The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1905-03-03


HARTWELL-A SPECIAL Prediction.
tents and Florence's copies of old mas
ters, he did not feel that either affirma-
ton or denial was called for.
And at eighteen they had all decid-
ed definitely what they wanted to make
of themselves, while Polly-Murray
uartwell. when l asked Polly this
morning if she had even the vaguest
sort of an inclination toward any oc-
cupation in the world. what do you sup
pose she said: She told me that she
hoped some day to be the mother of as
many charming daughters as l had.
and if they were half as much worry
as mine We're she thought she would
have occupation enough. Murray, are
you laughing at me-"
The colonel leaned his head back and
laughed heartily in spite of the accus-
ing. reproachful stare of Mrs. Allan's
eyeglasses.
It's just like Polly to say that" he
explained. And, by Jove, l believe
she means it too. If l were little
younger-say thirty years-Td have a
try myself and encourage her in her
chosen career. By Jove. | would in
deed, Cousin Sarah. Polly's a mighty
pretty level headed little girl and I'll
be bound she's a good cook"
If it were Jacks career that was at
stake you wouldn't turn a serious prob
lem of this kind into a joke. What if
his only ambition in life were 10 be
married?"
The colonel's face sobered suddenly
at the thought Jack-debonair, twenty
two-yearold Jack-married.
But it's absurd. Sarah. Jacks
man. It's different. One expects such
ideas in a girls head, the same as
taste for ice cream or rose color or
matinees But Jack ia ambitious and
talented and well started in his profes
sion now. BY Jove I'm proud of the
boy-I am indeed. He's a fine fellow.
Takes after his dad. But married?"
The colonel leaned back his head and
took another laugh.
why. if the young rascal even sug-
gested such a thing I'd fire him back to
college or send him down TO the mines
to work off an attack Of romance on
the brain
And yet you censure me for desiring
something better for Polly than mere
/ marriage" Mrs. Allan's tone was ag
grieved. Il thought surely that you
would understand and sympathize with
me- Murray. and your influence might
possibly direct Polly into making some
sort of a choice"
"Wait a minute" The colonel rose
! from his deep chair near the fire. There
was the slam of the front door and the
sound Of quick light steps in the hall.
"Come and get warm before you go
home. Jack" called voice. There's a
! fire here in the study"
| The long. dark green portieres parted.
| and Polly stood in the doorway, tall.
4 blithely youthful and pink as a rosebud
/ where the wind had leased the color to
her face There were snowflakes cling
ing to her big brown hat and to her
furs. but she was merry eyed and hap
py. suspiciously happy, the two in the
study thought
Hello. dad" Jacks face looked over
her shoulder Awful glad you're here.
We've been for a trot along the drive,
/ Polly and l."
II thought that you were upstairs
studying with Bess. Polly" said Mrs.
Allan. but as long as you are here you
may come In. The colonel and l have
been talking of your career"
Polly drew off her long brown fur
stole and trailed it meditatively along
the edge of the rug at her feet The
colonel cOughed and realized that be
was expected to speak on the subject
He beamed down upon Polly paternal.
ly. He had always liked Polly some
what better, privately, than Cousin
Sarah's more talented daughters.
"Of course you are too young to-
to understand your own capabilities
and-er-and any lurking talents which
you may possess, Polly, but you mus
not give up or be discouraged. Some
of the great geniuses of the world only
discovered their gifts at middle age"
well, it's a pity some of then
didn't die young" said Jack cheerfully
The colonel ignored the interruption