Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-09-03
CHAPTER VII

1t was the day before Christmas eve
when Lulu, who was lounging on the
window seat in the school room, suddenly
announced that brougham loaded with
luggage was coming down the drive.
1T must be the Fentons arriving"
Moyra said, fitting her chair back tla
better to observe the carriage. What
lovely horses Yes-they are turning
round. I've noticed they have had fires
burning in every room at the big house
for the last few days"
Aileen, who was the third occupant Of
the room, did not make any remark, but
she looked annoyed when Lulu announc-
ed that a dog-cart with a great black
horse was coming, and that there was a
gentleman driving and a groom sitting be-
hind, while the mention of a cart filled
with boxes caused her lips to curl scorn-
fully.
what a fuss over a few parvenus ~
she said contemptuously. .'They might
be royalties-no doubt they are in their
own estimation
She had been reading, but the book
seemed TO lose its charm after the Fen
tons arrival, and at length she put it
down and watched Moyra writing direc-
tons on envelopes for Christmas cards
The two were finally alone in the room,
Lulu having vanished to pursue investi-
cations of the big house at the staircase
window. Aileen seemed to be thinking
deeply. At last her thoughts found utter
ance.
"Moyra, do you remember ever hearing
of a man named Lewiston? He is a
Fellow of Trinity and very well-known
authority on Plato but for a professor
he is somewhat young at present. He's
about forty, l think. He's very advanc-
ed on the woman question, and conse-
quently is very well liked at Newman
and Girton. But he is really very charm
ing m himself and not exceedingly dom
nish in manner.
Yes, dear?" as Aileen hesitated again.
We'll, | think I shall become Mrs
Lewiston. oh, I'm not engaged to him,
nor has he ever proposed, but I've rea-
sons to know he will 1t would be a
very suitable affair. / have always felt
| should have to marry a professor
Thanks to the Grass stupidity of a lot of
fossilized young parsons and their usual
narrowmi ndedness, the woman's cause
has been thrust back ten years, and we've
to fight the battle again. Prof. Lewis
son is big man, and for him to marry a
well-known adherent of the cause as
would be of immense advantage.
should be performing public service to
the women's colleges"
But you wouldn'l marry a man just
for that alone?" Moyra cried. almost
overwhelmed by her sisters rather dog
matte and somewhat priggish tone and
words.
Certainly | would. 1t is the cause
that lies nearest and dearest: would
shed my life-blood for it Don't look so
Mortified, Moyra, Prof Lewiston is a
charming man, although somewhat absent.
minded: and he is very well OF and is
one of the great lights of the university
constellation, can assure you Mrs,
Lewiston will be very lucky young
woman in a great many respects But
to descend 10 details-the professor has
been good enough to help me great deal
In my work. l only wish''-fushing
slightly. and speaking with an added
sharpness in her voice-'that circum-
>1sthNCS 4ttQ ANA St1AtAtsCN ~ AAAAC AAN
less receptive of his help than | should
otherwise have been, but that was not my
fault. However, / need not bother you
with particulars. but it comes TO this.
He's got some old relative living here; |
believe her name is Stacker. Ever heard
of her? Nor l but he said so. Well,
if | write TO him. he viii come and stay
with the relative and make himself known
TO my family. and. if he and ! approve
each other in our family life as much
as we do in our varsity one, the proba-
bility is that l shall go back engaged.
1T all sounds very cold-blooded." Moy>
IA said doubtfully. Il SHOULD Ike less
Of the cause and more Of personal feel
ing"
ut, TUT, my dear old mother goose J
Surely You don't expect sentiment from
mes As matter of personal choice. 1
should never get married at all. but |
really think that Prof. Lewiston is too
good to be missed"
The following morning every one went
s-.rly 10 the church 10 help in decorat-
ing it, except Moyra, who vas asaninsd