The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1916-12-15
PROFESSORS PROPOSAL
BY J. LENDEUM KING.

Helena Rider, her son herman, a pro-
fessor In the academy, and Leonore
Claymore, their guest since the sud
den death of her father.
The professor cleared his throat,
and for the third time during the meal
asked the girl on what train she was
leaving. Her answer was invariably,
"Seven-tifty in the morning" The pro-
fessor cOughed, and, rising, went to
the library to finish his cigar alone.
Leonore looked up to find Mrs. Rider
regarding her intently.
Child, why don't you put off going
until next week2" asked the elderly
woman
'You are so kind, Mrs. Rider" an
swered the girl. "and l don't want to
go to Aunt Elmeda's, but really l can
not impose upon you any longer"
Together they rose from the table to
join Herman in the library.
Herman switched on the lights as
they entered and pulled forward a
chair for his mother. They sat silent,
all thinking of the one thing-that
Leonore was about to leave them. She
had been with them but a short time,
but she had brought marked change
in the home.
What would life be like when she
had gone away? He tried vainly to
think of something to say.
The girl broke his train of thought
by rising abruptly. 81 have some pack
ing to do" she said, and left the room
hastily.
II wish she would stay" said Mrs.
Rider when she was out of hearing.
$50 do l." seconded the professor.
Cant you induce her to remain?'
mo, she seems to think that she
should CO." answered his mother, dole
fully. "You know, her father before
his death, arranged that she should
| live with her aunt, and, of course, the
aunt is very anxious to have her.
have suspicion that she means to
marry her to that worthless son of
hers. He Is willing If only to get the
money the girl has. 1t would be
shame to have that happen"
He sighed deeply, but did not speak.
Il wish you would marry her, Her
man." she continued hesitatingly. "She
Is the only girl know whom / would
like to have for daughter"
A hopeless smile fitted across the
young mans face. II would be will
ing, mother" he answered, "but / am
not the sort Of a man girl like thai
marries. 1t would be something like
hitching a trotter up with draft
horse"
you are only five years older than
she is" returned the mother stoutly,
land II believe she would If you
would ask her. She bushes when /
speak Of you"
IL shouldn't know how to ask
her"
I'm going to send her down here"
decided the mother suddenly. "You
just ask her." and she was mounting
the stairs before he could demonstrate.
1t was but a few minutes until he
heard the girl coming slowly down.
did you want to see meT' she asked,
hesitating in the doorway.
"Why-why, no." he stammered, ut
terly confused. "That is-won't you
sit DOWN."
"Your mother said you wanted me-"
she said.
Il do" he answered, boldly making
the plunge and then feeling his cour-
age deserving him.
81 am awfully sorry you are going
away" he continued lamely, unable to
think of anything else he could trust
himself to say.
"Are your" she returned simply.
II know we haven't made it very
pleasant for you here" he temporized.
"We-we-aren't very lively, 1 sup
pose"
"Oh, that is just what have liked
about it. 1t is all so quiet and home
like"
"Why do you have to go?" he ques-
toned.
Il can't stay here all the time"
mot If you had a-reason tor"
But / have no reason"
He felt that the case was becoming
desperate.
"Lenore, Listen Lenore," he be-
gan again, trying to speak evenly. II
I want you to stay. We need you
here, mother and /. She needs some
young person with her, someone to
talk to and to keep her mind diverted,
someone TOTO make this a real
home"
Really, Herman, II can't stay any
longer" she reiterated
"But we both want you to say" he
persisted. wont you stay?"
The girl considered the question a
minute In silence. "No, Herman" she
said at length. ut really wouldn't be
right for me to stay any longer. 1
couldn't live here all the time, any
way. People might talk"
Talk" he repeated, mystified.
"What for?" Then suddenly her mean
ing dawned upon him. "That-that is
what mean, Lenore," he said quickly
81 don't want ANYBODY 10 have a right