Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-07-15
CONCERNING
M0LLlE
She Proves Herself Equal to
the Occasion
BY AGNES G. BROGAN
Copyright by American Press Assoc
alton. 1911.

There was a dignltied aloofness about
Professor Craythorne's manner which
forbade familiarity. This may have
been accountable for the fact that he
still remained a bachelor as the years
of his thirties drew to an end. Maid
ems who admired his hne face and
many sterling qualities retired dis
heartened from the field of conquest
at his unapproachable demeanor, while
the professor In turn regarded them.
one and all. with plying tolerance.
They were pretty ana amusing. no
doubt. but impossible as interesting
companions. while deep In his heart
was hope unconfeSsed that eventually
he would meet one woman whose mind
could follow his own down the intri'
cate paths of learning. for he was con
WINGED that the happiness of two PEG
pie must always depend upon their
sympathetic understanding. And when
the professor had reached this conclu
sion he met Mollie. 1t was at an even
ing party given by the rector's wife,
and the hostess, remembering ner
learned guest, introduced a historical
conundrum game by way of entertain
a thoughtful frown. met the mischiev.
Gus gaze of MoIlie's blue eyes.
Got the last one?' she asked social
~.
1T beg your pardonT' His tone was
coldly questioning.
81 would like to copy your answer to
the last question" Mollie con6ded.
"You see, don't know what became
of those dead and gone kings. and I'm
sure do not care. but one really ought
to have one correct answer among the
fifteen. and you''-a catering pause
you know everything"
81 may be better able to solve the
problem" the professor answered con
descendingly. when | shall have given
1t sufficient thought"
That's right" Mollie encouraged;
don't be a gutter"
Professor Craythorne stared In as
constituent at this disrespectful young
person: but. quite unconscious of her
offense, Mollie'smiled. Moreover, Mol
lie has a most engaging smile, and
that was the beginning. Thereafter 1t
was the professor who appeared
strangely difident in her presence and
who humbly sued for favor. while Mol
lie avenged her sex by ruling him with
a high hand. And the habitual frowD
which grew upon his forehead could
not wholly be attributed to study. In
fact. science and philosophy alike were
as the "rule OF three" compared to the
ways of Mollie.
Had he been fortunate enough to act
as her escort upon one occasion he
would be sure to see her In company
with Dick Brandon the following day.
while gentle kindness upon Molie's
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 practiced In all
the pleasing arts of which he was so
woefully ignorant2
And when he had argued himself
into the very depths of encouragement
Professor Craythorne went over and
proposed to Mollie. She received his
avowal quietly.
"Will you mind If | do not answer
you tonight? she asked
"Do not keep me waiting too long"
he replied. and his laugh sounded boy
ish In its .eagerness.
Mollie studied the toe OF her. small
boot. II will send you message to.
morrow" she said "You will under
stand"
oh. that was a long tomorrow. and
when the last class had been dismissed
the professor retired TO his gloomy
rnox,, In Tho uni uaruffy and Sapk ri
ly into chair. his unseeing eyes gaz-
ing out over the green campus.
"A note for you. sir" A servant
spoke from the doorway. He turned
the tiny envelope over and over In his
palm. while his heart hammered away
painfully. and his strong fingers trem'
bled as he drew forth the square white
card. He was vaguely conscious of
Mollie's printed name and address
showing above bold scrubbed SEN
tence. my, sympathy in your dlsap-.
pointInent." 1t was some time before
he could realize the cruel message.
Then he remembered-she had said
that he would understand.
ANY one in?" called a CHEEKY voice.
and without waiting for an invitation
young man came Into the room. John
Craythorne looked up impatiently.
Good evening. Brandon be said.
Sorry to interrupt your meditations.
professor" the young man began. but
the truth Is need help"
IF you have been indulging In any
of your usual pranks II will be useless
for me to intercede for you again"
Young Brandon laughed: ''Ihis is--
er-quite different matter" he said.
Pact is, | want to get married. You
may have noticed the approaching
symptoms-most people nave"
John Craythorne smiled, but his
voice faltered strangely.
"Under those circumstances" he re-
piled, would II not be wiser to con-
suit the young iadyY'
''Oh. that part Is all right Dick an.
Bwered coutidently; we've been in
love with each other ever since we
were kids. It's the old man who will
not give mis- consent He objects TO