The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1915-10-22
...A...
misunderstanding
By WILLARD BRAKEMAN

ated from college, advertised for a posi-
ton as tutor in a private family. He
got a request to call at a house in a
suburban place called Glendale and
went there one afternoon to find a
handsome house In the center Of large
grounds. A ring at the bell brought a
maid, who ushered him into a drawing
room and left him without waiting to
learn who should be announced. Trow-
bridge, having written that he would
call on that day and hour, supposing
he was expected, did not call her back.
He had waited some time when he
noticed a movement Of a screen before
a door leading to a side room. Since
there was no apparent reason for Its
being moved, his curiosity was excited.
Going to 1t, he looked behind it.
A girl of nineteen was there, who
had evidently been spying on him. Be-
ing detected, she colored.
II dare say you think hard Of me-"
she said, "but you must admit that un-
der the circumstances l would wish to
catch a glimpse Of you before meeting
you"
"Quite So" replied Trowbridge. sup
posing that she was to be his pupil.
II dare say this matter is for the
best, but it seems very cold blo0ded,"
added the girl.
"Cold blooded!"
ut certainly seems cold blooded to
me, though there is an element of TO
nance in q girl meeting for the first
time n who is to have so important
an influence on her life"
Trowbridge was as much astonished
as puzzled. He had heard Of girls fall
ing in love with their tutors, but this
speaking of romance in a case where
the tutor had not yet been engaged
seemed premature.
II can readily understand" he said,
the feeling that prompted you to de
sire to see me before receiving me. 1t
enabled you to turn me down in case
you did not approve. or, rather, it
would have enabled you to do SO had l
not blundered into interrupting your
survey"
ut was I who Numbered in attempt
ing to make n survey. How did you
come to suspect that l was behind the
ScreenW
II saw it rock without any apparent
cause"
How stupid of me!!'
II suppose l Inn to see your father
with reference to the engagement"
Certainly. But he is not in this aft
oro,nor pncf10c flnro 10 M hl,rpV, Tho
object of this visit is entirely prelimi-
nary. being to enable us to meet and
get acquainted. l am not to be forced
in the matter. Il am to have full lib
erty to do as please, you, of course.
having the same privilege"
"Oh, for that matter my mind is
made up. am ready to make an n
gagement at once. l am delighted In
having so attractive a pupil"
"In the art of love?" looking up
archly.
This was proceeding at SO rapid a
pace that Trowbridge was almost
frightened. Surely there must be some
thing unapparent at the bottom Of it.
What did it mean? He turned the topic
Of conversation to the cours of instruc-
ton to be pursued.
do you intend to prepare for col
legeY" he asked.
college? oh. no; there will be no
time to go to college. Father needs
capital at once. OF course he has told
you all about that"
The puzzled look on T%rowbridge's
face was noticed by the girl. who
added:
1T can't be possible that papa has ar
ranged this meeting without having
made the business arrangement with
your
Il have not seen your father. l ad-
vertised for a position as tutor aud re-
ceived q letter asking ME to call.'
Further explanation was interrupt
ed by u young man being shown
into the room by the maid. The lady
had sided up to Trowbridge and was
sitting very near him. The newly ell
tering guest started. then, pulling him
self together. advanced.
I'm Mr.. Waterman" he said. II
have come in accordance with an
arrangement with your.
At the name Waterman the girl
jumped from the sofa on which she
and Trowbridge were sitting as though
she had been stung by a wasp.
"Are you Mr.. Waterman" she asked
excitedly Of the newcomer.
Certainly I'm Mr.. Waterman. AS l
was saying
".And who are youy" she demanded
angrily Of the other man.
I'm Alexander Trowbridge. AS
was explaining to you when the gen.
tleman entered. l called to see you
about q position as tutor"
"Oh. my goodness gracious!" exclaim-
ed the girl, and without further remark
she swept out Of the room with the air
Of an offended queen.
There was no engagement of q tutor:
nor was there any discussion Of a
marriage arrangement between Mr..
Waterman and Miss Maud Hethering-
ton whereby her father was to secure
capital to save him from bankruptcy.
He pulled through without Water
mans assistance. and eventually
TrOwhifdno affected nm onpapoment