The St. Charles herald., 1922-07-15
PRINCESS M0LLIE
BY SUSAN G. BOWLES

| Contrary to "a popular saying about
| listeners, Molie had just overheard
some laudatory remarks about herself.
Ordinarily she, being scrupulously eX-
acting in all manners of feminine deco
rum, would have scOrned the thought
Of listening without making her pres
ence known. But one of those mis-
chievous and inversiye impulses which
seemingly have no explanation, had
persuaded her TO remain and, shudder-
ing at the very thought Of the ugly
word, Molie inwardly confessed that
she was eavesdrOpping.
Her womanly intuition told her Cor
80 she fancied) that she was bound to
hear more agreeable talk; and what
woman, even though knowing it to be
wrong, can resist the natural yearninS
to hear herself praised? SO there she
stood, apparently riveted to the floor,
two feet from her sisters bedroom
door. which was slightly ajar.
1t was the remarks of Ada, her SIS
ter, and Miss Grace Sumner, their
guest, which had arrested Mollie's at
tention. "Yes," the listener heard
Grace repeat, I'm sure the prince
loves Mollie."
''But don't you think 1t bit pre-
sumptuOus to assume that he Is in
lover countered Ada doubtfully. And
even if he thinks he loves Mollie," con-
tinued Ada, 1--WE mustn't forget that
all men are fickle. They are the prey
of every pretty face"
NO" replied Grace firmly, as IL to
resent the other girls sweeping indict-
ment, mot this time, anyway. The
prince was quite in earnest when he
spoke of Mollle's dancing, her high
marks at school and what not. or
course. he probably meant to be mere
ly complimentary, but" And Miss
Sumner shook her head significantly.
Molle felt she had heard enough as,
conscious of a mixed feeling of shame
and remorse. she prudently decided to
withdraw out of hearing.
And now II should be explained that
these three fortunate girls had, the
previous evening, been entertained at
an exclusive social by the unaffected
and charming PRINCE Paul Alberto de
Grazio, a young nobleman whose title,
wealth and lineage We're proverbial
and the envy of rival aristocracy. And
Alberto, as he preferred To be called.
had shown himself to be regular
fellow" unspoiled by fortune, station
or name.
Alone In her own room, Mollie sat
down TO think it over, and distinctly
recalled that Alberto had been partial
to her. Ada and Grace We're dear girls.
of course and both deserved paragon
husbands. But If the prince chose to
Besides, wasn't there a saying
among men that all is fair in love and
war? Amy good reason why this sort
of etiquette should exist solely for
menl
J 1t was while Mollie's mind was In the
confused state of trying TO make a
choice between remaining aloof and ad-
mitting that the chance of becoming a
princess was worth some effort, that
the telephone rang. Would Miss Mol
lie honor the humble Alberto by ac-
companying him on drive into the
country?
| Mollie was eager to accept. but
thought ii more dignified to decline a
. first invitation. Ii Prince de Grazio
should care to call some other time,
and il the weather were suitable. ETC..
etc.
Lat coil lA1 NV q n
pointment. and despite the fact that
Mollie had spent the entire day in
preparation for this anticipated call,
, she stopped before her mirror and
propped her hair here and there, scru-
, tlnized her skirt at the ankles and gave
her face a final daub.
Alberto led Mollie to his big ear and
instructed his chauffeur. and presently
they whiriei into the open country.
, Mollie Shivered as the cool breezeS
penetrated her thin waist. and she
! found the reflection of the sun on the
windshield annoying. But the gallant
! Alberto noticed this and commanded
the driver TO stop and adjust the wind
. shield. while from beneath the big
. cushions massive fur coat was mag
ieally brought forth. Having delieately
! helped Mellfe into the fur coat. Alberto
gave the word and the Journey was
resumed.
, But the sun still bothered her. and
! she found some difficulty In keeping
: the Saooth hair Of her coat from fly
ing into her mouth. She found it I'M
! possible TO breathe the words princess
! Mollier' which sounded SO approprt
ate Some day
But alas. Mollie suddenly opened
her eyes and found herself in bed. the
] sun shining down upon her, while she
was vigorously blowing her loose hail
: cut OF her mouth and tugging at the
I bed clothes to cover her exposed Shoul
= ders. More exasperated than she
would care to have known, Mollis
soothed her anger and disappointment
by rolling her pillow into a big bal
and pounding it. Then she rolled over
and vowed TO go back TO sleep.
/ H. aA