The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-03-08

Never in her life had Molly been
cautious.
"Did Mr. Barclay say anythins
special over the phone?" she de-
manded the instant tn door had
closed behind Myra. Anything that
you might not want anybody ex-
cept me to know"
"No", replied Ellen, half smiling,
half signing at Molly's terrier-like
persistence. "He didn't say any
thing more than I've told YOU"
was he surprised yesterday
when you returned the dress?"
Molly clasped her hands about
her knees and stared dreamily out
into the hot afternoon. A little
smile fiickered across her lips.
"I've been thinking" she re-
marked meditatively, land I believe
you were right in declining his In
vitation this afternoon. He will APP
preciate you all the more for
checking him at first. Men are like
that"
IT didn't refuse for that reason
and I'm sure YOU know I didn't"
said Ellen In intense evaporation.
We've gone over and over this and
you know exactly how feel. can't
think Of anything 30 dishonest as
encouraging a man I don't love-"
WELL" countered Molly In well
simulated surprise, II for one can't
understand your ethics. Do you
think It less dishonest to 70 rum
ming around with o man who is not
free, q man engaged to another
girl?"
Ellen was halted. "I'm not proud
Of that part Of It," she said In a
shamed voice.
1.-THE trouble is that you always
believe you're right and I'm wrong
Molly continued In O sad little tone.
I'm older and more experienced.
I'm your mother and you should re-
spect my opinions. / can't see why
any girl would want to risk her
reputation - that's what you're
doing-running around with q man
who cared so little for her as Larry
Harrowgate seems to care for you
when"
when there Is O chance Of rop-
ing In q rich man." Ellen inter-
rupted furiously.
TITS just as easy to love q rich
man as O poor one," Molly agreed
placidly, ignoring the storm sig
mails. "There were dozens Of other
men I could have married but when
/ saw your father"
"You loved him." Ellen broke In
"And I don't and
never could love Steven Barclay.
Heavens! He's over 80 years older
than I ami"
She had made a mistake. The
point was Molly's.
"Ellen Rossiter! I never thought
you'd speak to your mother like
this. Your father was rs years older
than ! was. And you know It,"
She burst into hysterical tears.
"Oh, mother, can't you UNDER
stand" Ellen walled. you're one
person and I'm another. wasn't
for q minute inferring that you
didn't love father. know YOU did.
But can't you see that I'm differ
ent?"
Molly, that you never think Of
anyone except yourself. The fact
that I work myself to the bone, that
Mike has nothing, that Myra whom
you profess TO love mas WORKED her-
self to death for nine years waiting
for enough money to get married,
means nothing to you when you
meet q young man with no money,
no prospects, already entangled
with another woman. You've for
gotten US ALL"
At just that moment Myra came
In with fresh coffee. She had hur-
ried but she saw at once that she
had not been quick enough. Molly
lay at the foot Of the bed, Sob
bling. historical heap, and Ellen
was trying frantically to comfort
her.
"what is it?" Myra asked.
"It looks as II I'm even less
lucky that you" Ellen answered
without looking up.
"stop crying, mother" she said
gently. stop crying. Can you
hear what I'm saying? won't re-
fuse any more of Steven Barclays
I'll do my very best to
fall in love with him"
ITO 30 Continucd)