Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-02-07

with your studies
and eventually make the rich marriage
your mother intends for you. You and
II must walk a different path in life
from the one we had planned. but we
will be friends. Jack, and shall look
forward to your success with as much
pride and interest as you can desire.
Now, Jack, for the sake Of our school
days, II nothing more, let us be
friends"
The sweet voice for which Molly
and there was silence In the little room.
Outside the rain fell in. torrents and
the wind blew so hard that the boughs
OF the trees beat against the windows.
Inside the little parlor was bright with
the light of the lamp and the sparkle
of the fire In the open crate. And In
this CHEEKY little room, with The sound
of the storm and the occasional crack
ling of the wood fire breaking the ST.
lence, sat Jack Marshall and Molly
Maitland deciding the question Of their
future life.
Jack had Just graduated from Har-
ward and was about to so abroad to
continue his medical studies for two
years. How he wanted to take Molly
with him, both he and Molly knew, but
she conscientiously refused to 60 and
make Mrs. Marshall miserable. The
naughty woman had called upon Mrs.
Maitland and Molly, and finding the
latter alone had told her that 1t would
break her heart and spoil her whole
life plans II Jack did not marry his
rich cousin, Eleanor North, adding:
s"Of course, 1t would be great match
for you, but when Jack is once In
Europe he will see his mistake, and 1t
will be far better to break of now than
to be tied for life to man who does
not really love you. You must remem-
Der that l am an older woman than you
are and have seen more of the world,
SO ask you to promise me-" Molly
felt as IL the earth was slipping away
from her. but she gave that promise
and fulfilled 1t, like the brave little
woman that she was.
Molly, Molly, IS that all you have
to say to me? What can you meanY'
he cried as he grasped her hands In
his. Gust what have said. Jack" an
swers the soft voice.
"I'll 60 to the devil them" Is the un.
expected reply.
Jack, don't talk so cowardly. Can't
you see that 1t is for your own good?
And your mother will be SO miserable
IL you do not marry Eleanor. Her
whole life is centered in you. Go, now,
and let this subject drop between us,
for. Jack" the words came slowly. Ill
most sobbingly now, II shall never
marry you"
zone look-one kiss" and, muttering
those words again, he is gone into the
storm, and Molly-well. we will leave
our heroic ii mistaken in her idea of
duty girl of 20 to herself.
Ten years have passed and great
changes have entered the lives of our
friends. Mrs. Maitland and Mrs. Mar.
shall have both died. Within three
months of each other the two mothers
are laid away. Jack had not been
heard from up to the time of his moth
er's death. and Molly had taken up
nursing rs her vocation, and was ma
tron of the emergency hospital mt B..
For the first year after leaving home
Jack Marshall had lived a pretty wild
Nfe. but on Christmas morning. Molly's
birthday. he had bowed the curly head
and promised himself and a higher
power to live life worthy Of Molly
Maitland. even though she would never
be his.
From that time on success attended
all his undertakings. and he had made
name for himself in the medical
world. After settling up his estate
(for the immense property was left en-
tirely to HIM. he entered upon his du-
ties as city physician of b.
One day In June lie started out to
visit the emergency hospital and con-
suit with the directors and matrons
with regard to extensive Improvements
which were about to be made. Sitting
there in the cozy little reception hall,
he wondered. as he had oft wondered
before, what had become Of Molly
Maitland.
$50 sorry to have kept you waiting,
DR.. Marshall" said sweet voice in
well-remembered tones that made him
start, "but my attention was called to
new case. and"
"Good heavens, Mollyw exclaimed
the dignihed doctor; "have found
you? Are you matron hcre?'
Well, little Irish Maggie, who was
sweeping down the stairs, told the
head chambermaid that 1.-THE matron
just said Jack like as if-she was 60
ing to drop. and then he ketched her
In his arms. and,p with wide-eyed as
tonishment. "he kissed her and kissed
her, and she let him!"
The doctor often says as he looks
lovingly at his wife: Perhaps, Molly,
1t is just us well that went to the
devil and back again to win my angel.
was too impetuous for you then. dear.
est"
And Molly laughingly answers: "Are
you sure you have gotten all over that
impetuosity, Y'-Boston Post.
IN AN APRICOT ORCHARD.
How the Fruit Is Gathered, Dried and
Prepared for Market.