The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1911-02-17
Copyright. 1909. by Augustus Thomas

Yes" was the reply. There are
many things doubtless on which you
should be congratulated. But / have
been thinking over our conversation or
last night, and | am quite sure that
YOU are destined to be 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 nave
Professor Fulerton's undivided atten-
ton, and he then asked if it would be
possible for them to have conversa-
ton alone Immediately after luncheon,
as he had decided that his business
affairs were in such condition that IL
was obligatory on him to be in New
York early the next morning; hence
train. Fullerton, while he had a grow
ing admiration for the young drama
fist, welcomed the idea of his 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, ask
ed her to marry me, and she has con-
sented."
do you think this is entirely fairT'
ut depends upon your point OF
view" said Holconb brusquely. ut
may not be fair to you; 1t may not be
fair to her Aunt Cornelia it is pos
sible that it is not fair to Judge Ell
lott. whose business 1t is to have his
advice accepted and whose profession
al pride rests on that acceptance. how
ever baneful it may be-"
You are a trifie radical in your
statements. Mr.. Holcomb."
81 love Miss Fullerton" was the re-
ply, "arfd wish to see her happy"
you mean to imply that she is not
happy here in her fathers house"
L
such suggestion" said Holcomb
lightly, sis an unhattering implication
that | do not understand the duties or
u perfect guest toward perfect host"
Then, changing his tone he said:
professor Fullerton, you do not knew
me- | should like to have you under
stand my ideas, ambitions and ideals,
but the opportunity has not presented
itself, and if | have seemed to take
advantage of the laws of hospitality it
was only because of the great affection
| felt for your daughter"
Nevertheless | withhold my con-
sent, Mr. Holcomb, and this may lead
me to further oppose her appearing in
your play"
Il 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 that
it is simply an offering laid on the al
tar of a greater happiness"
Vavin 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 nervously lit a fresh cigar.
''Im 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 is war
81 congratulate you, my young con
feree," said Vavin, ION obtaining the
confidence of so sweet and so charm
ing a girl"
A 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 Ell
lott, land, while | am aware that all
is fair in love and law and war,
lDlIk II Wuulu nave Dttu duN ioubit
for you TO wait until we had settled
the first problem"
The flattering suggestion that, having
settled the first problem" for Dora,
having decided whether this young
girl who had been made unhappy by
a splenetics old aunt should pick the
career for which she was chosen and
which would make her happy, this ag-
gregation of delightful and cultured
gentlemen would condescend to take
up the second whether she
should marry the man she loved and
who loved her-this struck Holcomb's
individualistic soul as both funny and
grewsome. and he expressed himself
TO that effect.
"Mr. Holcomb is right" said Vavin.
ut is about time that the young lady
was allowed TO enter into these con-
ferences."
1t was easy enough to answer Full
lerton's suggestion that he still had
some doubt as to whether the girl
knew her own mind. when will she
know it If you don't let her exercise
it," Judge Elliott finally agreed that