The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1911-02-09

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
his desire to get the late afternoon
train. Fullerton. while he h@d 4 grow
ing admiration for the young draina
fist. welcomed the idea of HIS leaving.
Il gave you my word. Professor lul
lerton.'' he said when they were alone
that | would not discuss the project
Of your daughters going on the stage
again with ner. | have, however, ask
cd her to marry me, and she has con
sented."
do you think this is entirely fair:'
1T depends upon your point OF
view" said Holcomb brusquely. "lt
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 FL
lott. whose business it is to have hia
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. Mr.. Holcomb."
II love Miss Fullerton" was the re
ply, land | wish to see her happy"
you mean to imply that she is not
happy here in her fathers house,"
THAT | should consciously harbor
such Il suggestion" said Holcomb
lightly, "is an unfiattering implication
that | do not understand the duties Of
.Aco.. -,,>.. $40 , ,1n,gn,t hose -
Then. changing his tone he said
"Professor Fullerton, you do not know
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.
I'm afraid" began Professor Full
lcrton. 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
cd me that he has asked my daughter
% marry him"
professor Fullerton" said Ilolcomb
calmly, apparently takes the attitude
that marriage is war"
II congratulate you, my young con
fierce" said Vavin, ION obtaining the
confidence of so sweet and so charm
ing a 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 Ell
lott, land. while | am aware that all
is fair in love and law and war, |
think it would have been advisable
for you to wait until we had settled
the first problem"
The fattering suggestion that, having
settled the first problem" for Dora
having decided whether this young
girl who had Deer made unhappy by
Il splenetic old aunt should pick the
career for which she was chosen and
which would make her happy, this ag
%CregatiOn of delightful and cultured
gentlemen would condescend to take
up the second problem-whether she
should marry the nan she loved and
who loved her-this struck Holcomb'>
in~dividualistic soul as both funny an(
grewsome, and he expressed himself
to that effect,
"Mr. Holcomb is right" said Vavin
at 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 hat
some doubt as to whether the cir
knew her own mind. when will she
know it if you don't let her exercise
it, Judge Elliott finally agreed th3
it might be best to have both Dor.
and Cornelia and their cousin. Mrs
Winthrop. present at what he desig
mated "A grand family conference"
IF you will pardon me- said Hol
comb. Il think that | will go"
Not afraid, are your" asked Elliott
"Not afraid Of the conference nor o
its decision" replied Holcomb. who's
nerves were beginning to feel the con
tinuous strain and whose sympathie,
for Dora wert mounting every minute
but | am obliged to take ar early
train into New York. and it is abour
time that l began to pack my things
There was a polite parting OF all sides
but genuine friendliness only in the
hand clasp of Navin.
He passed Dora in the hall and rath