Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1905-02-14
ONE OF EATE'S TRICKS.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.


81 OILY stepped lightly over the
IMl low wall and came toward
GS0ZA the house. Hobson, seated on
the lowest step of the piazza. turned
his ewes from the contemplation OF
glorious sunset to the neat, girlish ng-
ure. His experienced eye took IN eV-
cry detail of the slender form from
the crown of her fluffy brown head 10
the trim ankle which peeped out from
below the clean calico gown. de Won
dered if there was among the ladies'
who lounged in his mothers drawing
room one who could show such an an
kle. such a fresh complexion. sueh
radiant eyes. Hobson doubted IL. but
after all, he thought what We're Molly
charms compared with Molly herself
the sweetest little woman In the
world.
"Retsy generous tonight, MISS MOI
ly?r he called out.
"Yes. See," she exclaimed triumph
antiy, exhibiting foaming milk pan.
"Only she stepped on my toe she
added regretfully. She deposited the
nail on the ground, and, seating her
self on the step beside Hobson, CAIN
" removed her slipper. Its torn,
she said. inspecting it, land the stock
to +oo" And she ruefully regarded
the little pink toe which looked out
hraveIv from the rent stocking But
a. aidn,t hurt much" she added with a
smile.
A. that moment Hobson was trying
60 Imagine Miss Felicia Deerington re-
moving her slipper and exhibiting
4orn stocking In his presence. The
t,,ought tickled him and he laughed
aloud The girl turned quickly and
regarded him, then, with the crimson
sloxVly suffusing her cheeks. she thrust
bar foot hastily into the slipper, and,
Iiftinc the milk pail, walked silently
mn the steps and into the house. Hob
son bit his lips in veXation. What a
fool | am" he muttered impatiently,
as no went in search of her. How
ever, it was some time later that he
succeeded in finding her alone. The
moon was just rising and Hobson,
with Molly's hand on his arm, was
strolling down the narrow path to the
old bridge. Are you angry with me,
Miss Molly?' he pleaded. II know
-" but the girl checked him.
"Please don't say any more. Mr.. Rich
ard, she said quickly. IL did rot
realize that - you see, - she
paused in confusion, and Hobson
caught her fingers. I'm brute" he
whispered. and then because some
4hing welled up into his throat he
could say no more. but with sudden
movement he crushed the fingers
against his lips.
Then the face of Miss Felicia flashed
into vividness In his brain and with a
sigh he released the hand.
u am going away in the morning,
he said, presently.
Yes" she replied in an even voice,
but with averted face. we shall be
sorry to have you so, Mr.. Richard"
There was a long silence. Hobson
was cursing himself and fate and so
ciety and the whole universe. but aloud
he said simply THANK you, Miss
Molly"
Then after a pa use he added. Il am
to be married nexs week" He watch
cd her face mtently through the twi-
light. but all she said was, And Z
am TO DE married next month";
There was another long pause.
And the MANI" he questioned, his
heart strangely heavy.
Just Sam" she said with little
sigh. "And the lady|
Miss Felicia Deerington," be re
Piled. with just touch Of pride in his
voice.
Il have read about her she said
soltly. "she is very beautiful, is abe
not2'
sYes.e
They had reached the bridge, and
the moonlight slanted across the rip,
piles of the water and shone upon the
girls white face. Perhaps we had
better go back" she whispered. with
a little shiver, cit seems cold down
here By the water" and she turned
again toward the path, with Hooson