Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1911-02-16

ndencs, while l confess haven't
thought about II, II any one had asked
me II you were religious | would have
said No. ] have nothing on which to
support the belief, but your attitude
toward things seemed more or less
that Of an agnostic."
"In great moments" replied Hol.
comb-"and by great moments l mean
those which men recognize as affect
Ing their careers-all men Of all tines
are religious. I'll tell you my theory
some other time, dear"
They were barely inside the house
when luncheon was announced. and
by all except vavin they were greeted
with some curiosity and much cold
ness.
Tell me, my dear" said the French.
man as they entered the dining room.
"this young man-it is more than bust
ness. yesr'
II was q little too soon after the
great moment for Dora To have her
usual composure, but his sympathy
and affection made her glad that the
frst person that she should tell should
be her old friend.
He has asked me to marry him."
she said in a low voice as they sat
down.
LET me congratulate you. Mr.. Hol.
comb" said NJ. vavin In the course Of
the lunch.
Congratulate mer' said Holcomb.
looking wonderingly at Dora. while
the rest Of the table stared uneasily at
vavin.
YES" was the reply. There are
many things doubtless on which you
should be congratulated. But ] have
been thinking over our conversation Of
last night, and ! SIN quite sure that
you are destined TO be u great drama
list"
And this without having seen line
Of his play" said Professor Fullerton.
'sThis." answered Vavin. without
seeing q line of the FIRST four plays
that he will write or has written"
mas written" laughed HolcOmb
This IL my nrst play to be produced
far from the first one that ! wrote"
An opportunity presented itself dur,
ing the luncheon for nolcomb to have
Professor FuIlerton's undivided atten
ton. and he then asked II It would lie
possible for them TO have conyersa-
ton alone Immediately after luncheon
as he had decided that bis business
affairs were In such condition that II
was obligatory on him TO he In New
York early the next morning; hence
his desire to get the late afternoon
train. Fullerton, while he had "A grow.
ing admiration for the young drama.
fist, welcomed the idea OF bis leaving.
81 gave you my word. Professor Full
lerton," he said when they were alone.
that would not discuss the project
Of your daughters going ON the stage
again with her. ! have, however. nsk
ed her to marry me. and she has con
sented."
"Do you think this is entirely fnlrf"
1T depends upon your point OF
view" said Iiolcomb brusquely. 1T
may not be fair to you; II may not be
fair to her Aunt Cornelia: II IL pos
sible that II Is not fair to Judge FL
lott. whose business Il IL to have his
advice accepted anf whose profession.
al pride rests on that acceptance. how
ever baneful It may be-"
You are tribe radical In your
statements. Mr. Holcomb."
81 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 ! should consciously harbor
such suggestion" said Hiolcomb
lightly, lis an unfiattering Implication
that | do not understand the duties o:
perfect guest toward n perfect host"
Then. changing his tone he said:
~Irofcssor Fullerton. you do not know
me should like to have you under
stand my ideas. ambitious and ideals,
but the opportunity has not presented
itself. and II | have seemed to take
advantage OF the laws of hospitality 1t
was only because 81 the great affection
felt for your daughter"
Nevertheless withhold my con
sent. Mr.. iiolcOmb. and this may lead
me TO further oppose her appearing In
your play"
II was prepared for some such re
ply, and. believe me. II Il IL necessary
TINT ! should sacrifice my first pro
ductlon ! do SO with the feeling that
II is simply an offering laid on the al
tar of u greater happiness"
Nayin and Dora had returned by this
time, and the former. met at the door
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 door
and BeryOusly III a fresh cigar.
I'm afraid" began Professor Full.
lerton. standing In the center OF the
room, that you are more than right
when You describe this as a council
OF war. Mr.. HOlcomb has just inform
ed me that he has asked my daughter
TO marry him"
Professor Fullerton" said Holcomb
calmly, apparently takes the attitude
that marriage IL war"
II congratulate you. my young con
feree," said Yayin. ION obtaining the
confidence OF SO sweet and 30 charm.
ing Il girl"
glance at Professor Fullerton's
face, however. assured him that his
congratulations were not acceptable In
that direction.
you have complicated matters very
badly, Mr.. HOlcomb." said Judge FL
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