here"
1t is beautiful on the bay now. VIII
-ou go for a row with me?" asked the
Yes" answered the butterfly
And not change your MIND when we
et the boat out?"
mo"
Then come, Aileen."
How did it end? OF course the pro-
essor married the butterfly, for love,
espite, idealists and reforners is not
n exact science
And Agnes. She is still waiting.
MOILIE WARREN