The Cairo bulletin., 1907-12-24
THE FIRST

LOUISE WAS entertaining hST Hlhi
young man caller. A subtle excitement
pervaded the whole house.
Not that young men were a novelty
around Louise, but this was different.
The boys" had always been In and
out with tennis rackets and golf clubs
and had called her Lou" and helped
themselves TO freshly baked cookies
out OF the family cooky jar In the
pantry and all concerned had enjoyed
themselves laughingly and hugely. But
this youth was attired In evening
clothes, which did not appear to both
er him In the least. He had handed his
card to the maid and had waited in
state In the reception room while the
startled Louise, through the open don-
BILE doors of the library, received the
bit Of pasteboard.
"Cecil's cousin from Boston--met
him at her dance" she whispered to
her mother.
In another minute she was saying:
How do you do, Mr.. Clammington?"
In rather shaky voice.
She was upset because he evidently
expected her to shake hands with him
Not that Louise was unaccustomed to
social usages, but the boys" never
shook hands when she met them. A
sensation Of strangeness enveloped her
as she sat down across the room from
him and tried to act natural. Her loss
for words was amazingly new and I'M
usual, because the joyous noise that
her daughters boy and girl friends
could make when they convened at
Louise's house usually made her moth
err fee upstairs in search Of peace
Tonight, however, after she had
been presented to the correct young
man, Louise's mother did not flee
farther than the library. for 1t did not
her book by the volume of the CONVEX.
sation. In fact, the quiet was painful,
Mr.. Clammington's youth possibly was
the excuse for his paucity of ideas, but
lack Of years never before had kept
Louise quiet.
II was afraid" said Mr.. Claiming
ton, that this might be pretty soon
to call after the dance, but"
"Oh, no, not at alll' said Louise.
II did want to CALL" persisted Mr.
Clammington. Il was so glad you told
me | might"
Il am glad" said Louise politely. II
trta ,nI, ~ Iu
dance?
Just lovely!" agreed Mr.. Claiming
ton Il don't know when I've gone to
a dance that was--er--loyelier"
Cecil always does give such love
ly parties" said the young woman.
sitting painfully stiff in the mahogany
chair.
Does she?" inquired Cecil's cousin.
"Oh, she certainly doesl" said Lou
Use. Il think she is the sweetest girl!'
ooh. don't know" said Mr.. Clam
with daring. do you like to
dance?"
Il love to-" asserted Louise.
"You are a beautiful dancer" said
Mr.. Clammington.
"Oh, mercy. mol" protested Louise.
Mr.. Clammington nodded with con-
viction. yes you are" he said, firm
ly. Il guess | can tell whether girl
Is good dancer or not! And you
why, you are just fine!"
"Oh, my, mol" repeated Louise.
That is just flattery, because you are
such an elegant dancer yourseif!"
you really don't think so?" urged |
Mr.. Clammington.
Eyes, do" said Louise. "All the |
girls say sol"
do they?" asked Mr.. Clammington.
That is nice-but I'm glad you think
10. Do you ever go to Boston?"
I've never been there confessed
lis hostess.
"Oh, you must come to Boston"
'aid Mr.. Clammington. II should just
owe to have you come to Boston,
You'd like it. We have fine dances
here. Don't you think you'll come to
Boston this Year,"
II can't really tell" said Louise.
I'm going east to school"
II hope you'll come to Boston" re-
,eated the young man. you remind
ne SO much of a girl used to know
fou look just like her. It is perfectly !,
why. / think that Is wonderful"
aid Louise. Wouldn't you really be
Ible to tell us apart?"
Never" asserted Mr.. Clammington
That's what made me notice
rou first. That and your fine Waiting
{ was so good of you TO let me call"
ooh, not at ALI" said Louise. |
Eyes, It was" said the young man.
When he had gathered up his hat
md gloves and his stick, with which
lie nearly demolished the hall lamp in
Ifs confusion, Mr.. Clammington ]
lowed himself away.
you can't imagine how I have en-
Dyed calling" he said as he was de-
,arting. ut has been such an inter
sting evening""
Louise's cheeks were pink and her
yes bright as she came out into the
ibrary and relaxed into a chair
With her usual grace.
Isn't Mr.. Clammington just fne7"
he asked her mother. "He-he is so