Mexico Missouri message., 1912-09-26
where LOVEISSENT
Dexter Chose a Girl Who Didn't
Know Beans.
BY SUSANNA GLENN.


phere OF Chaseiield, why Dexter Han
son doesn't marry. Half the young
folks that get married round here
haven't u cent to their names, but
they seem as happy and cheerful as
kings and queens. And Dexter has a
fine farm all stocked ready for him,
and his Pa and Ma just aching 20
move to the village
Hes good looking enough, the
girls seem to like him, and he's been
Fostering after them ever since the
first day he went to school. 1t beats
mel"
II beat" many pretty young coun-
try girl who secretly thought OF Dex-
ter's handsome face and easy man
ners. too, as well as many designing
mother who thought more about the
farm that was his for the taking.
When some of the most daring ask
ed him, straight out. why he did not
marry, he always laughed pleasantly:
when | find a girl as smart as my
mother I'll think about it,"
But you know" Mrs. Hanson said
mildly, Il was not always as capable
as am now, Dexter. | had to learn
by experience just like everyone
else!"
You're the best girl l know OF. at
any rate" her handsome son always
replied, and with that she was forced
TO be satisfied.
Mrs. Hanson returned from the mis-
sionary meeting one early summer az
ternoon very much excited. Father,
she said, i've taken a boarder for the
SUMNER hope you are not going to
mind about It. | declare | spoke right
out before / thought. and then hated
to 20 back on my word. The minister
had letter from minister friend
from the city saying that some nice
girls from his church wished to come
out here for the summer; working
girls. you know, who haven't much
money to spend, and who want to stay
with a private family.
Il picked out a teacher. Her name
is Molly Prescott. I've always wanted
girl round the place you know,
father" she added hesitatingly.
"Of course you can do as you like,
]
20 take In boarders, mother" an
swered Mr.. Hanson, heartily.
Dexter smiled over his mothers
story.
He smiled again when he was com.
missioned to meet the young teacher
at the station.
Mother thinks she will try city
girls on me for a change" he said with
a laugh as he drove away.
The girl on the platform looked
white and timid. Her lovely dark eyes
seemed to question him anxiously.
Would you like to driver" he asked,
as he helped her into the carriage.
"Oh no." She looked quite alarmed.
81 am not accustomed to horses" she
added alphabetically, land this one
seems 80 large and strong"
Dexter gathered up the reins almost
impatiently. Mother will have a nice
time of 1t looking after her all sum-
mer," he thought And he said very
little on the homeward drive.
Dexter" said his mother several
weeks later. 81 can't see what you dis
like about Molly. She's the dearest
girl ever knew"
Il never cared over much for vines
mother. I've always preferred some.
thing that could stand up by its own
strength"
Whatever do you mean, Dexter
HANSON? Molly was left alone when
she was little girl. and she educated
herself and fought her own way in that
dreadful, unfeeling city, until | Won
der where her courage came FROM"
Yet she's afraid Of cows and little
green snakes" observed Dexter, teas
ingly.
Just as I'd be afraid on the city
streets at night, because I am not ac-
customed to them. And Dexter, wish
you would not say so much about
girls who can cook and sew and drive
horses-she feels 1t, poor child. She
has wanted to learn from me, but I
tell her to keep out in the sunshine
when she has a chance"
"Of course I was only In fun. moth
er, but IL she is too sensitive even to
Joke I'll certainly desist," he an
swered with a provoking smile.
Still he was kinder to the girl in a
patronizing sort of way, from which
she seemed to shrink to his mothers
protection.
DO you suppose you could get sup
per for Dexter and Mr.. Brady tonight?"
asked Mrs. Hanson one day after the
early dinner. Father and have got
to go to town and can't possibly get
back. I'll leave everything ready, and
show you where to find the things"
"Oh. shall be glad to do 1t for you,
dear Mrs Hanson" cried the girl,
smiling In spite of the sinking of her
heart
To stay alone without a person in
sight-and to get supper for the young
man who thought a girl ought to know
how to cook
Molly never heard a word of what
was being said TO her until Mrs. Han.
son lifted the cover OF the kettle at
the back Of the stove