Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-07-15

my youth, insta bllity and few other
unworthy qualities. having In MIND at
the same time a more desirable part
for his daughter Trouble is daughter
is just obedient enough to yield to his
wish. though there is no doubt as TO
her affection for me.
NOW. the point ia this--lf some per-
son VINO has some influence with the
old fellow. whose judgment ne relies
upon. could suggest to him that l am
not at all bad sort, why, ne would
probably come around to our side. At
least that is what Mollie said when
she sent me to you"
"Mollie-sent you--to me?" The
words came slowly. John Craythorne's
face had grown very white.
"Yes." Dick answered "She said
you'd be sure to do 1t for her, you two
are such good friends"
The professor laughed shortly.
HE will be at home tonight" Dick
remarked insinuatingly as he turned
toward the door.
When he was alone again the pro
fessor turned on the electric bulb
above his mirror ana pltilessiy exam
| ined his own tired face. He noted
with a grim smile the hard lines which
seemed to have formed about his
mouth. He was glad that Noble was
not TO be seen when he sought her
home. for the sight OF her winsome
face would be more than be could bear
in his present mood.
Her father welcomed him with his
usual cordially. The professor stood
with frowning brows and briefly stat
| ed his errand.
II come at your daughters request
he said. "hoping that when you realize
her future happiness is at stake you
will not withhold your consent to her
marriage with Richard Brandon"
Then while he enlarged upon Dicks
| few virtues and condoled his many
| faults the older man listened atten-
| lively.
This is a great disappointment to
me-" he said at length. land you will
pardon my bluntness. 1 had hoped
that my daughters choice might have
fallen upon yourself"
John Craythorne sighed. II also
dared to hope" he said quietly.
Before we discuss the subject fur
ther," her father continued. IL would
| like to send for Mollie."
~ prefer not to be present at that
discussion" the professor answered
stffiy. Then he turned suddenly to
, face Mollie herself After the first
startled glance he resolutely avoided
her eyes.
Professor Craythorne has been In
| terceding with me In your behalf, Mol
| lie." her father said. HE assures me
| that young brandon will make You a
good husband. though | confess re-
| greet your choice. Nevertheless your will
must always be mine. my daughter"
John Craythorne waited In breath
less suspense for Mollie's answer.
Professor Cray thorne." asked meek
| little voice, Twill you kindly tell me
| just why you choose to play the part
| of John Aldenr"
He confronted her Indignantly. "Dick
| Brandon gave me to understand that
such was your WISH" he replied.
Mollies eyes widened. ana then she
| laughed--it was an aggra waiting little
| give Dick such a good character" she
said wickedly. when you know very
well he tiunked last year."
A prolonged whistle sounded down
the hall at this moment, and Mollie
| puckered up her lips to answer. In
stantly the object of the conference
burst into the room.
Hello. MollieT he called. THAT
laundering man Just gave me your card,
and rushed over. What's the news?"
Mollie extended her hand. "Dickie.'
she said. will you let me see that
card? 1 left two OF them at the uni
versity today, one for Professor Cray
thorne and one for you. am begin
ming to suspect that | put them into
the wrong envelopes Yes she said.
smiling over at the professor. this
one was intended for you" Then she
read aloud:
II shall expect you at 9 this evening.
Do not disappoint me-"
Yours was Just word of sympa
thy. Dickie." she said sweetly. writ
ten when Bette told me that her IA
tber had refused his consent to your
marriage
John Craytnorne TOOK one nasty step
in her direction. then hesitated as Mol
lies father spoke sharply. ''Nvill you
please tell me what this all meansY
he asked
Mollie's eyes were dancing.
BEETLES father thinks. very highly
of Professor Craythorne's opinion. and
that Is why | suggested that be might
persuade the obstinate old man to
withdraw his objections to Dick as a
suitor However''--sne laughed over
her shoulder--"l think l., nave man.
aged 1t tor you. Dick. You had better
go over and see.
"Mollie," John Craythorne cried
eagerly. but she chung to her father for
u moment, ignoring the call. while the
old mans face beamed with satisfac-
ton; then she pushed him gently from
her.
Daddy she limited broadly. must
You really gol'
And long time after. while the pro-
fessor and Mollie still fingered in the
library, she raised her glowing face to
look up at Der lover reproachflilly.
uVo,, Ar y,oe f4auarys, a,.nh t,a ,,,lro.-