Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1916-02-18

self"
please DON'T" objected Molly al
most piteously. If you turn solemn
my last prop is gone"
II didn't mean to-" apologized Fern.
But getting married is rather
weighty thing after all. Besides that,
my conscience hurts me-"
ut should, suppose" agreed Molly.
"Anybody's should. Why?"
about Sledge. Molly, he's a nice
old fatty"
II never can remember him with an
ugly thought" admitted Molly. Il
daren't sympathize with him, though.
He started rough game with me, and
beat him. had to be rough to do it"
I'VE were mean to him." declared
Fern. 1--WE a notion to marry him
myself to make up for it."
The pang of distaste which Molly
felt ut that speech was not jealousy;
far from it. If anything, 1t was
mere questioning of Ferns taste In
making such a remark. That was 1t!
II suppose poor Bert's lonesome"
she suggested: I'VE really ought to
60 down and keep him company until
the minister comes"
MURDER! objected Fern. "Molly.
you haven't bit Of style about you.
You mustn't even see Bert until you
walk in the parlor on your fathers
arm and take him for better orwell.
for better"
You don't seem any too hopeful"
laughed Molly. looking longingly at the
couch, but remembering her gorgeous
gown. II don't believe you like Bert
very WELL"
Indeed dor demonstrated Fern al
most too quickly. Hes still the hand.
soonest fellow l ever saw-tall and big
and fine looking and the very best
dancer l ever swung across floor
with. just couldn't get through en-.
vying you when first came"
Eyes, l was jealous of you," con-
fessed Molly. Bert is fine dancer"
"All the girls will be envious of yOu,"
went on Fern, determined to say nice
things. You should be very happy,
Molly, about the new home and the
fine business prospects and the social
triumphs which l know are waiting
for you. and you'll have a polished
husband, of whom you can always be
proud. and just bushels and bushels Of
love, Of course"
"Of course" agreed Molly, looking at
the little Dresden clock on the mantel.
Goodness, Fern. the minister is due
to arrive lin ten minutes. and Jessie
Peters isn't here yet!'
IF she knew the Importance of your
informal invitation to call this after
noon she'd have been here hours ago"
laughed Fern. 81 don't wonder, Mol
ly. that of all your girl friends she was
the one you insisted on having here.
She's darling!'
"She's true" added Molly. Some.
how l always feel safe. even against
myself, when she's around me. | love
you to death. Fern. but you're wicked"
II guess ! am gi~~led Fern II
never can see anything else when
there's a chance for devilment."
Nina knocked ut the door.
Miss Peters," announced Nina.
gloating once more over her handiwOrk
as she surveyed the handsome Molly
and the pretty Fern.
"Have her come right up" directed
Molly. frightening. and waited with
an expectant smile. which changed to
a look of concern when she saw the
poorly concealed traces of tears in Jes-
sizes eyes.
whats the matter, Jessie?" she ask
ed. stepping hastily forward, and Jes.
sic, forgetting or not seeing that pain
fully fluffy wedding gown, threw her.
self dismally into Molly's arms.
''They didn't want me to come" she
gulped But had promised you. and
Dicky said might"
where is Dicky?" asked Molly.
HE went on downtown on an err
rand. He'll be back after me in half
an hour
"Why didn't they want you to
Gomez" asked Molly anxiously.
ION account of your father"
"Fatherv' gasped Molly. what
about him?"
sic. half crying again.
"Why. no. child" worried Molly.
what is it? Tell me-" and she heard
Fern slipping quietly out Of the room.
She led Jessie over to the couch, and
all forgetful of her shimmering satin.
with its beautifully increased folds.
sat down.
Its the street car stock" Jessie ex.
planned. "Dicky just came out to the
house with the news. There Is to be
no consolidation. The old tracks are
to be torn up three years from now.
and nobody would have the stock for
gift. And it's Thanksgiving day"
That's only some wild rumor," Mol
ly assured her. wondering. neverthe-
less. at this new and strange turn of
financial gossip. Even If IL were true.
though. how is father to Elame?"
II don't know. except taat my IA
TIERS like a maniac abouc 1t all and
forbade me to come near this house."
Molly held her closer.
"Dicky brought me- though. He said
that he didn't think Mr.. Marley was
the thief. and that if he was you
weren't. and that if I wanted to come
was coming. He's a good Dicky.
Molly" and here Jessie cried little
more. just on account Of Dicky's good
ness.
1T isn't fathers fault. it's NINE"
confessed Molly. aghast. as she began
for the first time to fully realize the
hundreds Of real sufferers in this high
handed game which she and Sledge