Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-05-03
THAT'S JUST WHAT DO FEEL, COLONEL
HARTWELL-A SPECIAL Prediction"

hhhl W LhA N Ok IN 1HL h1~btA<ISAAct'
tients and Florence's copies Of old mas
tiers, 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
Hartwell, when l asked Polly this
morning If she had even the vaguest
sort of an inclination toward any &C.
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 I 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 meT
The colonel leaned his head back and
laughed heartily In spite of the accus-
ing, reproachful stare Of Mrs. Allan's
eyeglasses.
Its just like Polly to say that" he
explained. "And, by Jove, l believe
she means It too. If / were little
younger-say thirty years-Td have a
try myself and encourage her in her
chosen career. BY Jove, l would in
deed, Cousin Sarah! Polly's mighty
pretty, level headed little girl, and I'll
be bound she's good cook
IF it were Jacks career that was at
stake you wouldn't turn serious prob
lem of this kind into joke What II
his only ambition in life were to be
marriedT
The coonel's face sobered suddenly
Mt the thought. Jack-debonair twenty
two-year-old Jack-married.
But it's absurd. Sarah. Jacks a
man. It's different. One expects such
ideas in girls head, the same as Il
taste for ice cream or rose color or
matinees. But Jack is ambitious and
talented and well started in his profess
sion now. BY Jove, I'm proud of the
boy-I am indeed. He's 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
10 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 II 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 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 90
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,
blithely youthful and pink as rosebud
where the wind had leased the color to
her face. There were snowfiakes cling
ing to her big brown hat and to her
furs, but she was merry eyed and hap
ty, 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."
81 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 have
been talking Of your career"
Polly drew Off her long brown fur
stole and trailed 1t meditatively along
| the edge of the rug at her feet The
| colonel coughed and realized that he