The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1902-09-06

| W SofN ~AoAsJ o.
ing up.
Encouraged by the downcast eye'
Jack burst desperately into his con
fession.
IL expect you can guess what
want to say, Molly" he began.
fellow isn't worth his salt ii he spolis
/ his life because one woman won thase
him. Molly, Pm going to be married
The words came as shock to poor
Molly. although Jack had led up to il
so skillfully, and she was quite pre-
pared. How could Jack like any other
girl after once liking her? Jack, VINO
had been her slave and lover since boy
hood, who would have cut of his hand
to serve her, who promised to be
bachelor all his life for her sake. She
could not believe it, and yet there ne
sat--her Jack-talking quite amiably
about her marrying detestable man
whilst he consoled himself with an
other girl. o, it was like horrible
dream. 1t couldn't be true.
She was convinced of the painful
reality of things by Jack pleading for
her congratulations.
II want you TO be such friends, Mol
ly," he said. THAT is. If Mrs. Staines
will condescend to be acquainted with
Mrs. Marriott"
DON'T" said Molly, hurriedly, then
she recovered herself with forced
laugh. "What is this wonderful divin-
ity like, Jack?"
"Like?" said Jack. 20, you've no
idea. 1t isn't that she's beautiful, al
though she is very, but she's such a
dear, and so good. ., Molly, you've no
idea how j love her.
you have an accommodating
heart" said Molly, bitterly. you said
the same to me six months ago.
"Ah, but this is SO different said
: Jack. "You see she loves me, and that
is everything. Why, she might pick
and choose among dozen, some Oh
!, them rich, too, but she prefers me-
!. me with $500 year and little pros
pect. Isn't it glorious?"
"I's extraordinary, at any rate, SAID
Molly, tartly. "But there's no account
ing for tastes. And now please row
me back and put me on shore. l am
tired"
IL have wearied you talking about
my happiness" said Jack. Poor old
Molly! / expect you are dying to tel
me all about Staines."
"Don't talk nonsense said Molly
sharply. IL make no confidants ano
never have. Please turn back"
Jack did so obediently, and appeared
Ito be surprised at Molly's change Of
manner. Her eyes were clouded, hel
lips compressed, and her cheeks de
c;dedly paler than usual. Jack watched
her furtively, and when they at length
reached the bank he held out his hant
to help her across with desperate
courage.
. MOLLY" he whispered. won't you
give me one kiss for the sake of ole
times?"
. Molly looked up shocked, surprised
J. and indignant.
& mo, WON'T" she said. "How dar'
), you'll"
!. "For the last time" he urged
"Please, Molly, just one"
IL 20, how can you?" cried Molly. ~
Jack, no! Please let me go"
5 For at the first sign of waverini
p Jack caught her in his arms.
MOLLY! Molly! My own!" he whis
s. pered, and Molly--the future Mrs
k. Staincs-clung to him with little sob
is of self-pity and love. But only for
], moment. With sudden return o
L memory she disengaged herself ant
IS drew back from him quietly.
20! had forgotten her." she ex
= claimed, covering her face with he
h hands. 20, Jack, how can you? HOY
a. dare you when you love some ON
m else?"
s. coolly.
>; wouldn't mind!' echoed Molly. &C
or Jack!"
Of mo, she wouldn't, really. She's
fc good, sensible sort, and would under
At stand" urged Jack. Molly's face sue
III denly famed.
as you are a mean, faithless, despis
able fellow" she said, trembling wit
10 passion. "And wish Miss What's-hel
K, name good of her bargain. o. Jacl
K I'm so disappointed in you. though
re you were gentleman. l thought
he loved you, but don't! Let me passl
ce mo, you DON'T" said Jack, griml.
ne you've got to hear me out first. Wi
you be disappointed in me if tell 20
re that the girl love nowis the same gil
IN loved six months ago with this di
ference: that thought her mercenar
lis when she wasn't, and that she loves m
at now when she didn't before? HI
%, name is Molly--the dearest, sweetes
mt prettiest and most forgiving girl in I'll
nd whole world. Molly darling! You
:. forgive me, don't your"
ID, Who could withstand Jack. JAG
to with his lovable, handsome face ar
1y sparkling triumphant eyes? Certain
all " not Molly, for with one little cry I
". surprise and relief and another of ha
e. piness, she ran straight into his arm
again.
"Why. my future Mrs. Staines," erie
nj. Jack. "what are you doing in my arm
er and what will his nibs say?'
up 20, Jack" said Molly, looking ,
an with a blush and n smile. II never G
We'd his money bit. / should be mi
in. erable as Mrs. Stuines.-- Chical