The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1907-02-09

Little. She had known of his exist
ence for some years, and had often
seen him, in public places, usually
with girl for Travis Little was all
of nineteen years old, SO naturally he
was thoroughly experienced gallant
and man of the world. Some people
would have said he was not good to
look npon he was long and loose
jointed his features irregular and
lacking in intelligence his crooked
teeth stained with tobacco at present
his clothing was decidedly soiled, be-
sides being well-covered with cotton
lint. But these defects did not trou-
BILE Molly Sue. Since that Sunday
month ago, when he had walked
home with her from preaching, her
heart had been full of tumult. She
was mentally reviewing the court
ship. He had been attentive to her
all that week. The next Sunday
there had been no service in the mill
church (and of course Molly Sue did
not attend the town churches"
across the valley } but in the after
noon Travis had appeared at her home,
and they strolled down to Big Spring,
where they drank water from poplar
leaf cups. Travis had thrown cup
of water over her, and then brushed
off her dress with his handkerchief,
she remembered, with red border
lust the color of his necktie.
Then there had been another Sun
day when he escorted her home from
church and last Sunday-oh !! bliss
full memory-he had hired mule
and buggy, and together they had
gone to big Meeting" at walnut
Grove Church. This was Saturday
morning-tonight there would be
moving picture show in tent near
the mill. and tomorrow there was
Big Meeting at Palestine Church,
where some of Travis kinspeople at
tended /; need one wonder that in view
of these possibilities, Molly Sues as
sumed indifference gave way to an
almost too eager interest in her COM
panion's remarks?
As they crossed the open space
above the mill, Travis said I: II
reckon you've heerd thar's to be a
show hyar tonight 2"
"Yaas, the folks was a-talkin'
about it last night replied Molly
Sue, trying to maintain the calm tone
of one to whom shows were an every
day affair.
But, as has been said, Travis Little
was man of the world, and her
seeming indifference did not daunt
him, as it might have done less ex-
perienced suitor; so he persisted
boldly, Jim Hatley, he was in Con-
cord when hit was thar, an he liked
hit fine SO reckon I'll go tonight.
He paused inquiringly. There
was no reply. eff SO be's you'd
keer to go. Miss Molly, I'd be proud
to hev the honor of your company"
Thereupon Molly Sue suddenly
found her voice, and feeling that
such an elegantly -worded invitation
demanded fitting response, said in
her most dulcest tones that she would
be most happy to go.
By this time they had reached the
milldoor and Travis turned away to-
ward the card room, raising his cap
with easy grace. The group of girls
at the door piled Molly Sue with
teasing questions, which she answer
ed indifferently she was not i'll
pleased with tine attention OF her
mates, but in her heart was feeling
of superiority, for she knew there
was none of them but envied her.
Sam Smith passed by and nodded
awkwardly. He had been quite de-
voted to her before Travis began his
campaign and she bad enjoyed and
encouraged his attention. But now
she contrasted him with Mr.. Little's
cultured elegance. and wondered how
she had ever found anything TO adj
mire in poor Smith.
TOO oot toot toot ! Whoo-oo ~
sounded the warning whistle, and the
girls trooped noisily into the long
rooms. Molly Sue hurried to her
machine to tend the flying spindles
with unrelenting care, for even under
the overwhelming excitement of ro-
nance she clung jealously to her
laurels as best spinner in the room.
It was cruelty close and hot in the
mill that day; the air was choked
with tiny particles of lint; but she
had no thought for material discom-
forts. She stepped proudly back and
forth before her machine, watching
the rushing wheels and rods and
belts, guiding the flying threads into
place. 1t grew hotter and more
breathless as noon approached, but
she did not heed !; her heart was
down in the card-room. The dinner
hour came; she ate her cold lunch
almost in silence, then back to work
again. She was growing tired but
this was Saturday, and the whirring
wheels would stop two hours sooner
today. Already some of the girls
were beginning to clear up the space
about their machines.
At last the whistle shrieked the
welcome signal that four o'clock had
come. There was rush toward the
door. Molly Sue trieA to fall behind
the general crowd, but halfa dozen
girls insisted on joining her. Travis
passed with a group of boys, and
| called TO her. loud enough for Sam
Smith to hear, "The show begins at
eight, Miss Molly. I'll be long
bout half-after seven"
Molly Sue made no reply, but her
cheeks began to burn, and they grew
no cooler when the girls attacked
her with rapid questions.
Law. Molly you goin' to the
show with Travis?'
"Mercy on us, Molly Sue'll be
goin' with the boss next !"
"Sav. Moll. dive hear Travis got