Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1914-06-09
Baby Cupid.
A Crisis Which Was Success
fully Passed by His
Aid.
BY liTTELl M'CLuNG.

with Il tlirtatiOus laugh.
Lets see: Why. you've known me
only month";" the pretty widow OBJ.
jected. You've never even seen the
rest Of the family"
"You mean Henry?" be said.
"Of course I mean Henry" she ex.
claimed. "Who. else could |. mean:
The very idea Of your starting to pra-
pose to me. Mr.. Barton. without ever
having seen Henry. The man who
loves me must love him too. He must
think that Henry is the handsomest
finest little fellow In the world.
-"Oh. you don't realize what such
baby as Henry means to-aa young
mother He is her Joy. her hope. her
life; Mr.. Barton. ysrhe man she loves
must share her feelings about her
child. You understand. don't your"
The man nodded. ),
But how am to. share your love
for the child-how am l ever to meet
him-if you don't give me the chance?"
be demanded. II cali in the evening.
and the nurse is just putting him to
bed l stop by In the afternoon, and
you and Henry have gone out for Il
ride.
something always happens to keep
Henry out of my sight I've about
come to believe that he is a myth. u
prattling phantom that willfully eludes
me-"
How can you, Mr.. Barton. use the
word 'prattling' when speaking Of
Henry?" she demanded, trying to keep
a serious face The little dear doesn't
prattle-he talks!'
"Indeedy' he exclaimed. Il hardly
thought he was old enough to-
Certainly he's old enough" she in.
terrupted. "He can say mamma just
beautifully. and at present I'm cOncen-
trating my energies on getting him to
say dear mamma and 'nursie' and
other necessary words"
The light of inspiration flashed over
James Barton's face.
"Why don't you teach him my
name?" he asked eagerly. Its very
easy-just Jim. you know. Then when
Henry and l do get acquainted we'll
start on terms of friendship without
any preliminaries."
"Oh. what IN idea!' she cooed
"Why. Of course Henry shall be taught
to say-Jim."
Barton noticed with thrill the blush
that tinged her cheek even as her
tongue hesitated at the name.
well. when shall see himT' he
asked. LET me make an engagement
with you and Henry
"Let me see. This 10 the 10th. isn't
itY' she unused. "Well. on the list Of
next month. in the afternoon. the-the
Young Mothers club meets at my
house. You can come around then and
have tea with us. Henry will be wear.
ing his best frock in your honor"
"Fine and dandy!" declared Barton
as be lifted his hat In farewell. "l'll
be on hand. Mrs. Kenton. you may be
sure"
On the eventful afternoon Barton
came. as he had said. smile Of conf
dence lighting bis face-a smile that.
alas. faded as quickly as the blush Of
debutante.
Mrs. Kenton greeted him with
warm hand clasp. and the next mo-
ment he found himself In. a drawing
room filed with young women. He
was the only man In sight, and his
knees trembled as the rapid fire intro.
auctions began.
But he faced. like hero. the chorus
of "Ohw "Delighted!" and "How
charming" and came through with
face unfinished.
Tea was served. and the meeting
gave promise Of passing of pleasantly
enough But the blow fell when the
president. a middle aged woman with
a twinkle of humor in her eye. arose
for. the FIRST formal announcement.
ladies'" she said mildly. several Of
Us, as Is our custom. have brought our
children with us-the proper thing for
young mothers to do These children
rs you are aware. are upstairs In care
Of two Of our most loyal mothers.
Each of us has listened with pa.
thence. be 1t said to praises of anoth.
er's prodigy. But now we are prepar-
ed to learn the truth There Is gen.
tleman in our midst. He shall see the
children and make formal report to us
MS to which is the prettiest"'
BartOn's heart went right down into
his patent feathers as he turned upon
Mrs Kenton with look Of unforgiv.
ing reproach.
"Really. didn't do IT, she wills
pered. ITS one of the surprises the
club always springs on the hostess
pom my soul it isl
There was no doubling the sincerity
Of her tone. and Barton. summoning
to his aid every fiber of his courage
rose to protest. The quick eyed presi-
dent OWNED his intention. and she
gave him no chance to utter word.
"The young gentleman may wish to
protest that he is not good Judge OF
children" she declared. but we can
not listen to MIN. We all feel sure that
he is a man of Judgment and courage
and that he will do what we ask OF
him."
A dozen smiles were suppressed as
dozen hends nodded approval Bar
toms eyes flashed. for the humor of the
situation had not appealed to him.
~ shall not protest. ladies'" he said
with quiet determination. ION the
contrary. shall be very glad to pick
out the prettiest baby for you. And. |
Furthermore. ! am prepared to face the
consequences. whatever they may be-"