The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-01-05

through the thick lenses OF MS eye
glasses.
Mrs Harper. as the married woman OF
the party, arose and looked at him i'll
uuiringly. The strangers first remark
was somewhat peculiar,
"Ah, three ladies' he said.
Mrs. Harper bowed.
II was looking for one" continued the
visitor.
rs there any particular lady you would
nike to see?'' asked Mrs. Harper.
Eyes, madam, a very particular one
what is her name?" asked Mrs. Jack
rather severely.
THAT is the very point upon which
would like to be enlightened" replied this
stranger. his eyes rowing from one to an
other Of the three faces Ladies, may
be permitted to make a sta tementT' he
asked suddenly.
Mrs. Jack Harper, as spokeswOman for
the party, bowed her assent.
II was BORA continued the stranger.
''in the state Of California In the year
1869. My father intended me for busi-
ness career: my mother hoped that
would become a lawyer. I disappointed
both. During my early college days dis
covered beyond any possibility OF doubt
what was to be my vocation in life. On
my eighteenth birthday a mysterious in
ward monitor told me it was to be in the
field of science. 1 needed this Admonition
to my profit, as in science have met with
some fame and with substantial success
My name may not be entirely unknown to
you."
He drew forth a card and handed it to
Mrs. Harper. 1t read, adrian Babbage,
M. Asst. s." Mrs. Harper passed 1t on.
"Ahv exclaimed Miss Ledyard PRO
lessor Babbage! have read your recent
work on asteroids, professor. with great
interest
The professor acknowledged the compli-
ment by smile in the direction of Miss
Ledyard and continued:
This mysterious inf1uence-this inward
monitor-has been my guide through life
1t never fails to warn me in an emer-
gency or to indicate the way when l am
perplexed. Never once have I refused to
obey 1t. Never once have I regretted
doing so. If, for instance, 1t Is the selec-
ton Of certain glass for the lens OF
great telescope or a choice between two
offers from different colleges or an invest
ment for sum of money, my mentor
speaks and obey.
TT has been several years since I ar
rived at a manageable age and position"
Mrs. Harper's face grew softer. Miss
Smith blushed and fdgeted a little. Miss
Ledyard alone seemed unmoved.
my parents both believe in early mar
were proposed by them which came to
nothing. l have met a few charming and
. interesting women to whom 1 knew had
but to offer myself to be accepted, but
during all this time my monitor was ST.
lent In justice to the professor it should
be pointed out that as a scientific man he
was accustomed to stating facts simply
as facts, with a high disregard for the
light in which such statements might
place him personally. 1T has been silent
all this time" continued the professor
until fifteen minutes ago. Then. as I
was passing this building, suddenly my
monitor spoke, If / may use the word in
describing the mysterious manner in
which it's communications affect my con-
seriousness. Your bride to be- 1t said, ts
tn the front room of the second floor Of
that house That Is why am here la
dies" said the professor; that Is why (
have told you this story; that is why I
was surprised at seeing three ladies IN
stead of one. Strangely enough, my mon
itt,r after the first emphatic warning was
silent Therefore 1 must leave the solu-
ton OF the problem to your kind assist
ance''-he made bow which comprehend
ed all three of his hearers-"and to the
future"
There were several seconds Of profound
silence. Then Miss Florida Smith. blush
ing like sunset, jumped up and said she
must redily go. nave an engagement
for the theater with Harry she wins,
pered to Mrs Jack Harper. land so mus,
hurry home" She saluted the professor
distantly as SHE made a hasty exit from
the room. My husband telegra phed me
he would bring a friend home 10 dinner
this evening, my dear" said Mrs. Jack to
Miss Ledyard. land 1 fear I also must be
going soon.''
Miss Ledyard shot her quick glance,
n MI Wi
him =" it said.
Mrs Jack shot back another Trust
me to chaperon YOU was the message H.
carried. Il want to do up some Of those
bead bags before 1 co. she said aloud; II
will drive you home if you are ready when
have finished"
Mrs. Jack went to the farthest end OF
the long room and turned discreet back
There are left you and I-alone-facing
each other" said the professor softly.
What says your heart? Has it mes
sage for mine?'
Miss Ledyards eyes were little bright
er and faint flush colored her cheek. hut
she maintained her composure.
i am but an amateur in scientific
Study, professor, and cannot pretend to
understand such things as inward voices"
she said. Your story is certainly curious
misunderstanding"
but does it possess a special interest
Tor you?
''That cannot tell"
MAY come to see your
MY mother and I will be pleased to re-
ce!ve at our home a man of your repuuI-
ticn and attainments."
Il shall call tomorrow evening II yon
win allow me-"
Miss Ledyard smiled and gave him her
address. which he entered carefully in his
notebook. II am ready to go now. my
dear" she called to Mrs. Harper.
DO not fear that shall do anything to
annoy you,'' murmured the professor
while Mrs. Jack was putting away the
last Of her boxes. 1.-THE monitor will speak
again, and both Of us will then know
Until that time shall be simply your
caller and your friend"
Professor Babbage came often to tire
Ledyard home during the next month
Mrs. Ledyard confessed from the begin
ming that she was charmed with hir1
Miss Ledyard did not admit so much, but
her interest was evident. The professor
behaved all this time like an accomplished
man Of the world. Only on rare occasions
was he anything other than animated
talkative and entertaining. Sometimes.
though, he seemed distracted. and then
he would look wistfully and pathetically
into Miss Ledyard's face as though hs