River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-07-31

want to say, Molly" he began. u
fellow isn't worth his salt if he spoils
his life because one woman won't have
him. Molly, I'm going to be married"
The words came as a shock to poor
Molly, although Jack had led up to 1t
so skillfully, and she was quite pre-
pared. How could Jack like any other
girl after once liking her? Jack, who
had been her slave and lover since boy
hood, who would have cut off his hand
to serve her, who promised to be
bachelor all his life for her sake. She
could not believe it, and yet there he
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 Tor
her congratulations.
Il want you to be such friends, Mol
ly," he said. "That is, if Mrs. Stalnes
will condescend to be acquainted with
Mrs. Marriott"
DON'T" said Molly, hurriedly, tgen
she recovered herself with forced
laugh. what is this wonderful divin-
ity like, Jack?"
''Like?" said Jack. go, 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. o, Molly, you've no
idea how 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 OF
them rich, too, but she prefers me
me with 81, 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. am
tired"
81 have wearied you talking about
my happiness" said Jack. Poor Old
Molly! L expect you are dying to tell
me all about Staines."
Don't talk nonsense" said Molly,
sharply. 81 make no confidants and
never have. Please turn back.
Jack did so obediently, and appeared
to be surprised at Molly's change OF
manner. Her eyes were clouded, her
lips compressed, and her cheeks de-
cidedly paIer than usual. Jack watched
her furtive1y, and when they at length
reached the bank he held out his hand
to help her across with a desperate
courage.
molly" he whispered. "Won't you
give me one kiss for the sake of old
times?''
Molly looked up shocked, surprised
and indignant.
''No, WON'T" she said. "How dare
you'll"
''For the last time" he urged
"Please, Molly, just one"
80, how can your cried Molly. 20,
Jack, no! Please let me GO"
For at the first sign of wavering
Jack caught her in his arms.
molly! Molly! My own!" he whis-
pered, and Molly-the future Mrs
Staines-clung to him with little sobs
of self-pity and love. But only for
moment. With sudden return of
memory she disengaged herself and
drew back from him quietly.
80! I had forgotten her." she ex-
claimed, covering her face with her
hands. so, Jack, how can you? How
dare you when you love some one
else?"
'She wouldn't mind" said Jack,
coolly.
''Wouldn't mind!" echoed Molly. 80,
Jack!"
mo, she wouldn't, really. She's a
good, sensible sort, and would under
stand" urged Jack. Molly's face sud
denly famed.
''You are a mean, faithless, despic-
able fellow" she said, trembling with
passion. "And I wish Miss What's-her-
name good of her bargain. 0. Jack
I'm so disappointed in you. [ thought
YOU were a gentleman. | thought
loved you, but l don't! Let me pass!
mo. YOU DON'T" said Jack, grimly
you've got to hear me out first. Will
you be disappointed in me if l tell you
that the girl love now is the same girl
[ loved six months ago with this diff
ference: that l thought her mercenary
when she wasn't, and that she loves me
now when she didn't before? Her
name is Molly-the dearest, sweetest
prettiest and most forgiving girl in the
whole world. Molly darling! You dc
forgive me, don't your
Who could withstand Jack. Jack
with his lovable, handsome face and
sparkling triumphant eyes? Certain
~ not Molly, for with one little cry OF
surprise and relief and another of hap
piness, she ran straight into his arms
again.
''Why. my future Mrs. Staines," cried
Jack. What are you doing in my arm.
and what will his nibs say?"
80, Jack" said Molly, looking uI
with blush and smile. Il never en-
We'd his money bit. l should be mis-
cradle as Mrs. Staines." - Chicago
Tribune