St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1888-01-07
POLLY'S BISCUIT.
And Hor Choice OF Q Defender In
q Pending Suit

Polly. don't buy your pearls to-
day." Polly Rutherford looked up
quickly from the jewelers. case she was
hrnding over. and saw Mr.. Mcllwaine
standing at her side.
why shouldn't l buy to-day?" she
cried. Il have had this hundred dollars
in gold for. almost year, Mr.. Nell
waine. trying to make up my mind what
/ wanted most. Now. my birthday is
almost here again; and I am afraid
grandpa will make this do for two
birthdays. IL I don't hurry and spend
it,
But Polly's gay little laugh was
checked by look Of unmistakable COM
passion in the gsntleman's eyes. The
color faded . little from her bright
young face. but she would not ask any
questions here in the crowded store.
''Youmay put them back to-day. Mr..
West" she said to the jewsler. '.rll
come again tomorrow"
---.:::Yery-axAll MIA RQtAeEfoCd said
the vexed salesman. concealing his
disappointment Il shall reserve them
for you"
Polly left the tempting store with
Mr.. McIlwaine. and. once on the street,
turning upon him . pair Of frank.
questioning eyes, which he found hard
70 answer.
Paul McIlwains was . friend of the
Rutherford family. but not specially oi
little Polly. She was only sixteen. q
mere child to the harl-working lawyer
Of thirty, and one whom he considered
n altogether frivolous and empty. Polly
was an only daughter. living with q
widowed mother in her grandfather
elegant house; and il she was not 4
spoiled girl. it was not the fault Of the
loting old grandfather. whose idol she
had been from her babyhood.
..what did you mean. Mr.. McIl.
waine?" she asked. presently, finding
that the questioning look brought nc
reply. And then, seeing how embar.
rassed he seemed about answering. she
said. with . sudden fear: Have you
been at grandpa's since left? Is any
thing the matter?"
They are all WE'LL" he said. answer
ing the thought which he knew was in
her mind; ''but something has hap.
pened. Polly. of course. or Iwould moi
have interfered with your purchase.
20. tell me, tell me!' said the girl,
in an agitated voice. why do you
keep me in suspense?"
What blunderer / amr' thought
her companion. II tell her out here
on the street, there will be . scene. But
am in for it now. and il don't tell
her suppose there will be . scene.
That's the way with these fine young
ladies'"
1T is hard thing to say to you.
Polly; but your grandfather has failed
Failed" repeated Polly. vaguely;
'.you mean he has lost al his money!
Is that all ? Is that what you were
afraid to tell me?'
THAT all means good deal more
than you seem to understand" said
Paul Mcllwsine. impatiently. Il,
means loss and disappointment and
poverty to one Of the best gentlemen
in the world. 1t means hard work tc
your mother. who has no strength fol
work; to you
He stopped. and Polly said quickly,
feeling the tinge Of contempt in hi.
tone:
Never mind about me. But 1 sc<
now how bad it will be. Poor grand.
pa! Mr.. McIlwainc. doee-must-wil
anybody else lose BY grandpa's fail.
ure?'
1T is too soon to say positively" h
replied, ''but think not l think hs
has quit business in time to save hi.
creditors any appreciable loss"
Pollys head was up now. and hel
eyes shining. Dear old grandpa, y
she said. ..bless his heart! l an
ashamed that asked the question.
might have known! But. oh! TIM e
much obliged to you for keeping m.
from spending my hundred dollars. Il
was very kind Of you. very. dom,
know how you came to find me. How
long have you known about grandpae'
1T only came ont this morning, anl
took Us all entirely BY surprise. Ru
here we are at your door. Goodbye
my dear. II can be Of service to 70,
in any way (he had meant 70 e6sr he