The Red Cloud chief., 1922-03-30
SOME TIME
BY LOUISE NJ. ADDISON

Hunter herself never doubted that she
would be murried-some time. At
thirty she was officially dubbed old
maid. But instead OF giving way TO
despair, Molly bought herself q second
hope chest, the FIRST being filed to
overlooking. With unimpaired o
age she set about the task OF filling the
second hope chest, in spite of her
'lrother's scowl, her %nelghbor's sncers,
and her mothers censure.
1T would be far more sensible to
sew dresses for your sisters babies"
said Mrs. Hunter, sternly. YOU are
too old for such nonsense as hope
chests"
Tint" commented Molly, placidly.
"Maybc. And maybe not. But when /
do get married Ill have more than
most girls. because I've had a longer
ume to prepare"
No matter what was said she lis
tened patiently, smiled serenely, and
stitched c~omposedly, with unvaryiDg
Faith In the husband that was TO be
,hers--some time.
Brother Edwin, In particular, had no
patience with Molly. whom he looked
upon as a good.natured, rather feeble.
minded individual, forever stitching on
what he cOntemptuously termed her
"hope rags"
Il don't know" he was In the habit
Of saying. with deep gloom, "how Molly
ever got into this family. She's GER
taiDiy not like the rest OF us"
Don't worry. please" answered
Molly. patiently. IL will get married,
maybe sooner than you think. i know
Ii will get married-some time"
TO which her brother grunted unbe.
heyingly.
one evening, the rest of the family,
Including the maid, being out, Molly
sat before the library fire, looking
~thoughtfully into the Goals. Molly was
losing I ia in the husband that was
10 be hc,a some time. The bell rang.
She sighed YEARLY, and opened the
door. A gentleman stood there, with
his arm Ia a sling.
81 wish to see Doctor Hunter" snid
he, In u pleasant voice.
Hes out" said Molly. please sit
down, and while you're waiting you
can talk to me. l am very lonesome"
I'm lonely, too he said. II shall
be glad when my arm is better and !
can return to California"
california !" exclaimed Molly, with
interest, "Fve been there, and I Just
love IL |"
The stranger beamed. At the end of
al hour. when the doctor interrupted,
he was still holding forth about the
glories of his native state. Molly left
her new acquaintance with regret.
what II wonderful man 20 she said
to herself, with shining eyes. IL
could Just love him"
At dinner the following evening Mol
ly was III at ease because her brother
stared at her IN such n puzzled man
ner.
g" am considerably surprised" he
told Molly, "and of course grutihed,
that you've met Mr.. Chgmlng-and
that-that he seems so taken with
you"
What are YOU talking about asked
piain-spoken Molly, "Who is Mr..
C%hanning?'
MIR. Charming? Mr.. Claiming? 2
Her brother almost choked. "Mr
Claiming" he finally announced, us
the gentleman YOU were talking to last
evening, lie is a millionaire bushes,
man Of California. Last night he
seemed interested in you, and when
saw him again this morning he said h,
bought you the finest young woman
ie'd ever seen. Wants to marry you
~eueerest thing | ever heard Of" went
on Doctor Hunter. frankly amazed. 81
never thought you'd mean, he's sucl
a catchl That's him now, l imagine
as The he'll rang.
Moily's brain whlrled. AS In q
dream she heard her brother greet his
guest saw him leave the room felt
her hand gently clasped.
. I'm afraid, little girl, that I've
frightened you. l know my methods
are crude, even for a Californian. But
know also, since last night, that you
are the woman for me VIII you marry
nae, and go home with me next week
I'm afraid somebody will steal 70,
from me II / leave you here. What d,
you say, little onel'
{ Molly forced herself to look up, ant
met a pair OF adOrlng eyes. "rm-Tn
afraid" she murmured. She was In
deed afrald--that she was dreaming.
Mr., Claiming, however, misinterpret
cd. Afraid of mew He took her 81
his arms. You will have a week
eime In which to get acquainted witt
me-" he, said, "and you will never b,
sorry"
As events proved. she wasn't. Blu
then, she had always known II w0ul,
pc like that--some time.