La Junta tribune., 1908-04-04
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Matchnakers
c.nsss.e. D'Asey Aaehay.
Copyrighted. isos by r. c. E:astr

all the l,oirtlcrx at Mrs. Pcnnington's
table looked up with soup spoons sus-
pended The dingy background Of the
dining roo,n wall heightened rather
than diminished Helena'r beauty.
Against its duh tan and brown pattern
her supple young figure stood like a
brilliant lsls-rciief.
So Professor Macklyn Thought as he
looked ut her uuzzically from behind
his steel rimmcd eyeglasses. She was
youth pcrsunitic,l. and youth WIS at a
premium at Mrs. Pennington's. where
elderly bachelors and maiden ladies
and middle aged married couples sup
ped nightly ON the viands Mrs. Pen
niDgton sparingly set forth.
Helena Brent WAS different from all
these. and Professor Nacklyn's own
middle aged heart was going out TO her
In furtive sympathy when he caught
the stcalthy glance that little Miss
Eustis sent to the other end Of the
table. whore sat Ramsay Sturgis. the
only young man In the house. a pleas
ant. frank eyed broad shouldercd fell
low for whom Professor Macklyn had
always felt an instructive liking.
PtVi'Ssoi = -'"h'V i'i''N'" -'''t'''
EustIs' and rested there. while Ram
say Sturgis impcriurbably went on
with his dinner. unaware OF amy hover
ings OF romance. for as the professor
looked quickly away again his eyes for
second time encountered those OF
Miss Eusts. and IN their depths he saw
the light Of n born matchmaker before
her lids dropped and hid the tiny spark.
She had a tender heart. this little
Miss Eusiis. In spite of her prim, spin
isterial ways. aud when the professor
let himself into the chilly boarding
house hall few evenings later he
found her there on guard.
From the parlpr came sounds of a
clear soprano voice. and presently an.
other voice, unleiiably masculine.
joined IN. Miss Brent and Mr.. SUR
sls were singing college glce. Miss
Eustis held up warning finger,
Don't disturb them she begged.
"ItS SO difficult TO become really ac-
auainto,l in house Ike this, aud they
are getting on fanionsly. She told me
last night that they had discovered
quite II number of mutual friends.
They are both from the west, you
know, and strangers to New York"
The professor disavowed any intcn-
ton Of entering the parlor and, lcaping
back against the wall. with his books
balanced on one arm. listened content
edly to the music.
Miss Euxfis listened too Into the
daily routine OF her life had come
something bright and vital. and her
faded face glowei under. the new I'M
petus.
The professor likewise felt sud-
den quickcnIng Impulse. There was n
certain relish and novelty In playing
the role OF matchmaker. II occurred
to him that he had kept too steadily
to his books. and now voice within
him that lie had long believed silent
cried out for life aud cOmpnniOnship.
lie turned 10 Miss Eustls
What do you think they'd say TO II
little thenter party and oystcrs?" he
demanded whisperingly.
Miss Eustis' eyes widened. She
caught her breath.
.why. professor" she gaspcd, Il
didn't suppose that YOU
.'Knew what the taste OF good time
was! Well. did once, but I've been
q book worm these many long years.
and it's time learned the flavor OF
festivity again"
II was flavor for which Helena
Brent and Ramsay Sturgis were both
equally keen. and so a radiant party
OF four clambered down the slippery.
sand strewn steps Of Mrs. Penning-
toms boarding house into the crisp
wintry starlit night.
Through the hardening process of
uncvcntful years Miss Eustfs had
reached a dreary apathy concerning
clothes, but as II dawncd on her that
the thcater party was only the first Of
a long series OF occasions when she
would he forced to plny the cIiapcron
her wardrobe began to receive partic-
ular and minute attention.
Her hair was ioosened from Its Sc
we're little knob Mt the back OF her
neck and curled softly around her
temples as 1t had not done since she
was girl. A stiff. uncompromisihg
walking hat WIS replaced by q toqne
mysterIously composed OF ,violets and
tiille.
Nor was the professor to he left he
hind In his sudden orgy Of fashion.
His rusty oyercoat gave way TO a hand-
solnely tailored garment Of black. His
loose. uncertain coloresl neckties were
removed and succeeded by the crisp
est most up to date adornments the
haOerlaslier's window displayed
Eve owe 1t to otir young people, he
declared as he and Miss EustIs strolled
through the park one February after
noon. A little way ahead or them
walked Helena Brent and Ramsay
6tursis.
Every now and then Helena's laugh
ter drifted back 70 them. mInGIing with
Ramsay. happy tones. The young