The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-09-02

cad viii DO poor with you, ana WI
| VIII live Ia that delightful studio build
ingg
Ncwcomb gathered her into his arm
tendeTly. you have made your Dc
cislony hc asked.
"Yesl'
''Do you know what you arc giyinI
! upT
II am only sorry that ain bringlnI
you nothing but love. dear," she salt
earnestly.
I'VE can get along on that" be sal,
grimly, with d few little added friIl
In tho way OF meat and drink that
may bo able 70 worry out OF the edi
tors, but-lt Isn't fair TO you, darling
10 leave all this" He looked abou
tho richly furnished room and theI
back into her eyes.
"You cannot believe that ! rcail,
love you, Ralph" she murmurcd pro
testingly.
II do now, sweetheart" he said
kissing her lips reyercntly, and then
q few moments later. no added, :"
shall prove my trust In your love
Molly--will you merry mc at once
this weekT
Eyes, Ralph" she said.
II was perhaps six months later tina
Lawyer Jones mounted the last lont
step Fight OF stairs that led 10 th,
Eyrie. as Ralph Newcomb called hl'
studio apartment. lie looked about
the bare, incorporating hall that
could not be dignified 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 q dainty
finger In household matters. Her
brown hair was In sweet confusion
about her pink cheeks and the sleeve.
Of her linen frock were pushed above
her elbows. A great gingham apron
cnyeloped her slim figure.
She welcomed him with all her old
charm OF manner and ushered him Into
long. many gabled room. where
Ralph Ncwcomb sat pale and weary
eyed before a glowing fire.
my husband has been very Ill.," said
Molly seriously M the men shook
hands cordially. "He has been work.
Ing too hard and But he Is 30 much
better now. II has been most trying
Siege for him" Her red lips closed
firmly, and the old lawyer guessed at
the unuttered story that Iay behind
those lips. A glimpse OF the bare stu.
dlo. the remains Of a very simple meal,
q 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
IL hardest TO bear.
The thought OF lovely Molly Fancher
trudging the streets In and out Of ed.
torlal Offices with portfolio OF draw
ings and never losing her bright, brave
smile Of hope aud sweet content stirred
the lawyer strangely.
II have come TO inform you Of the
final disposition Of your late aunt's for.
tune" he said rather grufiiy. 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.. Jonesi Eth,
MollyY
She laughed softly. 1--WE are awfully
poor. but We are likewise awfully hap
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, aud except for her little niece
she was very lonely and unhappy
woman. She gave Miss Molly the
same choice, not that she dlstrusted
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; 4
give and bequeath my entire estate to
be equally divided between Ralph
Newcomb and his wife. Molly Fancher
Newcomb'
Poor Aunt Susan! misJudged her
So" cried Molly contritely when they
had recovered from their amazement.
'But love to think that she had such
faith In us both, after ALL We have
been very happy, Ralph, dear, even II
we have been poor" She moved to her
husbands side and slipped her hand in
his.
I'VE 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 woman--Mlss Wood-very
wise, indeed" he said thoughtfully.
Winning the Set.
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