The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-12-24

the thought of their fearful faces out
of her mind.
It was wonderful experience. to
ride through the streets in the Iimou-
sine, wrapped in the rose colored
CLOAK, with a great bunch of valley
lilies IN her hand. She felt like a
princess. She had the air of prin-
woe corridor of the hotel, following
Mrs. Phelps
Her pleasure was ended, however,
when ssfle met the other guests and
SAT down at the big round table.
mere was a confusing display of
! knives and forks and spoons. but
wardness.
1t was the men on each side of her,
however. who alarmed her. Molly
liau never been at a loss for a word
OF d gay retort until now. But the
people around her lived in a world
OF their own. They talked of operas,
OF sports, of places of which Molly
knew nothing. She didn't know that
4 nep pretty. oiushing shyness charmed
ne nuitl-m1lllonaire at her left and
plqueo the curiosity of the ambassador
on ner right. She was uncomfortable
ana seIf-conscious as she tried to fit
ner stammering little phrases to this
new environment
| Gradually, as she gained noise she
confessed to herself that she was hav-
| ing very stupid time, 1t wasn't a
| bit like Christmas; although the
color scheme of the table was green
ana req, there was no holly, no
| iiiistietoe, Just gorgeous American
! beauties and wide satin ribbons. She
had a vision OF the table set in the
Shabby dining room at home. In the
cenIer would be great bunch OF
noIiy, and above it would hang a
little wax angel. At one end she saw
her father, his knife cutting through
the cracking brown of the turkeys
breast. The delicate fare of the hotel
paled In comparison to her mothers
cooking. At home there would be
large helpings of mashed potatoes
and turnips and gravy. The cram
berry sauce would be served in big
dishes.
| AS they drove home together, MIRA
PheIps said; You were a success, my
| dear. If you will let me, will bring
you out. Perhaps you will make a
| grand marriage. 1t would be great
thing for a girl like you"
Molly's response was not enthusi-
astic. She did not like to appear
ungrateful. but she had had most
unhappy time. She had been a stran-
ger in strange land.
When she had changed her dress
Mrs. Phelps sent her home in he1
car.
Terry met her at the door. Back
of him was the red light of the din
| ing room lamp. Babe and Billy fell
on her neck and welcomed her, an6
rather and mother smiled in the
background
Molly had gifts for ali of them
The lilies went on the center of the
| table, and she had tied up candies
and almonds in the corner of hel
handkerchfef II had an awful time
| knew how you'd like them
She had a red rose for Terry
/ The multi-millionaire gave it tt
me-" she said. Mrs Phelps want:
| me to marry him.
| Terry looked at her with his hear
| in his eyes, but he didn't say a word
Was Molly going to be swallowed VI
| In that strange world, where mel
had millions and didn't have to work
But Molly was demanding some O
her mothers turkey.
! ST hardly ate thing at dinner.
she said. "It was awful sitting III
there and having people stare at me-
| They brought it to her with delight
and she had to taste a little bit o
/ everything and praise it.
Il When it was time for Terry to e,
she went with him to the front door
and they stood for a moment unde
the stars.
i 8 Twill you be going back to them p
Terry asked. jealously.
Why should I? Molly asked
j Terry?"
! The next morning. when Moll
went back to her sewing, Mrs. Phelp
said. 1.-THE multi-millionaire wants t.
meet you again. When shall we plal
!, for it. Molly?''
Never" said Molly, calmly. ''
, am going to marry Terry, and thel
I won't have any time for multi-mil
Ionaires, will I?''-(Copyrighted 1911
by Associated Literary Press.)