The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1895-12-20
Continued from first page.)

bered voice; and the next moment, little,
Prue, pretty Prne, tore down the steps
Come in come in ~ she cried; ''we are
all here, mother and Alice, everyone of us
ready and waiting to wish YOU the mer
riest Christmas that was ever known"
They dragged her into the house help
less and bowildered.
They took her hat and wrap, and car
ried them away, quite at home in this
lovely dwelling.
NOW Is this not a perfect surprise :'
demanded Prue; land don't you think
that Charley is the very best husband in
the worlds'
"lf l get one half as good | shall be
more than satisfied turning sharply to-
ward well-behaved young man strnding
alone and unnoticed in a corner
by the way. Molly dear, let me make
you acquainted with Mr. Stevens: he
thinks he is engaged to me-
An introduction was something she
could understand, and it brought Molly
partially to her self
Il am sure" said she graciously, 81 am
glad to meet you. and have great deal
of g. pathy for you, if what Prue tells
me is the truth"
Glow very, very rude said Prue. sto
try and brighten him. I would not have
believed it of you; you haven't any man
ners, you were bad. you haven't even
thanked Charley yet
"1ou have not given her any time
said Charley, coming LOYALTY 10 her res
cue; ''beside, she has only seen one
room"
"This is your house, Molly mother and
the girls have furnished it after a fashion:
but you can put on the finishing touches.
| have been working out little inven-
ton the past year; I did not tell you
about it, because was afraid that it would
never amount to anything but it has
paid pretty well lately; so l have been able
to get you Christmas present. that hope
you will like as we'll as sealskin cloak"
"a house"' cried Molly, this dear, darl-
ing little house, our own, our very own;
with piano in it"'
30, Charley Winship, and burned the
tost this very night on purpose; did, and
l boiled the tea"
what horrid woman said Prue
ref1ectively. "Who could every take her
to be my sister,"
Did you know, you eXtravagalit crea-
ture, that there were three new chamber
sets in this house, and a cemented Gel
l,rs"
Molly did not answer. She did not care
at all for Prue or for Prue's young man.
Mother and Alice believed in doing right,
and SO did she
'She went up to Charley very humbly;
81 have been cross and ugly, and hate
full 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, and cry a little.
Doubtless the tears did her good: but
when she put her hand into her pocket
after necessary handkerchief, out hop
ped those dreadful and inexpensive sus-
penders.
They fell to the floor, and Law there,
spread over the lovely new carpet; one
small wheel whirling derisively, the other
modestly hiding under a broad purple
stripe.
Il am not a jealous man." said Mr..
Winship, looking at them with grave sur
prise.
There that is too badr' as Molly flung
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 winking shamefully
at the young man, she hid her face in her
latest gift, a splendid feather fan, and
giggled unrestrainedly.
Laugh awayn' said Molly, Il deserve
it."
All the same, she though with thrill
of comfort of that blue dressing gown
with its facings of quilted satin, and its
beautiful great tassels.