Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-04-14
pF'VF'VF<-rV'6 81 gV|'i'H'.V-tsH-t'V,t.
!: Nor PROVED
By Louise D. Mitchell
Copyright, 1908,
) BIZ the s. S. Mcclure Company.

doctor laughed. "What are you say
ing?"
Just what is true" Mrs. Ware said
defantly. "He might just as well know
it now, at the beginning of the ac-
quaintance, as to be stunned by the
fact later on. At all events, my con-
science will be clear for having done
my duty at the start"
by the way you talk, Molly. one
would think that l made a practice of
going about seeking whom l could de-
vour," said Miss Dilman resentfully
'lts very unsisterly Of you to betray
one of my blood bought accomplish
ments to Dr.. Mum. It's downright
brutaln'
Then you plead guilty to the charge
Mrs. Ware has made?" said the doctor,
watching her admiringly.
"Never. And | warn you that my
case will be filed away among those
mot proved"
81 don't know about that. l shall
work hard gathering evidence"
81 defy you"
"And I'll convict you" he retorted.
laughing. Mrs. Ware and he had been
sitting in a shady corner of the piazza.
she in her Invalid chair and he oppo-
site, when Bah strolled out and joined
them. a vision of blond lovellness IN
violet.
AS his carriage drove up to the gate
for the third time he arose to take
leave reluctantly-relucta because
the sunlight of the girls beauty had
got into his eyes and dazzled him. She
sauntered to the edge of the piazza.
Its no more than fair to warn you
that as detective | shall watch you
closely" he said. smiling up ut her.
"As detective only?" she said. with
an arch laugh.
There are untold possibilities in the
duties of a detective" he said. raising
his nat. II shall eXhaust,th first"
When he had gone, she resumed her
low chair beside her sister. Molly"
she said reproachfully. you are Il
very mean girl Now he'll expect me
to flirt with him. and I'll have to do it,"
"What of that?''
"Didn't you know that I had come
down here to reform?"
"Heavens, nor'
"Your surprise is disheartening."
81 intend it to be. l have set my
heart upon match between you and
the doctor. He's very wealthy and has
a fine practice besides. 1t would be an
excellent thing for you, Bah, dear, and
would please Aunt Nell so much. She
has done a great deal for us both. you
know"
The girls face darkened with pain.
81 spent such horrible winter" she
said in low voice-"one refusal after
another. Oh, Molly" in passionate
protest, 'if only | had some money of
my own and could marry for love, how
sweet it would ber'
Mrs. Wares eyes filled with tears.
81 couldn't" she said gently; then add
ed comfortingly. but was not unhap-
py in my marriage. John was a very
kind husband. and have missed him
sorely since his death. Your beauty
ought to be some sort of compensation
to you, dear. | was fairly staggered
by it. Aunt Nell has done wonders for
you"
Yes, Aunt Nell and her tailor"
'Well, anyway you will do your best
to captivate my doctor. won't you?"
"Oh, he's like all the rest-diplomatic,
absolutely in good form. cultivating
only those in high places. with one eye
on the god Mammon, the typical ply
sician in ordinary to sweldom. A
beautiful, tactful. well gowned wife
would be OF assistance to him. Would
she be anything more? Has he any
heart under that well groomed, well
tailored exterior?"
Barbara, we might just as well look
upon this question dispassionately for
we both know how necessary it is for
you to marry, and marry WELL"
Barbara went to the end of the piazza
and stood looking out at the hills for
moment. She returned. smiling.
Now I'll be good" she said softly.
"and I'll do my best to captvate your
stupid old doctor. You mustn't mind
my calling him that. dear. for he is stu
pid. But. oh, Molly. If ever | meet
Love face to face. what explanation
will he demand?-
Mrs. Ware could not reply. She star
ed into space with so melancholy al
expression that Barbara laughed by
way of dverting her.
Her sister looked up alarmed by the
mischievous light in her eyes. Bar
bara," she said entreatingly, ''if he
falls in love with you. you will not
throw him over, will you, darling? He
might go off and shoot himself. and If
Aunt Nell should hear of-of-his death
and lay it to your doings"-
"She'd never hear of it. We" dark
ly"-"we'd bury him out in the potato
patch and never divulge the awful Sc
cret. But really. my dear, you do not
Know doctors. They never kill them
selves if they are disappointed in love.
They always take it out on their char
ity patients"
Mrs. Ware sighed patiently. II don't
know that he has any charity pa
TENTS"
Just So" said Miss Dilman. with
4. g..