Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-02-20

Jack burst desperately into his confess
sion.
Il 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 a shock to moor
Molly, although Jack had led up to It
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
mood, who would have cut off his hand
10 serve her, who promised to be a
bachelor all his life for her sake. She
could not believe 1t, and vet there he
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. 1t
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
VIII condescend to be acquainted with
Mrs. Marriott"
"Don't" said Molly, hurriedly. Then
she recovered herself with q forced
laugh. What is this wonderful divin-
ity like, Jack?"
Like" said Jack. 80, 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 l 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 a dozen, some of
them rich, too, but she prefers me
with $1,000 a year and little prospect.
Isn't it glorious"
ITS extraordinary, at any rate"
said Molly, tartly. But there's no ac-
counting 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! 1 expect you are dying to tell
me all about Staines."
Don't talk nonsense" said Molly,
sharply. II make nc 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 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 q desperate
courage.
Molly" he whispered. won't you
give me one kiss for the sake of old
timesY'
Molly looked up shocked, surprised,
and indignant.
mo, l won't" she said. "How dare
you"
For the last time" he urged.
please; Molly, just one"
30, how can you?" cried Molly. 80,
Jack, no! Please let me go"
For at the first sign of wavering
Jack had caught her in his arms.
Molly! Molly! My own!" he wills
pered, and Molly-the future Mrs.
Staines-clung to him with little sobs
of self-pity and love. But only for II
moment. With a sudden return Of
memory she dlsengaged herself ami
drew back from him quietly.
30! l had forgotten her." she ex-
claimed. covering her face with her
hands. 30, Jack, how can you? How
dare you when you love some one
else?"
"She wouldn't mind" said Jack.
coolly.
wouldn't mindw echoed Molly. 30.
jack"
mo, she wouldn't, really. She's n
good. sensible sort, and would under
stand,' urged Jack. Molly's face sud
denly famed.
You are a mean, %faithless, despica-
bic 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. though
you were a gentleman. thought
loved you, but / don't Let me pass.
"No, you don't" said Jack, grimly.
you've got to hear me out first. VIII
you be disappointed in me If ! tell yo'l
that the girl l love now Is the same
girl | loved six months ago. with this
difference: that / thought her mercen'
,rr yyhan she wasn't. and that she