, 1903-02-06
a SECOND Love

50 skillfully, and she was quite pre-
pared. How could Jack like any othel
girl after nee liking herr Jack, whe
had been her slave and lover since boy
hood. who would have cut off his hanc
10 serve her, who promised to be =
bachelor all his life for her sake. Sht
could not believe 1t, and yet there nt
sat-her Jack-talking quite amiably
about her marrying a detestable man
whilst he consoled himself with another
girl. o, 1t was like a horrible dream. II
couldn't be true.
She was convinced of the painful
reality of things by Jack pleading for
her congratulations.
Il 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 diyin,
ity like, Jack?"
"Liker" said Jack. 10, 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 nc
idea how l | We 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 a dozen, some OF
them rich, too, but she prefers me
with $500 a year and little prospect
Isn't 1t gloriousT'
ITS extraordinary, at any rate"
said Molly, tartly. But there's no &C.
counting for tastes. And now please
am tired"
II have wearied you talking about
my happiness said Jack. Poor old
Molly! 1 expect you are dying to ted
me allsabout S~tafnes."
Don't talk nonsense" said Molly,
sharply. II make no conidants and
never have. Please turn. back"
& Jack did SO obedlently, and appeared
to be surprised at Molly's change of
n Her eyes were clouded, her
lips compressed, and her cheeks decid-
eddy 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, l WON'T" she said. How dare
your
For the last time,' he urged.
please, Molly, just one"
30, how can your" cried Molly. 20,
Back, ne! Please let mt GO"
For at the first sign of wavering
Jack had 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 a
moment. With a sudden return OF
memory she d~isengaged herself and
drew back from him quietly.
no.! l 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. 90,
Jack!'
mo, she wouldn't, really. She's a
good, sensible sort, and would under
stand urged Jack. Molly's face sue
denly flamed.
You are a mean, faithless, despica-
BILE fellow" she said, trembling with
passion. "And | wish Miss What-s-her-
name good of her bargain. o, Jack,
I'm so disappointed in you. l thought
you were a gentleman. | thought
loved you, but 1 don't! Let me pass"
mo, you don't" said Jack, .grimly,
you've got to hear me out first. VIII
you be disappointed in me If | tell you
hat the girl | love now is the same
girl l loved six months ago, with this
difference: that l thought her mercen.
airy when she wasn't, and that she
loves me now when she didn't before:
Her name is Molly-the dearest, sweet
est, prettiest, and most forgiving girl
In the whole world. Molly darling. YOU
do forgive me. don't your.
Who could Withstand Jack? Jack
with his loyable, handsome face, and
sparkling triumphant eyes? Certainly
not. Molly, for with one little cry c.
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?"
20, Jack" said Molly, looking up
with a blush and a smile. II never en-
We'd his money a bit. 1 should be mis-