The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-11-26
Their Engagement

~-~N
ing chair near her. Molly gazed at
him dejectedly, a mist of tears in her
eyes. Her red lips Quivered. 81 have
done all can, Jack, but he is so per-
sistent."
Well" she stammered, 'it amount
ed to the same thing. He told me he
should not give up until l told him
was promised to someone else. That"
despairingly, "is the only thing that
would keep him away"
Then" said Jack, still calmly, with
out so much as the quiver of an eye
lash, you must become engaged, of
course"
Engaged! To whom?" she exclaim-
ed. why, to me-" a slight accent Of
surprise in his voice. She looked at
him doubtfully for a moment and then
said, anxiously, Tit wouldn't be
too much trouble to you. would It,
Jack, just for a few weeks?" mo
trouble at ALL" airily. glad to help
you out. little girl"
He leaned forward slightly as the
front gate creaked, then moved to her
side and quickly slipped a diamond
ring from his little finger and placed
1t upon the third finger of her left
hand. "It was my mothers, you
know" he whispered. Down the path
came a tall, earnest-looking young
man. whose dark eyes lighted up as
he saw the girl in the hammock. He
made friendly greeting to the man be-
side her and then said, Come with
me for spin, Molly. My car is in
fine condition this afternoon" Molly
flushed and looked quickly at Jack,
who, with broad smile. turned to the
other man. "Jim." said he, 81 have
designs on Molly's afternoon, and in
fact on all her afternoons hereafter.
You should feel fiattered, Jim, that our
first announcement is to you" For
the space Of half a minute Jim re-
mained motionless, a grayish pallor
settling upon his face, then with an
effort he said quietly, my sincere
congratulations, Jack and Molly,
DEAR" he could not restrain the tend
er note in his voice. 81 wish you
every happiness" He turned on his
heel and left them.
The two who were left looked at
each other with strange emotions.
They had grown up together, the prop
critics of their parents adjoining, and
each being the only child. They had
always been like brother and sister,
one ready to help the other out of any
little difficulty, and never a word of
sentiment between them.
With little catch in his voice, Jack
murmured. Poor old chap" Molly
was weeping softly, but there was a
look of relief on her face. He sat down
in the hammock beside her and placed
his arms around her. Don't cry,
honey" he said. ''he won't bother you
any more now" 81 know, Jack, but I
can't help feeling sorry for him, al
though truly 1t was his own fault. He
fixes his mind upon one object and
never gives up until he is thoroughly
convinced his pursuit is hopeless"
'Well," said Jack, slowly, 'T don't
know that that is very great fault" {"
She glanced up at him quickly, and
something in his look made her ex-
claim, Jack. don't you dare to kiss
me-" whats the harm? We're en-
gagged, you know. But of course If
you object" trying to speak indiffer-
emily.
The next two weeks were heavenly
ones for both Molly and Jack. She
was relieved of all persistent suitors
by the announcement of her engage
ment and, he was also relieved by
their absence from Molly's side. He
could not remember when he had had
her SO entirely to himself.
One evening when they were occu-
pying their old place under the ap-
pie trees, Jack suddenly remarked
that Jim Witherby had gone abroad.
There was silence for a moment and
then Molly said in a strained voice,
Then, Jack, our pretence can end
now. Here is your ring. It will not
be hard to explain to our friends that
We have changed our minds" In an
instant he was beside her. Molly.
Molly" he said, unsteadily, 81 cannot
give you up. love you. dear, with all
my heart. / have always loved you,
and during these past weeks I have
hoped you would learn to love me in
the way / wish. You cannot know
what have gone through each time q
new candidate has presented himself
to your affections, nor what a blissfui
relief has followed when knew you
we're not intending to bestow them.
To tell the truth, Jim worried mo
more than any of the others, for he
is more worthy Of you than anyone
else know. poor old chap. Molly"
pleadingly, "tell me what want to
know, dear. Besides, how pleased
your mother and my father have been
this past fortnight. We must not dis
appoint them, Molly"
Despite his attempt at calmness
there was an undertone Of anxiety in
his voice which he could not conceal.
The girl had listened intently. Final
ly she murmured, so low he could
scarce hear the words. mo. we must