Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1919 — THE SHADOW [ARTICLE]

THE SHADOW

By ANNIE A. CURTIS.

■■ (Copyright. Wl®. by MsClure Neweltaper Syndicate ) Mollie Harrison. with dark curly hair, bewitching brown eyes and known throughout the village of Bend aa “the prettiest girl tn town,” settled herself snugly in the big morris chair with her knitting in her lap. Had it not been that she, too, knew of her beauty, her petsonailty might have been equal to IL But Mollie, with her lovely clothes, had always considered herself a little above the other girls of her community and associated with buLone girl. That girl was Hasel Jaynes, daughter of the only physician in the town. “Oh, horrors I” said Mollie to her mother, looking out the window, "here comes thut Dick Holmes. I sup|>ose he will stay all the afternoon.” Just then Dick rang the bell, and Mollie's mother ushered him Into the pr.rlor where Mollie was sitting. “Why. hello, Dick, I didn’t exited you Cids afternoon.” said Mollie. “I have the afternoon to myself, so I decided 1 would spend it with you.” replied Dick. “I have been very busy; I am knitting a sweater.” “I suppose lt%ls for that ‘fellow from the city.”’ said Dick, laughingly, aa he handed her a large box of chocolates. “Thnnk you. Dick, but I have epten so jnnny sweets today I believe I will keep these until later,” and Mollie placed the box on the piano. Their conversation was pleasant until Dick said, “Now, Mollie, I would like to talk with you on a very serious question. I love you and ask you to be my wife. I think I have sufficient means to make a home for you. Will yog take the question seriously jind decide The matterT’ Before leaving, pkk invited Mr t° ftttSDd n ball w,th nimjtne fonowi AJJ eVFnlnj?. After Dick left that evening. Mollie had a long talk with her mother concerning Dick’s welfare. Mrs. Harrison approved of Dick’s company and him a gentleman in every

“1 am going to test his love for me some day, mother,” said Mollie, haughtily. “Rentember, Mollie, that may mean n broken heart,” said her mother hi a thoughtful tone. . • The next evening, Mollie, ns lighthearted as a bird, dressed for the ball. Her gown of deep pink with its silver trimmings brought out her beauty as never before. Although there were girls from far and near, Mollie was the loveliest. All went well until Mollie refused Dick the “Good Night” waltz and gave her order to the “fellow from the city.” However, Dick in a goodnatured way overlooked this and enjoyed the waltz with Martha Irving, wha.se gentle manner had always pleased him. When Dick left Mollie nt her home thnt evening he naked to spend I’lioay evening at her home, and, to his great surprise, Mollie snld she would be pleased to have him. Little did he realist Mollie’s deceit and what a reception hJ would get. “Mother,” said Mollie, “I can never think enough of Dick to marry' him. My nature calls for n man of different nature.” “Well, dear, if that is the way you feel, tell Dick so and do not keep him in suspense,” replied her mother. “He will find out soon enough.” said Mollie, as she tossed her head pertly. Friday evening, Dick who was as true as his word, entered the yard at Mollie’s home and noticed a light in the parlor. What did he see? Could he believe his own eyes? For there was the shadow of Mollie and a masculine figure with his arms around her, embracing her. “It’s the ‘fellow from the city,’” said Dick, as he turned and walked toward his home. Then Mollie’s suitor took off her masculine dress, and the tears rolled down her cheek as she laughed at her success. “Perhaps he thought your gentleman friend very impolite not to remove his hat, but my hair would have given me away,” said Hazel Jaynes. “Hazel, you’re a trump. I bet he will nevei come to see me again,” said Mollie About a month later Mollie read the announcement of the engagement of Richard Holmes and Martha Irving. But as yet Mollie has no other suitors, because she is known as “tricky,” and she now realizes that her mother was right when she told her she would have to suffer the consequences.