The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1910-09-09

Poor Mamsie!" Marian patted h.,
mothers hand. you ought to have !
daughter like Aleda Gregg. But I WIN
80 to Prof. Craig's lecture tonight q
Please you and I'll stay clear through
no matter how tiresome 1t is. though
does seem shame to waste this
glorious evening in stuffy lecture
/ room listening to a spiel on q subject
cont care q picayune fort"
Marian glanced down the hall. The
ooor OF Prot. Craig's room was open.
Ciutching her mothers arm she bur.
ried her away. "Jiminy," she sasped.
you don't suppose that the professor
heard, do your"
doubtless he did," answered Mrs.
Van Horn. but 1t doesn't make any
dinerence. You ruined your last chance
this afternoon"
MY chance? What CHANGER
TO marry Prof. Craig"
But. mother, who under heavens
wants to marry him?''
You ought to. You, Marian. the
professor is the most intellectual man
the Research club has ever had here.
Mrs. Gregg tried her best to get him
at her house, but for your sake got
him here"
Marian flung out both hands. Don't.
Mamsie, for heavens sake. don't fling
me at the head of every young man
you see."
Il won't" promised Mrs. Van Horn.
YEARLY. prof. Craig is the only man
ever wanted you to marry, and am
positive that he will never look at
you after your refusing to stay to
his lecture"
AS the evening lecture began. Mar
Ian settled back with martyrlike air.
Soon. however, she grew interested. in
spite Of herself. The professor GER
tainly was making the dry facts Of
ethnology sound entertaining by his
terse. clear style and by unexpected
bits Of humor.
Conscience stricken at her ungra-
cious remark about his Spiel" she
started to tell him how interested she
had been when Aleda Gregg rushed
up.
"Oh, Prof. Craig" she began. clasp
ing her thin hands ecstatically. your
lecture was wonderful"
Marian turned abruptly away. 'Tll
never tell him that liked his lecture
after Aleda's gush." she declared to
herself.
AS Prof. Craig, Mrs. Van Horn and
Marion started for home, Mrs. Gregg
and her daughter Joined them.
Come with me, Mrs. Van Horn"
called out Mrs. Gregg. "Aleda wants
to ask the professor some questions"
Yes, Prof. Craig" began Afeda
breathlessly. there are certain points
on ethnology that have puzzled me for
o long time"
"Yes?'' answered the professor.
Aleda began to IRE questions AT
him, using such polysyllable words
that Marian gasped at the very sound.
When they reached Aleda's home, she
was not finished. but called back as
she went toward the house, I've some
other questions to ask you next week,
professor. on our way home from your
lecture"
Each time the professor came Mar
ian went, ostensibly to please her
mother. Each time Prof. Craig walk
ed home with her, but Aleda always
accompanied them, talking on topics
of which Marian knew nothing.
Then came the last lecture OF the
series. Marian listened with breath
less attention. strange. lonesome
feeling possessing her.
"Aleda and Prof. Craig have grown
to be such friends" she overheard
Mrs. Gregg say to her mother. Its
too bad you insisted on his going to
your house, for If he had stayed with
me they would have had more time to
enjoy each others company"
"Horrid old cat!" thought Marian.
I'm really sorry for Mamsie."
miss Marian!" Prof. Craig hurried
up to her. Don't wait for the others
tonight. The Research club is to hold
"a business meeting now and we're not
members, you know"
But Aleda will want to ask you
some more questions"
The professor muttered something
beneath his breath. Never mind Miss
Gregg" he begged taking hold OF Mar
ian's arm. please hurry"
Once outside, they walked along in
silence. Marian bewildered at the I'M
expected situation. II only she knew
little about ethnoiogy just enough
to ask an intelligent question or two!
At last, to her relief. the professor
broke the silence. "Marian!" She
started at the word as well as the
strange note In his voice. Il had &c
see YOU alone tonight to tell you that
/ love you. I must know before 90
away whether stand ghost Of q
~ c~-n - xu4n Won -