Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1906-01-31
away. I really cried then. Tho butch
er's book had got right on my mind.
d1u,n IN III evorlns III Geo

SAT GOWN IN the garden all SUNDAY
afternoon with father, pretending to
read, because I thought he was 60
ing to ask II Ir%didn't feel well or
something. He notices things so. In
the evening we had some music. He
sings beautifully. (He does everything
we'll, except business.) He asked me
to sing Eye Banks and Braes" I
broke down at the end: when my
false love was true" 1t made ne
think of-of the butchers book. l had
not told father of that. so, of course,
he thought it was something else. He
took me on his knee, just as it was
little again. 8
"Tell me, old darling he whispered.
mo, daddy" 1 begged. "No!
Please! 1t isn't anything, only
only You love me very much.
don't you?"
can't put down what he said, De-
cause he is my father, and thinks me
so much better than I am. You see
have to be good to him and the boys,
because I promised mother.
l expected l should have to tell him
about the butchers bill on Monday,
because there would be only fish for
dinner, but the man called as usual,
and asked for the book to receipt it,
A gentleman had paid it up to the end
Of the month before last, he said.
did not wonder so much that father
found out, because he is so clever; but
was puzzled how he found the money.
was very pleased, too; and when you
are pleased you think of cheerful
things. was looking at some hats in
circular to sec what kind l would
have as soon as father got some more
stories paid for, when Jane said that
lady wanted to see me. So I went
into the drawing-room with a company
smile. I changed the smile when
saw - the girl in the green hat!
She held out her hand and nodded at
me with her head little on one side.
She was pretty, so it's no use saying
she wasn't.
you are surprised to see me?" she
asked.
''No-o." l was not surprised at any
thing she did.
She looked at me, and I looked at
her. Then she smiled again. I did
not like her, but liked her smile.
Il want to be friends with you, il
[ may" She waited for me to answer,
hut did not know what to say with
out hurting her feelings. ~ am afraid
you do not care for me-" she said, sud
denly.
lam afraid don't,"I admitted. TWAS
not a polite thing to say, but one must
tell the truth sometimes!
II am sorry. IL wanted to speak
to you about Dick"
l drew myself up. II do not wish
to discuss him. If. that is all you
have come about" stared straight
at the door.
please listen,' she begged. II am
a lot older than you; and do like you.
Dick is the best boy that ever was;
and from what he has told me-
Il won't listen to that!" cried.
"You must listen. You had nc
right to say what you said to him. 1t
was shameful shameful!". She
better for that, because it showed she
was not just make-believe. "He never
did mean thing. He couldn't do a
mean thing. If he could, he wouldn't
do it to you. He's as foolishly in
love with you as foolish boy can be.
And you're in love with him, you ridi-
culous child. You know you are
I sat down suddenly. felt funny
Aren't your I asked. My voice
was all shaky.
I'm love with Dick! I!'' She stared
at me as if had gone mad. why,
I'm 10! Now, I see!" She clappel
her hands. mo! And he isn't in love
with me, either. There, there!" she put
her arm around me, and rested my head
against her.
'I'll tell you something, He did
speak to me about your bills. He
shouldn't have done it, but it was be-
cause he was so proud of what you
did for your father and brothers. He
thought your secret was safe with me.
Oh, Molly! 1t was"
I put my arm round her and kissed
her.
II wish I were good like you," told
her.
Nonsense! I'm not good at all.
Dicks different. It's easy to him tc
forgive. He's gone and spent nearly
every penny he had and paid your
butchers bill. Come. come, dear!
know it hurts you. 1t would hurt me
But I should sacrifice my pride, dear.
if were you. / am sure I should
Men and boys don't understand us a
bit, Molly"
"Oh!" l cried. ~ don't know if
am old enough to love Dick properly;
but if am, I do!''
We sat still for few minutes.
Then wiped my eyes; and we gave
one another squeeze, and laughed.
She has the incest laugh ever heard.
Tell him want to see him this-this
afternoon said.
ON THE LIMITED.