Catoctin clarion., 1918-06-20
NO. Is.

h"' III ti.e emu size cHullSPl ''T
mlnd and went. And what was more,
she wore her prettiest dress and took
the greatest pains with her toilet.
you never looked so lovely in your
life!' exclaimed her younger sister
adhlr1ngly, when she was dressed.
Even Molie felt that she was telling
the truth, too.
Russell and Ogden came in together
ana Mollie's eyes nearly jumped ou' Of
hef neal when she SAW that Russell
was In uniform.
Doesn't he look well, drar?' said
Mrs. Ogden. Were all 50 proud of
him, too. only hate to have him go
so far away"
AT dinner MOllie sat between Ed
ogden and young naval officer, and
she never looked so brilliant. Neither
she nor Russell had exchanged more
than casual greeting, but they were
Doth conscious of the others slightest
move. Afterwards, in the drawing
room, they asked Mollie to sing, and
Russell went to the piano TO play her
Accomplishments.
Sing this one" he urged. picking up
an old love song they had often sung
together Mollie choked when she
saw 1t, but she managed to answer III
differently that she'd rather not. and
selected light frivolous thing that he
frankly hated. Then she sang lullaby
at the request of her hostess and ended
with sad little melody that brought
tears to the eyes of everyone present
herself included.
1t was not an easy evening for Mol
lie, and she was glad when at last she
could excuse herself and go home.
Russell is going with you," Mrs.
Ogden announced.
"Oh, it isn't at all necessary-the
car Is here!''
II know, but he insisted-here he is.
himself"
"rd really rather you didn't cone.
Russell-it's only little way"
II know, but as long as it's my last
night before | go to camp, thought
you might humOr me-Shall we walk|
"Yes, I'd prefer it. When did you
decide to enlist"
"The day saw you last-ld thought
about it for long time and your re-
fusal settled it for me-Im glad d'd.
now"
"Then. you're glad | refused You.
tnct"
"ihat remains to be scru.'
you've certainly changed pretty
quickly, anyway. I'm glad | refused
you. myself. if you've forgotten nae 50
soon. And they say women are tickle
Molie gave IA sharp unnatural liNie
laugh.
Russell ignored til" thrust.
Here we are" he announced cheer.
fully "Are you going to write 10 mr'
NO. don't think | shall, And
won't keep you any l"nctr--yon wiz!
probably have to start early in ne
morning.
She held out her hand and Russell
took it and held it,
"Tll be back some day, Mollie." he
told her. "And then I'm going to ASK
YOU the same old question again. WItt
YOU give me your final answer, then"
"Are you sure you want it,?
"Well, l suppose it will be just as
hopeless as ever, but Pm willing to Try.
What do you think about it?'
II wouldn't wait if l were YOU
as my case as hopeless as all that?'
THAT depends on what you call
hopeless"
"Well, should call my case hope
less one-as far as my chances of mar
rying you are concerned
"Why don't you try and find out?'
Because | hate to go forth to battle
defeated at the start"
"Why don't you go forth victor
ious"
"Mollie, I'm in no mood for repartee
or anything else. DO you care any
thing at all about me, or don't you-
that's the only thing in the world |
want to know"
81 always have. only you never went
nway long enough for me to find II "'N.
And when saw you in your uniform
and heard you had enlisted, | knew l
cared most awfully and ! w"s too mis-
erable for words
"And will you marry me when come
back. Molie, darlingT
"Yes, if l can't do 1t before you so
away"
"NIollie, Mollie--Im the happi'St
man in the world. But I'll never be
half so wise as Ed Ogden-l tnke OH
my hat to him"
"You're a thousand times wiser than
Ed, Russ"
81 may be in some way, but not
where women are concerned"
But Mollie never knew how very
wise Ed really had been.
For Busy Mothers.