The Dolores star., 1906-04-27

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She hesitated for an instant. then
complied with his request
Il have been thinking over the mat
ter We were speaking Of the other
evening" he said. BY way Of introduc-
tion.
Celia blushed and paled alternately
and looked very much ~ though she
would like to escape.
"And 1t occurred to me-" continued
the professor. hastily. that a. your
aunt and I have always been ON very
friendly terms. that 1t might be-that
II, that she might be-or rather, that
l might induce her to look favorably
upon your engagement II the matter
were presented properly"
The girl raised . frightened. star
tied fnce to her would-be benefactor
"Oh, no." she cried. Don't think
Of such q thing. It wouldn't do q bit
Of good"
am quite positive that your aunt will
not prove as obdurate as you seem to
fear, and I am fully determined to
exert my influence to promote your
happiness" ~
Celia regarded him anxiously. "If
you wish to please me. you VIII not
speak to my aunt" she said, earnestly.
my dear child. must disregard
your wishes In this case" said the
professor Il will not allow selfish
considerations to prevent the perform
| ance Of a duty. think l had best
confer with your aunt at once. and
have the affair happily settled" And
the professor arose as though to car
ry out his intentions.
You will make me perfectly miser-
erable." cried Celia. looking ready to
cry
why, fail to comprehend" said
the perplexed professor. "If the
young man is worthy"
"There-there isn't any young
man." cried Celia, In desperation. her
cheeks flaming hotly.
isn't any young man." repeated
the professor, scarcely believing his
own ears.
NO. said Celia, shortly.
| But. the engagement" he said.
Il was engaged to teach school. and
didn't want auntie to know It, be-
cause l knew wouldn't succeed in
getting away II she could prevent 1t.
And now. If you've done cross-ques-
tioning me. suppose l may CO." she
concluded. In unmistakable displeas-
lure.
II don't think / have quite done."
returned the professor, with most sur
prising audacity, pushing her gently
back on to the bench, and seating him.
self 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 her lips were trembling
and her eyes overfiowing. his heart
smote him for the pain he had unwit-
tingly caused her.
do forgive my stupid blunder." he
entreated. But. in his CONSERVATION.
he stopped, for Celia bowed her head
on the back of the rustic seat and
began to sob.
The professor was unprepared for q
contingency like this. He really
didn't know what to say. and so he
didn't say anything, which was just
as well, perhaps. for presently the girl
raised her head and wiped her eyes.
Celia" said he, tenderly, II don't
want to distress you. but I 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 . right to
know" he persisted.
''If you must know, then" she re-
piled, with note of defiance in her
voice. II don't choose to marry a man
simply because he is under the neces-
sity of being encumbered with wife.
in order to remain in possession of his
money, nor because he imagines he
would find It convenient to have some
one to sew ON his buttons and mend
his stockings. may as well tell you"
she concluded. II heard you and aun-
tie talking the matter over. and my
mind was made up instantly"
We'll. can't say that 1 blame you"
responded the professor. his spirits
falling. What brute she must think
him! He wondered how he could con-
vince her that he really did love her.
He thought. with q sigh. that it was
i hopeless task
Celia, looking up at that juncture.
met the anxious gaze of the profess
sor's near-sighted, specialized eyes;
they were kindly eyes, she couldn't
help acknowledging, and there was
something in their expression that
she had never noticed before-some-
thing that made her look down again.
while flush overspread her face.
Celia" said he, gently. Il want to
tell you something now. I'd rather
have you than all the money in the
world"
Truly" said she. softly
Truly" he answered. III you'll
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