Mexico Missouri message., 1912-09-26

/ Peeping through the curtain she be-
held the two ragged children who
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 I'M
easy.
Their expression was enough. Molly
dished beans lavishly, and spread big
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 supper?
I'll look in the pantry" she cried
at last with a happy thought. Il must
not let Dexter Hanson laugh at mel"
There was a big bowl Of late roses
in the center OF the supper table. and
Dexter had to own TO himself that he
liked the innovation.
He had to own too, that the girl in
the white frock, with the rose-1ush in
her cheeks, make a fascinating pic
ture as she poured the stea.
He noted the nervous flutter OF her
pretty fingers, and his heart smote
him.
MIR. 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, glancing at him, noted the
astonished look when he placed some
of the beans in his mouth. She hasti-
ly tasted her own; in the tender lus-
ciousness. her teeth encountered one
-two-hard, unresisting objects.
The blood pulsed In her cheeks, and
she pressed her hands over her eyes.
breaking into nervous sobs.
Dexter rose quickly 1t was very
annoying to have a woman cry! Still
he went hastily round the table and
put his hand gently on her shoulder.
Don't feel so badly" he murmured
awkwardly, looking down at her. The
soft waves OF her hair took on unmis-
taxable charms seen so alluringly
near
Choking back her sobs, the girl
rose hWriedly.
81 ought to have known better than
TO have attempted it, ought to have
known did not know howl" she cried.
Her bitterness showed him how
much he had hurt her
Molly. Molly" he said, folding her
suddenly in his arms. Tell me about
it--dear,"
To his joy. the unexpected tender
ness of his manner broke down her
reserve and she sobbed softly-it
justified his comforting her. 1t was
certainly very satisfying to feel her
soft hair beneath his lips, her tender
cheek pressed against his shoulder.
Those poor Fraley children came"
she whispered, land they looked so
hungry that | gave them most of our
supper. Then / thought l would put
in more beans-I did not know 1t
took so long for beans to cook"
Il did not know 1t myself, dear, "
he declared solemnly.
And ! wanted to keep the chill
dren because-Dexter, was afraid
here, all alone! i know it seems silly
to you, but I'm used to living where
can call the police at any moment. and
it seems SO dreadful not to be able to
see anyone at all!
"Of course 1t does. Molly. | do not
wonder you are afraid, but you'll get
accustomed to 1t.
Sweetheart, ] can't let you go back
to the city. Will you stay herewith
me?"
But l cannot cook" murmured
Miss Prescott, meekly.
Mother will love to teach you"
And | am afraid OF cows-and OF
those great, high-headed horses"
You are not afraid with me dear,
and you have no need to go near them
alone"
But no sensible farmer man would
want such wife-Tm not nearly as
smart as your mother"
Don't tell her so. Molly. She thinks
you are the bravest girl in the world"
What will your friends think to
know you have chosen a girl who
doesn't know-beans?"
Molly" he cried, kissing her,
they will never know it,"
Copyright. 1872 by Associated Literary
Press)
n0nND,c EECI IMNo hnr IIiinr