Deming graphic., 1920-08-03
ENvlOUS MOLLY
BY DON Il. sURoick.


day was spent In helping her mother
with the housework and caring for the
babies.
III ! were only as pretty as Gloria
Snow" sighed Molly. 81 wouldn't mind
washing these old dishes. II wouldn't
be nearly as bad, II | knew the steam
was making my hair curl into little
rlnglets around my forehead, and that
my long black lashes were covering
eyes Of heavenly blue. believe could
bear all things with equanimity IL
knew | was bowling, raving beauty.
but who ever could care for a stub
nose, brown eyes and straggly hair
after they had scent Gloria's classic
features?"
For few moments Molly ratified the
dishes In very rebellious spirit. but
soon she heard her mother singing 10
the baby In low sweet voice:
Father will come to his babe In tfe
nest,
Sllvery sails all out OF the west"
And into Molly's really lovely brown
eyes there came u protecting look, us
she carefully put the dried dishes
away.
"What a selfish girl Molly Endicott
you areV she said TO herself. "You are
not only selfish. you are Stacker. for,
didn't you promise your soldier daddy
that you would do everything you
could for the little mother TO keep her
well and cheerfuli And here you are
complaining In less than a months
time just because you overheard DIR.
Grover tell Gloria Snow how much he
admired beauty, and that he always
gave especial attention to anyone's
hands. Now you know you never were
a beauty, and your hands were always
large. and II they are Redeemed by dish
water it's all in good cause. Now
Gloria Snow you are welcome to DIR.
Grover. don't care for young man
who stays at home In war time, and
you haven't the daddy have to be
proud OF, and such a brave little
mother to love, and"
Hello Miss Molly. / caught you
right at IT," said DR.. Grover, close
beside the self-dlsciplined girl.
Good afternoon, DIR. Grover" coolly
replied Molly, very conscious Of her
wet slippery hands, aud lock Of black
hair hanging straight across her nose.
II she Guild think you might at least
ring the bell and not frighten anyone
So" she continued angrily.
"Why-I beg your pardon. ! really
didn't think you would mind my en-
tering especially when Robert told me
not TO ring as mother was getting the
baby to sleep, and wanted very bndly
TO take you for ride. It's such q
lovely afternoon. Don't you think you
can come, Molly?" asked the young
doctor.
"No, don't believe can" was the
nngraclous answer. "You had better
90 and ask Gloria Snow. I've lots OF
work to do yet"
"But | don't want Gloria Snow. ]
want you. you" persisted DR.. Grover
"Just let me help you with the work.
Molly. really can work. | can
sweep, and do lots Of things, and then
you will go with me.
II didn't take Molly long to bnthe
and change her clothes, and soon she
was seated In DR.. Growers car, and
they were riding over the country
roads bordered with the sunny golden
rod and sweet Wild aster.
DR.. Grover drove the cur slowly, ao
he enjoyed watching the various ex'
pressions fit over Molly's face at each
exquisite bit OF scenery. For a while
neither attempted to talk, both were
too happy.
Finally Dr. Grover broke the silence.
Miss Molly. just why were you so
cross when | came this afternoon
For minute Molly hesltated, then
laughing she said.
Because | was lndulglng In little
self-pity out OF sheer enviousness."
"You envious, Molly? OF what and
whomT
~ don't Just like to tell all my
faults" said blushing Molly as she
seallzed Just what had made her en-
fious. "but confession Is good for the
soul. so | will confess. was envy
ing Gloria Snow. She II so pretty and
hns everything she can ever want, and
l-well the bad feeling Is all gone
now"
DR.. Grover did not reply; instead he
drove his car to one side Of the road
under the shade Of large maple tree,
and stopped II. Then taking Molly's
nands in his he said.
"Molly. Gloria Snow is pretty, but
don't you know you are beautifulT
"Please don't laugh at me-" almost
whispered Molly, "that's too unkind."
~ laugh at you? Why Molly, don't
yon know how much love your I've
wanted to tell you before but you have
always seemed so Indifferent. You do
care for me just little. Say you do,
Molly" pleaded the doctor.
"But Gloria. she Is so much pret'
tier" reiterated Molly.
swhat has Gloria to do with you and
ser
"But my hands are large and some
fines red" murmured Molly.