The Dolores star., 1906-04-27
Celia's
Engage111ent
lCssyIlsh4 ~ - SesssA B.BsvsssS
D 4 LOUISE LIDDEII

" 0Vn yV0 SO1k8s 0Vk-
gested MrA- Harding
Really" exclaimed Prof. Baldwin,
II regard that - most extraordinary
proposition"
well" Fejoined Mrs. Harding. with
emphasis. haven't you just hsen tell
ing me that II you don't marry with
in the next six months you will for
felt the property your uncle left you
ten years ago. ON condition of your
taking . wife before your fortieth
birthday?"
True. told you so." replied the
professor, with . sigh: II thought It
my duty to let you know that l would
probably be obliged to give up the
suite Of rooms I have 30 long occupied
in your house."
what nonsense!" said she, impa-
tiently. you don't mean to sit down
and let that money slip through your
fingers. do your"
IL don't know, really" replied
the professor. gloomily.
The practical little mistress of the
select boarding house surveyed her
favorite guest impatiently.
I'D like to know what. you've got
against Celia" she said; amt she
good looking. and bright enough?"
Certainly" declared the professor.
And sweet tempered?"
"Yes-that Is, should imagine so,''
replied the conscientious professor.
well. say she is sweet tempered.
and ought to know" said Mrs.
Harding. with asperity. seeing I'm
her own aunt"
II assure you," the professor has
tened to say. II have no objection
whatever to your niece. but the fact
is-I-I-don't feel at all acquainted
with her."
''Oh, well, 1t doesn't matter" inter-
posed the practical aunt. "Time
enough to get acquainted in six
months. l should say You ought to
marry anyway. money or no money.
You'd find 1t 30 much more comfort
able to have a wife to look after you
keep your books and papers in or
der"
The professor looked dubious and
appeared to be on the point of protest
ling.
Sew on your buttons and darn
your stockings" the willy matchmaker
hastened to add: "Celia's real handy
at mending.'
The professors face frightened. "It
certainly would be convenient" he ad-
Vtted.
5, Pretty soon 1t began to be rumored
among Mrs. Harding's boarders that
the learned and dignifed Prof. Bald
win was paying his addresses to their
hostess pretty niece; though the young
woman herself appeared to be utter
'ly unconscious that the gentleman's
attentions were more than fraternal
or possibly paternal.
Thus three months glided away
when the recollection Of his fast ap-
preaching birthday reminded the pro
fessor that 1t was incumbent upon
him to ascertain definitely whether
Miss Celia was prepared to become
Mrs. Baldwin. So he broached the
subject one evening, rs they were re-
turning from q lecture.
Miss Celia" he began, II assume
that your aunt has informed you OF
the unfortunate position in which !
ind myself on account of the provi.
sions Of my late uncle's will?"
"Yes." murmured the girl. family.
An appreciation of the ungracious-
ness of his task was growing ON the
practical wooer. But he went on
manfully: "Of course. 1 realize that
l am hardly = suitable companion fol
one 30 young and charming As your.
self: but. II you will consent to cast
in your lot with mine. promise to
make It my chiefest endeayor to prove
worthy Of your confidence And
and, while It would be unfair for me
to make . pretense OF any sentimental
feeling Che was going to say fol
", but thought better of it,, ''you will
ever md me confederate and"
please stop!" cried Celia. finding
her voice at last. II appreciate the
honor" (slight accent ON that word)
'but IL am already engaged
"Engaged!" gasped the astonished
suitor. why. your aunt" Then he
stopped; he had been ON tho point OF
betraying himself.
They had reached the house by
this time, and he held the door open
for her to pass into the hail.
He followed in state Of vague dis
satisfaction, and went directly to his
| own apartments.
Then the truth flashed upon him
He was in love! How stupid he had
been not to recognize the signs Of the
mnlady beforei For now he acknowl
edged to himself that II Celia were
only his that wretched money might
90 to the Hottentots for all he carel
Then the quixotic idea occurred te
the professor. that through his inter
cession Mrs. Harding might become
reconciled to her niece's engagement
To give expression to his devotion tc
the loved one by seeking to promote
her happiness (even at the expense
l Of hfa 0Wnl would he inns 0inad NorS