The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1908-07-24

tors, butt isn't fair to you, darling
to leave all this" He looked about
the richly furnished room and ther
back into her eyes.
You cannot believe that / really
love you, Ralph" she murmured pro
testingly.
II do now, sweetheart" he said
kissing her lips reverently, ana then
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 thai
Lawyer Jones mounted the last Ions
step flight Of stairs that led to the
Eyre, as Ralph Newcomb called his
studio apartment. He looked about
the bare, uncompromising hall thai
could not be dignified by the name OF
corridor and then raped smartly or
the door in front of him.
Molly opened the door-the same
Molly who had never lifted a dainty
finger in household matters. Hel
brown hair was in sweet confusion
about her pink cheeks and the sleeves
Of her linen frock were pushed above
her elbows. A great bingham apron
enveloped her slim figure.
She welcomed him with all her old
charm of manner and ushered him into
a long. many 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. It has been a 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
dio, the remains Of very simple meal,
a 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-
tOrfal offices with a portfolio of draw
ings 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 grufiy, adjusting
his eyeglasses and taking an envelope
from his pocket.
II 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? Eth,
Molly?'
She laughed softly. 'eWe are awfully
by, 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 a very lonely and unhappy
woman. She gave Miss Molly the
same choice, not that she distrusted
either Of you, but 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' y
'Poor Aunt Susan! misjudged her
So" cried Molly contritely when they
had recovered from their amazement.
"But I 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.
1--WE 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 cigar. Every
wise for a woman-Miss Wood-very
wise, indeed" he said thoughtfully.