New Britain herald., 1929-08-12
THIS HAS HAPPENED


 .er of Mollys dead roommate
 Bob Newton, Rita's father, and Red Flynn, a particular friend, meet Molly in New York, and travel to Boston with her. Jack Wells, Molly's sweetheart, was also at the pier, when the boat docked. But Jack saw Red Flynn with his arm about Molly, and left the dock angrily. Molly telephoned him later at his office, representing him for his fool ish jealousy, and asking him to take her to luncheon. Jack says he Is sorry. but he has an engagement with an important client, Mrs. Bui- Eaton. Molly is hurt and angry. and decides it doesn't pay to love man too much.
 Red Flynn reads the script of a new play Molly has written, and declares that it is better than "The Death of Delphine Darrows." which has already made her famous.
 When they reach Boston, Molly and Bob take a taxi to Bob's flat, and Bcb tries to tell Molly Of the girl she will meet presently. A girl who is supposedly caring for little Rita.
 NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 CHAPTER xxx
 Bob was so genuinely z distressed that Molly felt uncomfortable for him.
 "A friend of Rita's?" she prompt ed, willing to help him out
 "Oh, no-Lord no!'
 He took off his derby and mopped his forehead. He straighten- cd his tie, and tugged at his collar.
 "The fact is," he blurted, she's a ., a . well, sort of cheap little thing, Molly. But she's d decent sort, really. And she's aw- fully good to little Rita"
 "Oh, nurse maid" she said (f he would only let it go at thatD
 But Bob was honest. Or perhaps he was merely cautious.
 Well she's a sort of friend Of mine" he admitted. Rita didn't know her. She's not Rita's sort you see. She worked at the office for while. Her names Elsie Elsie Smith. You'll be nice to her won't you?"
 Molly laughed.
 You don't think I'd be nasty to any friend of yours, I hope! But you won't.need her when I take the baby. I mean to look for an apart ment tomorrow. I'll need a bigger one now. I'll find something near. so that you can see Rita every day"
 You're awfully good, Molly. I expect I'll be good deal of a nuisance"
 Molly hadn't thought of that be- fore. Now she considered the probability dubiously We'll any how, he needn't think he could bring his Elsie Smith around.
 When they reached the flat, Elsie Smith, in pale blue georgette. greeted them effusively.
 Tt was simply grand of you to come, Miss Burnham," she declared extending a very small limp hand. Bob certainly thinks an awful lot of you. He's talkin' about you all the time. Rita's out in the park, It's so lovely and sunny l thought it would be good for her."
 She was almost pitifully anxious to impress Molly favorably.
 Don't you think Bob looks real good?" she appealed, and added quickly "seeln' what he's been through. I've tried to keep him cheered up, Miss Burnham. Because there's no use, as I say, cryin' over spilled milk. And all the tears in the world won't bring the dead back again. Bob's beginning to get like himself again."
 She took his arm in proprietary fashion, and Molly saw that he was wincing under her familiarity.
 "Ill so get Rita," he offered.
 Elsie said she had better see about dinner, and letired to the kitchenette, to chatter pans, and make a great many busy sounds. Molly suspected that the girls cul- mary achievements were largely confined to opening cans. And the meal proved shortly that she waa right
 Molly sat in the divan where she had sat the night Rita told of the disease that was killing her. She could see Rita now, in the big red chair, with her head against the high back.
 Molly dashed, the tears from her eyes. Elsie was heating tomato soup. And the coffee was beginning to boil. She could hear it perco- lating. Something had burned. It smelled like toast. She must think of other things, CT Bob would como in, and find her crying.
 Elsie, nursing an injured finger, appeared in the door. Her cheeks were flushed, and she looked angry. T never touch it myself" she said. But would you like a little drink, Miss Burnham?" 2"
 Molly shook her head.
 No, thank you. I don't care for it either"
 Elsie went back to her clattering pans. And later, as she took littl, Rita from her arms, Molly smelled gin on the woman's breath. Rita was lovely child. She showed Molly her dolls, and her new shoes, and her Easter bunny She confided that she wore her pink broadcloth coat only for company.
 You're comp'ny," she said. ''I'I of worn my old blue one, only you vas coming"
 Has Daddy told you, dear,' asked Molly, that you're going to he my little girl, too?"
 "I3ssie told me-" announced the child.
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