Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-12
CHAPTER XVII.

IL ted Fern rescuins dis
carded shoe Of Molly's from
under the boudoir couch and looking
anxiouSly about her for any other
traces OF untidiness which the Gus
tered maids might have left behind
them. I'm solemn in spite Of my
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.
Bat getting married is rather a
weighty thing after all. Besides that,
my conscience hurts me-
1t should, suppose" agreed Molly.
"Anybodys should. Why
About sledge. Molly, he's a nice
old fatty"
Il 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"
We were mean to him." declared
Fern. I've 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 1t. If anything, it was q
mere questioning of Ferns taste in
making such Il remark. That was it!
Il suppose poor Berts lonesome"
she suggested. We really ought tn
go down and keep him company until
the minister comes"
Murder" objected Fern. Molly
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
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 Bert
very We'll"
Indeed | do" 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-.
wing 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
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"
"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 YETI
III she knew the importance of your
informal invitation to call this after
noon she'd have been here hours ago"
laughed Fern. Il don't wonder, Mol.
ly. that of all your girl friends she was
the one you insisted on having here
She's a darling
She's true" added Molly. Some
how | always feel safe, even against
myself, when she's around me. l love
you TO death. Fern. but you're wicked"
II guess ! am" giggled Fern. II
never can see anything else when
there's chance for devilment"
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
a look Of concern when she saw the
poorly concealed traces of tears in Jes-
sizes eyes.
What's 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.
They didn't want me to Gomez she
Gulped. But had promised you. and
Uicky said | might"
Where is Dicky?" asked Molly.
He went on downtown on an err
Hen ho hoal- Altar In hoif
all hour
why didn't they want you to
come" asked Molly anxiously.
"On account of your father"
Father gasped Molly. What
about him.
Don't you known wondered Jes-
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.
rat down.
Its the street car stock" Jessie ex-
plained "Dicky just came out TO the
house with the news. There IS to be
10 consolidation. The old tracks are
TO be torn up three years from now.
aud nobody would have the stock for
h gift And fits Thanksgiving day.
That's only some wild rumor." Mol
iy assured her. wondering. neverthe-
less. at this new and strange turn of
financial gossip. Even II It were true,
though. how Is father to bame?'
Il don't know, except that my ia.