The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-02-14
CHAPTER XVII.
The Minister Comes,

i
 l sb~ T ONEST, can't giggIe about
 - anything any more,'' regret 1 ted Fern, rescuing dis
 carded shoe of Mol1y's from under the boudoir couch and docking anxiously about her for any other traces of uRtidiness which the Aus- tered maids might have left behind them. I'm solemn in spite of nay self.''
 Please don't" objected Molly aI- 1 most piteously. eff you turn solemn my last prop is gone.'' l q didn't mean to- apoIogized Fern. ttBut getting married is rather a weighty thing after all. Besides that, my coYscience hurts me-
 '1t Should, suppose agreed Molly. t@Anybody's should. Why?'' About SIedge. Molly, he's a nice l old fatty4''
 'I never can remember him with an ugly thought admitted Molly. "I daren't sympathize with him, though. He started rough game with me, and I beat him. had to be rough to do it. .''
 tsWe were mean to him. declared Fern. |I've a notion to marry him myself to make up for it.
 
 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!
 E'I suppose poor Bert's lonesome,' 7 she suggested. we really ought to go down and keep him company until the minister comes.''
 "Murder!' objected Fern. 'MoIly, you haven't a 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"
 ssYou don't seem any too hopeful ' laughed Molly, looking Iongingly at the couch, but remembering heE gorgeous gown. ''I don't believe you like Bert very well.''
 Indeed doI'' demonstrated Fern all most too quickly. ''He's still the hand somest fellow I ever saw-tan and big and fine looking and the very best dancer I ever swung across a floor with. I just couldn't get through en- wing you when I first came"
 E'Yes, I was jealous of you,'' GOA fessed Molly. "Bert is a fine dancer."
 .tAll 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 I 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!''
 eff she knew the importance of your informal invitation to call this after noon she'd have been here hours ag3," laughed Fern. q don't wonder, Mol Iy, that of all your girl friends she was the one you insisted on having here. She's darlingr'
 'She's true,'' added Molly. ''Some- how I always feel safe, even against myself, when she's around me. I love you to death, Fern, but you're wicked"
 '1 guess I am,'' giggled Fern. CT never can see anything else wlTen there's chance for devilment."
 Nina knocked at the door.
 Miss Peters," announced Nina, gloating once more over her handiwGck as she surveyed the handsome Molly anu LAG pISIly CITE.
 "Have her come right up," directed Molly, brightening, and waited with an expectant smile, which changed to look of concern when she saw tae poorly concealed traces of tears in JAs- sie's eyes.
 Whats the matter, Jessie?' she ask ed, stepping hastily forward, and J@s- sic, forgetting or not seeing that pain fully fluffy wedding gown, threw hFNr- self dismally into Molly's arms.
 ''They didn't want me to comev' she gulped. "B,r-t I had promised you, aad Dicky said I might
 Where is Dicky?'' asked Molly.
 .fHe went on downtown on an or rand He'll be back after me in half an hour"
 "Why didn't they want you to comet" asked Molly anxiously.
 "On account of your father
 .sFatherY' gasped Molly. 'EWhat about him?''
 "Don't you know?h' wondered Jos sic, half crying again.
 "'Why, no, child, ,'' worried Molly. What is it2 Tell me-" and she heasd Fern slipping quietly out of the rooAa She led Jessie over to the couch, aid all forgetfuI of her shimmering satin, with it's beautifully increased fol6s, sat down.
 .It's the street car stock" Jessie ex- plained. ''Dicky just came out to the house with the news. There is to Fe no consolidation. The old tracks aae to be torn up three years from nonf, and nobody wOuId-~--- the stock far