The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1921-02-03

nervOuSly over her shoulder.
Here, on the register. His name,
mean. Look here, Esther, it's a great
chance for us, if he ever sees you,
well, it's all over but the cheering"
AS the door of the elevator closed
upon the clipping couple, an elderly
gentleman strolled up to the desk.
"Have you by any chance" then his
eyes fell upon the open register. by
George, they're here!'' His eyes
twinkled. Didn't know the young
cub had so much grit. I ran away
with the girl I loved. He's pretty
much like the old man, after all. Oh,
by the way" to the clerk, did you
happen to notice Mrs. Burton?'
"Oh, yes, SIR" the obliging clerk has
tened to explain. mot very tall, sir,
brown eyes, had white feather in her
hat and"
Eyes, sir" interrupted Mr.. Burton.
Much obliged"
Smiling to himself, he turned from
the desk, then stopped abruptly. What
luck! There she was right before him
With smile and a bow, he ap-
preached the girl, who stood watch
ing the elevator door with anxious
eyes. II recognized you, instantly, my
dear, and -
My DEAR indeed" interrupted the
very indignant young lady. "Why, you
old fiirt, If you don't"
"But, my dear young lady, am your
new father" said the embarrassed Mr..
Burton. II was looking for"
well, you may find some one who
is willing to be your daughter, but
should advise you not to insult ladies
in respectable hotel" and the out
ragged girl swept past him into the ele-
vator, leaving the innocent man speech
less with indignation and rage.
Meanwhile Esther, who had been
;, left in the writing room, had become
tired of waiting for Ned to return
with his father and parental bless
ing. "Tll just stroll through the
lobby" she thought. 1T may give me
something besides myself to think
about. Oh dear, If I could only see
Ned's father and talk to him, am
sure he would forgive us. Good gra-
cious. there he is now!'
"Bald-headed, fidgety,' whispered
Esther, II know that's Neds father.
1 am going to speak to him. Yes, 1
am," defantly, although no one
seemed inclined to oppose her. Il
beg your pardon" she began tremu-
lousy, 'but is this Mr.. Burton?"
Yes, madame, my name is Mer-
ton" replied the old gentleman tes-
tily, peering at her over the top of
his gold-rimmed spectacles.
ooh, sir, please forgive us. Truly,
it was more my fault than Ned's."
"What-what-" blurted Mr.. Mer-
ton. ~
"Oh, am your daughter, you know.
That is, your son" Esther stopped,
for the gentleman was looking at her
askance. "Pretty good for bachelor
he muttered to himself. "She must be
crazy. I'd better not excite her." Slap
ping his knee jovially he exclaimed :
WHY, VI COul Sc I1O" SlullU VI luC
My daughter, yes, yes"
ooh, good! Now let me find Ned
There he is now!''
In alarm Mr.. Merton caught her ar1p
He must speak soothingly to her
"There, there. You must wait until
he gets here" he wheedled.
"But he is here. Don't you see? Oh
Ned Ned!' Esther was still trying tc
pull away, when Ned, talking angrily
to Mr.. Burton, drew near.
II tell you, father, she is not a ty.
rant. What OH earth are you talking
about? She is as timid as a mouse.
He was interrupted by Esther's cry
''There she is now. Good heavens
what is that fellow doing with her.
Here you ruffian-"
Lucky you came along as you did
Keep a sharp eye on her." advised Mr.
Merton confidentially. "She's to<
pretty a little lunatic to"
"Lunatic!' cried Ned and Esther
in unison. ..
''This isn't the girl 1 spoke to-
rOared Mr.. Burton. "Who the dick
ens!"
II guess you'll have to excuse me,
stammered Mr.. Merton, backing pom
derously into passerby and finally
making blind rush for the elevator
Peeping through the gratings OF thl
slowly rising car, he saw the young
man kiss the fair lunatic. saw the oil
man kiss them both, and then "Con
found these elevators for going q
fast" he muttered, as he vixorousl.