Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-30
Baby Cupid.
By LITTELL M'CLUNC.
Copyrighted. 1909. by Associated
Literary Press.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mrs. Kenton repulsed his seriousness
with flirtatious laugh.
Lets see! Why, you've known me
only a month" the pretty widow OBJ
jected. You've never even seen the
rest of the family"
"You mean UenryT he said.
"Of course I 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 I'm the world.
"Oh. you don't realize what such a
baby as Henry means to young
mother. lie is her Joy, her hope. her
life. Mr. Barton. The man she loves
must share hH feelings about her
child. You understand. don't you"
The man nodded.
"But how am ] to share your love
for the child, how am ! ever to meet
him-if you don't give me the CHANGER
he demanded 81 call I'm the evening
and the nurse Is Just putting him To
bed. stop by in the afternoon. and
you and Henry have gone out for q
ride.
Something always happens to Keep
Henry out of my sight I've about
come to believe that he is a myth, Il
prattling phantom that willfully eludes
me-"
"How can you. Mr.. Barton, use Tie
word 'prattlins when speaking OF
Henry" she demanded. trying to keep
a serious face The little dear dOcSn I
prattle-hc talks"
"Indeed?" he exclaimed 81 hardly
thought he was old enough to-
Certainly he's old enough" she III
terrupted. He can say mamma Just
beautifully. and ut present I'm concen'
trating my energies on getting hin to
saw dear mamma and 'nursie' ana
other necessary words
The light of inspiration flashed over
James Barton's face.
"Why don't you teach him my
name?" he asked eagerly. It's veg
easy-just jim, you know. Then "E'A
Henry and ! do get acquainted wen
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 Il thrill the
blush that tinged her cheek even hs
her tongue hositatcd nj the name.
"Well. when shall see him." ir
asked. Let me make an engagement
with you and Henry"
LET me see-thls Is the 10Th. Ism
it?" she mused. We'll. on the Isl
of next month, in the afternoon. the
the Young Mothers club meets nj
my house. You can come around then
and have tea with us. Henry will be
wearing hi sbest frock in your honor y
"Fine and dandy" declared Barton
as he lifted his hat IN farewell. "IlI
be on haud, Mrs. Kenton, you may be
sure"
On the eventful 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
q debutante.
Mrs. Kenton greeted him with Il
warm hand clasp. and tie next NO
ment he found himself In drawing
room filled 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 Il hero. the chorus
Of "Ohw "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. middle aged woman with
| q 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
I'm care Of two Of our most loyal moth
ers.
Each of us has listened with pa
tience. be It said. to praises of anoth
er's prodigy. But now we are prepar
ed to learn the truth. There Is gen
tleman In our midst He shall see the
children and make formal report to us
as to which Is the prettiestP
Barton's heart went right down int
his patent feathers as he turned upor
Mrs. Kenton with look Of unforgiv
Ing reproach.
Really, didn't do it!" she whis
pered. "It's one Of the surprises the
club always springs on the hostess
'pon my soul 1t Isl"
There was no doubling the sincerity
Of her tone. and Barton. summonine
to his aid every fiber OF his courage
rose to protest. The quick eyed presi
dent divired his intention. and sh'
gave him no chance to utter word.
"The young gentleman may wish tc
protest that he Is not good judge OF
children" she declared. "but we can
not listen to him We all feel sure tha
he Is a man OF Judgment and courage
and that he will do what we ask Ci
him"
A dozen smiles were suppressed as
dozen heads nodded approval. Bar
toms eye flashed. for the humor OF TIT
situation had not Appealed 10 him
81 shall not protest. ladies'" he sale
with quiet determination. "On tn
contrary. shall be very glad to picl
out the prettiest baby for you. And
furthermore. am prepared to face tn
consequences, whatever they may be!
The president smiled and appointed
committee to escort Barton to the nurs
ery. Soon he was the center OF 81
contented infants. who were toddlin,
and crawling about over the floor II
care Of two guardian mothers.
The impromptu nurses were sworn I
secrecy. and Barton was given a loni
blue ribbon to tie on the arm OF tn
baby he thought the prettiesL. Thel
he was left alone with the infants.
Tc realized full well that. willie II al
Gii.Et q huge JOKE with the mothers
| fnr hi,,, n ,vus ,hout the most SeriOll