The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-08-09
BY ETHEL HUESTON
Copyright, 1918.
BObbs, Merrill Co.

tract1Ve TO the unIOTtuudto pio
fessor, and he was not to be light
ly shunted aside.
He forsook the Presbyterian
church, of which he was a mem
Der, and attended the Methodist
meetings with commendable as.
siduity. After each service. he
accompanied Prudence home.
He called as often during the
week as propriety allowed. Pro.
lessor Rayburn was considered q
fixture in the parsonage house
hold by all expect Prudence her
self, who chafed under her bond
age.
II Just can't blurt out that
think he's a nuisance" she
mourned to Fairy. "Oh, If he't
just do something disgusting sc
could fire him off-Pop! JUS
like that. Wouldn't it be glori
ous?"
Then came a blessed evening
when the minister and Fairy were
away from home, and the twins
and Connie in bed. Professor
Rayburn sat with Prudence in the
cozy living room. and Prudence
was charming, and the Professor
was only human.
Prudence had made tea, and al
she rose to relieve him of hi
empty cup, he also rose to return
1t to the table. Laughing, the,
put 1t down on the tray, eacf
holding one side of the saucer
Then. when 1t was safely disposed
of, Prudence turned toward him
still laughing, and Mr.. Rayburn
Unexpectedly to himself as to her
put his arms around her an(
kissed her.
He was aghast at himself, once
1t was over, and Prudence-well
Prudence was only relieved, for |
came to her in a flash that thi
was the disgusting thing" fol
which she had so ferventl!
1onged.
"Mr. Rayburn!"
THAT was very stupid and un
pardonable of me. Prudence" he
said quickly, "but when a mar
cares for a girl as care for you
it isn't always easy for him to be
sober and sensible. You shouldn't
have been 500 dear"
Prudence sighed happily. This
gave her the long desired cue.
"Mr. Rayburn." she said gent
ly, but decidedly. II think you
ought not to come here any
more"
Which is your way of saying
that you do not like me, isn't it?'
ooh, I like you, but" Pru
dence threw out her hands ex
pressively. He took them in his
tenderly, fiAnly.
But, Prudence" he argued
that Is because the woman II
you isn't awake. You may nevel
love me. but don't you think 4
only fair that you should give m,
a chance to try.
"Oh, but that's Just the point,
she cried. II do not want yor
to try"
what is there about me that
you do not like?" he demanded
suddenly. There is something
/ know"
And with her awful, unbelieva.
BILE honesty, Prudence told him
Yes" she said, that is true.
hated to mention 1t, but there 1:
something! Mr.. Rayburn, l just
can't stand the bugs!"
Good heavens! The what?"
"The bugs! l can't bear for you
to be near me, because I keer
wondering IL there are bugs in
your pocket. I'm afraid they'll
get over on me. Even now II
makes me SILVER when you hold
my hands, because I know you've
been handling the horrible little
creatures with yours"
He dropped her hands abrupt
ly, and stared at her.
"And after you leave ge,
down on my hands and knees and
look over the floor, and examine
the chairs, to see II any have
crawled off! It's a terrible feel
ing. Mr.. Rayburn. You know
tool you I hated bugs-I'm afraid
I've hurt your feelings" she said
sadly.
There was long silence before
the man answered.
Prudence" he said, you are
only a girl-achildish girl, but 9
very sweet one. When you grow
up, you are going to be a won
derfully good and lovely woman
IL am going to want you then
Let's just be friends now-for q
long time yet. I'll promise yor
on my word of honor never to put
another bug in my pockets. or my
handkerchiefs. But I can't prom.
Use not to touch them, for I have
to do II In class. That's how
earn my living; But I will wash
my hands with securing soap, and
rub them with cold cream, and
powder them. and perfume them
before I ever come near you
again. Won't that DOR
Prudence shook her head. 81
know you are laughing at me-
she said, but always told yor
I was just a silly simleton. And
1t isn't the bugs altogether. l.
like 1t better to be with my sis