The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1888-12-21
n @. .

81; is like home" sighed Molly.
"Mothcr would never have blind
shut, or 4 curtain drawn, ana the
house was like garden always; they
know how TO keep Christmas here.
rs she spoke, the door opened, and
Il form that was strangely familiar
stood in the broad food Of outstream-
ing light
They have come. they have come
here Is Molly. screamed well remem-
hered voice: and the next moment,
little Pure. pretty Pure. tore down the
steps. '-Comc in , Come in ~ she cri-
ed we are MI hcse, mother and AL
ice, every one of us ready and waiting
TO wish You the merriest Christmas
that ever was known.
They dragged her into the house help
less and bewildered.
They took her hat and wrap, and
carried them away. quite at home in
this lovely dwelling
Now is not this Il perfect surprise 2"
demanded PrEe: ..and don't YOU think
that Charley is the very best husband
in the world::"
If | get one half rs good | shall be
more than satisfied turning sharply
toward Il well-behaved Young man
standing alone and unnoticed in
corner.
by the way, Molly dear, let me
make you acquainted with Mr.. Ste
vens he thinks he is engaged to me-"
An introduction was something she
could understand, and it brought Mol
i partially to herself.
Il am sure said she graciously, 81
am glad to meet you, and l have great
deal of sympathy for you, '.if what
Prue tells me is the truth
'-How very, very rude - said Prue,
ito try and frighten him. would
not have believed it of YOU: You
haven't any manners you never had;
You haven't even thanked Charley yet
ron have not given her any time,"
said Charley, coming Loyalty to her
rescue; ''beside, she has only seen one
ROOM
This is your house, Molly: mother
and the girls have furnished it after
fashion; but you can put on the fin
ishing touches
| have been working out little in
yention the past year; | did not tell
yon about ii, because | was afraid that
1t would never amount to anything;
but it has paid pretty well lately SO
have been able TO get you Christ
mas present that [ hope ycu will like
as well as 4 sealSkIn cloak
~ house - cried Molly, '.this dear,
darling little house, our own, our very
own; with 4 piano in it.
%, Charley Winship, and I burned
the toast this very night, on purpose;
did, and boiled the tea
What Il horrld woman = said Prue
reiiectiyely. WHO could ever take
her 10 be my sistci. g
Did you know, your extravagant
creature, that there were three new
chambersets in this honse, and ce-
mented cellar :"
Molly did not answer. She did not
careat all for Prue, or FOR Prue's young
man. Mother and Alice believed in
doing right, and so did she.
She went mp TO Charley very hum
bly,: Il have been cross and ugly, and
hateful, said she. Il am sorry, will
you-"
Before she could get any further,
Charley had her in his arms. and was
kissing her.
She was glad OF the chance to hide
her face, ana cry little.
Doubtless the tears did her good:
but when she put her hand into her
pocket after Il Necessary handkerchief,
out hopped those dreadful and mex
pensive suspenders.
They fell 10 the floor, and lay there,
spread over the lovely new carpet; one
small wheel whirling derisively, the
other modestly hiding under broad
purple stripe.
Il am not a Jealous man" said Mr..
Winship, looking at them with grave
surprise.
There, that is too bad = as Molly
dung them inside the glowing crate:
Il always did want pair of little
wheeled gallouseS.
Mother and Alice could not help
smiling; but as for prue, after wink
ing shamefully at the young man, she
Ind her face in her latest gift, splen-
did feather fan, and gigled unrestrain-
ejiy
Laugh away" said Molly, u de-
serve it.
Al the same, she thought with
thrill of comfort ofthat blue dressing
gown with its facings of quilted satin,
and its beautiful great tassels.
Louise-"Clara, if | were you I'd
take Mr.. Oldboy to Il certain store on
Broadway before Id let him take me
TO the theatre again" Clara-"And
what store IS it, pray" Louise-"The
one that advertises: odd bows re-
haired while You wait.