Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1909-06-04

Baby Cupid. |
BY LITTELL M'CLUNC.
Copyrighted, 1909. by Associated .
Literary Press.
BY LITTELL M'CLUNC.

Mrs Kenton repulsed his seriousness
with fiirtatious laugh.
Let's see! Why. you've known me
only MONTH" the pretty widow OBJ
jected. You've never even seen the
rest of the family"
"You mean HenryT' he said.
"Of course mean Henryr' she ex-
claimed. "Who else could meant
The very idea of your starting to pro-
pose to me. MIR. 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.
ooh, you don't realize what such a
baby AS Henry means to young
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 l to share your love
for the child how am ever to meet
him--if you don't give me the chance"
he demanded. 81 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 a
ride
something always happens to keep
Henry out Of my sight. I've about
come to believe that he Is a myth, a
prattling phantom that willfully eludes
me-"
How can you, Mr. Barton, use the
word 'prattllng' when speaking OF
Henry?" she demanded, trying to keep
a serious face. "The little dear doesn't
prattle he talksw
"Indeed?" he exclaimed. II hardly
thought he was old enough to-
Certainly he's old enough" she In
terrupted. "He can say mamma Just
beautifully. and at present Pm 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
namer" he asked eagerly. ITS very
easy-just jim. you know. Then when
Henry and do get acquainted well
start on terms Of friendship without
any preliminnries"
"Oh. what an ideap she cooed,
"Why, of course Henry shall be taught
to say-Jim."
Barton noticed with a thrill the
blush that Hinged her cheek even as
her tongue hesitated at the name.
"Well, when shall / see himT he
asked. Let me make an engagement
with you and Henry"
LET me see--this Ii the Goth, isn't
IT." she unused well, on the LIST
Of next month, In the afternoon, the
the Young Mothers club meets at
my house. You can come around then
and have tea with u.s. Henry will be
wearing hi sbest frock In your honor
"Fine and dandyw declared Barton
as he lifted his hat In farewell. ''Pll
be on hand, 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 AZ quickly as the blush of
a debutante.
Mrs. Kenton greeted him with u
warm hand clasp, and the next mo-
ment he found himself In a dra wing
room filled with young women. He
was the only man In sight, and his
knees trembled as the rapid fire intro
auctions began.
But he faced, like hero, the chorus
Of "Ohw "Delightedp and How charm
mgr 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
a twinkle OF humor in her eye, arose
for the first formal announcement.
Ladies'" she said mildly, several
of US, as Ii 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.
Zach Of us has listened with pa
thence. be 1t said. to praises Of anoth-
er's prodigy. But now we are prepar-
ed to learn the truth. There IL a gen
tleman IN our midst. He shall see the
children and make formal report to ua
as to which Is the prettiestW
BartOn's heart went right down into
his patent feathers as he turned upon
Mrs Kenton with a look Of unforgiv.
ing reproach.
Really, ! didn't do itp she whis.
pered ITS one Of the surprises the
club always springs on the hostess
pom my soul 1t is"
There was no doubling the sincerity
of her tone, and Barton, summoning
to his aid every Hber Of his courage.
rose to protest The quick eyed presi-
dent OWNED his intention. and she
gave him no chance to utter word
1.-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 q man Of judgment and courage
and that he will do what we ask Of
him"
A dozen smiles were suppressed as a
dozen heads nodded approval. Bar
toms eye flashed, for the humor OF the
situation had not appealed to him.
81 shall not protest. ladies'" he said
with quiet determination. ION the
contrary, shall be very glad to pick
out the prettiest baby for you. And,
Furthermore. am prepared to face the
consequences. whatever they may bep'
The president smiled and appointed a