Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-03-18

4OuS e0iu ASutueElOTu, III u CuOkGO voice.
If you could only make me useful--if
you could send me anywhere or tell me to
do anything for you"
There's that fellow to be punished"
BERTHE burst out in a fury. "Ill go my
self-l'I telegraph to father-he deserves
a thorough horsewhipping"
"You are only boy" said Molly, with
a little gasp which was perhaps meant
for sort of laugh; ''and you cannot do
anything yourself. And it is not Captain
Rutherford's business. I shall leave
everything to my father. I shall tell him
all. He will know what must be done"
Shall telegraph to him for you?"
said Charlie, quickly.
"Thank you. Yes-directly. Wait a
moment. You must not think things
worse than they are. provoked him-and
he had taken too much wine." She began
to tremble as she spoke. II reproached
him with-with one or two things that
he had told me, and he grew very angry;
and then told him of one wicked. fool
ish. mischievous thing that had done
l took some letters of his once, and sent
them away to q person who Oh, 1
can't tell it you all, but acted very
badly, and in my own anger l told him
o. it for the first time. You see he had
some right to be angry. He did not know
what he was doing-I am sure he did not,
for he had never struck me before"
'Struck you? Molly, Mollyr'
AS ii Involuntary, she glanced at her
arm, from which the cloak had slipped
down. There was bruise upon the slen-
der wrist. She drew her draperies over
1t, and held them there while she went on.
He did not know; he was never un-
kind in that way before. But he was
mad with anger and with what he had
drank. and he took me by the shoulders
and put he out at the door, and said
should never darken his house again. I
snatched up this cloak as went through
| the onter hall. I believe he meant to
| take me in again, for when had gone
down the road little way heard him
open the door again and call me. But I
was frightened-sO frightened that ran
on and on; and l asked my way of
| policeman, and at last I got here"
Charlie Rutherford's face was white
with rage.
Look" he said to BERTHE, abruptly. II
am going. Your sister should not sit in
her wet things. Get your landlady to
| attend to her. I'll telegraph to your
father in your name."
| wait, please" said Molly. 1t wa
strange to hear the decision that had
come into her fresh young voice. 'Come
here for one minute, Captain Rutherford.
You say you will be my friend?"
| always"
Then please so to the telegraph Office
and send a message from me, not from
BERTHE. I have no home now; may l
come to you tomorrow? That is all that
l want to say in q telegram. l do not
think that my father will refuse to take
me in"
1t was not very late, and Captain Ruth
erford was able to telegraph at once.
Then he went to Lady Walls house, and,
happily finding her in. got her promise
to see Molly the first thing in the morn
| ing.
1t was a bright face that Lady Val
presented the next morning in Molly's
| bed-chamber. s,s
my dear" she said. putting ker arm.
round Molly's neck at once. Il know you
don't much like me; but you must put
up with me and let me help you if can.
Charlie Rutherford came to me last
night"
Molly resisted for a moment, but wom-
anly affection was very sweet to her. and
there was something in Lady Val's face
and manner which compelled confidence.
She let herself be kissed, and then burst
into tears on her visitors shoulder.
Don't cry. child" said Lady Val NJ
last. "You had much better go home
and take care of yourself. Or-will Won
/ come to me for few days."
mo, no. You are very good-but I
want SO much to so home"
Every we'll. Then will 20 with you."
''You?" said Molly, lifting a ouiverine
face and startled eyes to her interlocu-
tor. You? Why"
| Because don't think you are old
enough or wise enough to travel alone.
my dear; and l don't call even BERTHE a
sufficient protector. Nobody can saw a
word against you if 1 am with you.
Molly"
| The eyes of the two women met There
| was little silence, and then Molly hold
out her hand. II was unjust to Won in
my thoughts; forgive me-" she said.
| "Nhat did you think of me?'
ooh. l can't tell you'll can't"
Il can guess, my dear. You thoupnr
that l wanted to take your husband,
heart from you, Molly; / have pravad
| every night and morning for the last vea.
that he might always love you "a vor
loved him. had no stronger wish than
that you two might be happy. Won't
yon trust me, Molly?"
And Molly, looking into Lady valen.
cia's honest eyes. said fervently:
Indeed / will"