Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-09-11

and win he poor with you, and we
will live in that delightful studio build
ing.'
Newcomb gathered her into his arms
tenderly. you have made your de-
cision?" he asked.
"Yesv
do you know what you are giving
up"
81 am only sorry that am bringing
you nothing but love, DEAR" she said
earnestly.
I'VE can get along on that" he said
grimly, with a few little added frills
in the way Of meat and drink that 7
may be able to worry out of the edi-
tors, butt isn't fair to you, darling
to leave all this" He looked about
the richly furnished room and then
back into her eyes.
you cannot believe that l really
love you, Ralph" she murmured pro-
testingly.
II do now, sweetheart" he said,
kissing her lips reverently, and then,
a few moments later, he added, 81
shall prove my trust in your love,
Molly-will you marry me at once
this week?"
Eyes, Ralph" she said.
1t was perhaps six months later that
Lawyer Jones mounted the last long
step fight of stairs that led to the
Eyrie, as Ralph Newcomb called his
studio apartment. He looked about
the bare, uncompromising hall that
could not be dignifled by the name Of
corridor and then raped smartly on
the door In front of him.
Molly opened the door-the same
Molly who had never lifted a dainty
finger in household matters. Her
brown hair was i'll sweet confusion
about her pink cheeks and the sleeves
of her linen frock were pushed above
her elbows a great gngham apron
enveloped her slim figure.
She welcomed him With all her old
charm Of manner and ushered him into
q long, mary gabled room, where
Ralph Newcomb sat pale and weary
eyed before glowing fire.
my husband has been very Ill., said
Molly seriously as the men shook
hands cordially He has been work
ing too hard and But he is so much
better now. 1t has been most trying
siege for him." Her red lips closed
firmly, and the old lawyer guessed at
the unuttered story that lay behind
those lips. A glimpse of the bare stu
do, the remains of very simple meal,
portfolio of drawings on chair, over
the back of which was thrown Molly's
coat and haiti all spoke of poverty,
and the sort of poverty that perhaps
is hardest to bear.
The thought of lovely Molly Fancher
trudging the streets in and out Of edi-
torial offices with a portfolio Of draw
fngs and never losing her bright, brave
smile of hope and sweet content stirred
the lawyer strangely.
81 have come to inform you of the
final disposition Of your late aunt's for
tune" he said rather grufily, adjusting
his eyeglasses and taking an envelope
from bis pocket
IT don't believe we are interested in
that" remarked Ralph smilingly. miss
Susan gave US our knockout blow sew
eral months ago. You certainly haven't
come to gloat over US, Mr.. Jones? Ell.
Molly?"
She laughed softly. I'VE are awfully
poor, but we are likewise awfully hap
py, Mr.. Jones. Poor Aunt Susan didn't
know
"My dear young people" interrupted
the lawyer gravely, Miss Wood did
know. In her youth she chose between
love and riches, and she preferred the
latter, and except for her little niece
she was very lonely and unhappy
woman. She gave Miss Molly the
same choice, not that she distrusted
either of you, bit she did want you
both to be sure Of each others love-"
He paused and cleared his throat as he
rustled the document. II will read: i
give and bequeath my entire estate to
be equally divided between Ralph
Newcomb and his wife, Molly Fancher
Newcomb' -
"Poor Aunt Susan! l misjudged her
So" cried Molly contritely when they
had recovered from their amazement
But l love to think that she had such
faith In us both, after all! We have
been very happy, Ralph, dear, even if
we have been poor" She moved to her
husbands side and slipped her hand in
his.
Eve will never be any happier" he
said solemnly.
Mr.. Jones paused when he reached
the lower entrance of the studio build
ing and leisurely lighted a cigar. Every
wise for a woman-Miss Wood-very
wise. indeed" he said thOughtfully.