The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-04

laugh. "You hatter me, I'm afraid. But
you forget that Mr.. Randolph still exists;
and Molly, you know, is still a child-years
and years. L hope, before she will think of
anything of that kind. You wouldn't lose
your little Maria, would you, yet awhile?'
With which she arose. "Ah, Mr.. Peabody,
we were going sailing" she said. II wonder
if our boats ready? You are coming with
us as usual, | suppose? Good-by, every
body" And with a bright smile she tripped
down the steps, followed by Molly and Pea
body.
AS they went there was a low buzz, and
then Peabody heard his name, coupled with
Molly's, of course. After that Mrs. Crosbys
cat-like voice: intentions? Why none, OF
course"
He heard and so did Molly But she
walked on, her head proudly erect her face
blazing. Peabody dared not look at her.
Mrs. Randolph was so angry that she felt alb
solutely ill. She said abruptly that she
could not go boating; they must go without
her; and turned back.
Peabody and Molly walked along in pro-
found silence. To this day Molly can see
distinctly the landing, and the very plank on
which they stood, whilst looking around Tor
the boatman; and where as the wind began
10 blow fresher, her companion insisted on
putting over her her knit shawl 1t was
about II o'clock. The SUE was beating hotly
down upon the planks, which sent out faint
odor of tar-to this day Molly hates tar.
Peabody left her to signal to one OF the
down in the water. Across the waters, Har-
ward men were singing college songs and
their voices came floating to her. Some
thing, she didn't know what, made the tears
rise to her eyes. How dreadful it all was.
How could she ever speak to Mr. Peabody
again? Just then Peabody came toward
her. This way, Miss Molly" he said, in
just his usual voice. "Oar canoe is here"
AS he helped her into the canoe he caught
sight of her quivering lips, her fearful eyes.
Don't" he whispered. MY darling, if you
do, shall most certainly kiss you, and
think how disgraceful that would be-"
Molly ought to have been very angry, but
| she wasn't-not a bit. Splash went the
paddle. Peabody's idea of the view must
have been vague in the last extreme; for
Molly heartessly interposed her scarlet UNI
brella between herself and him, leaving him
to occupy himself with all kinds of futile
conjectures as to how she was looking and
what she was doing behind it.
Trump, bang, and they ran upon the little
pebby beach. AT one side was a steep hill,
thickly wooded with pine trees, whose aro
matte fragrantce came waited down to them
on the crisp morning air. On the other was
jagged pile of stern gray rocks, with hooks
and crevices of delightful shadow.
With the quickness of long practice Pea
body at once selected the most comfortable
and the most accessible spot. As Molly was
handed to the shore she had desperate
feeling come over her. Escape, she must
But how? She stopped and looked but at
the canoe. Peabody oomprehended what
was in her mind. Without moments
hesitation he stretched out his arms and
drew her toward him.
"Molly, dearest" he said, tenderly, Don't
you know what have to tell your
Half resisting, half yielding, she stammers
out confused mo"
molly, Molly" he went on, ''don't say
no. It's yes you're going to say to me-
Tell me, dearest, IS it?'
Molly raised her happy confused face from
his shoulder. IF could only be sure" she
whispered, that you weren't simply doing
this to spite Mrs Crosby and that-and that
you didn't think me one OF the grass
hoppers-."
Peabody, in spite of all, roars with laugh
ter Finally he sobers down.
Tell me-" he said, "do you think me a
supercilious peacock now"