Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1923-06-08

Somehow, with his row of books CON
tinually slipping under his arm, the
young mayor made one round of the
other tables and managed to get rid
Of fifty or sixty dollars, managed also
to make each group Of saleswomen feel
that he had bestowed a little more
attention, little more favorable COM
ment on their table, and he even car
ried off huge baby doll from the
toy booth, refusing to. have it wrapped,
causing the enormous amusement Of
all the ladles-all by this time firm
and true political supporters Of Mayor
Bob Stockton.
Bob hurried out to his car, dumped
the baby doll, pound of fudge, pin
cushions, sachets and dear knows what
else unceremoniously into 1t and sped
home. At home he didn't take the
trouble then to remove the burden of
his purchase-save the little pile Of
bOoks-and with these he hurrledly
went to the privacy of his own study.
1t had all come wildly back to him
by that time. Eight years ago-he
must have been twenty then--he had
selected this book from the selves Of
a city book seller as the one most APP
prOpriate to carry the message he
dared not express otherwise to the
eighteen-year-old idol Of his dreams,
Molly Yates. He looked at the fly leaf
there was still the brief inscription
all he had dared-"FOr Molly from
Bob"
That was when Bob was just going
Off to college. There had been let
tiers. Yes, Molly had even gone to his
junior ball with him. But even then
Molly had made 1t clear that Bob had
a rival. Then somehow the affair had
spun itself out. A few pieces Of
Jewelry had been returned, but not
that volume Of Heart Throbs." Oc-
casionally Bob saw Molly now, but
there was never anything but very
formal greeting, a greeting that al
ways left Bob with a queer feeling OF
rage or regret. And now he felt even
more rage-tO think that Molly Yates
should cast off this book without even
scriptlon in the front.
While Bob was thinking thus very
agitated person had appeared at the
secondhand book booth. 1t was Mollys
mother. She had sent book by
mistake Her daughter had discov-
cred the mistake. She must get II
back before II was sold. II was sold?
To whom? Mayor Stockton? What
relief Certainly he didn't want the
thing, he Just bought 1t to spend his
money and he lived so near And off
hurried Mrs. Yates, so glad that the
book had fallen into Mr. StOckton's
hands. She had forgotten. II she ever
knew, that Bob Stockton had been one
OF her daughters admirers. They had
been numerous in those days. She hur-
ried to the Stockton house without re-
porting to her daughter.
A maid summoned Bob stockton
who by that time was reading some
Of the sentimental, love-laden poems
that went to make up the contents OF
the xolume. fEe was ratner wtad foi
any interruption. Mrs. Atockton wal
STRING IN the drawing ROBIN quite agi
tated. She explained: 1T was with a
batch Of books" she said. my daugh-
ter said to take all the trash, and
goodness knows that was trash, but
when she found 1t was gone she was
so upset-said It was her dearest pos
session. She Is so tired l suppose
that's why she felt so upset. As mayor
you ought to look into the way they
Overw0rk the teachers. But now II
can just take back that book--yOu
must let me pay for Tiny daughter
need never know It left the fair"
Bob got the book and insisted on
taking Mrs. Yates back home. Then
he insisted ON talking to Molly alone.
"You really do care--a little" Bob
began. molly dear
"Yes, Bob, l haven't quite forgot.
ten" That was about all they said,
but when Mrs. Stockton slipped back
into the library five minutes later she
saw Molly and the young mayor stand
Ing solemnly there In the deep gloam-
Ing. One Of the mayors arms was
around Molly and Molly's pretty head
was resting on the mayors shoulder.
Mrs. Stockton cOughed nerv0usly
and Molly tried to free herself, but the
mayor did not permit. I'VE have you
to thank" he said to Mrs. Stockton,
not In the least embarrassed. "Now
may ask for the hand OF your daugh-
teri"