Democratic messenger., 1909-03-20
Baby Cupid.
By LITTELL M'cLUNC.
Copyrighted. 1909. by Associated
Literary Press.

"You mean HcnryT he said.
"Of course mean Henry" she ex.
claimed. "Who else could mean?
The very idea OF your starting TO pro-
pose to me. Mr. Barton. without ever
having seen Henry. The man who
loves me must love him too. He must
think that Henry is the handsomest.
finest little fellow IN the world.
"Oh, you don't realize what such
mother He is her JOY. her hope, her
life. Mr.. Barton. The man she loves
must share her feelings about her
child. You understand. don't your
The man nodded.
But how am ! to share your love
for the chlld-how am ever to meet
him-if you don't give me the chanceT
he demanded. Il call In the evening.
and the nurse is just putting him to
bed. stop by In the afternoon. and
YOU and Henry have gone out for
ride.
something always happens TO keep
Henry out Of my sight. I've about
come to believe that he is myth.
prattllng phantom that willfully eludes
me-"
How can you. Mr.. Barton. use the
word 'prattlng' when speaking OF
Henry" she demanded. trying TO keep
n serious face. "The little dear doesn't
''le-he talks
"Indeed?' he exclaimed. Il hardly
thought he was old enough to-
Certainly he's old enough" she In
terrupted. "IIe can say mamma just
beautifully. and at present I'm concen-
trating my energies on getting him to
say dear mamma and 'nursie' and
other necessary words
The light of inspiration flashed over
James Bartons face.
why don't you teach him my
nameY" he asked eagerly. Its very
easy-just Jim. you know. Then when
Henry and | do get acquainted we'll
start on terms OF friendship without
any preliminaries.'
"Oh. what an idear' she cooed.
why. of course Henry shall be taught
TO say-Jim.'
Barton noticed with thrill the
blush that tlnged her cheek even as
her tongue hesitated at the name.
We'll. when shall | see himY' he
asked. LET me make an engagement
with you ard Henry"
LET me see-this Is the Goth. isn't
it?'' she mused. We'll. on the 1st
OF next month, In the afternoon. the
the Young Mothers club meets at
my house You can come around then
and have tea with us. Henry will be
wearing hi sbest frock In your honor"
Fine and dandy declared Barton
as he lifted his hat In farewell. "I'll
be on hand. Mrs. Kenton. you may be
sure"
On the eyentful afternoon Barton
came as he had said. smile of conf
dence lighting his face-a smile that.
alas. faded as quickly as the blush Of
debutante.
Mrs. Kenton greeted him with a
warm hand clasp. and the next mo-
ment he found himself In drawing
room filed with young women. He
was the only man in sight, and his
knees trembled as the rapid fire intro
ductions began.
But he faced. like a hero. the chorus
OF oh" Delighted" and How charm
ing.' and came through with face un-
flushed.
Tea was served and the meeting
gave promise of passing Off pleasantly
enough. But the blow fell when the
president. a middle aged woman with
a twinkle OF humor In her eye. arose
for the first formal announcement.
Ladies'" she said mildly. several
OF us. as is our custom. have brought
our children with us-the proper thing
for young mothers TO do. These chill
dren. as you are aware, are upstairs
In care Of two Of our most loyal moth
ers.
Each OF us has listened with pa
tience. be II said. TO praises OF anoth-
er's prodigy But now we are prepar.
ed TO learn the truth. There is a gen.
tleman In our midst. He shall see the
children and make formal report 10 us
as to which Is the prettiestr'
Barton's heart went right down into
his patent feathers rs he turned upon
Mrs. Kenton with look OF unforgiv-
Ing reproach.
Really. didn't do itr she whis-
pered. Its one Of the surprises the
club always springs on the hostess
pom my soul II isw
There was no doubling the sincerity
OF her tone. and Barton. summoning
TO his aid every fiber Of his courage.
rose to protest. The quick eyed presi-
dent OWNED his intention. and she
gave him no chance TO utter word.
'The young gentleman may wish TO
protest that he Is not a good Judge OF
children" she declared. but we can
not listen to him. We all feel sure that
he is a man Of judgment and courage
and that he will do what we ask Of
him."
A dozen smiles were suppressed as o
dozen heads nodded approval. Bar
toms eye flashed, for the bumor of the
situation had not appealed to him.
V shall nof nrotest Indies" no said