Putnam patriot., 1911-07-21
By AGNES G. BROGAN

,.,t romained a bachelor as the years :, b,s thirties drew to an end. Maid ..s who admired his tine face and
 0ony sterling qualities retired dis ,oortened from the field Of conquest :, his unapproach bie demeanor, while ..a nrofessor in turn regarded them a,o and all. with pitying tolerance rhsr were pretty ana amusing. no so,ht but impossible as interesting .omnanions. while deep in his heart rss hope uneoufessed that eventually ho would meet one woman whose mlnd oonld follow his own down the lnu1- .oto maths Of learning. tor be was con r,neea that the happiness ot two peo nle must always depend upon their sympatbetic understanding. And when tbe protessor had reached this conclu sion he met Mollie. It was al an even tho marty given by the rectors wife and fhe hosteSs. remembering her ,oarned guest. introduced historical oonundrum game by way ot entertain mont The professor, looking up with q thonebtful trown. met the mischlev- ms gaze of MoIlie's blue eyes.
 "Got the last one?' she asked social ly.
 q beg your pardonT" His tone was coldly questioning.
 .'I would like to copy your answer to tbe last question, Mollie contided. "yon see, l don't know what became ot those dead and gone kings. and I'm snre do not care, but one really ought to have one correct answer among the fifteen. and you"-a tiatterlng pause you know everything
 "I may be better able to solve the problem. the professor answered con descendngly. when l shall have given it sufficient thought.
 That's right. MoIlie encouraged; "don be a quitter.
 Professor Craythorne stared in as. tonisbment at this disrespectful young person: but. quite unconscious of her offense, Mollie smiled. Moreover, Mol lie has most engaging smile. and that was the beginning Thereafter 1t was the professor who appeared strangely diffident in her presence and who humbly sued for favor. while Mol lie avenged her sex by ruling him with s high hand And the ha bitual frown which grew upon his forehead could not wholly be attributed to study. ln fact, science and philosophy alike were as the rule ot three" compared to the ways of Mollie.
 Had be been fortunate enough to act as Der escort upon one occasion he would be sure to see her in company with Dick Brandon the following day. while gentle kindliness upon Mollies part was usually followed by cold in difference.
 After all. the professor reflected bit terly. what chance had he to win with such a formidable rival as Dick Bran don -Dick. who was practlced ID all the pleasing arts ot which he was SC woetully Ignorantf
 Aud when he had argued himself into he very depths of discoura cement Professor Cravtnorne went over ana proposed to Mollie. She received his avowal quietly
 "Will you mind If l do net answer you tonightT she asked
 Do noI keep me waiting too long. he replied. and his laugh soundeo boy ish in its eageruess
 tnh boot T will send you message to- morrow" she said You will under stand ."
 Oh. that was a long tomorrow. ana when the last class had been dismissed the professor retired 10 his gloomy room in the university and sank weari- iy into a chair. his unseeing eyes gaz- ing out over the green campus
 "A note for you. sir" servant spoke from the doorway. He turned the tiny envelope over and over ID us palm. while his heart hammered away painfully. and his strong fingers trem- bled as ne drew forth the square wnlte card He was vaguely conscious ol
  showing above a bold scrubbed sep- tence. My sympathy Ill yonr dlSap- poIntmeGt' II was some time before De could realize the cruel message Then he remembered she had sald that he would Understand
 Any one in?" called a cheery voice and without waiting for an invitation young man came into the room Jonh Craythorne looked up impatiently
 Good evening Brandon. he said
 Sorry to interrupt your meditauons- professor" the young man began. put the truth is need help
 If you have been indulging in any or your usual prsaks il will be useiess for me to intercede for you again"
 Young Brandon laughed: ''Ihls ls- er-quite a different matter" he saio ract Is. | want to get married fou may have noticed the approachlng symptoms-most people nave
 Jonn Craythorne smiled. put nls Voice taltered strangely.
 Under those clrcumst2nces. ne re- 
 piled. would it not De wiser to con suit the young iadyY
 "uh. that part Is all right" Dick an s~ered confidently: we've been lh ioVe with each other ever since we were kids. It's the old man wno VIII not gve nIs consent He objects 10 ny youth. insta bility and few other unworthy qualities. having ID mina al tne same tune more desirao ole pafu TOT bis daughter. Trouble IS daoen'e' IS just obedieut enough to yield To DIS Wlsh. though there is DO doubt as ts her affection for me.
 Now. the point is this-if some per scn who nas some influence w'tn tns oa fellow. whose judgment ne fe'ieS