The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-06-15

With mild curiosity as to what could nave brought the son of Desiree's chaperone to see him. Conover lounged III le1surely fashion to the office On his appearance. a tall, clean-cut youth rose and greeted him with nerv- ous cordiality.
 Sit down" Erunted Conover. scowI- ing under the vigorous grip of the lads hand. What can I do for you ?'' The caller twisted his neck some what uneasily in its amazing height or collar. fought back a gulp and fell to drawing his tan gloves through his nngers- Caleb noted that the hands were slender, the fingers long and tapering. He also noted that the boy, Of contour and feature. was square of Jaw and steady of eye. The Fighter was. from these signs of the Brother hood of Strength. amused rather than lrritated at the others nervousness. He even felt a vague desire to set Hawarden at his ease.
 First time you an me have come | together, ain't it?" he asked, less gruffly.
 Yes, sir,'' answered Hawarden pleasantly. "I know you by sight and of course reputation,-but it's hardly likely you'd have noticed me. My parents have had the pleasure of meeting you.''
 Pleasure, hey?" queried Caleb. That's what they called it?"
 Hawarden flushed painfully, as at some not wholly glad memory.
 Never mind thinking up g. come back,'' grinned Caleb. "Us two don't speak quite the same language. My mistake NOW" dropping into the of flee manner habitual to him, What do you want? take it you're not mak- in round of social calls an choosin' this for the first stoppin place. What can do for you. Come to the point quick. please: I'm lfble to be pretty busy to-day"
 Hawarden smiled back in an engag- ing fashion that held no hint of fear. For this. Caleb again felt somewhat drawn to him.
 Pm on an a horrible cheeky errant." began the youth. And, to tell you the truth. I'm scared stiff. came to e1'ea k to you on a rather delicate subject
 'I never saw the delicate subject that wasn't the better for being drag ged out into the fresh air. Get to the point. son. I'm busy"
 "I am here. sir" said the boy with a labored formality that spoke of much rehearsal. "to speak to you of Miss Desiree Shevlin. You are her guardian, I understand
 Caleb's glare of utter and displeased astonishment checked the speaker for the briefest instant But. swallowing
 'T have the honor-the undeserved honor. sir.-to request your leave to ask Miss Shevlin to be my wife,
 It was out! Hawarden relaxed the
 
 His forehead grew moist. So did his palms. Nor did Caleb's attitude lessen the awkwardness of the moment. With open mouth the Fighter sat staring at his guest. At last he formed words just a few of them.
 Well I'll be damned!" he sputtered.
 Tt seems to me-" said Hawarden, taking new hold of his sliding cour- able thing to ask your consent.-as Miss Shevlin's guardian-before daring to offer myself te her"
 ''Son!' observed Caleb, profoundly. 'If you had a little more sense you'd be half-witted!'
 The boy got to his feet.
 ''Tt is your right, I suppose" he an- swered stiffly, ''to insult me. You are an older man than I. and I come to you as ST applicant for
 You read all that in a book" snort ed Caleb. 'tCut it out and get down to sense. No ones insutin' you and no ones stompin' on your buddin' dignity. You can't wonder I was took aback when you sprung that mine on me. I ain't up in the bylaws am constitootion of p'lite s'ciety. If it's the usual thing to come over with a line of talk like you just got out of your system-,why- I'm sorry if I acted rough. Therei Now, sit down and talk sense. So it's the custom to ask a girls guardian before askin' her? Nice, reefined idee. But guess if ev'rybody did it there wouldn't be terrible lot of work for. the marri- age license clerks. An'-why, you're just a kid!" he broke out. " What in blazes are you babblin' about mar ryin' for? Desiree'S-'
 "I shall be twenty-two next month"; answered the boy proudly. "I think I am entitled to be treated as a man. Not a.
 "Oh, all right! all right." chuclded Caleb. CT was the same way. Used to tickle me to death at twenty to be called Old. Man Now, I'd give five dollars to anyone who'd call me My Boy So you think I ought to treat you like a grown man hey? All right!''
 He was enjoying the scene hugely. He liked the boys pluck. Fighter-1ike ho was minded to test It to the full. As al possible husband for Desire, he did not give Hawarden a thought. As d momentary means of amusement to himself. he was willing to prolong the interview.
 "we'Il sipose you're a man, then" ry my ward. Your fap,'iys as good as hers. Maybe better, as you. folks count such things. So much for that. Now, what's your income? There don't lcok like I'd made a face at youl The question's in order. Maybe you think money don't count in ma Well. it does- Responsibility ain't on the Free List. Not by long
 
 much to keep as a chorus girl. Whats your income? Speak up?'
 'T hardly know exactly" falter- ed Hawarden. "When I was in col Iege, my father allowed me $1,5OO a year. He still keeps it up. But as I'm living at home now, it costs me less to get on. Then, after I finish the law-school next year. I'll be mak ing a good salary myself very soon. With Miss Shevlin to work for t'To put it plain,' interrupted Caleb. You're earnin' 'nothin' just now, with a golden outlook of earnin' a little less in a year or two" 'I have my allowance" protested | "We'H cut out the allowance part" said Caleb. That's just what your l father pays as part of his fine for. bringin' you into the world. He's i'ble to get sore on you any time an stop playin' the alloorin' role of FIu- man Metal Ticket Whatu you do l -hen?" 'You don't quite understand" pro- tested Hawarden- In a year from | now r shall be earning my own living