Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1902-08-28

Jack burst desperately into his con-
fession.
81 expect you can guess what I
want to say, Molly" he began. "A
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 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. It 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 a forced
laugh. "What is this wonderful divln-
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
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 $1,000 a year and little pros
pect. Isn't it glorious?"
IFS 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"
II have wearied you talking about
my happiness" said Jack. Poor old
Molly! I expect you are dying to tell
me all about Staines."
sharply. Il 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 paler than usual. Jack watched
her furtively, 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. \
mo, I WON'T" she said. "How dare
you'll"
"For the last time" he urged.
| "Please, Molly, just one."
20, how can you?" cried Molly. 20,
Jack, no! Please let me co.
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 a sudden return of
memory she disengaged herself and
drew back from him quietly.
20! I had forgotten her. she ex-
claimed, covering her face with her
hands. 20, 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. 20,
Jack!"
"No, she wouldn't, really. She's
good, sensible sort, and would under
stand" urged Jack. Molly's face sud-
denly famed.
'You are mean, faithless, despic-
able fellow" she said, trembling with
passion. "And wish Miss What's-her-
name good of her bargain. 0, Jack,
I'm so disappointed in you. I thought
you were a gentleman. I thought l
loved you, but don't! Let me pass!"
t"No, you DON'T" said Jack, grimly.
you've got to hear me out first. Will
you be disappointed in me if tell you
that the girl love now is the same girl
1 loved six months ago with this diff
ference: that 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 do
forgive me, don't you?"
Who could withstand Jack. Jack
with his lovable, handsome face and
!! sparkling triumphant eyes? Certain
ly 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 arms
and what will his nibs say?'
go Ioolx - Sai6 Molly 1Ookino nm