The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-12-03

fine lady ideas now, Molly, and consider
ways and means
THAT Is true, certainly sighed the
girl, who, little as She had hankered
after her wfiom inheritance in the past,
was not above acknowledging keen re-
grets in giving 1t up now "But would
rathe.' do anything-I would rather be a
maid of-all-work '-clenSling her small
hands-"than continue to eat that mans
bread, and to appear to accept his at
tention3."
Luckily, however, she was not called on
to take so disastrous a step. Mrs. Mac
kenzie's tenants, in consideration Of the
circums tances, were induced TO surrender
the house to it's owner at once and about
a fortnight after Mr.. ONeilrs arrival,
Molly was Informed that they were free
to depart.
After the first eager joy at the uneX-
pectedly speedy deliverance from so
painful position, and when preparations
for their flight were being actually made,
she inwardly felt many and acute re-
grets; but her pride forbade her to ac-
knowledge them openly. She wandered
round the house and out of doors, saying
goodbye to her favorite haunts, and tax
ing a last look at spots dear to her, not
only for their intrinsic beauty, but for
associations sake.
Hugh O'Neil proceeding in search of
her at as rapid a pace as his somewhat
feeble limbs were capable of, came upon
her all at once, leaning against an old
tree, beneath which their kinswoman
used formerly to sit, her arms dung round
it her young face pressed against its
rough bark the sorrowfuI abandon of
her whole attitude touching, as much as
it surprised him.
Cousin he saba designation very
repugnant to Molly. but which he had
adopted from the frst-"what is this I
hear? Why are you leaving tomorrow"
1--WE always intended to leave, - she re-
turned starting into an upright position,
and hastily dashing away her tears.
We were only waiting till our house was
ready to receive US. You were very kind
to allow us to remain so long, and now
we must not further trespass on your
| hospitality"
"Well, but surely, you are aware OF the
conditions of our late relatives WILL" re-
sumed Mr.. O'Nein, his eyes growins
rounder and rOunder in his Amusement
and distress. You and I, you know
"Oh, DON'T said Molly, family.
Yes, but we are, you know he in
sisted. Il thought it was all right, and
that you understood. 1 assure you 1 don't
mind in the least" he added; really I
don t."
well, but I do cried Molly dcspar-
ately. II can't marry you Mr.. ONeiH,
and so you see 1 had better go"
you can't marry me! he echoed.
Good gracious-why nOt?''
To this embarrassing question she at
first vouchsafed no answer, but on be-
ing further pressed observed decisively
that she did not want to.
Hugh's surprised chagrin at this an
nouncement would have been ludicrous
had it not been almost touc hing in its
naivete.
"But-but why?" he persisted, leaning
against the tree, and throwing one arm
over looping himself up as
Molly termed tin an attitude of studied
grace. Don't you like me?''
"N-not in that way owned the girl,
who was DESTROYS of putting the matter
as delicately as she could being softened
by his dismay.
Gracious! What am I to do?"
thought we should get along so nicely,
and that you would help me to manage
everything. What on earth am I to do
here all alone, with nobody to put me
in the way of things?''
you must find some nice American
wife" suggested Molly consolingly, "or
perhaps, "-dubiously-"you ought to get
an Irish one
DO you think SOP moaned poor Hugh,
but l want you, cousin: 1 had made up
my mind to have YOU
He drew a step or two nearer gains
tragically at her, and c!asping his hands;
in all his distress he could not refrain
from being theatrical
1T is certainly unfortunate" agreed
Molly, looking very sympathetic, but
edging a little further away from him
all the same.
And then, to her great confusion and
dismay, down went Mr. O'Neiu on his
riclzetty little knees
"Oh, do"' he pleaded humhv, pray
do think better of it, dear cousin Real
ly you would not find me half bad fell
low, and II would try to keep out of
your way a good deal if you wished it.
Couldn't you. cousin Molly?'
mo I really couldn't said the girl
decidedly. please get up, Mr.. O'Neill
Oh dear!' half laughing and half crying
this Is so bad for you! Do get up.
You will make your rheumatism much
worse if you kneel like that on the damp
ground"
do you suppose I care about my
rheumatism?'' returned the other, slow
ly rising nevertheless, and busting the
knees of his trousers with his handker-
chief "It don't matter what becomes of
me now--I don't care cent if I die
Flush, hush, nonsense!' sitting an
increasing desire to laugh, as the ludI-
crousness of the situation grew upon her.
''You can't like me so much as all that;
why you hardly know me, and l am sure
I have never encouraged you to sup
pose"
mo, you haven't, and 7 think that is
why like you sol kind of respect you
so much I do like you dreadfully,
cousin Mollyl I think you're just lovely"
said poor Hugh getting more and more
American in his distress. even If
49, Of oil c17o