The Press., 1911-01-25
CHAPTER VII.


 thought about it, if any one had asked me if you were religious I would have said 'No.' I 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 mean those which men recognize as affect ing their careers-all men of all times 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 busi- ness, yesT
 It was a little too soon after the great moment for Dora to have her usual composure, but his sympathy and affection made her glad that the first person that she should tell should be her old friend.
 "He has asked me to marry him" l" she said in a low voice as they sat down.
 "Let me congratulate you. MT. Hol- comb" said NJ. Vavin in the course Of the lunch.
 Congratulate me?'' said Holcomb, looking wonderingly at Dora, while the rest or the table stared uneasily at Vavin.
 "Yes," was the reply. "There are many things doubtless on which you should be congratulated. But I have been thinking over our conversation of last night, and I am quite sure that you are destined to be great drama. tist." .
 "And this without having seen a 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"
 "Has written" laughed Holcomb. '4This 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 have Professor Fullerton's undivided atten- ton, and he then asked if it would be possible for them to have a 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 his desire to get the late afternoon train. Fullerton, while he had, grow ing admiration for the young drama tist, welcomed the idea of his leaving.
 ''I gave you my word, Professor Full lerton," he said when they were alone, ''that I would not discuss the project of your daughters going on the stags again with her. I have, however, ask ed her to marry me, and she has con- sented."
 Do you thinA this is entirely fairT'
 Tt depends upon your point of view" said Holt bmb brusquely. "It may not be fair to you; it may not be fair to her Aunt Cornelia; 1t is pos sible that 1t Is not fair to Judge El- Iiott, whose business 1t is to have his advice accepted and whose profession al prlue rests on that acceptance, now ever baneful 1t may be"
 "You are a trifie radical in your statements, Mr. Holcomb."
 'tI love Miss Fullerton" was the re- | ply, "and wish to see her happy"
 'sYou mean to imply that she is not happy here in her fathers house?'
 "That 1 should consciously harbor such a suggestion said Holcomb lightly, 'is an unfiattering implication that do not understand the duties of perfect guest toward perfect host. '
 Then, changing his tone, he said: Professor Fullerton, you do not know me. I should like to have you under stand my ideas, ambitions and ideals, but the opportunity has not presented itself, and if I have seemed to take advantage of the laws of hospitality it was only because of the great affection felt for your daughter"
 Nevertheless I withhold my con- sent, MT. Holcomb, and this may lead me to further oppose her appearing in your play"
 "I was prepared for some such re- ply, and, believe me, if it is necessary that should sacrifice my first pro- ductton l do so with the feeling that it is simply an offering laid on the al- tar of 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. MT. Holcomb has just inform ed me that he has asked my daughter to marry him."
 Professor Fullerton" said Holcomb calmly, apparently takes the attitudA that marriage is war;"
 'I congratulate you, my young con- feree," said Vavin, Ion obtaining the confidence of so sweet and so charm. ing 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, MT. Holcomb," said Judge El- hott, 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 flattering suggestion that, having settled the first problem" for Dora, having decided whether this young