The suburban citizen., 1900-06-23


shown no interest in anything, ex-
cept the quantity and quality of their
food, and had only talked to each
other.
But this morning there was a
marked change.
Mr.. Carson was extremely atten.
tive to Molly. He loaded her plate at
the breakfast table, and passed her
everything industriously. He hung
about the kitchen after breakfast,
chatting pleasantly; and he capped
the climax by begging to wipe the
dishes, and actually performing the
act, regardless of his immaculate cuffs.
And Mr.. Kemble had made himself
equally agreeable with Mr.. Decker
discussing cows and crops, poultry
and politics, and addressing an occa-
siOnal polite remark to Cullen Berry.
They're gittin' real sociable," Mr..
Decker observed to the hired man, as
they wended their way, shovels and
pickaxes in hand, to the new well.
$50 they be, said Cullen.
Bat he said it rather distrustfully.
The city boarders meanwhile were
sitting on the front porch, with their
feet on the railing and cigars between
their lips.
"How do you get along?" said Jack,
with subdued anxiety.
Finely" Stanley responded. "The
girl seems-well, positively fattered
out of her wits. 1 don't believe she
ever saw a decent fellow BEFORE"
crush things-rush things, my
dear boyw said Jack, excitedly.
"Strike while the irons hot. Settle
it to-day Come, now-you've known
her a week"
Stanley considered.
81 might ms well have it over with,
he concluded, rising leisurely. "Not
that L appreheDd any difficulty; she's
in love with me already. But ifthere
should be any mistake about the oil
what box I'd be in, old fellowW
'You could step out of it," said
Jack, coolly. "But about the oil,
you're all right there, I'd take my
oathv'
Molly was bending over the ironing
table by the kitchen door.
She looked up rather timidly as
Stanley threw himself down in the
doorway, and turned his eyes upon
her
"Always busy, Miss Molly" he be-
gan, throwing a sentimental tone into
his voice.
Eyes; we have considerable work."
said Molly, practically.
"You were never intended for this
sort of life, Molly" said Stanley, look
ing frowningly at the ironing.table-
neverW
Molly looked mystifed.
"Tm afraid you'll think it rather
sudden, Molly" said Stanley, rising
from the doorway, "but II can't re-
strain my feelings any longer"
He reached across the table and took
her hand, hat-iron, holder and all.
molly, my happiness depends"
But Molly was not listening.
She stood gazing out through the
door, with wide eyes.
"What is the matter out there?"
she said.
Stanley turned.
Something was wrong at the new
we'll, evidently An excited group
stood at the edge-meu, women and
children. People were running about
wildly, and a hum of agitated voices
could be heard.
Something's happenedI" cried
Molly,
And she few out, Stanley following
hurriedly.
Mr.. Decker stood in the midst of
the little group, pale and horrifed.
"It's Cullenl" he gasped. "He's
down TO the bottom, and it's caved in
onto him"
Molly gave little shrek.
Cant you go down and help him?
she cried.
'I couldn't do it" said Mr.. Decker,
despairingly. "I'm too old, my gal. ;"
won't anybody go?" cried Molly,
looking round wildly at the open.
mouthed gathering.
Nobody stirred
ITS good deal of a risk" said
Mr.. Decker, sadly. cit might cave
agin. Thar amt nobody d want to
try it, my gal. Poor Cullen"
Molly wrung her hands.
A sudden inspiration presented H.
self to S @.nley's mind.
> Why should not he make the sue
cess Of his plan certain beyonda doubt
win the unbounded love and admir-
alton Of the girl, who really looked
rather pretty in her distress, and cause
her to throw herself into his arms.
with VOWS of alteration by acting the
hero-by going down into the well
himself after the unfortunate hired
man? Why should he not thus secure
to himself, by one bold act, the wealth
that lay untouched beneath his feet2
He took Molly's trembling hand.
and gave is reassuring pressure.
"I will attempt it, MoIlyP' he said
, drnly.
I Everybody looked around at him
wonderingly, and there was amurmur
| OF applause.