The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1906-03-17
Celia's Engagement
BY e. Louise Liddell
Copyright, 1906, by Joseph b. Bowles)

quite positive that your aunt will not
prove as obdurate us you seem to fear,
and | am fully determined to exert MY
influence to promote your happiness"
Celia regarded him anxiously
IF you wish to please me-" she said,
earnestly, you will not speak to my
aunt"
My dear child, | must disregard your
wishes in this case" said the Professor.
Il will not allow selfish considerations to
prevent the performance of Il duty. |
think | had best confer with your aunt
ut once and havc the affair happily set
tied"
And the Professor rose as though to
carry out his intentions.
You will make me perfectly miser
able" cried Celia, looking ready to cry.
why, | fail to comprehend" said the
perplexed Professor. IF the young man
, is worthy"--
| "There-thcrc isn't any young man."
| cried Celia, in desperation her cheeks
flaming hotly.
Isn't any young MANI repeated the
Professor hardly believing his ears.
| NO." said Celia shortly.
But the engagement?' he said.
Il was engaged to teach school, and |
| didn't want auntie to know it because |
| knew that | wouldn't succeed in getting
away if she could prevent it. And now,
| if you've done crosS-qucStionng me, |
suppose may 90" she concluded, in I'M
miStakable displcaSure.
Il don't think | have quite DONE re-
turned the Professor witt most Surpris-
! ing audacty. pushing her gently back on
the bench and seating himself beside her.
! He was in no haste to begin to speak,
however. He was absorbed in the joyful
reflection that Celia WAS free and yet to
be won. Then, noting THAT her lips were
, trembling and her eyes overlooking. his
heart smote him for the pain he had UNI
Willingly caused her.
"bo forgive my stupid hlunder." he on
treated. but in his conformation he stop
ped, for Celia bowed her head ON the
! back of the rustic seat and began to sob.
The Professor WAS mprrpared for a
contingency like this. He really didn't
know what 10 say. and - he dldn't say
anything-whch was just rs well. per-
hapS. for presently the girl raised her
head and wiped her eyes.
! Celia" said he. tcnderly,'I don't want
to distress you. but | would like to know
why you refused to marry me?"
I'D rather not say ANYTHING more
! about that" said She turning her head
! aside.
! But | think | have Il right to know"
/ he persisted
IF you must know. them" She re-
piled, with note of defiance in her
voice, IL don't choose to marry man
/ simply because he is under the necessity
I Of being encountered with wife. in or
| der to remain in possession of his money,
nor because he imagincS he would find it
! convenient to have some one sew ON
his buttons and mend his stockings.
may us well tell YOU" She concluded. Il
heard YOU and nuntir talking the matter
! over. and my mind was made up in
stantly."
well. | can't say that | blame YOU"
RESPONDED the Professor his spirits fall
ing. What a brute she must think him.
He wondered how he could convince her
that he really did love her He thought
with II sigh. that it was Il hopeless task
Celia. looking up ut that juncture, met
the nHNiOuS gaze of the Profo<>ur'S near
sighted, Spcctaclrd eyes: they were kind
ly eyes, she couldn't held acknowledging,