Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1879-04-12

like oftener than most folks believe,
when he fell in love with Mollie, she
straightway returned the favor by fall
ing in love with him.
It is quite likely that the partnership
would have been speedily brought about,
but Mollie's mamma had selected anoth-
er partner for her fair daughter, and
would not listen to a word about young
Abbott.
Mrs. Danes choice of son-in-law
was her own nephew, rising young
doctor, by the name of Paul Reeves.
The Reeves had always been people of
importance. Paul had a competency
already, and at the death of his grand
father he would come in for fortune
better match for her daughter, surely,
than Charley Abbott, poor bankers
clerk, on a thousand a year.
There was one little circumstance of
which Mrs. Dane was not aware-Mr.
Paul was not quite free himself. There
was young lady in the city where he
attended lectures, who had word to
say on that subject. Mollie knew it,
however, for Paul had a strong, brother
ly friendship for his pretty cousin, and
for Charley Abbott, too; SO they all
three took each other into confidence.
and Paul was the sworn ally of the
lovers.
Mollie was an obedient daughter in
general, but she had spice of her good
mammals will, and would not give up
| Charley Abbott. Mrs. Dane would not
permit him to visit at the house, and
Mollie was too proud and kigh-minded
to appoint clandestine meetings.; but
there were many occasions when they
"met by chance, the usual way" and
there were walks in the open street, and
several times Charley brayely escorted
Mollie to her own door. Mrs. Dane
could not prevent this, except by keep
ing Mollie prisoner at home. That
she did not care to do. But one morn
ing, when, IS she sat by the parlor win
dow, they came walking gayly up to-
gether, and parted at the gate, she could
stand it no longer. Pretty Mollie came
in, smiling and blushing, well knowing
lecture awaited her, and resolved to
have it over at once.
swell, Miss!" began Mrs. Dane, sit
ting up very straight and severe, -" how
much longer is this to go on?"
sis what to go on, mammal" asks
Miss Mollie, the very picture of demure
innocence.
this disobedience, madam! This
running ont into the street to meet that
that young man?"
swell, mamma, you won't let him
come here"
"That is not an answer to my ques-
ton, Miss
"Oh! well-not very long, l hope.
When he is your son, you won't object
any longer"
"When he is my-what!" gasped
Mrs. Dane.
"Your son, mamma. He will be be.
fore many weeks"
"You = you - Mary Dane! You
haven't, you surely haven't"
promised to marry CharleyP Yes, /
have, mamma. / mean to keep my
word, tool" Mollie turned and faced
her mother with the flashing eyes and
firm-set lips which Mrs Dane knew the
meaning of very well. Her own eyes
flashed back, As she answered, sternly
"Never! I'll see you buried first.
Never, with my CONSENT"
"With it, hope, mamma. Charley
is coming to-day to ask you. But il
you won't give it, why, we shall be
forced to marry without it, that's all. -
Mrs. Dane rose to her feet. She was
a woman of few words and quick &C.
ton. "He has the audacity to come
here for my consent, has he?"
"Yes, mamma"
"Very well. II can't talk upon the
subject just now. must 60 upstairs
and think awhile, before l can decide
what to do. am overpowered with
astonishment. Stay you here, and
when l call you, come upstairs.
"Yes, mamma"