Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1903-01-22
CHAPTER VI

silence.
Looking straight into the younger
sisters bright CONFERENCE.-The who'll
ly ignoring the scornful expression up
on the face of the oder one-Tucker
went on;
Gals, let me intr'duce you to yr dad
dy's new clerk. Mr.. Ralph Marlowe.
this is Miss Dolly Barwood-Dollys the
butt end O. Dorothy, you Know; an
Miss Dolly, this is Mr.. MarlUwe. Mr..
Marlowe, this is Miss Julia Barwood;
Miss Julia, this is Mr.. Marlowe. Mr..
Marlowe, these is the OF docs gals;
an gals, this fellers the new clerk
Ralph and Dolly looked at each other
and smiled-the latter biting her ripe
lips and with difficulty depressing her
exuberent merriment.
Julia drew down the corners of her
mouth, and nodding stiffly murmured-
Mr.. Marlowe."
Leaning across the counter the young
man warmly shook the hand of each.
81 am pleased to make the acquaint-
ance of my employers daughters he
said simply.
Thank you" responded Julia in a
half whisper.
And we're glad to meet you" Dolly
put in animatedly, "for more than one
reason. You see papa has had a world
OF trouble with his clerks, and in conse-
quence has been as cross as a bear
though he's dear old daddy. So we've
all been anxious for him to get clerk
he could depend upon"
And do you think he has at last Sc
cured the jewel of great price, Miss Bar
e wood?" Ralph asked in an amused tone.
Il am sure he has" Dolly answered
earnestly, though her mischievous eyes
gave doubt of her sincerity. "The old
den looks like a new place, already. |
feel certain you will suit papa. But oh.
Mr.. Marlowe! "-Clapping her gloved
hands and laughing gleefully.-"Y
did look so cute in that suit of working
clothes. Julia and stopped in front
of the store and peeped in at you; and
-"
Dorothy" the older sister cried re-
proyingly.
well, what now, Miss Prim?" replied
the younger, tossing her head and pout-
ing bewitchingly.
Jep chuckled, and clapping the back
Of his hairy hand over his mouth, turn
ed around and stared hard at the op-
posite wall. Ralph wanted to laugh
but wisely refrained from doing SO.
you are talking too much, Dorothy"
Vulia said reprovingly. What will Mr..
Marlowe think of us? Besides, you are
not stating facts. | did not stop in
front of the store and peep in at him;
and I Triad fO lyoop ,yot, from, foip en-
but could not"
Now who's telling tales out of school
who's talking too much now" Dolly
asked saucily.
Unheeding the pert rejoinder-thougb
her face flushed slightly-Julia turned
to Ralph and said quietly:
"Mr. Marlowe, we came in to get
some perfume"
why, Julia, what a fib!" exclaim-
ed Dolly, in tone of mock horror-and
actually win&ing at Ralph. you know
we came in on purpose to get acquaint-
ed with Mr.. Marlowe; you know we
talked it over as we came along"
Dorothy, how can you!" the older
sister cried plaintively, her face scarlet
yet smile twitching her lips. What
will Mr.. Marlowe think of us and our
actions?"
II think your actions were perfectly
natural, Ralph said in a tone of easy
Indifference, smiling all the while and
quite proper"
THANK you" Julia murmured con-
fusedly, placing upon the counter a
book she had held in her hand, and
peering at the array of perfume bot
ties in the showcase. you relieve my
mind Dorothy is incorrigible, and NOR
titles me greatly"
ooh, do hush, julia" cried the ir-
repressible Dolly, mimicking her sis
ter's tone ana gesture "I'm not a child
If do wear short dresses"
This she said with a flounce Of her
skirt and a roguish, defiant glance at
Ralph.
Then quite ignoring Julias whisper
ed protestations, the mink proceeded:
But you haven't finished what you
started to say. Mr.. Marlowe. You've told
us what you think of our actions; now
kindly tell us what you think of u.s."
"Oh, Dorothy Barwood!" groaned her
sister.
II fear to give expression to my opin-
Ion. Miss Dorothy began
laughingly.
Call me Dolly-and be done with it.
advised that young lady. That's what
everybody but Julia calls me. | like it
best. Now, go on"
VERY we'll" Ralph assented with as
sumed gravity. But, as started to say.
fear to express my flittering opinion.
You might accuse me of being a cour-
tier-as you did Jep."
mo, won't" Dolly a sserted stout
ly. Go on-say just what"
Dorothy. | shall surely inform moth
er Of your behavior" Julia interrupted
In tone of severity
Then to Ralph:
"Mr. Marlowe. please give me an
ounce of that violet. We must be 60
ing"
Excuse me just a moment, while
get a bottle" Ralph replied, bowling.
Hitherto electricity has scarcely been