Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1912-10-09

Peeping through the curtain she be
held the two ragged children wn'
often came to see Mrs. Hanson.
"Oh. come in" she cried, dragging
them in joyously.
II only she could keep them with
her, Conversation dragged. but the ]
children looked pinched and hungry
DO you like warm beans? she !
asked suddenly as they became IN
easy.
Their expression was enough. Molly
dished beans lavishly, and spread Dig
slices of bread and butter. Never had
she so much enjoyed seeing anyone
eat,
But when they departed. Molly look
ed at the kettle in distress. where
was the mems supper2
I'll look In the pantry" she cried
at last with happy thought. L must
not let Dexter Hanson laugh at me-!
There was big bowl Of late roses
in the center of the supper table ana
Dexter had to own to himself that ne
liked the innovation.
He had to own too. that the girl In
the white frock, with the rose-hush IN
her cheeks, make a fascinating pic
ture as she poured the tea.
He noted the nervous hutter or her
pretty fingers. and his heart smote
him.
Mr.. Brady was in a hurry to get
home. so he did not stop for supper,
he explained. helping himself gener
ously to the tempting beans.
Molly. CHANGING at him, noted the
| ho O1aHNn some
of the beans in his mouth. she hastE
ly tasted her own; in the tender lus-
> ciousness. her teeth encountered one
! -two-hard, unresisting objects
q The blood pulsed in her cheeks and
she pressed her hands over her eyes,
I breaking into nervous sObs.
: Dexter rose quickly. 1t was very
4 annoying to have woman cry! stu
he went hastily round the table and
;. put his hand gently on her shoulder
f. Don't feel so badly" he murmureo
" awkwardly, looking down at her. The
. soft waves of her h~'r took on unnls
O taxable charms seen so alluringN
It near
d Choking back her sobs. the CIR
II rose hurriedly.
d Il ought to have known better thar
e TO have attempted it ought to have
Ie known did not know how she crled
g Her bitterness showed him how
n much he had hurt her.
" Molly. Molly" he said. folding he
suddenly in his arms. Tell me abou
ie it-dear!"
ID To his 10Y. the unexpected tender
\. ness Of his manner broke down ne
o justified his comforting her. 1t wa
OH certainly very satisfying TO feel he
n soft hair beneath his lips. her tende
cheek pressed against his shoulder.
IS Those poor Fraley children came
she whispered. and they looked S
~ hungry that / gave them most OF OF
'er supper. Then | thought l would p'
in more beans did not know
Itv | took so long for beaus TO cook
IN u did not know it myself dear
he declared solemnly.
ed And ] wanted to keep the CHI
zoe dren because-DeXter. ! was ARA
here all alone, know it seems sill
"a to YOU. but I'm used TO living where
can call the police at any moment. al
ID it seems so dreadful not to be able
she see anyone at all"
me of course it does. Molly. l do n
wonder you are afraid, but you'll &
-. accustomed to 1t.
- Sweetheart. can't let you go ba
~, ~ to the city VIII you stay here-wi
ary me-"
But ! cannot cook" murmur
Miss Prescott, meekly.
7,, Mother will love to teach you
ui9 And | am afraid of cows-and
est those great. high-headed horses
You are not afraid with me de
mes and you have no need to go near tn
alone"
OWN But no sensible farmer man wo
want such a wife-Hm not nearly
xter smart as your mother"
men Don't tell her SO. Molly. She THU
ated you are the bravest girl in the worl
that What will your friends think
Won know you have chosen a girl v
doesn't know-beans?"
title Molly" he cried. kissing
teas they will never know it,"
Copyright. 1912. by Associated Liter
city Press0