The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1916-06-15

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self"
please don't" objected Molly al
most pitcously. IF you turn solemn
my last prop is gone"
Il didn't mean to-" apologized Fern.
But getting married is rather
weighty thing after all. Besides that,
my conscience hurts me-"
1T should, suppose" agreed Molly.
"Anybody's should. Why?"
About Sledge. Molly, he's nice
old fatty
Il never can remember him with an
ugly thought" admitted Molly. 81
daren't sympathize with him, though.
He started rough game with me, and
beat him. had to be rough to do it."
I'VE We're mean to him. declared
Fern. I've q notion to marry him
myself to make up for it,
The pang of distaste which Molly
felt at that speech was not jealousy;
far from it. If anything, it was Il
mere questioning of Ferns taste in
making such q remark. That was it!
II suppose poor Berts lonesome
she suggested. I'VE really ought to
go down and keep him company until
the minister comes"
"Murder!' objected Fern. "Mo!ly,
you haven't a bit of style about you.
You mustn't even see Bert until ?ou
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. Il don't believe you like Ber,
very we'll"
Indeed do!' 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
Yes, 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
fne 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 in 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..
re. tfs,,sIsu W +=2 uon wuIu'.r VI VI
~, that of all your girl friends she was
the one you insisted on having here.
She's Il daring!"
"She's true" added Molly Some
how | always feel SAFE, even against
myself, when she's around me. love
YOU to death, Fern, but you're wicked
II guess | am," giggled Fern. 81
never can see anything else wheI
: there's n chance for deyilment."
Nina knocked at the door.
Miss Peters" announced Nina
gloating once more over her handiWorf
/: as she surveyed the handsome Molly
and the pretty Fern.
:: Have her come right up directed
!: Molly, Frightening. and waited witt
: an expectant smile. which changed t
I q look of concern when she SAW TIT
: 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 heI
= self dismally into Molly's arms.
They didn't want me to comet" sh
yulped. But had promised you. an
d Dicky said I might
- Where is Dicky?" asked Molly.
2 "IIe went on downtown on an e.
rand He'll be back after Inc IN ha
an hour"
. "Why didn't they want you
Gomez asked Molly anxiously.
Il "On account of your father"
"Fatherr' gasped Molly. "Wh;
| about him?'
II Don't you know" wondered Je
| sic, half crying again.
II "Why, no, child" worried Moll
II what is it? Tell me-" and she heal
Il Fern slipping quietly out of the rooI
II She led Jessie over to the couch. ar
| all for@etful of her shimmering sati
II with it's beautifully increased fold
II sat down.
Ii Its the street car stock" Jessie G
II planned "Dicky just came out to Il
II house with the news. There is to
II no consolidation. The old tracks
II to be torn up three years from no
II and nobody would have the stock I
II q gift. And it's Thanksgiving day!
II "Thats ouly some wild rumor. Nj
Il ly assured her, wondering, nevertt
II less, at this new and strange turn
II financial gossip. Even if it were tr'
II though, how is father to blame!
II 81 don't know. except that my
ii theirs like a maniac about it all al
~ forbade me to come near this house. ;
Molly held her closer.
"Dicky brought me. though. He ST
that he didn't think Mr. Marley "
Ut the thief, and that If be was
at- weren't, and that if wanted to COZ
is was coming. He's a good Dicl
IN Molly" and here Jessie cried a lit
ng more, just on account Of Dicky's go'
eF ness.
. 1T isn't fathers fault. it's min
1I,o hn