Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1934-01-18
Jollnny's
Persuasion
By LIBBY o'NEAL
q by Mcclure Newsps per Syndicate.
WNu Service


creamy frothiness, sits a funny thing
that the doctor, bless his heart, is
such a swell man to work for, and
the idol of all his patients, and is
such q devil in his own house."
"Oh, hush up. Mrs. Carey" said
Molly, the maid. Hurry up with
them potatoes. I want to take In this
course. They're licking up your soup
like they always do, I suppose"
"Hello, Mrs. Carey" said John, the
chauffeur, coming in from the kitchen
porch. MAY I have my dinner as
soon as it's convenient? The doctors
got q date at the hospital at eight
thirty and he and I've got to hustle
with dinner"
"All right, Johnny boy" said Mrs.
Carey. "I'll serve you as fast as you
can eat. Just get soup plate and
you can start right in"
"Say, Mrs. Carey" said Molly, re-
turning, there's something wrong.
Miss Betty's left the table crying, and
Mr.. Bob is sitting there sulky and
red as q beet. The doctors giving
him the-Oh, you here, Johnny? Well,
you know as much as we do, sup
pose. Things are in mess, I'll say"
"Sure, I'm here, Molly. I'd always
be where you are If had my way"
He winked broadly at Mrs. Carey.
who smiled benfgnly. She favored
Johnny's suit for Molly's hand. So
did Molly, for that matter, but she
hadn't told Johnny as yet.
"Molly, how about the movies after
I get back from the hospital with the
DOCTOR"
20. K" said Molly. "Only John
ny, I sort of feel I ought to stay
home tonight. I mean, Miss Betty
seems to be In trouble, and the whole
house is upset, and maybe I'll be
needed"
"Sure well all stay in this eve
nfng," said the cook, giving Molly
a platter Of chops. "rl make coffee
about eleven, and we'll have toast
and some Of that strawberry jam
maybe Mike1l come in, too, and we
can Rave a game of cards. 1t beats
me how anybody who doesn't mind
having the servants play cards and
drink coffee at all hours can be so
near-sighted they drive their own
children from home"
There's no use taking in the din
ner," said Molly. They're not eat
ing anything. But I suppose I'll have
49, ~ CHI
81 hate to waste that nice pudding
on them. It's Mr.. Bob's favorite.
WE'LL" added the cook philosophical
ly, maybe he'll eat some Of that and
feel better. Hello, Nike" she said
quietly, as a weather-beaten middle
aged man came in from the garden.
1.-The family isn't through yet. Itn
be twenty minutes till our dinner.
Go in there and tell Johnny how
your cucumbers are ,getting along"
/. Mike the gardener said Hello"
gruffly, grinned a little sheepishly
at Mrs. Carey, and dumped noisily
into the little room where John was
already half through his meal.
AS the voices of the two men Joined
In conversation, Mrs. Carey stopped
Molly by the arm. Molly" she said,
whats the trouble in there?"
1.-THE doctors raising Cain because
he's found out Betty's engaged to
that young Jack Prescott"
"But why doesn't the doctor like
himT
"Oh, he's young, and hasn't got any
money. I guess that's all. And Miss
Betty could have anybody she want
ed, she's that lovely. And the doc
tors blowing up Mr.. Bob because
Prescott's his friend"
At eight-fifteen John put on his
hat and coat preparatory to starting
out with the doctor. Molly" he
said. He and she were alone in the
little room. "Molly, with all that
trouble in there, why can't you and
me settle things? You promise to
marry me, Molly-will you?"
Molly bowed her head. Her heart
fiuttered, and for moment she hest
tated. Then, "No," she answered.
"Johnny, couldn't. They're so I'M
happy in there. 1t wouldn't seem"
"But Molly, you're all wrong. 1t won't
help them any-and-"
Johnny" Molly turned shining
eyes toward him. eff you can get
the doctor to give his blessing to
Miss Betty, Ill-marry YOU"
At half past ten Molly and the
cook and Mike heard the purr of an
engine and a few minutes later John
came into the kitchen. He swept
across the little room, smiling ex-
uitantly, and took Molly by the Shout
ders.
Molly" he said, beaming at every
body, you're going to marry me.
It's all right about Miss Betty and
her young man and"
A voice came from the pantry door.
ooh, Molly" it was Mrs. Barley
81 wonder If you'd bring me something
to eat in the living room. Some for
the rest, too" she added, "as we all
seem to be hungry" Her voice
sounded light, happy.
Molly beamed back at John. Glow