Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-02-08
ONE Of FAIES TRICKS.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

SAy3 OLL1 steppeO usuliS o'eA LIZ
Ml low wall and came toward
<9ueS the house. Hobson, seated on
the lowest step of the piazza, turned
his eyes from the contemplation OF
glorious sunset to the neat, girlish hg-
ure. His experienced eye took In ev-
cry detail of the slender form from
the crown of her funny brown head to
the trim ankle which peeped out from
below the clean calico gown. He Won
dered IL there was among the ladies'
who lounged in his mothers drawing
room one who could show such an an
kle. such fresh complexion, such
radiant eyes. Hobson doubted 1t. But,
after all, he thought what were Molly's
charms compared with Molly herself,
the sweetest little woman In the
world.
Betsy generous tonight, Miss Mol
Typ he called out.
Eyes. See,. she exclaimed triumph
aptly, exhibiting foaming milk pail.
SONY she stepped on my toe" she
added regretfully. She deposited the
nail ON the ground, and, seating her
self on the step beside Hobson, calm
ly removed her slipper. ITS torn"
she said. inspecting 1t, "and the stock
ing, too" And she ruefully regarded
the little pink toe which looked out
brayely from the rent stocking But
II didn't hurt much" she added with a
smile.
At that moment Hobson was trying
Ia imagine Miss Felicia Deerington re-
moving her slipper and exhibiting a
torn stocking in his presence. The
thought tckled him and he laughed
aloud. The girl turned quickly and
regarded him, then, with the crimson
slowly sufrusing her cheeks, she thrust
her foot hastily into the slipper, and
lifting the milk pail, walked silently
up the steps and into the house. Hob
son bit his lips in vexntion. What a
fool am" he muttered impatiently.
a. he went In search of her. How
ever. 1t 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 shy any more, Mr.. Rich
ard" she said quickly. IL did not
realize that - you see. i" she
paused in confusion, and Hobson
caught her fingers. I'm BRUTE" he
whispered, and then because some
thing 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.
II am going away in the morning"
he said, presently.
YES" she replied in an even voice,
but with averted face. I'VE shall be
sorry to have you go, Mr.. Richard"
There was long silence. Hobson
was cursing himself and fate and 80.
.ciety and the whole universe, but aloud
he said simply. THANK you, Miss
Molly"
Then after pause he added. II am
to be married next week" He watch
ed her face intently through the twl-
light, but all she said was. "And l.
am to be 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 Darlington" he re.
piled, with just a touch Of pride in his
voice.
81 have read about her" she said
isoltly. "she is very beautiful. is she
Inot?'
"Yes."
They had reached the bridge, and
the moonlight slanted across the rip
lples Of the water and shone upon the
igirl's white face. Perhaps we had
better go back" she whispered, with
q little shiver, ut seems cold down
here by the, water" and she turned
again toward the path, with Hobson