Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-07-11

friends with such a being-spare me
! that humiliation!"
But the fair daughter of the par
sonage proved irresistibly attractive
to the unfortunate professor, and he
was not to be lightly shunted aside.
He forsook the Presbyterian church.
Of which he was member, and at
tended the Methodist meetings with
commendable assiduity. After each
service he accompanied Prudence
home, and never failed to accept her
invitations. feebly given, to come in
minute" He called as often during
the week as Propriety,N in the voice
of Prudence, deemed fitting. 1t was
wholly unnatural for Prudence to cat
err to Propriety, but Professor Ray
burn did not know this. Weeks
passed, month slipped away, and
another Professor Rayburn was con-
household by all except Prudence her
self. who chafed under her, bondage.
II can't just blurt out that I think
he's a nuisance. she mourned to
Fairy. "Oh, if he'd just do something
disgusting so I could fire him Off
Pop! Just like that. Wouldn't it be
glorious?"
But the professor did not indulge in
disgusting things and Prudence con-
| tinued to worry and fret. Then came
a blessed evening when the minister
and Fairy were away from home and
the twins and Connie were safely in
their beds. Professor Rayburn sat
with Prudence in the coy, living room
and Prudence was charming, though
quiet, and the professor was only
human Prudence had made tea and
as she rose to relieve him Of his empty
! cup, he also rose to return it to the
table Laughing. they put 1t down
on the tray, each holding one side of
the saucer Then when it was safely
disposed OF, Prudence turned toward
him. still laughing at the Stiffness Of
it-very alluring, very winsome. And
Mr.. Rayburn, Unexpectedly to him
her and kissed her. He was aghast
at himself, once it was over and Pru-
dence-well, let us say frankly that
Prudence was only relieved, for it
came to her in flash that this was
the "disgusting thing" for which she
had SO fervently longed. ~. ,-~.
"Mr. Rayburn!" -.5 ->~,.r .'-
THAT was very stupid and unpar-
donable of me. Prudence" he said
quickly. Il really did not think what
was doing. But you were so sweet
and-I'm awfully fond of you, Pru-
dence, you know that" ~- ~
! Prudence looked at him thoughtful.
lily. She felt that this hardly gave
her the desired opening. So she wait
ed. hoping he would commit himself
further. More humbled by her un
! natural silence, he did 60 on.
"You know, Prudence. when a man
cares for a girl as I care for you, it
isn't always easy for him to be sober
and sensible. You shouldn't have
been $3.50 dear"
Prudence sighed happily. She was
content. This gave her the long-de-
sired cue.
"Mr. Rayburn," she said gently but
decidedly, Il think you ought not to
come here any more" 80
He walked over to her quickly and
stood beside the chair into which she
had dropped when he kissed her.
Don't say that, Prudence he said
in hurried low voice. 's''-
at is true,'' she persisted feeling
somehow sorry, though she. did not
understand why she should feel so.
"I-I-well, you knoY I-you remem.
Der what I told you that first day,
don't you? About getting married,
and falling in love, and such things.
1t is true. I don't want to love any
body, and I don't want to get married,
and Fairy says-it is-remotely pos
sible--that you might get-very fond
Of me-
He smiled rather grimly. Eyes, I
think it is-remotely possible" =
Then that settles it," she said COM
fortably. And besides, have such
lot to do that can't-well, bother
spending so much time outside as I
have with you. I've been neglecting
my work. and it isn't right. I haven't
the time" 'r-
(Which is your way of saying that
you do not like me, isn't it,"
Prudence stood up impulsively.
ooh, l like you. but" she threw out
her hands expressively. He took
them in his, tenderly, firmly.
But Prud ence," he argued, that is
because the woman in you isn't
awake You may never love me-a
dismal possibility, but it is true. But
don't you think it only fair that you
should give me chance to try"
y, "Oh, but that's Just the point she
cried. 81 do not want you to try.
do not want to run any risk, at all.
III wouldn't marry you If | did love