The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-12-05
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By GEORGE HENRY PAYNE

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 He has as..-- ..e 70 marry him." she said in low voice as they sat down.
 "Let me congratulate you, MT. Hol- comb" said M. Vavin in the course of the lunch. M
 "Congratulate mer' said Holcomb, looking wonderingly at Dora, while the rest of the table stared uneasily at vavtn. W
 t'Yes," was the reply. .'There are many things doubtless on which you should be congratulated. But l have been thinking over our conversation of last night, and am quite sure that you are destined to be "a great drama tist."
 And this without having seen line of his play" said Professor Fullerton.
 "This," answered vavin, without seeing a line of the first four plays that he will write or has written
 "Hos written" laughed Holcomb. ..This is my first play to be produced far from the first one. that wrote"
 An opportunity presented itself dur ing the luncheon for Holcomb to have Professor Fullerton's undivided atten- ton, and he then asked if 1t would be possible for them to have conversa- ton alone immediately after luncheon, as he had decided that bis business affairs were fin such condition that it was obligatory on him to be in New York early the next morning; hence his desire to get the late afternoon train. Fullerton, while he had grow ing admiration for the young drama tist, welcomed the idea of his leaving.
 ..I gave you my word. Professor Full lerton," hs said when they were alone, '.that I would not discuss the project of your daughters going on the stage again with her. I have. however, ask ed her to marry me, and she has con sented."
 Do you think this is entirely fairT
 Tt depends upon your point of view" said Holcomb brusquely. l"It may not be fair to you; it may not be fair to her Aunt Cornelia; it is pos sible that 1t is not fair to Judge El- hott, whose business 1t is to have bis advice accepted and whose profession al pride rests on that acceptance, how ever baneful it may be-"
 You are a trifle radical in your Statements. NIT. Holcomb."
 .I love Miss Fullerton" was the re ply. "and wish to see her happy"
 You mean to imply that she is not happy here in her fathers house"
 "That l should consciously harbor such a suggestion" said Holcomb lightly, 'isi an unfattering implication that do not understand the duties of . perfect guest toward perfect host" ;"
 Then. changing his tone, he said: "Professor Fuilerson. you do not know me. I should like to have you under stand my ideas, ambitions and ideals, but the opportunity has not presented Itself, and if I have seemed to take advantage of the laws of hospitality 1t was only because of the great affection felt for your daughter"
 nevertheless I withhold my con. sent. MT. Holcomb, and this may lead me to further oppose her appearing in your play"
 "I was prepared for some such re ply, and. believe me, if it is necessary that should sacrifice my first pro. duction do so with the feeling thai it Is simply an offering laid on the al tar of greater happiness"
 Vavin and Dora had returned by this time, and the former. met at the dOol by Judge Elliott, now entered the room.
 Returned for the council of war; said the Frenchman gayly as Fuller ton went over and closed the dool and nervously lit fresh cigar. .
 "I'm afraid" began Professor Full lerton, standing in the center of thu room, that you are more than rfght of war. Mfr. Holcomb has just inform ed me that he has asked my daughter to marry him."
 Professor Fullerton" said Holcoml calmly, apparently takes the attitud, that marriage is war"
 "I congratulate you, my young con feree," said Vavin, Ion obtaining tn, confidence of so sweet and so charm ing girl"
 A glance at Professor Fullerton, face, however, assured him that hi congratulations were not acceptable il that direction.
 "'You have complicated matters yer, badly, MT. HOlcomb," said Judge Ell hott, 'and, while am aware that al Is fair in love and law and war, think it would have been advisabl for you to wait until we had settle, the first problem"
 The fatter1ng suggestion that, havin settled the first problem" for Dora having decided whether this youn girl who had been made unhappy b. a splenetic old aunt should pick tn career for which she was chosen an which would make her happy, this az gregation of delightful and culture gentlemen would cohdescend to talk up the second problem-whether sh should marry the man she loved an who loved her-this struck Holcomb' individual.stic soul as both funny an grewsome, and he expressed himsel to that effect.
 ''Mr. Holcomb is right" said VaviI "It is about time that the young lad was allowed to enter into these COT ferences."
 It was easy enough to answer Flu