The herald., 1922-06-15
SOME TIME
.~~~~~
BY LOUISE M. ADDISON

s. 1922. BY Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate
Whatever misglvings other people
may have had on the subject, Molly
hunter herself never doubted that she
would be married-some time. At
thirty she was officially dubbed old
maid. But instead of giving way TO
despair, Molly bought herself a second
hope chest, the first being filed to
overlooking. With unimpaired cour-
age she set about the task of filling the
second hope chest, in spite OF her
brothers scOwl, her neighbours sneers,
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"
"Hm| commented Molly, placidly.
Maybe. And maybe not. But when |
do get married Ill have more than
most girls, because I've had longer
time TO prepare"
No matter what was said she lis
tened patiently, smiled serenely, and
stitched cOmpOSedly, with unyarying
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 Il gOOd-natured, rather feeble
minded individual, forever stitching on
what he contemptuously termed her
hope rags"
II don't know" he was in the habit
Of saying, with deep gloom, chow Molly
ever got into this family. She's GER
tainly not like the rest OF u.s.
Don't worry, please" answered
Molly, patiently. 81 will get married,
maybe sooner than you think. know
will get married-sOme time"
To which her brother grunted unbe-
lovingly.
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 faith in the husband that was
TO be hers-sOme time. The bell rang
She sighed YEARLY, and opened the
door. A gentleman stood there, with
his arm in a sling.
81 wish to see Doctor Hunter" said
he, in a 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. '"I shall
be glad when my arm is better and /
can return TO California
california !" exclaimed Molly, with
interest. 1--WE been there, and just
love II ~
The stranger beamed. At the end Of |
an 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 a wonderful mani! she said |
to herself, with shining eyes. IL
could just love himw.
At dinner the following evening Mol
ly was i'll at ease because her brother |
stared at her In such a puzzled man. |
ner.
IL am considerably surprised" he |
told Molly, "and of course gratified, |
that you've met Mr.. Channing-and |
you"
what are you talking about?" asked
plain-spoken Molly. "Who Is Mr..
Chanriing?'
Mr.. Channing7 Mr.. Channing?"
Her brother almost choked. mfr.
Nhon ha
the gentleman you were talking to last
evening. He is a millionaire business
man of California. Last night he
seemed interested in you, and when
saw him again this morning he said he
thought you the finest young woman
he'd ever seen. Wants to marry you.
Queerest thing l ever heard Of" went
on Doctor Hunter. frankly amazed. 81
never thought you'd mean, he's such
a catch! That's him now, / imagine"
as the bell rang.
Molly's brain whirled. AS In
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. / 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
y ne, and 20 home with me next week?
afraid somebody will steal you
ON me IL I leave you here. What do
you say, little one?'
Molly forced herself to look up, and
met a pair Of adOring eyes "Pm-rm
afraid" she murmured. She was in
deed afraid-that she was dreaming.
Mr.. Claiming, however, misinterpret-
ed. afraid of me?" He took her in
his arms. you will have a weeks
time In which to get acquainted with
me-" he said, 'and you will never be
sorry"
As events proved, she wasn't. But
then, she had always known it would /