The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-05-10
MOLLY HOLDEN.

IuOLL 11OLDEANs
Molly Holden ran up the steps of
No. 255 Hubert street.
Anybody could have told that 255
was clearinghouse, such variety
of people went in and out, and so
many tlymen and messenger boys rang
the bell, and such an unending sue
cession of grocery and market boys
went in at the area-door.
Molly Holden's room was on the
fourth floor back, and the smallest in
the house. 1t was all she could afford.
She was typewriter in a lawyers
Office, and quite alone in the world.
For all that she was plump and
cheerful and charming little girl-she
was one of those young ladies whom
people involuntarily call ''little girls"
with the roundest cheeks and the
prettiest eyes imaginable, and a way of
looking on the bright side of every
thing always.
1t would have been strange if Phil
johnson hadnt liked her. He was al
ready at the lunch table when Molly
tripped into the dining-room. He had
coolly appropriated old Mr.. Smiths
place, too, in order to sit next to her.
''Your cheeks are pink, Miss Hold
en!" he said, forgetting his steak in the
happiness of her presence. You
have been walking, haven't yOu?"
Yes" Molly responded, with her
cheeks no less pink for his scrutiny.
Il don't often take the tram; it's so
near"
1--WE must be near each other, Miss
Holden-our Offices" said Phil. He
was modest-salaried clerk in an in
surance Office. you're in the Bar
tholomew building, and that's only
four blocks down from us. Well try
walking home together some time,
won't weP"
s'If you'd like to-" said Molly shyly.
Like to? Nothing could make ME
happier" Phil murmured. with glow
ing eyes on what he was certain was
the lovelest face in the world. ..'You
know. Miss Holden-yOu must have
seen-that when Pm with you"
There was silken rustic in the hall
and new entrance.
Nobody but the most charitable could
have said that Mrs. Crowell was nice
looking; and as the boarders of 255
did not feel charitable towards Mrs.
CrOWell, 1t was never said.
She was tall to 4 masculine degree.
and startlingly stout; her face had
purplish tinge; her eyes were BUSH
browed and somewhat fierce in ex-
preston; and her under lip had de-
termined and even threatening pro-
trusion.
Probably the boarders could have
forgiven Mrs. CrowelPs lack of per-
sonal attractions if she had been
well, anybody but Mrs. Crowell.
She occupied the spacious and ele-
giant second floor front, aud she was
obviously rich; and there her virtues
appeared to cease.
She sat down in her accustomed
place beside Molly; the landlady had
placed her there because Molly was
the only person with whom Mrs.
Crowell could get on pleasantly. Molly
and Mrs. Crowell, 20 the amazement
and even awe of the boarders in gem
eral, were always amicable-
'sNo. / won't take tea if can't have
it hot" said Mrs. Crowell in loud aud
distinct tones, which filled the dining
room. ''This is merely luke-warm.
And lump sugar, if you please; / think
have spoken Of that before. And
how are you to-day, Miss MaryP"
Phil johnson swallowed his coffee in
an inward rage. He had spoken his
last word to Molly for this meali he
knew that by miserable experience.
Mrs. Crowell always absorbed her by
sheer force of defiant determination.
''Quite well, thank you" Molly re-
Joined. with the timidity which even
She could not help feeling.
.'My steak is underdone, Susan, ="
said Mrs. Crowell sharply. Another
piece, if you please, or this one re-
cooked. The books l ordered have
come. Miss Mary"
"Yese" Molly responded, with con-
scientious attempt at qualification,
which would have been greater sue
cess if she had not known what was
coming.
.I've been looking forward to your
reading them to me. l mentioned it
before. think" said Mrs. Crowell in
the manner-of-course way in which
she always demanded favors of Molly.
..Yes,'' Molly assented, with kind pa
tience.
"You will have some time after
lunch, will you not? l beg your par
don, MI. johnson; | was speaking to
Miss Holden" said Mrs. Crowell Sc
verely.
Phil had put in remark in despera-
! ton.
81 shall have half an honr," Molly
admitted, while Phil chOked down q
mouthful in impotent rage.
1--WE can have chapter or two.
rNta N
YOU should keep a fly-screen over those
cakes. / am surprised that you &c
not"
1t seemed an interminable period,
even to patient Molly, before luncf
was over.
Mrs. Crowell had found fault with
everything on the table excepting the
salt and iee-water, aud had monopo
lized Molly; and poor Phil had gazed
at her pretty profile in necessary 81
lence and evaporation
He kept close to her with bold reso'
luton, when Mrs. Crowell rose at last
sweeping Molly with her, like an eagle
with a kitten. And fortunately Mrs
Crowell stopped to demonstrate with
the landlady as to her supply of towels
and the cleaning of her windows.
"Goodnessl How long are you go
ing to submit to it, Miss Holden?" hi
whispered Indignantly. "Sheli veal
you out"
"Oh, mop said Molly with swee
cheerfulness. al don't believe any
thing could do that"
Nor l." said Phil admiringly
..But-Well, Miss Holden, l like t.
toll, to Won once in n while, She iuS
absorbs you"
Molly smiled for want of bette
response, and blushed:
"And-I must run the risk of you
thinking me impudent, but don't lik
the way she makes you convenient
You're too good-hearted, Miss Molly
You spend half your time out of ii tn
Office reading to her. don't you. Sh
is perfectly able, of course, to have
companion for reading, OF whateve
else. And to demand it Of you'll An
l-don't be angry with ms-6Gt SO