Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1888-06-01
Behind a FF0WnIng PFOvI-
denee.

rays shOne across the spOtless floor,
Bnd touched the rows ofshining dishes
on the dresser in Mrs. Primes cosey
kitchen. The little maid who stood
at the open window was thinking of
something far less pleasant than the
peaceful scene before her. Her cheeks
were pale, and her eyes swollen with
weeping as she stood there looking
languidly out. Only yesterday she
had thought herself the happiest girl
in the world, when out there under
the llacs she had promised to be
Robin MoOre's wife. To-day she was
the most miserable, for she was &C
cused of a crime and was about to
lose her only means Of support. Yes,
she, Molly GOwen, whose character
had always been the best, was accused
of theft by the employer whom she
had served faithfully those four years.
1t came about in this way. The day
before our story opens, Capt. Prime
brought home thirty silver dollars
and placed them away in the desk
that stood in the corner Of the keep
ing room. Before doing so, however,
he showed them to his wife and Molly,
and allowed little Kitty to play with
them awhile. In the afternoon he
went to the neighbOringv village, leaving
the desk unlocked, as he often did, 1t
was sunset when he returned, and just
as he entered the house he saw Molly
come out of the keeping-room. She
started and turned pale at sight of
her master, who asked her with a
smile:
''Did 1 frighten y GU, Molly?"
Molly laughed nervously as she re-
piled, eyes, sir, 1 did not hear you
come IN and you startled me-"
The captain thought no more Of the
occurrence then, though it surprised
him to see Miss Molly so nervous.
Presently Mrs. Prime came in with
Kitty in her arms. "Oh, it was your
voice that woke me" she said to her
husband, 81 had one of my headaches
this afternoon. and l think Kitty
and 1 both have slept nearly two
hours"
In the evening after her work was
done Molly came in, dressed for a
walk, and asked permission to visit q
friend who worked for a neighboring
family. 1t was granted. and Molly
started out, but had not gone far be-
fore she met Robin, and instead of
visiting her friend she sCrOlled down
by the river with him.
Shortly after, the captain came in
and went to the desk for something.
On opening the drawer, h found that
his money was not where he left it in
the morning He searched each draw
er in turn, then called his wife. Han
nah. have you moved my money!"
why. no." responded Mrs. Prime,
coming to the door and looking in.
Again they searched the desk, but
with the same result.
Call Molly" said the captain.
'She has gone over to Mr.. FOrd's
to see Eunice. - responded his wife.
HAS any one been here. today"
"NO, l asked Molly that question
when ! woke up. and she said she had
not seen anyone this afternoon"
what was she doing in the keep
inG-rOOm to-day when I came homer"
Mrs. Prime looked surprised; 81
did not know she was in there" she
replied.
The captain then told his wife of
MOlIy's confusion that afternoon.
But, Ezra, she Ieplied, you sure
~ don't suspect Molly? Why. would
as soon think of Hitty as of herl''
What else can have become OF the
money!" he queIied.
This was a problem that Mrs. Prime
could not solve, SO she remained 81
lent.
Just then Molly came in looking
flushed and tired from her rapid
walk.
Where have you been?" demanded
the captain.
Molly looked confused. She was
not used to being asked such a ques-
ton, and the captain manner was
so stern it frightened her. She could
not tell him about Robin, so she re-
manned silent.
The captains brow grew stern. If
Molly had answered him frankly he
would have believed her, but her ST.
lence strengthened his suspicious.
"Have you been to see Eunice?" he
continued.
Molly hung her head and answered
family, "No."
what were you doing in the keep
ing-rOOm this afternOOn?"
There was such a lump in Molly's
throat that she could not answer at
first, but after moment she said: 81
went in to see If it needed busting"
cit took you some time to make
that answer" said the captain sar-
castically. cit IS of no use, Molly,
you may as we'll tell me at once where
my money isl''
Molly turned pale and looked help
lessly at him. Even Mrs. Prime
faith began to waver, and she said
gently: "TeIl him, dear. He won t