Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1916-02-22
CHAPTER XVII.
The Minister Comes.

:, Cafueu SuOe OF molly from
under the boudoir couch and looking
anxiously about her for any other
traces Of untidiness which the fus.
tered maids might have left behind
them. I'm solemn in spite of my
SELF" .s.. ~.
please DON'T objected Molly al
most piteously. II you turn solemn
my last prop is gone.'
IT didn't mean TO-" apologized Fern.
"But getting married is rat her a
weighty thing after all. Besides that,
my conscience hurts me-
1T should, ! suppose" agreed Molly.
"Anybody's should, Why?"
About sledge. Molly, he's nlco
old fatty
II never can remember him with an
ugly thought" admitted Molly. 81
daren't sympathize with him, though
He started a rough game with me, and
Il beat him. had to be rough to do it"
1--WE were mean to him." declared
Fern. I've a notion to marry him
= LILY SClI " w AoA IL.
The pang Of distaste which Molly
felt at that speech was not jealousy;
far from it. If anything, it was a
mere questioning Of Ferns taste in
making such remark. That was it!
II suppose poor Bert's lonesome"
she suggested. I'VE really ought to
go down and keep him company until
the minister comes"
"Murderr' objected Fern. "MolIy.
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" Is
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 WE'LL" aa r3 f,s1 ~
Indeed dor demonstrated Fern al
most too quickly. Hes still the hand.
soonest fellow ever saw-tall and big
and fine looking and the very best
dancer ever swung across a floor
with. just couldn't get through en-.
rying you when first came"
"Yes. was Jealous Of you." con.
fessed Molly. Bert is fine dancer"
"AIl 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 know are waiting
for you, and you'll have polished
husband, Of whom you can always be
proud, and just bushels and bushels Of
love, Of course" r..
"Of course" agreed Molly, looking at
the little Dresden clock on the mantel.
Goodness, Fern, the minister is due
to arrive in ten minutes. and Jessie
Peters isn't here yet"' ,H
IF she knew the importance of your
Informal invitation to call this after.
noon she'd have been here hours ago."
Fern. Il don't wonder. Mol.
~. that Of all your girl friends she was
the one you insisted on having here:
She's darllng!"
".She's true added Molly. Some
bow I always feel safe. even against
when she's around me- love
you to death. Fern. but you're wicked"
Il guess am" giggled Fern. 81
never can sec anything else when
there's n chance for deyilment."
Nina knocked at 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
q look of concern when she saw the
poorly concealed traces of tears in Jes-
sizes eyes.
Awhats the matter, jester 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.
''rhey didn't want me to Gomez she
gulped. "But had promised you. and
Dicky said might"
Where is Dicky?" asked Molly.
'.He went OH downtown on, an en-
rand. He'll be back after me in half
m hour ~
'Why didn't they want you to
,ome?' asked Molly anHiously.
Son account of your father"
Father gasped Molly. What
.bout him?'
Don't you know:" wondered Jes.
'ie. half crying again. 1854.
"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
III forgetful Of her shimmering satin.
With It's beautifully increased folds.
'at down.
Its the street car stock" Jessie ex.
,lained. "Dicky just came out to the
louse with the news. There is to be
10 consolidation. The odd tracks are
o be torn up three YEARS from now.
ind nobody would havk the stock for
! gift. And it's Thanksgiving day.